Tanah Lot has a way of grabbing you fast. This all-day North Bali route strings together Tanah Lot Temple, the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, Ulun Danu Bratan, and scenic photo stops with entrance tickets covered, so you spend less time counting costs and more time taking in views. I especially like the way the day flows from ocean drama to cool highland scenery, with a lunch option at Jatiluwih if you want a break from the temples.

One thing to plan for: parts of the day include walking, and Banyumala Waterfall involves a short hike down (and it’s not ideal if you have knee issues; you can skip it).

Key Highlights You’ll Actually Notice

• Tanah Lot on the rock: Ocean cliffs, waves, and a temple setting that looks like it was designed for photos.
• UNESCO Jatiluwih pathways: Easy-to-follow paths through rice terraces with big-view stops.
• Ulun Danu Bratan on the lake: Temple + park area with mountain-and-water views that feel cooler and calmer.
• Banyumala twin waterfall option: A short descent for the waterfall (skip-friendly if you need to).
• Twin Lake photo zone: Swings and bird-nest-style photo spots aimed at making your camera happy.
• Tickets included, lunch optional: You pay once, then just budget for food if you choose the buffet stop.

Why This North Bali Day Feels Worth Your Day

This is the kind of tour that makes sense if you only have one full day to spend on the north side of Bali. You start with the coast, shift into the rice-terrace hills, then end in the mountain lake area around Bedugul. That change of scenery is the whole point: it keeps the day from feeling repetitive, even when each stop has its own “pretty view” payoff.

Price-wise, $69.87 per person is pretty reasonable for a 9-hour day that includes admission tickets at multiple major sites. The big value move here is simple: entrance fees are included, so you’re not doing the usual math at each gate. The one cost you should expect is lunch, since it’s not included. There’s an optional buffet lunch stop with a view, which is nice if you want convenience without hunting down a restaurant.

Also, the tour is built around pickup and an air-conditioned vehicle. That matters in Bali, where the distance between sights can eat up your energy fast. A private format (just your group) can be especially helpful if you’re traveling with kids, older family members, or anyone who likes a more controlled pace.

Tanah Lot Temple: The Ocean-Edge Start

Your first major stop is Tanah Lot Temple, the famous Hindu temple sitting on a rock formation in the Indian Ocean. The key visual here is the contrast: black rock and greenish sea water, plus the temple perched like a small landmark guarding the coast.

Plan for about an hour on-site. That’s enough time to walk around the temple area, take in the ocean-and-cliffs views, and just watch the waves. If you’re the type who likes “one calm hour” after a travel day, this is that moment. It’s also a good start because the coast light can be flattering early in the day, especially for wide shots.

A practical note: sea-temple areas can mean slippery footing near shorelines depending on conditions. Wear shoes you trust. If you’re there to photograph, keep your camera settings ready but expect a bit of wind and sea mist.

Jatiluwih Rice Terraces: UNESCO Views with an Easy Walk

Next comes Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, known for being UNESCO protected. This stop feels more grounded and slower than Tanah Lot. The rice fields stretch out in layers, and you get a made pathway that lets you stroll without turning it into a full hiking mission.

You’ll typically have around an hour here. That’s a sweet spot: long enough to get your bearings, find the good viewpoints, and enjoy the scene without feeling rushed. There’s also an on-site buffet option if you want lunch later or right then—especially useful if you don’t want to coordinate food on the road.

What I like about Jatiluwih in particular is how it turns a “photo stop” into something more human. Instead of only scenic overlooks, you’re walking alongside the fields. It feels like you’re moving through the landscape, not just standing in one spot watching it.

If you’re prone to motion sickness, this part is also calmer. It’s in the highlands area, so you usually feel less of that heat-stuffed, car-only experience you can get on some tours.

Ulun Danu Bratan Temple: Lake Views and Cultural Context

After the rice terraces, you head to Ulun Danu Bratan Temple (often called the Bratan Temple area). This is the temple on a lake setting, with a big park around it and mountain views in the background. The combination is what makes the place feel like a real postcard, even before you start photographing.

You’ll get about an hour at this stop. The tour also mentions learning about Hindu culture from a Balinese guide, which is the part that turns the scenery into something more meaningful. When you understand a little of what you’re seeing, the temples stop being just “pretty buildings” and start feeling like active places with tradition behind them.

A few things to watch for:

• It’s a lake-and-mountains environment, so the air can feel cooler than coastal areas.
• The park around the temple gives you more flexibility to wander at a comfortable pace.
• If weather is clear, the mountain-and-water backdrop is excellent for photos; if not, it can still be atmospheric, just less crisp.

If you end up traveling with Benny (one reviewer specifically called him out), that’s a strong sign. The best part of a day like this is when your guide explains the why behind the sites, not just the where.

Banyumala Twin Waterfalls: A Short Hike You Can Skip

Then comes Banyumala Twin Waterfalls, and this is the stop with the most “decide for yourself” energy. The key detail is that it involves a short hike down to reach the waterfall. The tour notes it can be skipped if you’re not able to go down, so you’re not trapped doing something that doesn’t fit your body.

You’ll have about 45 minutes here. If you make it down, the payoff is real: the waterfall setting, a cool natural pool, and fresh-water streams you can stand under. The vibe is more active than the temples—less looking, more experiencing.

If you’re considering swimming, plan ahead. Bring something that dries quickly and be ready for slippery rocks. Even if you don’t swim, it’s worth going down if your knees can handle it, because the waterfall is one of the more memorable moments in the whole day.

Twin Lake View Photo Spot: Best for Cameras, Quick for Feet

Your final scenic stop is the Twin Lake View area, with a photo zone built for picture-taking. The tour highlights swings and bird-nest-style props, which means you can get more than just a landscape shot. You’ll usually have about 30 minutes, so think of it as a quick finish with high payoff.

This stop is great if you:

• want variety at the end of a long day,
• like staging simple photos without extra planning,
• enjoy mountain-lake panoramas.

It’s not a long linger. Your time is better spent getting your best views early, then using the photo props if you feel like it. If you’re tired, you can still enjoy the scenery without doing every photo.

The Real Logistics: Time, Transport, and What’s Included

This tour runs about 9 hours total, and that includes travel time between stops. That’s important because north Bali drives can be slower than they look on a map. You’re not just “visiting” places—you’re getting moved between very different regions in one day.

Here’s what’s included:

• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Private transportation
• All fees and taxes, including admission tickets

And what’s not included:

• Lunch (though there’s an optional buffet lunch stop with a view)

The tour also mentions a mobile ticket, plus pickup is offered. That combination is practical: you avoid last-minute confusion at the entrance, and you can focus on enjoying each location.

The private group format is another underrated advantage. Even if it’s marketed as a “tour,” the experience can feel more comfortable than standard bus groups. Less waiting around, fewer “one size fits all” pacing issues.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Should Rethink It)

This works well if you want a one-day checklist-style introduction to north Bali’s biggest sights. I’d book it if you like:

• temples with strong visual settings,
• rice terraces and countryside views,
• a day that mixes culture and nature,
• a guide who can add context (especially if you can get someone like Benny).

You should rethink it if:

• you have knee problems or mobility limits, because Banyumala involves a hike down,
• you want a super relaxed day with minimal walking—this is still a full day with multiple active stops.

If you’re traveling with someone who loves photos but also appreciates cultural explanations, this itinerary balances both. It’s not only scenic; it’s also structured around places with clear religious and cultural meaning.

Value Check: Is $69.87 a Good Deal?

For $69.87 per person, the value comes from stacking major stops plus entrance tickets. In most places, once you start paying for individual attractions, the cost creeps up quickly. Here, admission tickets are included, which effectively reduces your “surprise spending” during the day.

The only obvious extra is lunch. Since lunch is optional, you can control your spending. If you go with the buffet where the view is part of the deal, you’re buying convenience and scenery together. If you skip lunch, you still keep the tour’s core value while traveling light.

Also, your booking lead time matters. The tour is commonly booked about 54 days in advance on average, which suggests it fills up seasonally or during popular times. If your dates are fixed, I’d aim to reserve earlier rather than later.

Should You Book This Tour?

Book it if you want a well-paced North Bali highlights day with admission tickets handled and a logical route from coast to highlands to lake views. This is a strong choice for first-timers who want big landmarks without turning your trip into a logistics puzzle.

Skip or modify it if the waterfall hike is a problem for you. Banyumala is the stop where bodies and knees get tested, and the tour does note it can be skipped. If you’re comfortable with short descents and you’re okay with a full 9-hour day, you’ll likely come away feeling like you used your time well.

FAQ

How long is the All Inclusive Tanah Lot & North Bali Tour?

It’s about 9 hours total, including travel time between stops.

Where does the tour start?

The tour is based in Kuta, Indonesia, and pickup is offered.

Are entrance tickets included?

Yes. Admission tickets are included for the listed stops.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, though there is an optional buffet lunch stop at Jatiluwih.

Is this tour private?

Yes, it’s described as a private tour/activity, meaning only your group participates.

Is there a place to swim during the tour?

The Banyumala Twin Waterfalls stop mentions a cool natural pool and standing under fresh water streams. A short hike down is required to reach it.

Is the tour suitable for people with knee problems?

It’s not recommended for travelers with knees problems, mainly because of the hike down at Banyumala (which can be skipped).

What if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel for free?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.