Bali Instagram Tour: Handara Gate, Waterfall & Ulun Danu Temple

Summary

Best Photo Spots in Bali: Waterfalls, Lakes & Temples Day Trip

You’ll visit Bali’s most photogenic spots in one relaxed day—Handara Gate, Banyu Mala waterfall for a swim, Twin Lakes views, Wanagiri swings for fun photos, plus lunch and time at Ulun Danu Temple on Lake Beratan with a friendly local guide.

What’s the experience like?

The day kicked off early with our driver waiting right in the hotel lobby—he had that easy smile you see everywhere in Bali. After a couple hours winding through mountain roads (windows down, cool air sneaking in), we reached the famous Handara Gate. It’s quieter than you’d expect if you get there before 10am. The mossy stone and misty hills behind it almost look unreal in photos, but standing there, you notice the faint smell of wet grass and incense from a nearby offering. Our guide even showed us the best angle to avoid the morning crowd—felt like we had the place to ourselves for a minute.

Next up was Banyu Mala waterfall. The drive there is bumpy—watch out if you get carsick—but totally worth it. You hear the water before you see it. The path down is steep and muddy in spots (I slipped once), but dipping your feet into that cold pool at the bottom is pure relief after the walk. There’s a tiny stall at the top selling fresh coconut water—don’t skip it if you’re thirsty. Our driver doubled as photographer here, helping us nail those shots everyone wants for their feed.

After drying off, we headed to the Twin Lakes lookout. Buyan on one side, Tamblingan on the other—a thin strip of land between them. The view is wide open and windy; my hat nearly flew off. We took a bunch of photos here before heading just ten minutes up to Wanagiri Hidden Hills. This spot is made for Instagram: swings over the valley, giant bird nests, bamboo lookouts. There’s a local photographer who’ll direct your poses—he was patient even when I kept blinking at the wrong moment.

Lunch came next at a local buffet spot near Bedugul. Nothing fancy but tasty—lots of veggies and chicken satay, plus strong Balinese coffee that hit just right after all that walking around.

Last stop: Ulun Danu Beratan Temple on Lake Beratan. The temple seems to float on water when you catch it from certain angles; mist rolls across the lake in late afternoon and everything feels calm—even with other visitors around. Our guide explained some of the temple history (it’s dedicated to Dewi Danu, goddess of lakes). I noticed families lighting incense by the shore while kids chased ducks nearby. We snapped our final photos here before heading back to our hotel around 4pm—tired but happy.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Bali Instagram Tour Highlights

• Visit Bali Handara Gate
• Swim and photo at Banyu Mala Waterfall
• Photo session at Twin Lakes and Wanagiri Hidden Hills
• Buffet lunch at local restaurant
• Visit Ulun Danu Beratan Temple

Top questions

How much walking or hiking is involved?

There are some short walks and stairs at Banyu Mala waterfall—the path can be slippery after rain—but most stops are easy to reach by car with minimal walking required elsewhere.

Can I swim at Banyu Mala waterfall?

Yes! Swimming is allowed and encouraged at Banyu Mala waterfall—the water’s cool and refreshing after the hike down.

Is lunch included? What kind of food is served?

Lunch is included—a buffet with Indonesian dishes like chicken satay, vegetables, rice, plus coffee, tea and bottled water.

Will someone help take photos?

Your driver helps with photos throughout the tour; at Wanagiri Hidden Hills there’s also a local photographer who’ll guide your poses for great shots.

What’s included

This tour covers private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking driver/guide, entrance fees to all attractions listed above, buffet lunch with drinks (coffee/tea/water), plus bottled water along the way.