A Friendly Look at 2025’s Top North Bali Scenic Sightseeing Tours
So, you are probably thinking about a trip to Bali, right? Actually, most people picture the southern parts of the island, with all the busy beach clubs and yoga spots, and stuff. The thing is that North Bali offers something kind of different, something a little more calming and connected to the old ways of the island. Basically, getting away from the crowds in the south is a really good idea for seeing a more genuine side of this place. This area, with its mountains that seem to touch the clouds and waterfalls hidden in green valleys, honestly has its own special kind of charm. To be honest, picking a tour here can feel a little confusing, so we’ve put together some thoughts on what makes for a truly great day out in Bali’s northern lands.
Chasing Waterfalls Deep in the Jungle
Okay, the waterfalls up north are, like, on another level, seriously. Many tours say they’ll take you to the “best” one, but you know, they all offer something a bit different. A trip to Sekumpul Waterfall, for instance, is actually a bit of a trek. You’ll go down a bunch of steps and cross a little stream, but then you see it, and it’s pretty much a collection of about seven different cascades pouring down a cliff covered in green plants. Honestly, the mist from the water gets everywhere, and the sound is just, sort of, all-encompassing and very powerful. It makes you feel very small, but in a really good way.
Then you have Gitgit Waterfall, which is just a little easier to get to, you know. It’s very popular and a tour to this spot is usually pretty straightforward, right from the main road. The fall itself is beautiful, crashing into a rocky pool where you can, like, take a very refreshing dip. Many sightseeing packages will actually bundle a waterfall stop with other nearby spots. You might find a tour that takes you to Gitgit and then over to a coffee plantation, for example. Frankly, this is a pretty good way to see a couple of things without feeling too rushed. I mean, spending your day listening to the roar of water in a green canyon is an experience that stays with you for a long time.
The Famous Floating Temple and Cool Mountain Air
Basically, you can’t really talk about North Bali without talking about Pura Ulun Danu Beratan. As a matter of fact, you have almost certainly seen pictures of this temple. It is the one that kind of seems to float on the calm surface of Lake Beratan, you know. The way the mist rolls in over the mountains in the morning and surrounds the temple’s tiered roofs is just incredibly photogenic. Most scenic tours will definitely make this a main stop, and they really should, at the end of the day. It’s dedicated to the goddess of the lake, and you can just feel a very serene, spiritual atmosphere there.
What is so nice about this area, sort of, is the change in climate. You come up from the hot coast, and suddenly, the air is cooler and fresher, you know. It’s a very welcome break, to be honest. A good tour guide will be able to tell you some of the stories connected to the temple and the lake, which makes the visit much more meaningful. Some tours even include a short boat ride on the lake, so you can see the temple from a completely different point of view. Or, you might find a package that also stops at the nearby Bali Botanic Garden, which is a really peaceful place to just walk around for a bit.
Dolphin Watching at Sunrise in Lovina
Right, so a trip to see the dolphins in Lovina is a really classic North Bali activity. This one does require a very early start, like, you’ll be on the water before the sun is even up. You’ll get into a traditional outrigger boat called a jukung, and your boatman will steer you out into the calm, dark sea. Actually, watching the sky change colors from deep purple to bright orange as the sun comes up over the mountains is, you know, a beautiful moment all on its own. It’s a very peaceful and quiet time, just before all the action starts.
Then, seemingly out of nowhere, you start seeing them. Pods of dolphins will start jumping and playing in the waves created by the boats. Honestly, it can get a little crowded with boats, so choosing a good, responsible tour operator is a good idea. Some operators are a bit better at giving the dolphins their space, you know. It’s a truly amazing sight to see these creatures in their natural home. A lot of tours will also include some time for snorkeling at a nearby reef after the dolphin watching part is over, which pretty much makes for a perfect morning on the water.
Natural Hot Springs and Twin Lake Views
So, after a morning of trekking or sightseeing, there’s really nothing better than relaxing. The Banjar Holy Hot Springs are basically the perfect place for that. The water, which is naturally heated by the volcano, is a kind of yellowish color because of the sulfur content, and it feels absolutely wonderful on tired muscles. The place is built with these cool stone carvings and spouts that pour the warm water into a few different pools. Frankly, it has a slightly old-school, local feel to it, which is part of what makes it so great.
Another must-see viewpoint on many northern scenic tours is the spot overlooking the Twin Lakes, Buyan and Tamblingan. The sight from up on the ridge is just spectacular, with these two beautiful lakes sitting side-by-side deep in a big, ancient volcanic crater. It is usually a little bit cooler and sometimes misty up there, which just adds to the whole magical atmosphere of the place. A lot of drivers will stop here so you can just take in the view and snap some amazing pictures. For example, some people even offer you the chance to hold a giant bat or a snake for a photo, which is, you know, a very typical touristy thing to do there.
Picking the Right Tour For You
At the end of the day, how you see the north really depends on your style. You could hire a private driver for the day, which gives you so much flexibility. Seriously, you can pretty much create your own schedule, stopping where you want for as long as you want. If you are with a family or a small group, this is often a really great and surprisingly affordable choice. The drivers usually know the area incredibly well and can act as your personal guide, you know.
On the other hand, joining a pre-packaged group sightseeing tour can also be a lot of fun. Obviously, it’s often a more budget-friendly option, and it’s a good way to meet other people who are also exploring Bali. These tours typically have a set plan that covers the main highlights, so you don’t have to worry about planning anything yourself. For instance, a common itinerary might include the Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, a stop at the Twin Lakes viewpoint, and a visit to a waterfall, all in one go. You just have to decide what kind of day you’re looking for, right?
Read our full review: 2025 Top North Part Of Bali and Scenic SightseeingTours Full Review and Details]
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Check Availability for North Bali Tours)
