A Closer Look: Our 2025 Review of the Bali Private Tour to Ulun Danu, Handara Gate & Tanah Lot

So, choosing a Bali itinerary can feel like a really big task, right? You literally have a million amazing things to see, and honestly, figuring out how to get to all of them is kind of a challenge. That is why we, like, decided to book the ‘Private Tour: Ulun Danu Temple-Handara Gate-Wana Giri Hill & Tanah Lot Sunset’. As a matter of fact, the idea of having a private car and a local driver for a whole day seemed pretty much perfect. You know, you get to skip the hassle of renting a scooter or haggling with taxis, and you can just sort of relax in the air conditioning between stops. We actually wanted to see some of the most famous sights in north and central Bali without feeling rushed. This particular tour, frankly, checked all the boxes on paper. So, we booked it, and now I want to share our genuine experience, the good bits and, well, the parts you should probably know before you go. Basically, it’s the kind of information I wish I had before my trip.

The Serene Morning at Ulun Danu Beratan Temple

Frankly, our day started early, heading up into the cool highlands of Bedugul. The driver was, by the way, incredibly friendly and shared some stories about the villages we passed through. Obviously, the first main destination was Pura Ulun Danu Beratan, and to be honest, it was just stunning. It’s pretty much that temple you always see in photos of Bali, seemingly floating on the smooth surface of Lake Beratan. Actually, the air up there is just a little bit cooler and feels so fresh, which is a nice break from the coastal heat, you know? The morning mist was still clinging to the surrounding hills, which honestly made the whole scene feel a bit magical.

Our driver explained that this temple is really significant; it’s dedicated to Dewi Danu, the goddess of the lake, who is believed to provide water for all the farms in the area. So, you can sort of feel the peaceful, reverent atmosphere as you walk around the beautifully kept gardens. People were making offerings, and the scent of incense was, like, everywhere. You can actually rent a small boat to go out on the lake for a different view of the temple, which a few people were doing. We decided to just walk around and take it all in. Honestly, arriving early was the best decision we made. We pretty much beat the large tour buses, so it wasn’t overly crowded yet. You should definitely do that too.

A piece of advice: So, get there before 9 AM if you can. It’s a completely different and, frankly, a more personal experience without all the crowds. And maybe bring a light jacket or scarf; it can actually be a bit chilly in the morning up in the mountains.

The Iconic Handara Gate: More Than Just a Photo Op?

Okay, our next stop was just a short drive away: the famous Handara Gate. You have definitely seen this spot on Instagram, right? It’s basically this huge, traditional Balinese gate with these incredible, mossy stone carvings and a backdrop of misty green hills. So, here’s the honest truth about it. The gate is actually the entrance to a golf resort, which is kind of funny when you find out. As a matter of fact, it has become such a popular photo location that there’s now a small ticket booth where you pay a fee to take your picture. Seriously, there was a little line when we arrived, with a local person helping to organize everyone so they could get their shot without other people in the background.

So, is it worth stopping for? Honestly, that depends on you. If you really want that classic Bali photo, then absolutely, go for it. The gate itself is actually beautiful, and the background is very dramatic. We sort of had fun with it, watching people do all kinds of creative poses. The person managing the line even offered to take our photo, which was pretty nice. On the other hand, if you’re not a big fan of queuing for a photo, you might find it a bit, you know, commercial. We spent about 20 minutes here in total, which was more or less enough time. It’s an interesting part of modern tourism in Bali, for sure. You’re literally stopping at a golf course entrance, but in a way, it’s become an attraction in its own right.

Read our full review: [Handara Gate Bali Review Full Review and Details]

Wanagiri Hidden Hills: Sweeping Views and Selfie Swings

From the gate, we pretty much drove straight up to Wanagiri Hidden Hills. Now, this place is essentially designed for taking incredible pictures. It’s located on a ridge that looks down over two stunning lakes, Lake Buyan and Lake Tamblingan. The view is, frankly, just breathtaking. Along the side of the road, there are several small businesses that have set up various photo platforms. So, you basically pay a single entrance fee at one of these spots, and you get access to all of their installations, like the giant swings that go out over the cliff, human-sized bird nests, and bamboo lookouts shaped like boats and stuff. It’s clearly built for social media, and honestly, it’s a lot of fun.

We chose a spot, paid our fee, and the staff there were really helpful, you know? They literally help you get on the swings safely and will even take pictures for you with your phone, and they know all the best angles. Seriously, they do this all day. It might seem a little bit touristy, and it sort of is, but you can’t really deny the fun of it or the absolute beauty of the location. You’re swinging over the edge of a valley with these two massive lakes below you; it’s a pretty unique feeling. Unlike the single photo-op at Handara Gate, here you can, like, spend an hour or so trying out all the different spots. At the end of the day, it’s a place to let your hair down, get some amazing holiday snaps, and just enjoy a truly incredible natural panorama.

The Grand Finale: Sunset at Tanah Lot Temple

So, after the cool mountains and photo-filled hills, our driver started the long drive down to the coast for the final stop: watching the sunset at Tanah Lot Temple. The change in scenery is pretty dramatic, as you leave the lush, green highlands and head back towards the humid, salty air of the ocean. Tanah Lot itself is an absolutely iconic Balinese temple, perched on a large rock formation just off the shore. To be honest, you can feel the energy as soon as you arrive. It’s a very popular spot, so it’s quite busy with tourists and locals alike, especially around sunset. There are lots of little market stalls and shops on the walk down to the temple viewing area.

The name Tanah Lot literally means “Land in the Sea,” and you can kind of see why. During high tide, the rock is completely surrounded by water, making the temple look like a ship at sea. So, we arrived with enough time to find a good viewing spot at one of the cliffside cafes. We grabbed a drink and just waited for the show to begin. Watching the sun sink into the Indian Ocean, with the silhouette of Tanah Lot against the fiery orange and pink sky, is just one of those really special travel moments. The sound of the waves crashing against the rocks is pretty powerful too. Frankly, it’s an incredibly beautiful and moving way to end a very full day of sightseeing in Bali. You definitely need to see it at least once.

A practical note: It’s obviously very crowded here for sunset. So, get to your chosen viewpoint at least an hour beforehand. Also, you can only walk out to the base of the temple during low tide, so check the tide schedule if that’s something you want to do.

A Few Final Thoughts on the Private Tour Experience

At the end of the day, booking this private tour was absolutely the right move for us. Honestly, there’s just no way we could have seen all these places in one day using public transport or taxis; they’re quite spread out. Having a private driver, basically, takes all the stress out of the logistics. Our driver was more than just a person who drove a car; he was kind of a guide, a photographer, and a source of local knowledge. He knew the best times to arrive at each location, where to find clean restrooms, and, frankly, told us so much about Balinese culture that we wouldn’t have learned otherwise. You know, you really get to set your own pace. If you want to spend a little more time somewhere, it’s totally fine, which is a freedom you just don’t get on a group bus tour. So, this tour is a great option.

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now ([Book the Bali Private Tour to Ulun Danu & Tanah Lot])

• Basically, what we liked: The tour covers a great mix of cultural sites, famous photo spots, and natural beauty all in one day.
• You know, the private car: The comfort and convenience of a private, air-conditioned car and a friendly driver are honestly a huge plus.
• Flexibility, seriously: You can adjust the timing a bit to suit your interests, spending more time where you like it most.
• To be honest, who is it for?: This is perfect for first-time visitors to Bali who want to see some of the main highlights efficiently. It’s also great for anyone who loves photography.