One Day in North Bali: The Ultimate Lakes & Waterfalls Itinerary
One Day in North Bali: Lakes, Waterfalls and Mountain Air
Wake up before the island does and spend a day exploring North Bali, from a misty sunrise at Lake Tamblingan to waterfall swims and a lakeside afternoon in Bedugul.
Think Bali and your mind might immediately go to beach clubs, sunset cocktails and long lunches by the coast. But head north and the scenery changes completely. The air gets cooler, the roads wind through mountain villages, and volcanic lakes and waterfalls replace the beach.
For a day of fresh air, dramatic landscapes and plenty of reasons to stop for a photo, this North Bali itinerary is a good one to bookmark.
5:30am — Sunrise at Tamblingan Temple & Lake
There is no sleeping in today.
Start before dawn and make your way to Lake Tamblingan, one of Bali's atmospheric highland lakes. Surrounded by rainforest and ancient temples, the lake has a distinctly quieter character than its more famous neighbours.
Make your first stop Pura Ulun Danu Tamblingan, set beside the lake. If the weather cooperates, early morning brings mist, still water and soft light — exactly the kind of scenery that makes getting out of bed before sunrise feel completely justified.
The area is also culturally significant, with numerous temples around the lake connected to the communities that have traditionally maintained its sanctity.
Take a moment to simply enjoy the quiet. This is not a place to rush through with your camera already pointing at the next attraction.
Bali Day Light tip: North Bali mornings can be considerably cooler than the coast, so bring a light layer. And since the area is sacred, dress respectfully.
7:30am — Take in the Views at Wanagiri Hill
Once the sun is up, continue towards Wanagiri Hidden Hill Bali.
Perched above the twin lakes of Tamblingan and Buyan, Wanagiri is known for its panoramic viewpoints, bamboo platforms, swings and other photo spots. The scenery itself, however, is the real star: layers of green mountains surrounding the blue lakes below.
Spend some time taking in the view before continuing. If you're travelling with friends, this is also the moment to get that obligatory group photo — preferably after everyone has had their coffee.
Bali Day Light tip: Morning is your friend here. Clearer conditions and softer light can make a big difference to the views across the lakes.
9:00am — Chase a Waterfall at Banyu Wana Amertha
Next stop: Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfall.
Rather than one enormous cascade, Banyu Wana Amertha is a collection of waterfalls tucked into a lush jungle landscape. Several cascades and natural pools make the experience feel more like exploring a little pocket of rainforest than simply arriving at a single viewpoint.
This is where you swap your sneakers for something with grip and, if conditions are suitable, your clothes for swimwear. The walk between the waterfalls takes some effort, with slippery surfaces possible, but the reward is the chance to cool off surrounded by greenery.
And yes, the water is going to be cold.
Bali Day Light tip: Bring water shoes or footwear with good traction, a towel and a change of clothes. After rain, trails and rocks can become particularly slippery.
11:30am — Lunch with a View
After a morning of mountain air and waterfall adventures, lunch is not optional.
Make your way towards the Bedugul area and take a slower break at Pondanu Cabins. Set in the highlands near Lake Beratan, the property offers a scenic setting to pause before continuing the afternoon.
This is also your cue to slow down. Order lunch, enjoy the cool mountain atmosphere and resist the temptation to immediately jump back into the car.
North Bali is best experienced at a slightly slower speed.
1:00pm — An Afternoon by Lake Beratan
Continue to Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, one of Bali's most recognisable lakeside landmarks.
Set beside Lake Beratan in the cool Bedugul highlands, the temple complex is known for its distinctive relationship with the lake and surrounding mountains. On calm days, the buildings appear almost to float above the water — the kind of Bali view that has made this one of the island's most photographed cultural sites.
But don't just head straight for the famous photograph. Walk through the gardens, look across the lake and take in the mountain air. After the more adventurous morning, the peaceful setting makes a lovely change of pace.
Bali Day Light tip: Give yourself time to wander rather than treating this as a quick photo stop. The changing mountain weather is part of the atmosphere.
3:00pm — One Last Dose of Mountain Air
Before heading back south, give yourself a little time to enjoy the Bedugul landscape.
Stop for a coffee or tea, browse the local produce around Candikuning or simply pull over somewhere with a view. The region is known for its cooler climate and agricultural landscape, so this is a good opportunity to pick up some strawberries, fresh fruit or local produce for the journey home.
And if your legs are still functioning after the waterfall trek, congratulations.
4:00pm — Head Home
By now, you have packed an impressive amount into one day: sunrise over a sacred lake, mountain viewpoints, a jungle waterfall and an afternoon beside Lake Beratan.
The route is a long one, particularly if you're travelling from Bali's southern areas, so expect plenty of driving and winding mountain roads. Current North Bali itineraries commonly run around nine to ten hours, making an early start essential if you want to enjoy the stops without feeling rushed.
And that is precisely why we recommend doing this as a full-day road trip rather than trying to squeeze it into a lazy afternoon.
North Bali, One Day at a Time
North Bali offers a very different version of the island — cooler, greener and wonderfully removed from the energy of the south.
Start in the quiet of Tamblingan, watch the landscape unfold from Wanagiri, cool off beneath Banyu Wana Amertha and finish beside the serene waters of Lake Beratan.
If you have more time to explore beyond North Bali, there’s plenty more to discover across the island. From mountain landscapes and cultural sites to slower experiences by the coast, explore our guide to things to do in Bali for more ideas to add to your Bali itinerary.