Bedugul has a serious spooky side. This private Bali ghost-style outing strings together a famous abandoned hotel, lake temples, and waterfall time, all with an air-conditioned ride and a steady plan for photos. It’s built for people who want more than a quick stop, with round-trip transfers plus an Indonesian lunch included.

Two big reasons I think you’ll like it: first, the abandoned Bedugul Hotel is treated like a local legend, so the story isn’t just for scares. Second, the itinerary is photo-friendly at every turn, from the temple lake views to swing-and-panorama spots at Wanagiri. One thing to consider: it’s a full 10-hour day with some walking, so if your pace is slow, you’ll want to plan for breaks and comfort shoes.

Key things to know before you go

• Private tour from Ubud: You’ll have your own guide and driver time, not a cramped bus shuffle.
• Big “ghost palace” stop: The abandoned Bedugul Hotel is the star, with time to look around.
• Photo checkpoints built in: Temple scenery, waterfall views, and Wanagiri swings and viewpoints.
• Lunch and bottled water included: You don’t have to hunt for food between stops.
• Moderate walking: Banyumala includes a walk you’ll want to handle comfortably.

Ubud’s Bedugul Day Trip: why this ghost-themed route works

If you like Bali for its mix of nature and spirituality, this kind of day tour makes sense. The abandoned hotel is the headline, sure, but the rest of the day is what keeps it from feeling like a one-note stunt. You get a temple on a lake, two waterfall/hidden-hill nature moments, and a big chunk of time where you can actually slow down and look.

I also like the pacing. The stops are spaced so you’re not sprinting nonstop, and each one has a clear “reason to be there.” That matters in Bali, where traffic can make or break your day.

Finally, the private format is the practical advantage. Guides like Radi (praised for friendly, solid English and good storytelling) can shape the pace to your interests. Other drivers and guides, such as Dekwi and Benik, have also been noted for keeping the vibe fun and the photos easy.

Getting there smoothly: pickup, timing, and your day plan

The tour starts at 8:00 am, with hotel pickup and drop-off included. You’ll ride in an air-conditioned minivan, which is a big deal if you’re doing a full-day route through cooler highlands and back again.

The day runs about 10 hours, so treat it like a real day-trip, not a casual half-day. A mobile ticket is included, and you’ll need a minimum of 2 people per booking, so solo travelers may have to pair up depending on availability.

What you’ll want to bring is simple:

• Comfortable shoes for walking at the waterfall stop
• Sun protection (even around lakes and hills)
• A light layer if you run cool in the highlands

Stop 1: Ulun Danu Bratan Temple and the lake-on-the-horizon moment

Your first major stop is Ulun Danu Bratan Temple, known for its setting on the lake of Beratan (often described as a floating-feeling temple scene). You get about 1 hour, with admission included.

This is the calm start that makes the rest of the day work. Before you go hunting eerie stories at an abandoned hotel, you get a chance to reset your eyes on something peaceful and scenic. The background hills help the photos look natural, not staged, and it’s an easy place to wander without rushing.

A practical note: temple timing can mean shifting light and crowds. If you care about photos, you’ll do better arriving ready to shoot soon after you get there, then switching to slower viewing.

Stop 2: Bedugul’s abandoned hotel, the so-called ghost palace

Then comes the star: the abandoned Bedugul Hotel, sometimes called a ghost palace by locals. It was built around the 1990s and became the biggest hotel in that area, which is part of why the building has such strong local presence.

You’ll have about 1 hour at the property, and admission is listed as free. This stop is the one that changes the tone of the whole day. Instead of just viewing nature, you’re stepping into a structure with a built-in backstory. The tour focuses on the history and the spooky legends people associate with it, which makes the experience feel like culture plus storytelling rather than only “see a creepy place.”

Photo-wise, you’ll like this stop if you enjoy:

• wide angles (the building’s size plays well)
• detail shots (textures, corridors, doorways)
• dramatic light (depending on the day)

One consideration: abandoned buildings can be unpredictable in terms of uneven ground, debris, and footing. You don’t want to treat this like an indoor museum. Watch your step, keep your gear close, and use common sense.

Stop 3: Banyumala Twin Waterfalls and the walking that’s worth it

Next up is Banyumala Twin Waterfalls, one of the stops that mixes scenery with a bit of effort. It’s rated as a great place for photos and it’s also a spot where swimming may be possible (the tour highlights it as a place to enjoy and picture, with some activity built in).

You get about 1 hour here, and admission is included. The tour also notes there will be some walking. The key point for you: that walk isn’t random. It’s the kind of movement that gets you to the angles where the waterfall looks best and where the twin-water look actually lands.

If you’re comfortable with light hikes, this is a great stop. If not, you can still enjoy the view without doing everything. Just plan for uneven surfaces and keep your time realistic. Waterfall stops can turn into slower-than-planned moments, because everyone wants the same angles.

Stop 4: Wanagiri Hidden Hills, swings, nests, and Buyan Lake views

Your final scenery push is Wanagiri Hidden Hills—a highpoint for Instagram-style viewpoints. The tour highlights multiple photo setups: a swing, bird nest style photo spots, and several backdrop panoramas featuring Buyan Lake.

You’ll have about 1 hour at Wanagiri, and admission is included. This is the stop that feels most like “activity meets scenery.” You can be playful with the swing shots, then switch gears to slower panorama viewing as the sun shifts.

Why I like ending here: it’s the kind of place where you can finish the day with a “wow” view instead of rushing back immediately after the abandoned hotel. It also helps you balance the day’s tone. You start with temple calm, go spooky at Bedugul, then nature at waterfalls, and wrap with wide-open lake panoramas.

Lunch and breaks: what’s included (and what to budget)

Food is handled well for a day like this. The tour includes lunch and bottled water, which saves you from the classic problem of spending the afternoon searching for something decent in between scenic stops.

Alcoholic drinks are specifically not included, so if you want a beer or a cocktail later, plan to pay separately. The rest of the day is set up so you can stay focused on sights instead of logistics.

Guides and the private-ride advantage: Radi, Dekwi, Benik style

One of the most praised parts of this tour is the guide/driver experience. Radi is described as having good English, being friendly, and being knowledgeable in a way that makes the abandoned hotel time easier to enjoy (you understand what you’re looking at, and why the stories matter). Dekwi is also singled out for helping make the trip enjoyable. Benik is noted for being funny and nice, plus making it easy to get good photos.

You should still know what you’re booking: a private tour means the experience can feel more personal. If you like to ask questions, this setup gives you that space. If you prefer quiet, you still get a stable plan and someone to manage the ride.

Price and value: is $61.54 per person fair for 10 hours?

At $61.54 per person, the price is most convincing when you look at what’s included rather than just the headline number.

You’re paying for:

• Private tour format (not shared bus time)
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Air-conditioned transport
• Lunch
• Bottled water
• Admission coverage at multiple stops (temple, waterfall, hidden hills; plus Bedugul hotel access listed as free)

For a full day—about 10 hours—with several separate sites and transfers, the value is solid, especially if you’re traveling with a partner or small group. The main tradeoff is that the itinerary is busy, so it’s best for people who want a packed day of highlights rather than a slow sit-and-breathe trip.

Who this Bali ghost tour is best for

I’d point you to this tour if you:

• want one day that mixes spirituality, nature, and an abandoned “ghost palace” story
• care about photo stops more than deep academic history
• prefer a private driver and guide for smoother timing
• can handle moderate walking, especially at the waterfall stop

It’s also a good fit for couples and small groups. The minimum of 2 people per booking supports that vibe.

Who should think twice

You may want to reconsider if:

• you don’t like full-day schedules and want more downtime
• you’re sensitive to walking on uneven ground (the waterfall stop includes some walking, and the abandoned building stop requires careful footing)
• you only want a short, focused “ghost” experience (this day also includes temple and viewpoint time)

Quick practical tips to make your day better

A few small moves can make this feel smoother:

• Wear shoes you trust for waterfall paths and the abandoned hotel area.
• Bring a light layer if you get chilly in the highland areas.
• Charge your phone/camera early. You’ll use it at every stop.
• Have a flexible photo plan: the best shots usually mean you arrive ready to move fast at the start of each stop.

Should you book this abandoned hotel ghost tour?

Book it if you want a high-energy day that mixes Bali’s spiritual visuals with one of the island’s best-known abandoned structures. The biggest value is the full package: private transfers, lunch, and multiple major stops that all have a clear photo and sightseeing payoff.

Skip or adjust expectations if you’re looking for a slow, quiet day or if walking makes you uneasy. This is a “see a lot” route, and the abandoned hotel stop rewards curiosity but demands common-sense caution.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Bali Ghost Tour from Ubud?

It runs for about 10 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 8:00 am.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes transport by air-conditioned minivan, a private tour, bottled water, lunch, and all taxes, fees, and handling charges.

Are tickets included for the stops?

Admission tickets are included for Ulun Danu Bratan Temple, Banyumala Twin Waterfalls, and Wanagiri Hidden Hills. The abandoned Bedugul Hotel stop lists admission as free.

Do I need to pay for alcoholic drinks?

Alcoholic drinks are not included.

Is this tour private or shared?

It’s a private tour/activity, so only your group participates.

What’s the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience’s start time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded.