North Bali Tour 2025: A Guide to Springs, Waterfalls & Temples

So, you’re thinking about getting away from the busy streets of Kuta or Seminyak, right? Honestly, I get it. The southern part of Bali is absolutely incredible, you know, but there’s a whole different kind of magic waiting up north. Well, it’s almost a world away, a bit more serene and, I mean, kind of untouched in a way. I recently did one of those ‘Best of North Bali’ tours, and to be honest, it was one of the most memorable days of my entire trip. We’re talking about massive waterfalls, incredibly sacred temples that look like they’re floating on a lake, and hot springs that just sort of melt all your stress away. This tour is seriously packed, but it actually never feels rushed. It’s more or less a perfectly paced day of seeing a side of Bali that some people, you know, completely miss. This isn’t just about ticking boxes off a list; it’s basically about feeling the real pulse of the island, a pulse that’s just a little bit slower and, frankly, a whole lot greener.

The Early Start and the Scenic Drive North

Okay, so the day pretty much starts early, like, really early. My driver, a super friendly guy named Wayan, picked me up before the sun was fully up, and honestly, that’s a good thing. The air is still kind of cool and fresh, you know, and the roads are just so much quieter. As we started driving out of the Ubud area, I literally watched the landscape change right before my eyes. The streets, which are usually full of scooters and shops, they sort of started to melt away. Instead, we were passing through these small, sleepy villages where life, apparently, moves at a much different speed. You could just see farmers tending to their bright green rice paddies, and kids in their school uniforms walking along the road, waving as we passed. The drive itself is actually part of the adventure. You’ll be winding up these mountain roads, and with every turn, there’s a new view that pretty much makes you want to stop the car and take a hundred photos. You might get some great ideas for planning your next Bali road trip from this drive alone. So, you’ll see clove and coffee plantations covering the hillsides, and sometimes, you know, the clouds are so low that it feels like you’re driving right through them. It’s a very humbling experience, in a way.

Feeling the Shift in Vibe

As a matter of fact, you can really feel the spiritual energy change as you head further into the heartland of Bali. The roadside is just sort of dotted with more and more elaborate family temples, and the offerings, or *canang sari*, seem to be a little more abundant. My driver, Wayan, was basically a fountain of knowledge. He told me that many people believe the mountains are the home of the gods, which obviously explains the deep reverence you feel in the air up here. This part of the trip is really a great time to just chat with your driver, if you have one. You can actually learn so much about Balinese culture and daily life, things you just won’t get from a guidebook. We talked about everything from local politics to the best way to cook *babi guling* (roast suckling pig). It was, you know, just a really genuine conversation. You’ll definitely want to absorb this part of the day; it’s more than just getting from point A to point B. It’s really the calm before the spectacular sights to come.

First Big Stop: The Mighty Gitgit Waterfall

Alright, after a bit of driving, our first major stop was the famous Gitgit Waterfall, and seriously, you can hear it before you see it. There’s this low, powerful rumble that sort of gets louder as you start the walk down the path. The walk itself is pretty much an experience. It’s a winding stone pathway that takes you down through a small, lush canyon. On either side, there are little shops where local artists are selling, you know, hand-carved wooden souvenirs, colorful sarongs, and all sorts of other stuff. Honestly, the air gets cooler and smells like damp earth and tropical flowers. It’s incredibly refreshing. The pathway isn’t too strenuous, but you’ll definitely want to wear some comfortable shoes for the walk. You might find some good deals on authentic Balinese crafts in these little shops, by the way. Anyway, the anticipation just builds with every step, you know? You can start to feel the mist in the air, and it’s this very exciting feeling, as a matter of fact.

That Breathtaking First Glimpse

And then, you round a corner, and well, there it is. The sight of Gitgit Waterfall is literally breathtaking. It’s a powerful cascade of water that plummets about 40 meters down a cliff face into a rocky pool below. The sheer force of it creates this huge cloud of mist that just fills the air and, like, covers everything in a light dew. It is just so much bigger and more powerful in person than any photo can show you. The sound is almost deafening, but in a good way, you know, a very natural and cleansing kind of sound. You can pretty much feel the power of nature right there. People were swimming in the pool at the bottom, and their laughter sort of echoed with the roar of the falls. For me, just standing on the rocks and feeling the spray on my face was enough. It’s the kind of place that really makes you feel small, but in a deeply profound and peaceful way. I just stood there for a while, taking it all in. You definitely want to take your time here; don’t just snap a picture and leave. Seriously, let the place sink in a little.

Tips for Visiting Gitgit

Okay, so here are a few tips to make your visit just a little bit better. First, definitely bring your swimsuit and a towel if you think you might want to take a dip. The water is actually really cool and refreshing, especially on a hot Balinese day. Also, a waterproof bag for your phone or camera is a very good idea because, like I said, the mist gets everywhere. You’ll be pretty much glad you have it. As for the walk, take it slow, especially on the way back up, as it’s a bit of a climb. You should probably buy a bottle of water from one of the vendors before you head back. To be honest, interacting with the local vendors is part of the charm. A simple smile and a “terima kasih” (thank you) goes a very long way. They are usually very friendly and not too pushy. It’s sort of a nice, gentle introduction to the local commerce scene up in the mountains.

Ulun Danu Beratan: The Iconic Lake Temple

Next up on our North Bali tour was, you know, the one you’ve probably seen on every postcard from Bali: Pura Ulun Danu Beratan. And let me tell you, it’s so much more stunning in real life. This temple is just so incredibly important to the Balinese people. It’s basically dedicated to Dewi Danu, the goddess of the lake and rivers. The farmers, you know, they all depend on her for the irrigation that feeds their crops, so it’s a very, very sacred place. The most famous part is this multi-roofed shrine, called a *meru*, that appears to float on the calm waters of Lake Beratan when the water level is high. The whole scene is set against this backdrop of misty mountains, and it’s honestly just serene. Walking into the temple grounds feels like stepping into a different world. It’s more or less a spiritual garden. I found some useful guides on proper temple etiquette before I went, which was actually very helpful.

Exploring the Temple’s Peaceful Grounds

So, the floating temple is obviously the main attraction, but you should really take some time to explore the rest of the complex. The grounds are beautifully manicured with lush gardens, full of colorful flowers and large, shady trees. It’s just a really peaceful place to walk around. There are other shrines and pavilions scattered around, each with its own unique carvings and details. You can, for instance, see a Buddhist stupa on the grounds, which shows the historical acceptance and blending of religions in Bali. I spent a good amount of time just wandering through the gardens, finding little quiet corners to sit and watch the light change on the lake. You can also rent a small boat, like a traditional *jukung* or a paddleboat, to get a different perspective of the temple from the water. I saw a few couples doing that, and it looked very romantic, to be honest. It’s the sort of place where time just slows down a bit, and you can really just be present.

A Photographer’s Dream Spot

Alright, if you’re into photography, this place is basically heaven. The classic shot is, of course, the floating *meru* shrine with the mountains in the background. The best time to get this shot is often in the morning, when the light is soft and the lake is often covered in a thin layer of mist, creating this really mystical atmosphere. It’s almost too perfect, you know? But don’t just stick to that one spot. Walk around the lake’s edge. You’ll find all sorts of interesting angles and compositions. I got some of my favorite photos by focusing on the smaller details, like the intricate carvings on a gate, or the reflection of a pavilion in the water. The place is just full of photo opportunities. At the end of the day, even a simple phone picture will look pretty amazing here because the location is just that naturally beautiful. You will definitely leave with some shots you’ll want to frame.

Banjar Hot Springs: A Warm, Sulphuric Soak

By the afternoon, after all that walking and sightseeing, my body was, you know, kind of ready for a break. And the Banjar Hot Springs, or ‘Air Panas Banjar’ as it’s known locally, was literally the perfect answer. This place is not like a modern, fancy spa; it’s more rustic and very connected to nature. The springs are built around a natural hot water source, and the water is slightly sulfuric, which is said to be really good for your skin. The complex has a few different pools, all made from natural stone and surrounded by lush, tropical gardens. The main attraction is a series of pools where the warm water comes pouring out of the mouths of these intricately carved stone dragon heads, or *naga*. It’s a very cool sight. The feeling of that warm, mineral-rich water on your skin after a long day is, frankly, absolutely divine. To be honest, finding a good tour that includes these kinds of unique wellness spots is a real win.

The Experience of the Different Pools

So, there are basically three main public pools to choose from. The uppermost pool is the hottest, and it’s where the water comes out of those dragon spouts. Getting under one of those spouts is like getting a powerful, warm water massage for your back and shoulders. Seriously, I could have stood there all day. From there, the water flows down into a larger, central swimming pool, which is a little cooler and perfect for just floating around and relaxing. Then there’s a third, smaller pool off to the side with jets that provide a more modern Jacuzzi-like experience. The whole atmosphere is very relaxed. It’s a mix of tourists and locals, all just enjoying the simple pleasure of the warm water. I mean, you’ll see families splashing around and people just chilling out on the stone ledges. It’s a very communal and happy sort of vibe. I really loved that it felt so natural and unpretentious.

What to Bring and Expect

Alright, a couple of practical things for your visit to the hot springs. Obviously, you need to bring your bathing suit. There are changing rooms and lockers available for a small fee, which are pretty basic but get the job done. I’d definitely recommend bringing your own towel, too. And also, because the water is sulfuric, it can tarnish silver jewelry, so you’ll probably want to take off any rings or necklaces before you get in. You know, just to be safe. You might notice a slight sulfur smell in the air, but honestly, it’s not overpowering, and you get used to it very quickly. There’s a small restaurant on-site as well, so you can grab a cold Bintang beer or a fresh coconut water after your soak. It’s a pretty much perfect way to refresh and recharge before the last leg of the tour.

A Final Vista: The Twin Lakes Viewpoint

Okay, just when I thought the day couldn’t get any more beautiful, our driver started heading up another winding mountain road. Our last official stop was the Wanagiri Hidden Hills viewpoint, which looks out over two stunning crater lakes: Lake Buyan and Lake Tamblingan. They are often called the Twin Lakes. Honestly, the view from up there is just spectacular. You are standing on a ridge, and below you, these two huge, deep-blue lakes are spread out, separated by a narrow strip of rainforest-covered land. On a clear day, you can see all the way across to the surrounding mountains. The air is so much cooler and crisper up there. It really feels like you are on top of the world. It’s one of those views that just quiets your mind. We found this spot just by following a sign, and there are lots of similar places up there for you to explore, some are popular while other secret locations are known only to locals.

More Than Just a View: Swings and Photo Ops

Now, this viewpoint isn’t just a patch of dirt on the side of the road. The locals have, you know, very cleverly turned it into a whole experience. They have built these various bamboo platforms, giant bird nests you can sit in, and, of course, the famous Bali swings that let you soar out over the edge with the lakes as your backdrop. You basically pay a small fee to get access to all these different photo props. And at the end of the day, it’s pretty fun. I saw people getting some really incredible photos for their Instagram. I mean, who doesn’t want a picture of themselves swinging over a gorgeous pair of lakes? Even if you’re not into taking a million selfies, just sitting at one of the little cafes, or *warungs*, with a cup of hot Balinese coffee and enjoying that view is, honestly, worth the trip up there all by itself. It’s a very relaxing and beautiful way to end the day of touring.

My Top Tips for Your 2025 North Bali Trip

So, if you’re planning on doing this North Bali tour in 2025, here are a few final thoughts that might, you know, help you out. At the end of the day, preparation is pretty simple, but it can make a big difference in how much you enjoy the experience. The tour is a long day, often 10 to 12 hours, so it’s a good idea to be ready for it. The weather in the mountains can also be a bit unpredictable, so it’s smart to be prepared for a few different conditions. You might be interested in different all-inclusive tour packages that handle all the little details for you. It’s really just about finding what works best for your style of travel.

• Dress in Layers: It’s basically warm in the lowlands but can get quite cool up in the mountains, especially near the lakes. A light jacket or sweater is a really good idea to bring along.
• Wear Comfy Shoes: You’ll be doing a fair amount of walking, you know, especially at the waterfall. So, comfortable sneakers or walking sandals are pretty much a must.
• Pack a Day Bag: I would suggest packing a small backpack with essentials like sunscreen, a hat, your camera, a portable charger, and some cash for small purchases or tips.
• Stay Hydrated: Definitely drink lots of water throughout the day. Your tour driver will probably provide some, but it’s always good to have your own bottle just in case.
• Temple Attire: For visiting Ulun Danu Beratan, you’ll need to have your shoulders and knees covered. A sarong is perfect for this. Most tours will provide one for you to borrow, but having your own is always a nice touch, and they are, like, super useful for other things too.
• Choose a Good Guide: A good driver or guide, like my guy Wayan, can literally make or break your trip. They provide so much more than just transportation; they offer incredible insight into the culture, which is just invaluable, to be honest.

“To be honest, the North Bali tour isn’t just about the sights you see. It’s actually about the feeling you get. It’s a day of peace, nature, and just a little bit of magic that, you know, stays with you long after you’ve returned to your hotel.”