Rainforest stairs beat Bali traffic.

This day tour ties together Sekumpul Waterfall trekking, the photo-famous Handara Iconic Gate, and the lakeside Ulun Danu Beratan Temple in one smooth route that starts from the south. You’ll also get a proper plan for the in-between hours, since pickup and drop-off are part of the package, not an afterthought.

Two things I really like: you get a local guide for the waterfall portion, and the day is handled with a real driver setup instead of scrambling for taxis. Second, the food and drinks are included in a practical way, with lunch plus mineral water and coconut water keeping you going during the long, active stretch.

One consideration: this is a hike day in North Bali, so you’ll want moderate physical fitness and solid footwear. Also, because the experience depends on weather, muddy paths and rain can change plans.

Key things to know before you go

• All-inclusive pickup and drop-off from most south Bali hotels, so you can skip taxi chaos
• Handara Iconic Gate stop built in for photos (with admission included)
• A local guide for Sekumpul Waterfall, helping with safety and pacing on the trek
• Ulun Danu Beratan Temple visit timed for a calm lakeside look and photos
• Lunch plus mineral water and coconut water are included for the full day rhythm

The value of an all-day trio: Gate, Waterfall, Temple

This tour is basically a best-of North Bali day with a clear order. You start with the famous Handara Gate photo stop, then head toward the cooler highlands for the main event at Sekumpul Waterfall, finishing at Ulun Danu Beratan Temple near Lake Bratan.

At $68.67 per person, the price makes sense because you’re not just paying for a viewpoint. You’re also covering entry tickets, guided time for the waterfall, lunch, and the private car setup with petrol and parking included. For a day that runs about 8 to 10 hours, that kind of bundle saves you from doing a bunch of separate arrangements.

I also like that the plan avoids the most common Bali frustration: spending time bargaining for rides, waiting around, and trying to stitch together routes. Here, your driver/guide keeps the day moving.

Starting at 8:00 am and heading north from Jimbaran

Your day kicks off at 8:00 am. From Jimbaran, that usually means a long morning drive toward Bali’s northern highlands, where the weather and scenery feel like a different world compared with the south.

Because the itinerary is time-based, you’re not constantly checking clocks. That matters when you have a hike that takes hours and a temple stop with a more limited window.

This is listed as a private tour/activity, meaning your group stays together and you’re not mixing into other groups during the key parts of the day. It’s also run with a mobile ticket, so you’re not stuck juggling paper confirmations.

Handara Iconic Gate: fast photos, easy entry, fewer headaches

Handara Iconic Gate is a classic Bali photo stop, and this tour schedules it at the start of the day with a 30-minute window. The big win here is timing and simplicity: you arrive, you get your photos, and you move on before the whole area gets too chaotic.

You’ll want to treat this as a photo-and-walk stop rather than a long wander. It’s short on purpose, so you don’t lose time later when you’ll be hiking.

One practical tip: wear something comfortable and ready to move in. Gate photos are quick, but the rest of the day is active, and you’ll be glad you didn’t dress like you were just going to a museum.

Sekumpul Waterfall trekking: where the local guide really matters

Sekumpul Waterfall is the main event, and this is where the tour earns its name. The waterfall portion takes about 3 hours, and it comes with a local guide dedicated to exploring with you.

This isn’t just a “walk to a waterfall and done” plan. A guided trek is useful because the path can be uneven and the footing can be tricky, especially if there’s been any rain. The guide is there to help you stay safe and keep the hike realistic for a wide range of visitors with different comfort levels.

From reviews, one of the standout themes is how much help the guide provided with both safety and photo moments. People describe a guide who stayed attentive throughout and helped with taking pictures while also watching the trekking conditions. Another positive note: the driver was described as professional and accommodating, including providing explanations along the way, which can make the long trip feel less like empty travel time.

What to expect physically: you’ll need moderate fitness. That’s the difference between a casual stroll and something you’ll actually feel in your legs by the end.

What to bring for the waterfall trek:

• Comfortable shoes with grip
• Insect repellent
• A towel and extra clothes if you plan to swim
• Something to keep your phone and camera protected if you get splashed

Ulun Danu Beratan Temple: lakeside calm after the hike

After the waterfall, you’ll head to Pura Ulun Danu Beratan (also referred to as Pura Bratan). The temple stop is about 45 minutes, which is just enough time to appreciate the setting without rushing through it.

This is a major Shaivite water temple complex located on the shores of Lake Bratan, built in 1633. The key experience here is the atmosphere: you’re in Bali’s mountain-and-lake region, and the temple’s position gives you that classic lakeside viewpoint.

A temple stop works best after hiking because your body shifts from effort to observation. You’ll likely enjoy the chance to slow down, look around, and take photos with the water and temple views as your backdrop.

Lunch and included drinks: what you get, and what to watch for

Lunch is included and served at a local restaurant warung in the waterfall area. The tour also includes bottled mineral water and coconut water, which is exactly what you want on a day that mixes walking with hot, humid conditions.

One review note I’d take seriously: lunch got mixed reactions. The location was liked, but the food itself wasn’t everyone’s favorite. That doesn’t mean the meal is bad; it just means your expectations should be realistic.

If you’re the type who gets picky about meals on the road, consider bringing a small snack for the ride and using the included lunch as the baseline, not the highlight. That’s a simple way to keep the day enjoyable even if the warung isn’t your style.

Your driver/guide setup: what the “private” part changes

This is a private tour activity, and it includes a tour guide or tour driver plus an air-conditioned private car with petrol and parking fees covered. In practice, that matters because you’re not negotiating transport between stops or worrying about entry-timing gaps.

In the feedback you provided, one driver name stands out: Okta. People describe Okta as friendly and professional, and also as someone who explained interesting things during the ride. That’s a quiet but real value add, because it turns dead travel time into useful context.

The other practical change is flexibility within the schedule. The itinerary still has set stops and times, but you’re not dependent on a public bus timetable or a random taxi driver’s availability.

Photo strategy: how to get shots without losing the day

You’re hitting two major photo moments: Handara Gate and Sekumpul Waterfall. The trick is not letting your photos steal your energy.

At Handara, you’ve got a 30-minute slot. Go with a plan: arrive, take wide shots, then grab a few angles and variations. Don’t burn 30 minutes debating the perfect outfit location because the waterfall trek is the longer, more tiring portion.

At Sekumpul, you’ll likely want more time, and the guide can help you position for photos while also managing safety on the path. Because you’re hiking, you’ll also want to keep your pace steady. If you chase every photo opportunity at full speed, you’ll pay for it later.

Packing list that matches the real conditions

Based on what the tour info flags, here’s what you should prioritize for comfort:

• Comfortable shoes for the trek
• Insect repellent
• Towel and extra clothes if you might swim
• A layer or light jacket if you run cold in cooler northern air after the south
• A small dry bag or waterproof pouch for phones and valuables (not required by the tour, but it’s smart for waterfall days)

Also consider bringing a change of socks. It’s not listed, but it’s the kind of small comfort upgrade that makes the ride back more pleasant.

Who this tour fits best (and who should pick something else)

This tour is a great fit if you want one organized day that covers three standout Bali experiences without extra planning. It’s also ideal if you prefer a guided hike, since Sekumpul is where the local guide support matters most.

You’ll enjoy it most if:

• You’re comfortable with moderate walking and uneven paths
• You want the cooler, greener North Bali contrast to the busier south
• You like pairing iconic sights with real nature time

It may be less ideal if:

• You’re looking for an easy, fully flat stroll. This one includes a trekking component.
• Your group can’t handle weather-related changes, since the experience depends on good conditions.

Minimum age is 10 years old, which is helpful for families doing an active day with older kids.

Should you book the All Inclusive Sekumpul Waterfall trek with Handara Gate and Ulun Danu Beratan?

Book it if you want maximum payoff from a single day: gate photos, a proper Sekumpul trek with a guide, and a lakeside temple stop, all packaged with pickup, entry tickets, and meal/drink support. The price feels fair because so much is included: transportation, parking, tickets, lunch, and guided waterfall time.

I’d especially lean toward booking if you hate logistics work. When you’re spending about 8 to 10 hours on the move, shaving off taxi stress is a quality-of-life win.

Skip or rethink it if you’re currently avoiding hikes, or if your schedule is so tight that a weather shift would ruin your plans. The tour notes that it depends on good weather, and if it’s canceled for weather you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

FAQ

What time does this tour start?

The start time is 8:00 am.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are offered to most south Bali hotels.

What are the main stops on the tour?

You’ll visit Handara Iconic Gate, go trekking at Sekumpul Waterfall, and then visit Ulun Danu Beratan Temple.

How long do we spend hiking at Sekumpul Waterfall?

The waterfall stop is about 3 hours, and it includes a local guide for the trek.

Is lunch included, and what about drinks?

Yes. Lunch is included at a local warung, plus bottled water and coconut water are provided.

What should I bring for the waterfall portion?

Bring towel and extra clothes if you want to swim, plus insect repellent and wear comfortable shoes.

Is this suitable for kids or people with limited fitness?

The tour recommends moderate physical fitness and the minimum age is 10 years old.

If you tell me your travel dates and whether you’re bringing kids, I can help you judge whether the timing and hike length will feel right for your group.