A North Bali day feels like a switch in pace. This cruise-ready route is built around standout sights—Lake Beratan’s temple views and a schedule that’s set to get you back to the port—plus a nice mix of nature and culture. You’ll likely love how the day threads together cool highlands, crater-lake viewpoints, and mineral-water relaxation; the one catch is that the stops add up fast, so you need decent energy for a 6 to 10 hour, mostly on-the-go day.

I also like the value math here: for $25.66 per person, you get an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, travel insurance, and entrance tickets for most stops (with a note for customizable options). One consideration: personal expenses and anything outside the listed inclusions can quietly add up, so keep a little cash or card buffer for extra snacks, souvenirs, and optional activities.

Key Points That Make This Shore Excursion Worth It

• Cruise-timed loop from Celukan Bawang Port with enough buffer to return before departure
• Entrance tickets included on most stops, so you’re not hunting fees mid-day
• Major North Bali highlights in one direction: Lake Bratan, crater lakes, waterfalls, hot springs
• You get real variety: temple views, viewpoint time, beach time, and a waterfall finish
• English-speaking private driver + A/C vehicle for comfort during the long drive between regions

North Bali From Celukan Bawang Port: Why This Route Feels Smart

North Bali doesn’t move at the frantic pace of the south. Instead of chasing just one or two landmarks, this day tour gives you a broad sample of what makes the northern half special: lake scenery, cooler mountain air, and quiet beaches.

What makes it work especially well for cruise passengers is the timing mindset. The plan is designed so you’re out seeing things, but not out living on island time all day. If you’ve ever had a shore excursion that runs past your ship’s deadline, this style of planning is the main reason people book it.

Price and What $25.66 Buys You (Besides a Seat in a Van)

At $25.66 per person, this isn’t a bargain-basement tour. You’re paying for a full day with comfort and structure: bottled water, A/C transport, parking fees, travel insurance, and an English-speaking driver.

The big value piece is that entrance tickets are included for the stops listed as included. That matters on a day like this because temples, monasteries, viewpoints, and waterfall areas usually have some kind of admission. Also, the itinerary note is important: if you choose a customize itinerary option, entrance fees may not be covered, so you’ll want to double-check what your specific package includes.

Pickup, Mobile Ticket, and Staying Comfortable on a 6 to 10 Hour Day

This tour includes pickup and uses a mobile ticket, which is handy when you’re managing ship schedules and shore access. The vehicle is air-conditioned and includes parking, so you’re not standing around waiting while someone handles basics.

A 6 to 10 hour timeline is wide, which tells you the day depends on traffic and the cruise timetable. My advice: treat the day as “mostly moving.” Use the car time to recharge. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and something light for the highland stops where it can feel cooler.

Ulun Danu Bratan Temple by Lake Beratan (Bedugul): The Iconic Start

Ulun Danu Bratan Temple is one of Bali’s most recognizable lake temples, set on the shores of Lake Beratan in the Bedugul highlands. It’s dedicated to Dewi Danu, the goddess of water, and the setting is what you remember—temple buildings framed by water and misty highland atmosphere.

You get about 1 hour here, which is enough time to see the main areas without turning it into a rushing contest. The main drawback is that temples require respectful dress and slower walking; plan on a little upright time, not just photos.

Entrance is included for this stop, which is a simple win for your budget.

Twin Lake Viewpoint: Lake Buyan and Lake Tamblingan for Quick Big Views

Next comes Twin Lake Viewpoint, a scenic break built around the crater lakes Lake Buyan and Lake Tamblingan. The viewpoint is popular because you can take in both lakes while surrounded by dense tropical forest.

Your time here is about 30 minutes. That’s short, but it fits a cruise day: you get the view without losing the rest of the schedule. If you’re the kind of person who reads every sign and wants a slow walk, you may feel slightly time-pressed. Bring your camera, but also bring patience—highland viewpoints can shift with weather.

Entrance is listed as included for this stop, so your time goes to enjoying the scenery rather than paying at a counter.

Banyumala Twin Waterfalls: Waterfall Time With a Natural Pool Setting

Banyumala Twin Waterfalls is where the route shifts even more toward nature. This area features twin falls cascading down lush cliffs into a clear, natural pool, and it’s exactly the kind of place you want when you’re tired of looking at scenery through a car window.

You get about 1 hour at this stop. The upside is that it’s not just a quick overlook—you’re in the thick of the water experience. The watch-out is that the ground near waterfalls can be slippery, and you’ll want footwear with grip.

Entrance is included, which helps you stay on budget even when you choose to spend time wandering around the falls.

Banjar Hot Springs: Air Panas Banjar and the Dragon-Carved Water Feature

After the waterfalls, you reach Banjar Hot Springs, also known locally as Air Panas Banjar. This is a natural hot bathing spot where warm, mineral-rich spring water flows through a stone-carved dragon feature.

Time here is about 1 hour. It’s a smart pairing after active stops because it gives your body a chance to recover. If you plan to use the baths, bring swimwear and a towel if you have one—simple items that make the stop more comfortable.

Entrance is included. Still, don’t assume you’ll have endless space or private changing rooms; treat it like a shared local relaxation area and go with flexible expectations.

Brahma Vihara Arama Buddhist Monastery: The Little Borobudur Feel

Brahma Vihara Arama is Bali’s largest Buddhist monastery, and it’s often described as the Little Borobudur thanks to its many stupas and detailed carvings. It’s in the hills near the Banjar area in North Bali, so you trade beach noise for quiet stonework and big architectural moments.

You’ll have about 1 hour here, which is a good length for both photos and a calm walk. The possible drawback is cultural: monasteries have dress expectations, and you’ll want to keep your pace respectful. If you like architecture, this is one of the more rewarding stops on the day.

Entrance is included here as well, which is helpful because it’s the kind of site where a separate ticket fee would normally add up.

Lovina Beach: Black Sand Calm and a Break From Temples

Lovina Beach is a gentler hour of the itinerary. It’s known for calm black sand shores and a more tranquil vibe than Bali’s more famous southern beaches.

You get about 1 hour here, and for many people that’s the right amount: enough time to walk the sand, take a few photos, and reset before the next highland drive. The trade-off is that it’s not designed as a long beach hang. If you were hoping for hours of lounging and swimming, this stop is more of a palate cleanser than a full beach day.

Entrance for Lovina Beach is listed as free. That means your hour is mostly about relaxation and scenery, not logistics.

Munduk Waterfall in the Cool Highlands: The Final Nature Hit

The day finishes with Munduk Waterfall, located in the highlands around Munduk Village in Buleleng Regency. This is surrounded by lush green forest areas and nearby coffee and clove plantations, so it feels like the tour’s nature side comes full circle.

Time here is about 1 hour, and it’s usually the kind of stop where you’ll appreciate the air shift—cooler, wetter, and louder with water sound. The main consideration is footing: waterfall areas can mean uneven ground, mud, and slick steps, depending on recent weather.

Entrance is included, so you can focus on enjoying the falls without extra stop costs.

Wanagiri ATV Quad Bike: Off-Road Thrills as an Added Option

The itinerary also mentions Wanagiri ATV quad bike riding, described as an off-road adventure through jungles, rice fields, rivers, and villages, with muddy trails, rocky paths, and even cave sections in the general experience. That’s the adrenaline alternative for people who don’t just want to watch nature from a viewpoint.

One important caution: the provided inclusions list does not explicitly cover ATV ride fees, so you should plan for possible additional costs and extra time if you choose to ride. If you’re already tight on stamina, this is the stop to evaluate carefully, since the rest of the day still needs energy.

Who This Tour Suits Best (And Who Should Pass)

This is a great fit if you want a North Bali highlights sampler in one cruise day: temples (Lake Bratan), lake views (Twin Lakes), waterfalls (Banyumala and Munduk), hot springs (Banjar), plus a quieter beach hour (Lovina). It also suits you if you appreciate a tour that handles the basics—A/C, parking, water, insurance, and included entry—so you can spend your mental energy on enjoying the day.

You might want to skip or rethink it if you need lots of downtime, hate car time, or have difficulty with walking on temple grounds and wet, uneven waterfall paths. Also, if you were expecting a laid-back beach-first itinerary, this one is structured more like a moving museum-meets-nature walk.

Should You Book This North Bali Shore Excursion?

I’d say book it if you’re the kind of traveler who likes breadth: one day, multiple wow moments, and no need to manage a pile of separate tickets. The price looks especially fair when you factor in included entrance for most stops, plus A/C comfort and travel insurance.

Before you commit, decide how you want to handle the natural stops. If you’ll get value from temples, crater lakes, hot springs, and waterfalls, you’ll feel like $25.66 is going a long way. If you only want one or two themes—like beaches only or slow culture only—you may find the schedule too packed.

FAQ

How long is this North Bali shore excursion?

It runs about 6 to 10 hours.

Where does the tour start?

It’s from Celukan Bawang Port, and pickup is offered.

What is included in the price?

Included items are bottled water, an air-conditioned vehicle, parking fees, entrance tickets (except for the customizable itinerary option), travel insurance, an English-speaking driver, and a private driver.

Are entrance tickets included for every booking option?

Entrance tickets are included for the package options that already have the set itinerary. For customize itinerary options, entrance fees are not included.

Is there a mobile ticket?

Yes, it uses a mobile ticket.

What are the main stops on the day?

The day includes Ulun Danu Bratan Temple, Twin Lake View, Banyumala Twin Waterfalls, Banjar Hot Springs, Brahma Vihara Arama Buddhist Monastery, Lovina Beach, and Munduk Waterfall. The plan also mentions Wanagiri ATV quad bike.