This route makes North Bali feel like a whole other Bali. You start with a scenic coastal drive, then stack together iconic temples and big water scenery without losing the cruise-day timing. The day balances culture (Ulun Danu Bratan and Brahma Vihara Arama) with nature breaks like Twin Lakes and multiple waterfalls.
I also love that it’s built for limited time: you’re kept moving, but not in a stressed, sprint-around-every-corner way. You’ll get a true North Bali mix—calmer Lovina Beach plus highland views—while still aiming to return to the port with time to spare. The main drawback to watch for: the itinerary is packed, so if you want long, slow hangs at the water, you may feel rushed.
Cruise-port timing and the kind of comfort you’ll notice

Because this is designed as a shore excursion from Celukan Bawang Port, the goal is simple: maximize sights and still make it back for your ship. Pickup is offered, and you ride in an air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking, private driver—handy on Bali’s roads and heat.
Key stops come with defined time blocks (from quick viewpoints to about an hour at major sites). It’s not a get-lost-in-the-moment day. It’s a see-a-lot and go home happy day.
Key highlights you’ll care about

- Ulun Danu Beratan Temple at Lake Beratan: one of Bali’s most photogenic temple settings, with admission included.
- Twin Lake Viewpoint: a quick 30-minute break to see Lake Buyan and Lake Tamblingan from above.
- Banyumala Twin Waterfalls: lush cliffs and a clear natural pool for a refreshing stop.
- Banjar Hot Springs: warm, mineral-rich bathing waters with the dragon-carved spout.
- Lovina Beach with black sand: calmer coastal time with free admission.
- Munduk Waterfall: highland waterfall surrounded by forests plus coffee and clove plantations.
North Bali from Celukan Bawang: a calmer side of the island
North Bali has a different pace than the south. It leans into green hills, cooler highlands, and places that feel more local and less crowded. That’s why this tour works so well as a cruise shore day: you’re not just ticking boxes—you’re moving through regions that actually feel different from one another.
You begin with a drive along Bali’s northern coast. Then you head inland toward Bedugul and the crater-lake area. Later, you swing back toward the Lovina coast and continue into the Munduk highlands. In plain terms, you spend the day crossing Bali’s “climate zones” rather than repeating the same scenery.
Timing the 6–10 hour route so you’re back for departure

The tour runs about 6 to 10 hours, which is the right scale for a shore excursion if you want multiple stops but don’t want a day-long saga. The schedule uses a mix of short and longer visits: for example, the Twin Lake viewpoint is about 30 minutes, while several major stops are around an hour.
The practical takeaway: this format is ideal when you’re tied to your ship’s departure time. The tour is designed so you return to Celukan Bawang Port in plenty of time for your cruise. If your number-one goal is to see North Bali’s key sights without gambling your schedule, this is the right style.
Ulun Danu Bratan Temple at Lake Beratan: temple photos with a water theme

Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is one of those places where the setting does half the work. It sits on the shores of Lake Beratan in Bali’s cooler Bedugul highlands, and it’s dedicated to Dewi Danu, the goddess of water. That theme matters because you’re not just looking at buildings—you’re looking at a religious site that’s tightly connected to the lake.
You’ll have about an hour at the temple, and admission is included. Expect a mix of temple views, walkways, and photo angles with the lake in the background. If you like architecture and atmosphere, this is usually the stop where the “wow” factor clicks.
One consideration: like many temple visits in Bali, it’s smart to dress respectfully. Also, the time is limited, so don’t plan on doing this like you’re spending a half-day sightseeing slowly. Hit your favorite view angles early in the hour and keep moving.
Twin Lake Viewpoint: a quick crater-lake fix with big views

Right after the temple stop comes a faster viewpoint break: Twin Lake Viewpoint. You’re looking at two crater lakes—Lake Buyan and Lake Tamblingan—surrounded by dense tropical forest. It’s a classic North Bali scene: water, forest, and a high vantage point that makes it easier to understand the region quickly.
This stop is about 30 minutes, and admission is included. That short timing is a feature, not a bug. You get the visual payoff without eating up the whole day.
If you’re sensitive to motion or heat, viewpoints can feel a bit exposed. Try to time your photos so you’re not standing in the hottest part of the day for too long.
Banyumala Twin Waterfalls: refreshing water and slippery footing

Next up is Banyumala Twin Waterfalls, near the Twin Lakes area. This is the kind of stop that breaks up the cultural sites with a nature reset. The waterfall cascades down lush green cliffs into a clear, natural pool, which makes it feel more like a place to breathe for a bit than a quick look-and-go.
You’ll have about an hour here, and admission is included. That gives you time to wander, take photos, and decide how close you want to get to the pool area.
Practical consideration: waterfall areas can be slick. I’d plan on wearing shoes with grip (or water-friendly footwear). If you’re bringing a bag, keep electronics protected because mist and splashes are part of the deal.
Banjar Hot Springs: warm water after cool highland stops

Then you shift into something totally different: Banjar Hot Springs (Air Panas Banjar). This is a natural hot water bathing spot in North Bali, located near Lovina. The waters are described as warm and mineral-rich, and the spring water flows from a stone-carved dragon spout—an extra bit of local character that you can actually see.
This stop is about an hour, and admission is included. It’s a great contrast to the colder highland feel around Bedugul and the outdoor walking at waterfalls. Even if you don’t go in for long, the hot water stop can feel like a reset button for your whole body.
What to do with this stop: treat it like recovery time. Plan your bathing so you’re not scrambling at the end. Also, bring swimwear or a change of clothes if you think you’ll actually use the pools (the tour includes bottled water, but it doesn’t mention towels or gear).
Brahma Vihara Arama Buddhist Monastery: the Little Borobudur vibe

Brahma Vihara Arama Vihara Temple is one of Bali’s biggest Buddhist monastery sights, and it’s located in the hills near Banjar in North Bali. It’s often called the Little Borobudur because of its beautiful stupas and detailed carvings.
You’ll get about an hour here, and admission is included. This stop is valuable because it adds spiritual depth beyond the Hindu temple focus of Ulun Danu Beratan. If you enjoy religious art, stonework, and symmetry in architecture, you’ll likely spend more time here than you expect—just don’t ignore the time limit.
Practical note: monasteries usually require respectful clothing. If you’re unsure what works, err on the modest side. You’ll move between viewpoints and walkways, so wear something you can stay comfortable in.
Lovina Beach black sand: calmer coast time with free entry
After monasteries and waterfalls, you’ll hit Lovina Beach. This is where North Bali slows down again. Lovina is known for its calm black sand shores and a tranquil coastal vibe compared with Bali’s busier southern beaches.
You’ll have about an hour, and entry is free. That free entry matters because it helps keep the day’s overall cost controlled, especially since several other stops include admission already.
What you can do with this time: relax, take beach photos, and enjoy the difference in atmosphere. If you’re hoping for a big, all-day beach scene, note that this is a one-hour stop. It’s more about peaceful coastal time than a full-on beach vacation.
Munduk Waterfall: highland green, plus coffee and clove air
To finish the nature side, you’ll visit Munduk Waterfall in the highlands of Munduk Village, Buleleng Regency. This waterfall is described as being surrounded by lush green forests, with coffee and clove plantations in the mix. It’s the kind of setting that feels cool and fresh compared with the coast.
You’ll have about an hour here, and admission is included. This stop works as a satisfying closer because it’s different from Banyumala and adds another “water moment” before you head back.
Consideration: you’ll likely be outdoors again after hot springs and temple walks. Wear footwear that works on damp ground, and bring a light layer if you run cold in shaded areas.
Wanagiri ATV quad bike stop: fun off-road, check what your package covers
Your itinerary includes a stop related to Wanagiri ATV Quad Bike tours. The description pitches an off-road route through jungles, rice fields, rivers, and villages, with muddy trails, rocky paths, and the chance to pass caves or hidden waterfall areas.
Here’s the key point: the provided info doesn’t clearly state whether the ATV ride itself is included in the package price. It does list the stop and describes what the experience offers, but it doesn’t spell out the activity fee.
So before you commit your time, confirm what your booking option includes. If your goal is just photos and sightseeing, this stop might still be enjoyable as a viewpoint. If your goal is the actual quad bike ride, budget for possible extra costs and come dressed for dust and mud.
Price and value at $25.66 per person (and what can cost extra)
At $25.66 per person, the big value driver is what’s bundled. You’re getting bottled water, an air-conditioned vehicle, parking fees, and travel insurance. You also have a driver who speaks English and a private driver for the day. On top of that, entrance tickets are included for the listed stops—except for the booking option that says you can customize your itinerary, where entrance fees may not be included.
That combination is what makes it good value for a cruise shore day. You’re paying for transport across multiple North Bali regions plus admissions at key sites. If you tried to piece this together yourself on the same day, you’d likely pay similar or more once you add drivers, timing risks, and entry fees.
What’s not included is also clearly stated:
- personal expenses
- entrance fees when you choose a booking option that customizes the itinerary
One more practical cost to watch: the ATV quad bike activity may have its own fee. Since it’s not explicitly called out as included, you should treat it as a possible add-on.
Who this shore tour suits best (and who may feel cramped)
This tour is a good fit if you:
- want North Bali highlights in one day from Celukan Bawang Port
- like mixing temples, waterfalls, and a calm beach stop
- prefer having a driver handle logistics and timing
- want entrance fees mostly handled for you
You may feel cramped or want to manage expectations if you:
- hate being on a schedule (the stops run around an hour each, with some shorter viewpoint time)
- want long beach lounging, since Lovina Beach is about one hour
- plan to spend extra time at the natural areas for swimming or long hikes (the day has to keep moving)
Should you book this North Bali cruise shore excursion?
I’d book it if your priority is a well-paced see-a-lot North Bali day that respects cruise timing. The route hits the kind of places people come for—Lake Beratan temple views, crater-lake viewpoints, waterfall scenery, hot springs, and the black-sand calm of Lovina—without forcing you to plan, price entry tickets, or coordinate transport.
Skip it or at least double-check the package details if your booking option is customized and you’re counting on entrance tickets being included. Also confirm whether the Wanagiri ATV quad bike ride cost is part of your choice, since that’s the one item that could add surprise expenses.
If you want a calm, efficient North Bali intro with real variety, this is a strong option.
FAQ
Where does this shore excursion depart from?
It departs from Celukan Bawang Port and is designed to return you to the port with time for your cruise departure.
How long is the tour?
The tour is approximately 6 to 10 hours.
Is pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered.
Does the price include entrance tickets?
For booking options A to E, the package includes the entrance tickets for the planned itinerary. If you choose a customize itinerary option, entrance fees are not included.
What does the tour include besides the tour stops?
It includes bottled water, an air-conditioned vehicle, parking fees, travel insurance, an English-speaking driver, and a private driver.
Which stops are included in the plan?
The listed stops are Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, Twin Lake Viewpoint, Banyumala Twin Waterfalls, Banjar Hot Springs, Brahma Vihara Arama Buddhist Monastery, Lovina Beach, Munduk Waterfall, plus a Wanagiri ATV quad bike stop.
Is Lovina Beach admission included?
Yes. Lovina Beach entry is listed as free.













































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