After exploring the cliffs and beaches of Uluwatu, we made our way up to Bedugul, which was a refreshing change.
Surrounded by mountains, misty lakes, and cool air, this part of Bali feels like a completely different world. We spent a couple of days here and had enough time to visit all the highlights without rushing.
Whether you’re into nature, temples, waterfalls, or local markets, there’s something for everyone.
In this guide, we’ll share the best things to do in Bedugul, including famous sights like Ulun Danu Beratan Temple and Handara Gate, but also a few underrated spots and practical tips from our visit.

Key Highlights
⭐️ Best months to visit: May to October – dry season with clearer skies and cooler temperatures
⭐️ How to get there: by scooter, private driver
⭐️ Climate: Cooler than most of Bali – bring a light jacket, especially in the early morning or evening
⭐️ Altitude: Around 1,200 m above sea leve
⭐️ Tips: bring a jacket and a raincoat, always carry cash
Quick Overview
The best time to visit is during the dry season from May to October, with early mornings or late afternoons offering the best light and quietest atmosphere.
Getting here is easy by scooter or private driver from Ubud, Canggu, or Munduk, and spending at least a few full days allows you to visit all the main sights without rushing.
Just keep in mind that traffic from the south can get busy on weekends, so it’s best to travel early.
Bring a light jacket for the cool mountain air, especially in the evenings, and some cash for small entrance or parking fees.
Bedugul is also great for families, with botanical gardens, strawberry farms, and peaceful lake activities that kids will enjoy just as much as adults.
Things to do in Bedugul
1. Visit Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
Entrance fee: 75,000 IDR per person
Parking fee: 3,000 IDR for a scooter, 5,000 IDR for a car
Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is undoubtedly the most famous attraction in Bedugul. This stunning water temple appears to float on the calm surface of Lake Beratan, set against a backdrop of misty mountains.

You can visit the temple complex with a standard entrance ticket costing 75,000 IDR per person. However, it’s important to know that in recent years, Ulun Danu Beratan has become somewhat of a tourist trap.
Aside from the beautiful temple itself, the area now features some tacky photo spots and children’s attractions — like a rabbit petting zoo and a bizarre dinosaur head filled with cacti.

Even by Bali standards, it felt a little too much for us and distracted from the temple’s natural beauty.
If you want to avoid the crowds and see the temple from a different perspective, you can hire a boat on the lake. Seeing Ulun Danu Beratan from the water is peaceful and offers stunning views, free from the usual tourist hustle.
Be prepared to negotiate the price. They will ask you for 250,000–300,000 IDR for a 1-hour boat ride (for two people), but you can negotiate the price to 200,000 IDR.
2. Pick strawberries from local farm
Entrance fee: 10,000 IDR per person
Strawberry price: 75,000 IDR per kg (you pay for what you pick)
Time needed: 30 – 45 minutes
Strawberry picking is one of the best things to do in Bedugul. You’ll find plenty of farms along the main road, but if you’re looking for a truly hidden gem, we highly recommend visiting Hidden Strawberry Garden.
True to its name, this spot is tucked away down a small lane and a little harder to find — but that’s exactly what makes it special. Check the Google Maps location here.

The garden setting is beautiful and peaceful, with fewer crowds and a more natural atmosphere than some of the nearby commercial farms. The owner was extremely friendly, and we felt welcomed right away.
IMPORTANT TIP: We made the mistake of eating a few strawberries straight from the plant without washing them — and unfortunately, Nika ended up with an upset stomach for two days. So even if they look tempting, make sure to clean them properly before eating. Trust us, no one wants stomach issues while traveling.

Spending around 30–45 minutes here is just right — enough time to pick your berries, enjoy the quiet garden, and maybe grab a few photos among the rows of strawberry plants. It’s a sweet little detour that adds something different to your Bedugul itinerary.
TIP: If you’re heading east after exploring the mountains, check out our guide to the best beaches in Amed — it’s one of Bali’s top regions for snorkeling, diving, and peaceful seaside vibes.
3. Enjoy peaceful views over Twin Lakes
One of the most scenic stops in the Bedugul area is the viewpoint overlooking Twin Lakes – Lake Buyan and Lake Tamblingan.

We stopped at our favorite Twin Lakes Viewpoint, located right next to the road and easily accessible. It’s a simple roadside stop, but the views are incredible.

Right next to the viewpoint, there’s a small warung with a few tables set up directly above the lakes. We decided to have lunch there, and it was a truly relaxing experience.
You pick a table with a view, and the waitress brings your food or drinks straight to you while you enjoy the scenery.
The only annoying part? There were quite a few flies around, which is pretty common in this area. There’s not much you can do about it, but even with that, we really enjoyed our time there.


4. Visit Banyumala Twin Waterfalls
Entrance fee: 75,000 IDR per person
Parking fee: 3,000 IDR for a scooter, 5,000 IDR for a car
Banyumala Twin Waterfalls is one of North Bali’s most peaceful jungle gems — and absolutely worth the early wake-up call.

We arrived at sunrise, had the whole place completely to ourselves, and even brought a simple breakfast picnic, which we enjoyed by the water. Highly recommend doing the same — it’s a magical experience you won’t forget.
The hike to the waterfall takes about 10–15 minutes from the parking lot. The trail is easy, with some parts being steep and slippery, but nothing demanding. The path is not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs.
As the name suggests, there are two waterfalls here, not just one. The main one has a larger pool — perfect for a refreshing swim or some beautiful couple shots.

The water is shallow near the edge and gradually gets deeper closer to the falls, so even if you’re not a confident swimmer, you’ll be fine.
You’re allowed to fly a drone, which is a nice bonus — just keep in mind that early morning light creates a lot of shadows from the surrounding trees. If you’re aiming for stunning drone footage, midday light is usually best.

5. Visit Banyuwana Amertha Waterfalls
Entrance fee: 30,000 IDR per person
Parking fee: free
Scooter taxi (optional): 50,000 IDR round-trip
Banyu Wana Amertha is one of the most peaceful and underrated waterfalls in North Bali. Hidden in the jungle near Bedugul, it’s actually a collection of four waterfalls—and each of them is beautiful in its own way.

We were honestly blown away. After seeing the photos online, we weren’t sure if it would live up to the hype, but it exceeded our expectations. No crowds, lush greenery, and a truly magical atmosphere. If you’re looking for a quiet nature escape with multiple waterfalls in one spot, this is it.

From the parking area, it’s an easy 15-minute walk on a well-maintained trail. If you don’t feel like walking, you can hop on a scooter taxi for 50,000 IDR round-trip. Entrance is 30,000 IDR per person, and scooter parking is free.
The trail is not stroller or wheelchair-friendly, but it’s easy enough for most people.

We spent about 2 hours here, and that felt just right. The second and third waterfalls were our favorites—surrounded by leafy cliffs and featuring clear pools that look incredible in photos.
If you want the best light and fewer people, go early morning or late afternoon.

6. Buy souvenirs at the Bedugul market
Bedugul Market is divided into two parts—one side sells souvenirs, clothing, and textiles, while the other is filled with fresh fruits, vegetables, and spices.

We really enjoyed walking through the food section, where locals sell everything from strawberries to vanilla pods. It’s colorful, authentic, and a good place to try local produce or pick up spices as gifts.
However, the clothes and souvenir part was a different story. Several sellers were quite pushy—trying to force us into buying something—and when we politely said we weren’t interested, a few reacted with unexpected rudeness. Just something to be aware of before you go.

If you’re visiting the area, the market is still worth a quick stop—just head straight to the produce side for a more relaxed experience.
7. Take a photo at the Handara Gate
Photo fee: 50,000 IDR per person
Parking fee: 5,000 IDR
Handara Gate is one of Bali’s most iconic photo spots, particularly popular among Instagram users.

But here’s the catch: it’s actually just the entrance to a luxury golf resort and hotel. The famous “gate photo” has nothing to do with a temple or cultural site—it’s purely a photo stop.
During the day, someone collects a fee of 50,000 IDR per person to take pictures and 5,000 IDR for parking.
If you want to avoid the crowds and the fee, come at night or very early in the morning. There’s no one around, and no one is collecting money. With a tripod and a bit of creativity, you can capture amazing shots without waiting in line.
Just set a slower shutter speed to let in more light and keep still—it’s a peaceful and moody scene at night, totally different from the daytime rush.
TIP: If you’re heading south after exploring Bedugul, don’t miss the chance to chase some of the most epic waterfalls near Ubud – perfect for a refreshing dip in the jungle.
7. Bali Botanical Garden (Kebun Raya Bali)
If you’re craving fresh air and wide open spaces, Bali Botanical Garden is the perfect place. Located just a few minutes from the Handara Gate, this massive garden (over 150 hectares) is the largest in Indonesia and feels like a completely different world compared to the island’s crowded tourist spots.
There are hundreds of plant species here, including orchids, medicinal plants, and towering trees. It’s a great spot for a relaxing walk, or picnic.
There’s also a cactus greenhouse, a bamboo forest, and a viewpoint over the lake. You won’t need more than 1–2 hours unless you want to explore it slowly.
8. Visit Leke Leke Waterfall
Entrance fee: 50,000 IDR per person
Parking fee: free
Leke Leke is one of the most photogenic waterfalls in Bali, located just 25 minutes by scooter from Bedugul. You can also easily visit it from Ubud. We recommend combining this trip with Tegalalang Rice Terrace.

It’s become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason—the narrow stream of water cascading between mossy cliffs looks like something out of a fairytale.
There’s a designated parking lot right at the entrance (easy to find via Google Maps). Parking is free, and the entrance fee is IDR 50,000 per person.

The walk to the waterfall takes around 15 minutes and is relatively easy. The path is well-maintained, though a bit slippery in places if it’s been raining. Along the way, you’ll pass classic Balinese swings (not for free).
Due to its Instagram popularity, don’t expect solitude unless you arrive at the right time. To avoid the crowds and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, visit right after sunrise.

Even just after opening, there might be a few people, but it’s still the best time to skip the long photo queues. Sunset can also be quieter, but you probably won’t have it all to yourself.
If you’re planning to take a photo in front of the waterfall, be patient—people often take turns and can spend quite a while posing.
TIP: After soaking in the cool highlands of Bedugul, you might crave some beach time – here are the best things to do in Uluwatu if you’re heading down to Bali’s southern coast.
How to get to Bedugul
By scooter
The best way to explore Bali—including Bedugul—is by renting a scooter for your entire stay.
Bali doesn’t have a functioning public transport system, and having your own wheels gives you total freedom to explore remote areas, waterfalls, and viewpoints at your own pace.
If you’re comfortable riding, we highly recommend renting a motorbike upon arrival and keeping it for the duration of your trip. If not, you can easily rent one later in places like Ubud or Canggu.
Rental prices vary depending on the model, but the standard 125cc scooter is more than enough for most travelers. We paid around 100,000 IDR per day, and it handled mountain roads to Bedugul just fine.
It’s also the most affordable way to explore Bali, especially places like the Ubud waterfalls or hidden temples around Lake Bratan.

With a private driver
If you’re not comfortable driving a scooter, hiring a private driver is the easiest and most stress-free way to visit Bedugul. It’s a popular option, especially for travelers coming from Ubud, Canggu, or Seminyak.
Our recommendation is a Private car with a driver on GetYourGuide. Expect a clean, air-conditioned car and a friendly driver who speaks English and is happy to share local tips and insights.
You’ll get picked up directly from your accommodation. With a 4.8/5 rating, the quality speaks for itself.
Join a tour
If you prefer everything organized for you, joining a full-day guided tour is a great way to explore the best things to do in Bedugul and North Bali, without the stress of planning.
We recommend the North Bali: Full-day Highlights Instagram Tour. It takes you to the most iconic spots in the area, including:
- Pura Ulun Danu Beratan
- Handara Gate
- Wanagiri Hidden Hills
- Banyumala Twin Waterfalls
It’s a seamless, all-in-one experience that includes transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and time for photos. If you’re short on time or want to explore without worrying about logistics, this is an easy win.
Best time to visit Bedugul
The best time to visit Bedugul is during the dry season, which runs from April to October. During these months, you can expect clear skies, pleasant temperatures, and less humidity – perfect for exploring waterfalls, temples, and botanical gardens.
If you’re coming from southern Bali (like Ubud or Canggu), we recommend leaving early in the morning, ideally before 7 AM.
This way, you’ll avoid traffic jams that often build up along the main roads later in the day. Plus, the scooter ride will be much more relaxing and enjoyable.

Tips for exploring Bedugul
- Bring a jacket – Bedugul is in the mountains, so it’s much cooler than the coast, especially in the morning and evening.
- Pack a raincoat – Weather can change quickly, even in the dry season.
- Have cash ready – Some spots charge small entry or parking fees and don’t accept cards.
- Avoid weekends and holidays – Popular spots like Handara Gate and Leke Leke waterfall get very crowded.
- Wear good shoes – Some trails (like to Leke Leke waterfall) can be slippery after rain.
- Use Google Maps offline – Mobile signal can be weak in the mountains.
- Plan your route ahead – Many attractions are located close together, allowing you to visit multiple places in one trip.
Final thoughts
After exploring Bali for a month, we can confidently say that Bedugul is one of the most underrated regions on the island. It offers a cooler climate, peaceful lake views, and easy access to waterfalls and nature that feel far from the crowds of Ubud or Canggu.
Hope our guide helped you plan your Bedugul trip – let us know in the comments if you have any questions or if you’ve already visited this area. We’d love to hear your thoughts and tips too!