Discovering the Hidden Side of North Bali with Local Friends
By –Nathan Williams
A True Local Experience
I have been trekking with Wayan and the other guides since 2013, and over the years we have developed a really solid friendship with the team. For me, this is what makes the experience so special.
It never feels like I am simply booking a tour and meeting a guide for a few hours. Every time I come back, it feels more like visiting friends who happen to know the forests and mountains of North Bali incredibly well.
The Twin Lake Jungle Hike is one of the experiences I particularly enjoy because it takes you much deeper into the natural surroundings around Lake Tamblingan and Lake Buyan.
Hiking Deep Into the Jungle
On one of our trips, we went right up the mountain and deeper into the forest. Along the way, we came across deer and an incredible number of mushrooms.
The forest was so rich and interesting that there always seemed to be something new to look at. It was not just about getting from one point to another. We could stop, explore, ask questions, and enjoy the surroundings.
The guides know the forest extremely well, so they were able to point out things that I would have completely missed if I had been hiking on my own.
Sacred Places, History, and Local Legends
Another thing I really enjoy about trekking with Wayan and the team is hearing the stories behind the places we visit.
During one of our hikes, we stopped at several historic and sacred sites. The guides shared local stories, legends, and traditions that I don’t think many visitors ever get to hear.
This made the Twin Lake Trek feel much more meaningful. You are not simply walking through a beautiful tropical forest — you are learning about the history, beliefs, and culture connected to the landscape.
Kayaking Across the Lake
On another trip, I brought some friends along, and we did something a little different. We kayaked across the lake to reach another temple.
It was such a memorable experience because we were able to combine the jungle, the lake, and the cultural side of the area in one adventure.
These are the kinds of experiences that I appreciate most about coming back to this part of Bali. There is always something different to discover.
More Than Just a Trekking Tour
After so many years of trekking with Wayan and the other guides, what I enjoy most is actually the genuine friendship and humour of the team.
We laugh a lot during the hikes, and there is always a relaxed atmosphere. At the same time, I know that the guides take the trekking seriously and know the area incredibly well.
Their local knowledge makes a huge difference. They know the trails, the forest, the sacred places, and the stories connected to the Twin Lakes.
For me, that is what makes this feel like a genuine local experience rather than just another organized tour.
What I Enjoy Most
The highlights of my experiences with Wayan and the team include:
- 🌿 Hiking deep into the tropical forest
- 🥾 Exploring the Twin Lake Jungle Hike trails
- 🦌 Seeing deer in the forest
- 🍄 Discovering many different mushrooms
- 🛕 Visiting historic and sacred sites
- 📖 Hearing local legends and stories
- 🛶 Kayaking across the lake to another temple
- 🌳 Experiencing the forest beyond the usual tourist routes
- 😂 Sharing plenty of laughs with the guides
- ❤️ Building genuine friendships with the local team
Why I Keep Coming Back
The scenery is beautiful, of course, but for me it is the people that keep bringing me back. Wayan and the team have become friends over the years, and every trek feels like another opportunity to spend time together while discovering something new.
If you want to experience the Twin Lake Jungle Hike with people who genuinely know and love the area, I would definitely recommend trekking with this team.
You get the forest, the mountains, the lakes, the temples, the stories, and the local culture — but most importantly, you get a genuine connection with the people who call this place home.
