By – Seokdoespilates
Travelling with children often means finding activities that are adventurous enough to be exciting, but not so difficult that everyone ends the day exhausted.
When planning our Bali holiday, we contacted Bali Local Tour Guide for advice about which trek would be suitable for our family, including our two boys aged 8 and 11.
Their response was incredibly quick, and they recommended their Tamblingan Lakes Jungle Trekking Tour, explaining that it was ideal for families with children.
It turned out to be one of the best decisions we made during our holiday.
Excellent Communication Before the Tour
Even before arriving in Bali, we were impressed by how responsive the company was.
Every email we sent was answered promptly and professionally.
They carefully considered the ages of our children before recommending a trek that would be enjoyable without being too physically demanding.
It immediately gave us confidence that we were booking with experienced local professionals who genuinely cared about providing the right experience for their guests.
Morning Pickup from Ubud
Our adventure began with an 8:00 AM pickup from our hotel in Ubud.
The drive north took around two hours, passing through beautiful mountain scenery as the temperature became cooler and the landscape transformed into dense forest.
Along the way, our driver stopped at the famous Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, often called the “Floating Temple.”
Arriving in the morning meant the temple was wonderfully peaceful.
Surrounded by the volcanic lake and cool mountain air, it was a beautiful introduction to the Bedugul region.
Beginning the Jungle Trek
After another short drive, we reached the starting point of the trek near Lake Tamblingan.
Before setting off, we were each given bottled water and a sturdy wooden walking stick, which proved very useful on the forest trails.
Our guide was a young local man from the Tamblingan area who spoke excellent English.
We learned that Bali Jungle Trekking actively employs and trains local people as guides, providing valuable employment opportunities for the surrounding villages.
This made the experience feel even more meaningful because we knew our visit was directly supporting the local community.
Our guide had a fantastic sense of humour and immediately connected with our children, making them feel comfortable and excited about the adventure.
Descending into Bali’s Ancient Rainforest
The trek began with approximately 400 stone steps leading down into the ancient rainforest.
At the entrance stood a small sacred temple where our guide explained its spiritual significance before we continued into the jungle.
The rainforest itself was magnificent.
Towering tropical trees formed a thick canopy overhead, creating wonderfully cool temperatures even though it was warm outside.
The fresh mountain air and peaceful atmosphere made the walk incredibly enjoyable.
The trail was quite muddy in places, so sturdy walking shoes are definitely recommended.
Fortunately, the walking itself was relatively easy, with only a few gentle climbs and descents along the way.
Our guide frequently stopped to introduce interesting plants, medicinal herbs, giant trees, and local vegetation that we would never have noticed ourselves.
Although we didn’t spot many wild animals, we constantly heard birds singing high above us in the forest canopy, reminding us that the jungle is full of life hidden among the trees.
Discovering Sacred Jungle Temples
One of the unique highlights of the trek was visiting three ancient temples positioned at different points along the route.
Each temple had its own peaceful atmosphere, blending naturally into the surrounding rainforest.
When we reached the final lakeside temple, we were fortunate enough to witness a traditional Balinese religious ceremony taking place.
Watching local villagers gather for prayer in such a beautiful natural setting was an unforgettable cultural experience.
Canoeing Across Lake Tamblingan
After around one and a half hours of jungle trekking, we reached the shores of Lake Tamblingan.
Waiting for us was a traditional twin-hull wooden canoe.
Together with our guide and a local boatman, we slowly crossed the calm waters of the lake.
Mist drifted gently across the surface while the surrounding rainforest reflected perfectly in the water.
The silence was remarkable.
No engine noise.
No crowds.
Only birdsong, fresh mountain air, and the gentle sound of paddles moving through the lake.
It was undoubtedly one of the most peaceful moments of our entire Bali holiday.
Lunch with a Beautiful View
Once we reached the opposite shore, our driver was already waiting to take us to a local restaurant overlooking the spectacular Twin Lakes.
The tour included a simple but delicious Balinese lunch.
Our guide even suggested a wonderful tip—order the food inside, then enjoy it from the seating area across the road facing the lakes.
The panoramic view made an already enjoyable meal even more memorable.
A Wonderful Trek for Families
Because the Tamblingan region often experiences cool temperatures, mist, and occasional rain, it’s worth bringing a lightweight rain jacket or waterproof clothing.
The trail itself is not particularly difficult, making it an excellent choice for families with children or anyone looking for a relaxed nature experience.
Our boys completed the trek without any problems and thoroughly enjoyed every part of the adventure.
An Experience We’d Happily Repeat
Looking back, this tour offered exactly what we wanted.
Beautiful rainforest.
Sacred temples.
A peaceful canoe ride.
Friendly local guides.
Wonderful scenery.
And an authentic experience far away from Bali’s busy tourist crowds.
For families wanting to introduce children to Bali’s incredible natural beauty, the Tamblingan Jungle Trekking Tour is an excellent choice.
Next time we return to Bali, our children will be older—and we’re already planning to come back and try one of Bali Jungle Trekking’s longer and more challenging adventures.
