By – MToonen
During our stay in Bali, we wanted to experience something completely different from the busy beaches and crowded tourist attractions.
Instead of spending another day surrounded by traffic and large tour groups, we decided to join the Twin Lakes Jungle Trekking tour in the beautiful Tamblingan Lake area with Bali Local Tour Guide.
It turned out to be one of the most peaceful and relaxing experiences of our holiday.
A Comfortable Morning Pickup
Our day began with a punctual pickup from our hotel in Seminyak.
Everything was well organised, and our driver greeted us warmly before beginning the journey toward the cool mountain region of Bedugul.
As we left the busy southern part of Bali behind, the scenery gradually changed into lush forests, mountain roads, and beautiful countryside.
The drive itself became part of the adventure.
A Perfect Visit to Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
Before entering the jungle, our guide suggested making a stop at the famous Ulun Danu Beratan Temple.
It turned out to be an excellent idea.
Because we arrived early in the morning, the temple was still incredibly quiet.
There were very few visitors, allowing us to fully appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and photograph one of Bali’s most iconic landmarks without large crowds.
The floating temple seemed to rise gently from the calm surface of Lake Beratan, surrounded by cool mountain air and morning mist.
It was a magical way to begin the day.
Walking Through the Ancient Rainforest
From there, we continued to Lake Tamblingan, where our jungle adventure officially began.
Our local guide welcomed us and led us into one of Bali’s last remaining tropical rainforests.
The trail was comfortable to follow, winding beneath towering trees covered with moss, hanging vines, and tropical vegetation.
The guide shared interesting information about the rainforest, local traditions, and the sacred significance of the Tamblingan area.
Although we had hoped to spot more wildlife, most of the birds stayed hidden high in the forest canopy.
We could hear their beautiful songs echoing through the jungle, even if they preferred to remain out of sight.
Rather than being disappointed, it reminded us that this is a genuine natural rainforest where wildlife lives freely in its own environment.
The peaceful silence of the forest became part of its charm.
Sacred Temples Hidden in the Jungle
One of the most unique aspects of the trek was discovering ancient temples hidden deep within the rainforest.
These centuries-old sacred sites blend naturally into the surrounding forest, creating an atmosphere unlike any temple we had visited elsewhere in Bali.
Surrounded by giant trees and untouched nature, the temples felt incredibly peaceful and spiritual.
Our guide explained their importance to the local community and the long history connecting the forests, lakes, and Balinese Hindu traditions.
These hidden temples made the walk feel much more meaningful than simply hiking through beautiful scenery.
A Relaxing Canoe Ride Across Lake Tamblingan
The highlight of the tour was crossing Lake Tamblingan in a traditional wooden canoe.
The lake was perfectly calm, reflecting the surrounding rainforest and mountains like a mirror.
As we slowly glided across the water, everything became wonderfully quiet.
There were no engines, no traffic, and almost no other tourists.
Just the gentle sound of paddles moving through the water and the peaceful atmosphere of one of Bali’s most beautiful natural areas.
It was the perfect ending to the jungle trek.
An Authentic Side of Bali
What impressed us most about this experience was how different it felt from many of Bali’s more famous attractions.
Instead of crowds, souvenir shops, and busy sightseeing locations, we discovered quiet forests, sacred temples, mountain lakes, and genuine local hospitality.
The entire experience felt natural, authentic, and refreshingly peaceful.
Highly Recommended
If you’re looking for an experience beyond Bali’s popular tourist areas, we would highly recommend the Twin Lakes Jungle Trekking tour.
The combination of visiting Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, walking through Bali’s ancient rainforest, exploring hidden jungle temples, and canoeing across the tranquil waters of Lake Tamblingan creates a truly unforgettable day.
It’s the perfect adventure for travellers who want to experience the quieter, more authentic side of Bali while enjoying some of the island’s most beautiful natural landscapes.
Sometimes, the best memories are made far away from the crowds—and this tour is proof of that.
