North Bali route map
Program of our North Bali tour
Road from Banyuwangi to the Strait of Bali for crossing to Bali - Tamblingan Lake - Munduk waterfall - Temple Pure Ulun Danu Bratan - Jatiluwih rice fields
Crossing the Strait of Bali by ferry
I paid IDR 10 one way or 000 Euros. It's cheap as Bali is only 0,70 km from Java.
Info : no need for reservations, we take the ticket directly at the pier (several non-regular departures during the day). They put people in the boat and wait for it to be full before leaving. The waiting time is therefore very variable depending on the day of the week and the time ... but we had to count on average less than 1 hour.
Then drive to the north of Bali: Tamblingan lake with a stop at the munduk waterfall (yes, but blah because in the rain…). To get to the waterfall, we walk about 20 minutes in a beautiful tropical forest. If the weather is nice, you can swim under the waterfall.
We then planned to cross the lake in a traditional canoe but since it was raining, we had to cancel (everything was cloudy and foggy…). The lake must be beautiful under the sun but we weren't so lucky.
Temple of Pura Ulun Danu Bratan
Visit of Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, delicious little temple dedicated to the goddess of the place Dewi Danu, it is revered by all the villagers of the region because the waters of the lake irrigate their fields. This little temple is simply magnificent. I LOVE !!!
Allow a good hour's visit then enjoy strolling for half an hour in the small market opposite the site. The spices are king there and you can negotiate the prices well (divide by 2!).
Rice fields from Utu village to Jatiluwih village
Walk of about 1 hour (but it is a minimum) in the rice fields of the village of Utu to the village of Jatiluwih (you can rent bikes on site). This site is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its famous rice fields form a beautiful natural amphitheater and constitute a perfect example of the functioning of the Balinese subak, these irrigation and water management systems which are fiercely anchored in the depths of Balinese culture. Undoubtedly nowhere else than here are culture and agriculture so intrinsically linked. This registration and international recognition are worth a good labeling and will certainly prevent the superb natural site from seeing its landscape soiled in the coming years by the construction of hotels, villas or giant henhouses ...
Despite the somewhat sad weather that day, I really liked these landscapes. With this dazzling green and harmonious curves dotted with palm trees, it is a real spectacle and we take full advantage of it!
Do not miss !!!
Where to sleep inexpensively in UBUD?
There I found the rare pearl! ESTY HOUSE: A Guest House in the heart of UBUD, a stone's throw from the market and good restaurants. It offers spacious, clean, air-conditioned rooms with a small terrace equipped with a rattan lounge… The swimming pool sits in the middle of a small tropical garden. Of course there is free wifi and good breakfasts for 20 Euros a night !!! Only one downside: the welcome and a little chilly smile ...
We will stay 3 nights at Esty House: See this hotel on Booking
Find out more by going to DAY 8:
Hello
Thank you for your super interesting article which is timely 🙂
I have a quick question how did you organize your day 7 from the arrival by ferry in Bali to UBUD Transport level?
thanks a lot
Hello Hind,
We had a private driver waiting for us in Bali and our English speaking guide Daus who followed us on the ferry.
It was included in the package we paid for private transport + driver.
Good preparation !
Many thanks for this very clear article !! Beautiful day