Bali Twin Lakes: Jungle Trek & Canoe Tour from Ubud

North Bali’s lakeside jungle trek with canoe ride and temple stop

You’ll start your day sipping Balinese coffee by Buyan Lake before trekking through rainforest trails with a local guide. Glide across calm waters in a traditional canoe alongside a fisherman, explore ancient temples on Tamblingan’s shore, and cool off beneath Banyumala Twin Waterfalls. Expect moments of quiet beauty (and maybe muddy shoes), plus real conversation along the way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Twin Lakes Trekking and Canoeing Tour

• Arrive at lakeside basecamp
• Enjoy Balinese coffee and cake
• Receive safety briefing and overview
• Trek through forest at Buyan Lake
• Canoe on Buyan Lake with fisherman
• Trek jungle between Buyan and Tamblingan Lakes
• Climb banyan trees and take photos
• Visit 13th-century pottery sites
• Explore Ulun Danu Tamblingan Temple
• Relax and swim at Banyumala Waterfalls

The Experience

The first thing I noticed stepping out at the basecamp near Lake Buyan was the air — cool and earthy, almost sweet with damp leaves. Our guide, Wayan, handed us tiny cups of Balinese coffee and this crumbly cake that tasted like coconut and palm sugar. You could hear birds but also someone laughing down by the water. I remember thinking it felt nothing like the Bali I’d seen in Ubud — quieter, softer somehow.

We set off under trees so tall they blocked most of the sun, roots twisting everywhere. Wayan pointed out a wild orchid clinging to a branch; I almost missed it because I was watching my step (the path’s muddy after rain). When we reached Buyan Lake, there was a fisherman waiting with a wooden canoe. Getting in took some balance — Wayan grinned and said, “Don’t worry, just sit low.” The lake was glassy and cold-smelling, and for twenty minutes we drifted past rock walls covered in moss while the fisherman told us how his father taught him to paddle here. He laughed when I tried to say “thank you” in Bahasa — probably butchered it.

After that, we trekked through thicker forest towards Tamblingan Lake. At one point we stopped by these ancient banyan trees that looked straight out of a storybook — huge roots you could climb if you wanted (I didn’t risk it). There were broken bits of old pottery half-buried in the dirt; Wayan said they’re from centuries ago. We ended up at Ulun Danu Tamblingan Temple right on the water’s edge. It was so quiet there — just wind moving through reeds and someone lighting incense inside the temple. I still think about that silence.

On the way back, we cooled off at Banyumala Twin Waterfalls. The spray hit my face before I even saw them. If you’re coming from Ubud or further south, you’ll stop at Handara Gate and maybe Lake Beratan too — those big photo spots everyone wants but honestly, it’s the jungle part that stuck with me most.

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Bali Twin Lakes tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included if you select that option when booking.

How long does the jungle trekking and canoeing take?

The full-day tour lasts several hours including trekking between Buyan and Tamblingan Lakes plus canoeing time.

Are meals or snacks provided during this day trip?

You’ll get Balinese organic cakes with coffee or tea at basecamp; water is provided during trekking.

Is this tour suitable for children or older travelers?

The tour suits most fitness levels but isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal/cardiovascular issues.

Do we visit Ulun Danu Tamblingan Temple on this trek?

Yes, you’ll visit Ulun Danu Tamblingan Temple as part of the jungle trek between the lakes.

Can I swim at Banyumala Twin Waterfalls?

Yes, there’s time to relax or swim in the clear spring water at Banyumala Twin Waterfalls during your visit.

What should I wear for trekking around Buyan and Tamblingan Lakes?

Wear comfortable walking shoes with grip; bring layers as mountain weather can change quickly.

If I’m staying in Ubud will I see Handara Gate or Lake Beratan?

If your pickup is from South or Central Bali (including Ubud), stops at Handara Gate and Lake Beratan are included en route.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off if selected, welcome drinks like Balinese coffee or tea with homemade cakes at basecamp, all entry fees for sites along the route including Ulun Danu Tamblingan Temple and Banyumala Twin Waterfalls, water during your jungle trek, walking sticks if needed, plus guidance from an experienced local throughout your adventure before returning back in comfort.