Ubud Monkey Forest, Water Temples & Waterfalls — Private Morning Tour

What's Included

Of all the waterfalls accessible on a day trip from Ubud, Banyumala Twin Waterfall is the one that most visitors miss — and the one that most of those who do reach it call their favourite experience in Bali.

Banyumala is located in the highland valleys of the Gobleg area, around 45 minutes north of Ubud by road. The final 20 minutes are on foot through dense jungle — descending a steep trail beside a stream, crossing the river, and arriving at a natural pool fed by two parallel cascades dropping simultaneously from a single rock face. The twin falls are rare in Bali — most cascade sites have a single stream — and the pool at the base is deep, clear, and genuinely beautiful.

Because of the access route, Banyumala sees a fraction of the visitor numbers of Tegenungan or Kanto Lampo. On a weekday morning, you may have the entire pool to yourselves. This is, in many ways, the waterfall that Tegenungan was before it appeared in every travel magazine.

The Monkey Forest and water temple combination contextualises the waterfall within the broader Ubud experience — from the spiritual significance of water in Balinese Hindu practice (Tirta Empul) to the everyday urban reality of 700 wild macaques coexisting with 50,000 daily visitors in the jungle at the centre of town. The pairing makes this a tour about Bali's relationship with nature as much as it is a day out at a waterfall.

• ✓ Private guide for 7 hours
• ✓ Hotel pickup and drop-off from Ubud area
• ✓ All entrance fees: Sacred Monkey Forest, Banyumala Waterfall, Tirta Empul Temple
• ✓ Sarong for temple visit
• ✗ Lunch (optional stop at a local warung — budget $5–8)
• ✗ Personal purchases

The 20-minute jungle walk to Banyumala is not difficult but it is steep in places and involves one river crossing. Here is what to prepare for:

• The trail descends about 150 metres through dense jungle — grippy footwear is essential, flat sandals on wet root-covered paths will be treacherous
• There is one river crossing on stepping stones — easily passable when conditions are normal but can be ankle-deep in the wet season
• The return is the same trail, slightly uphill — allow 25 minutes back up rather than 20 down, especially in the heat
• The pool at the base of the twin falls is 1–1.5 metres deep at its deepest point and clear enough to see the bottom — bring your swimsuit
• The trail is shaded by dense jungle canopy for most of its length — bring insect repellent as the shade retains moisture that mosquitoes prefer
• Early morning (pre-10:00 AM) is significantly quieter than late morning at this site — the tour's early departure is deliberate

This private tour suits:

• Active travelers who are comfortable with a 20-minute jungle hike and want to reach a waterfall that requires genuine effort
• Photographers looking for a less-visited twin waterfall that offers unique visual composition opportunities
• Visitors who want to combine a physical highlight (jungle trail, swimming) with cultural depth (water temples, monkey forest)
• Those who have already done the standard Ubud waterfall circuit and want something more remote and less visited

Not Suitable For

• People with knee or hip conditions — the Banyumala trail has a steep descent and an equally steep return that can be hard on joints
• Young children under 8 who may struggle with the jungle trail and river crossing
• Travelers who prefer flat, accessible waterfall sites — Banyumala requires genuine physical effort

What to Bring

• Closed-toe hiking sandals or trainers with grip — the jungle trail is steep and slippery
• Swimsuit for the Banyumala pool
• Insect repellent — the jungle trail is shaded and humid
• Water bottle — the hike is physical and the temperature is warm even in the jungle
• Change of clothes — you will be wet from swimming and possibly from river crossing

Not Allowed

• Flip-flops on the Banyumala jungle trail — this is the one site where appropriate footwear is genuinely important for safety
• Feeding monkeys in the Sacred Monkey Forest
• Leaving litter on the jungle trail or in the Banyumala pool area — carry everything out