Bali Private Tour: Handara Iconic Gate, Watefall and Temple

REVIEW · SEMINYAK

Bali Private Tour: Handara Iconic Gate, Watefall and Temple

  • 5.011 reviews
  • From $65.93
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Operated by Smile Bali Tours · Bookable on Viator

Traveller rating 5.0 (11)Price from$65.93Operated bySmile Bali ToursBook viaViator

Four stops, one nonstop photo day. This private Bali route strings together Banyumala Twin Waterfalls, Ulun Danu Beratan Temple on Lake Bratan, Handara Iconic Gate, and Wanagiri Hidden Hills—so you spend less time guessing and more time seeing. It also runs as a true private experience with your own driver, plus hotel pickup and drop-off from Ubud and much of south Bali.

Two things I like a lot: you get lunch and mineral water (so you’re not constantly searching for food), and the included entrance fees remove the usual little ticket headaches. The main thing to consider is that it’s a long day (about 9 to 10 hours) and the sites depend on conditions, since the experience requires good weather.

Key highlights worth caring about

Bali Private Tour: Handara Iconic Gate, Watefall and Temple - Key highlights worth caring about

  • Banyumala Twin Waterfalls: three distinct water drop formations, with a natural pool below the biggest fall
  • Handara Iconic Gate: a classic Balinese gate stop that’s become famous for photos
  • Ulun Danu Beratan Temple at Lake Bratan: a lakeside temple visit in Bali’s cooler highlands area
  • Guides who take time with your photos and comfort: people mention guides like Natha, Wayan, Dani, and Dewa as patient, on-time, and helpful
  • All-in day essentials: private transport, English-speaking driver, parking, local tax, tickets, plus lunch and mineral water

The big idea: a private day that hits Bali’s icons fast

Bali Private Tour: Handara Iconic Gate, Watefall and Temple - The big idea: a private day that hits Bali’s icons fast
This tour is built for one goal: see several top northern Bali sights in a single, well-timed day without commuting on your own. The payoff is practical. You get hotel pickup and drop-off, a private vehicle, and a driver who handles the winding mountain roads while you focus on the stops.

That matters because Bali driving can feel like a moving puzzle—especially when you’re trying to reach specific photo spots. Here, the day is arranged around four visually strong moments: waterfalls, a temple by the lake, a famous gate, and a dramatic photo swing viewpoint.

I also like that it’s genuinely private (only your group). That usually means you can move at a pace that fits your party, not the schedule of a random bus crowd. The reviews back this up with repeated mentions of on-time pickup and guides who choose good spots for parking and photos.

You can also read our reviews of more private tours in Seminyak

Banyumala Twin Waterfalls: the three-drop waterfall that earns its time

Bali Private Tour: Handara Iconic Gate, Watefall and Temple - Banyumala Twin Waterfalls: the three-drop waterfall that earns its time
Your waterfall stop is Banyumala Twin Waterfalls, and it’s not just one waterfall—it’s described as having three water drop formations. The biggest drop sits in the middle, while the smaller ones line up on the left and right. Right below the main fall is a natural pool, which is the kind of detail that makes a waterfall stop feel worth pausing for, not just snapping and leaving.

What I’d expect from this stop is time for actual looking. With about 3 hours allocated, you’re not forced into a quick in-and-out routine. That longer block is important if you want to:

  • find the best angle for photos,
  • watch how water behaves in different spots,
  • and take breaks if the area is crowded.

One small consideration: waterfalls can mean uneven, slippery surfaces. The tour notes a moderate physical fitness level, so it’s smart to wear grippy shoes and plan for some walking on site.

Handara Iconic Gate: Bali’s photo gate, done with less stress

Then comes Handara Iconic Gate, which is basically Bali’s go-to “let’s take the picture” landmark. It’s described as a Balinese gate—part of a pathway to serenity—and it’s become a famous Instagram spot.

The key value here is timing and effort. At popular photo locations, crowds can make it hard to get the shot you want without fighting for position. Having a private driver helps you get there as part of a planned route, rather than scrambling on your own.

You get about 1 hour at the gate area. That’s enough time to:

  • do a couple different photo poses,
  • walk around for better framing,
  • and avoid the feeling that you’re rushing because the clock is chasing you.

If you care about photos, guides are specifically praised for helping with positioning and taking photos/videos. People named Dewa as a guide who acted like a tour guide and photographer in one, going out of his way to capture moments of the group experiencing Bali.

Lake Bratan and Ulun Danu Beratan Temple: a temple stop with real atmosphere

Bali Private Tour: Handara Iconic Gate, Watefall and Temple - Lake Bratan and Ulun Danu Beratan Temple: a temple stop with real atmosphere
Next is Danau Beratan (Lake Bratan), and the experience focuses on Ulun Danu Beratan Temple. This is the kind of stop that works on two levels: it’s a meaningful temple visit, and it also gives you the lake-and-mountains setting that makes the Bedugul area feel special.

The tour description sets expectations clearly: you’re visiting a lakeside temple, plus you’ll get time to absorb what’s around you. With about 1 hour here, it’s not an all-day temple deep study. But it’s long enough to see the main sights at a comfortable pace.

What I like about this stop on a private day like this is that it breaks up the more “photo-first” sites. It’s still scenic, but you’re not only collecting pictures—you’re also slowing down into a cultural place where the setting is part of the experience.

Also worth noting: this area can be cooler than lower elevations. You’ll feel it more if you’re used to the beach heat. If you’re sensitive to warm weather, this stop is a nice reset.

Wanagiri Hidden Hills: the swing viewpoint above a crater lake

Bali Private Tour: Handara Iconic Gate, Watefall and Temple - Wanagiri Hidden Hills: the swing viewpoint above a crater lake
Wanagiri Hidden Hills is the final big photo moment. The tour highlights this as the area’s #1 selfie spot, and the description is specific: you pose for photos suspended above a crater lake, with the viewpoint designed for that “wow, look at that drop-off” feel.

You’ll also spend time at a photo swing with a view of the lakes—about 20 minutes in this stop. That’s short on paper, but it’s the right length for a photo-focused activity. You’re not signing up for a long excursion here; you’re going for the shot and then moving on.

If you’re traveling with kids or people who don’t want to hike, a short viewpoint stop can be a good compromise. If you’re traveling with photographers, the guide support can matter here too—reviews mention guides choosing good parking spots and making sure people get good pictures.

Your driver and timing: why guides make or break a long day

Bali Private Tour: Handara Iconic Gate, Watefall and Temple - Your driver and timing: why guides make or break a long day
On a 9 to 10 hour day, the driver isn’t just transport. They control how smooth your day feels.

The strongest recurring praise in the reviews centers on guides being:

  • friendly and helpful,
  • patient with questions and photo moments,
  • and consistently on time for hotel pickup.

Specific guide names come up repeatedly. People mention Natha as kind and helpful with tips and information about Bali. Wayan is mentioned for being polite, patient, informative, and for giving recommendations. Dani is praised as friendly, keeping people well informed, and driving safely. Dewa gets extra love for functioning like a tour guide and photographer, including capturing photos and even videos.

So when you’re deciding whether this is worth it, look at your own priorities:

  • If you want a relaxed day where someone else handles the driving and helps you get the right angles, this kind of guide reputation matters.
  • If you’re the type who prefers going totally independent, you might feel the private structure is overkill.

For most people, a good guide is the difference between a day that feels like a checklist and a day that feels like you actually understood what you saw.

Price and value: $65.93 that includes the stuff that usually adds up

Bali Private Tour: Handara Iconic Gate, Watefall and Temple - Price and value: $65.93 that includes the stuff that usually adds up
At $65.93 per person, this tour is positioned as an affordable private day compared with what you might expect when you price out each component yourself.

Here’s what’s included (and why it matters for value):

  • Hotel pick up and drop-off
  • Private transportation
  • English-speaking driver
  • Lunch plus mineral water
  • Entrance fees
  • Parking fee and local tax

A lot of tours advertise a low “base price” and then stack add-ons later. This one includes the basics that can otherwise creep up: tickets, parking costs, and food. Even if you end up buying a snack here and there, the core day is covered.

You also get group discounts, which can make the price drop further if you’re traveling with more people.

One small note: the tour is set up as a private group experience, but it’s still booked in advance sometimes—on average, people book about 7 days ahead. If you’re traveling in peak season, booking earlier can help lock in your preferred pickup time.

Getting around Bali’s north: what the route feels like

Bali Private Tour: Handara Iconic Gate, Watefall and Temple - Getting around Bali’s north: what the route feels like
This is a northern Bali-focused day, starting from areas like Ubud and much of south Bali (with pickup offered). Expect lots of time spent on the road. That’s normal for a route that hits waterfalls, a lake temple, and multiple viewpoints in one day.

What makes it workable is the “private driver does the hard part” setup. You’ll likely spend your energy on enjoying stops, not on finding directions or paying for multiple rides.

You should also plan for the fact that the experience depends on good weather. That matters because waterfalls and outdoor viewpoints are better with clear skies and dry footing. The tour notes that if weather cancels the experience, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.

Small things to watch before you go

A few practical considerations based on the details you’re given:

  • Moderate physical fitness: there’s enough walking and uneven ground at waterfall and viewpoints that comfortable shoes help.
  • Weather matters: the tour requires good weather, and poor conditions can lead to cancellation or date changes.
  • Photo spots can be positional: even on a private day, popular locations still have crowds. The upside is that the guide support is praised, including best parking spots and photo help.
  • Short final stop: Wanagiri Hidden Hills is only about 20 minutes. If you want extra time for photos, plan to use that window efficiently.

Should you book this Bali private tour?

Book it if you want a single-day way to hit multiple northern highlights: Banyumala Twin Waterfalls, Ulun Danu Beratan Temple by Lake Bratan, Handara Iconic Gate, and Wanagiri Hidden Hills.

This tour is especially a good fit if:

  • you like taking photos but don’t want to figure out driving and parking alone,
  • you value included basics like lunch, tickets, and mineral water,
  • and you want a guide with a reputation for being patient and helpful (people mention Natha, Wayan, Dani, and Dewa).

Skip it or rethink the timing if:

  • you’re not comfortable with a long day (around 9 to 10 hours),
  • weather is questionable in your travel window,
  • or you prefer fewer stops with more time at each place.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour runs about 9 to 10 hours.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. You get hotel pick-up and drop-off, and the tour description notes private 2-way transfers from Ubud and much of south Bali.

What’s included in the price?

It includes an English-speaking driver, private transportation, mineral water, local tax, parking fees, entrance fees, and lunch.

Where do you go during the day?

You visit Banyumala Twin Waterfalls, Handara Iconic Gate, Ulun Danu Beratan Temple at Lake Bratan, and Wanagiri Hidden Hills.

What physical condition do I need?

The tour notes that travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level.

What if the weather is bad or I need to cancel?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. There’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and no refund if you cancel within 24 hours.

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