Twin Lakes Bali 2026: Why This North Bali Gem is More Than a Photo Op
Searching for the best view of Twin Lakes Bali? I found it—and it’s not where you think. This 2026 update covers the shift toward slow travel in North Bali, including current trekking prices, weather hacks, and how to combine Buyan and Tamblingan into the perfect day trip.
Looking for the best view of Twin Lakes Bali? We just got back from the misty Munduk highlands to see if this iconic North Bali spot still lives up to the hype in 2026. While most people stick to the crowded southern beaches, we headed north—Bali is much more diverse, rough and vivid up in the north.
We’ve been exploring the new Singaraja-Mengwitani shortcut to find the perfect vantage point over Lake Buyan and Lake Tamblingan.
Surely we didn’t hear about the Twin Lakes viewpoint before landing in Denpasar. After four months on the island, it became our little secret, but we were ready to share. The Twin Lakes viewpoint is where the island’s raw, volcanic soul really shows.
Even though we didn’t get a perfectly clear day, the way the clouds rolled down from the peaks (now that Mount Agung is showing more activity in early 2026) added a dramatic, moody layer to the scenery that no “sunny day” photo could ever capture.
Why trust our guide? Unlike the generic AI summaries you’ll find online, we’ve actually paid the local 30k IDR parking fees, dodged the aggressive monkeys at the roadside stops, and scouted the secret free paths that most tour drivers skip.
Whether you’re here for the “Instagram swings” or a quiet sunrise, we’ve done it all and break it down in this guide. How to reach and explore the Twin Lakes Bali without the tourist traps.
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👋Toti & Ale here
London couple, 45+ countries, 300+ guides. We are full-time content creators, travelling as slowmads, spending quality time in places we love the most. We run this and several other blogs from the best places in the world. We’ve explored Bali North and Munduk Area three times, stayed overnight, and gone for day trips. The area is beautiful, vast, but so authentic, completely different from the rest of the island.
April 28, 2026 This update reflect the change in fees (all over Bali prices have gone up to 25% in 2026). The roads in North Bali are much better than before, but we still highlight routes we’ve done in 2026 that are safe and good. No AI; all road-tested.
How to get to Bali Twin Lakes Viewpoint
While the classic way is to hire a driver for the day, we decided to take the wheel ourselves. However, it isn’t easy to drive in Bali, so do it only if you are confident enough.
On our first visit to the Munduk area, in the middle of Ubud, we were caught by surprise by a violent tropical storm. I couldn’t see anything in front of me. Visibility was zero, and too many stops that delayed our arrival.
Of course, totally wet at a 5-star resort (will surprise their faces when we arrive). Anyway, we wanted the freedom to stop whenever the fog cleared, or a hidden warung caught our eye. If you’re staying in the north, as we did, self-driving is easily the best way to experience the Twin Lakes Bali at your own pace.
The Route & Road Conditions
The Twin Lakes viewpoint is located along the ridge of an ancient volcanic caldera in the Buleleng Regency, so microclimate, humidity and temporary storms are the norm. Specifically expect everything along Jalan Raya Wanagiri.
- From Munduk: It’s a short, steep climb. We found the roads well paved but narrow, with some sharp switchbacks. Avoid side roads, too dangerous.
- From South Bali (Canggu/Ubud): You’ll head north toward Bedugul. The road quality is generally good, and has improved in the last few years we’ve driven on it; it was too slippery before. However, be careful, once you pass Lake Beratan and start climbing the hill toward Wanagiri, the mist can get thick very quickly.
- The T-Junction: As you reach the top of the ridge from Bedugul, you’ll hit a major T-junction. Turn left toward Munduk. This is the “Golden Stretch” where all the best views of Lake Buyan and Lake Tamblingan are located.
2026 Self-Driving Tips for our experience:
- The T-Junction: As you reach the top of the ridge from Bedugul, you’ll hit a major T-junction. Turn left toward Munduk. This is the “Golden Stretch” where all the best views of Lake Buyan and Lake Tamblingan are located.
- Parking Fees: Most roadside viewpoints now charge a small “retribution” fee of IDR 5,000 to 10,000 for parking. Keep small notes handy.
- Brakes Check: If you’re driving a scooter in Bali, ensure your brakes are in top condition. The descent from the Twin Lakes back toward Munduk or Bedugul is steep and can be slippery when it rains (which is often). There are many “cuci motors” – Mechanics for scooters.
Pro Tip: In 2026, Google Maps is reliable and pretty much accurate for what we check. However, we love to download offline map of “North Bali” region. Signal can drop as you descend closer to the shores of Lake Tamblingan.
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Our Base: Munduk Moding Plantation
We weren’t just passing through for a day trip. We stayed at the Munduk Moding Plantation, which is arguably one of the most incredible stays in Bali.
Being based right in the coffee plantations of Munduk meant we were only a 15-minute scenic drive away from the main viewpoints. The descent from the plantation to the lakes is where we really felt the temperature. Luckily we always keep a light jacket in our scooter seat!
If you have the chance to stay here, do it—waking up above the clouds and then driving down to the lakes before the tour buses arrive from Ubud is a total game-changer.
Read our review of the Munduk Moding Plantation
We stayed two nights at the five star, all included resort in the North of Bali. Still to day, it’s one of the best hotel stay we had in our life. We had a butler for the two days, ordered floating breakfast and had an infinity pool all for us!
Best Twin Lakes Bali Viewpoints: 2026 Comparison Guide
While Ale was well aware of what we were looking for and the photos she would love as a takeaway from our first trip to Bali, I didn’t know what I had signed up for. The point is that there isn’t just one “Twin Lakes Viewpoint.”
So, somehow, I was randomly dodging potholes, looking at the ridge, to understand what she meant by a viewpoint, while all I could see was the midst. The sky cleared, and there was the best view of the two lakes of Bali.
The road along the ridge (Jalan Raya Wanagiri) is lined with dozens of different spots. Based on our self-drive exploration, we’ve categorised them into three tiers so you can decide where to pull over. Basically, not going round and round as we did.
The “Instagram Dream”: Wanagiri Hidden Hills
This is the most famous spot and where you’ll find those iconic giant swings and bird nests.
Entrance Fee: Expect to pay between IDR 100,000 and 150,000 per person (approx. $7 – $10 USD).
The Experience: It’s essentially an open-air photo studio. When we visited, the staff were incredibly helpful, literally taking our phones and directing us on how to pose.
Our Tip: Go before 10:00 AM. By midday, the “Instagram queues” can be 30 minutes long, and the fog often rolls in, turning your background into a wall of white.
The “Local Secret”: GIRI LUWIH Agro Coffee Adventure
If you want the view without the usual Instagrammer pose and fake, pretentious face, this is your spot. GIRI LUWIH It’s essentially a camping spot, but they also offer Kopi with a local roastery. From their canopy viewpoint, you’ll have a nice view of Lake Buyan.
Entrance Fee: Free (Buy a coffee for just 40,000 IDR.
The Experience: This is a simple, paved pull-off. It offers a more natural, panoramic view of Lake Buyan and Lake Tamblingan sitting side-by-side.
Why we loved it: It felt more authentic. We grabbed a black “Kopi Bali” sat by the viewpoint and enjoyed the view without anybody bothering us for photos. It was one of the quietest moments we had in Bali.
The “Spiritual View”: Pura Ulun Danu Tamblingan
We wanted a different perspective, so we drove down the steep, winding road to the shore of Lake Tamblingan.
Entrance Fee: IDR 30,000 (Sometimes when not blocked the way to the lake is free)
The Experience: Instead of looking down at the lakes, you are at the water level. The ancient stone temple is often partially submerged, and the silence here is a stark contrast to the busy road above.
What you should know: We would love to go back and hire a traditional wooden canoe for around IDR 200,000 to traverse the lake in search of the hidden forest temples.
What to expect from Twin Lakes Viewpoint Panorama?
Once you arrive at the viewpoint’s parking lot, a short 5-minute walk along a dirt trail will lead you right to the iconic Twin Lakes panorama. It’s one of the best photo spots in Bali for a reason.
As we went through the vegetation, the trees were very tall and green here, leafy and dense. We witnessed the beauty of the northern Bali lakes. The vista opens up, and the two lakes almost look like a blue crater in the middle of a green forest.
Even though the day was moody, with a grey sky, the lake water was distinctively azure from different angles, emerald.
To the left sits Lake Buyan, covering 250 acres. To the right rests Lake Tamblingan, which spreads over 190 acres. Framing the scene magnificently behind them is the tall conical peak of Mount Agung, often wreathed in clouds.
The viewpoint itself features a simple wooden platform overlooking the lakes. But plenty of space around allows you to wander and discover different perspectives.
Morning is the best time to visit to catch the area bathed in gorgeous golden sunrise light. The clouds also tend to clear up as mid-morning approaches.
The famous Twin Lakes Viewpoint: Entrance Fee
The iconic and most instagrammable place in North Bali is the official Twin Lakes viewpoint. It’s also the only place where you need to queue to get photos. Entry to the Twin Lakes Viewpoint is free. There are no tickets or fees to access the viewpoint, lakes, walking trails, or stairs leading to scenic lookout platforms. You only need to pay for transportation and parking onsite. Do note there are street vendors selling souvenirs and snacks near the parking area.
There is an open view section of the Twin Lakes viewpoint that has been customised to make it Instagram-ready. The photos above are from this section, which locals build up. You get access and assistance for 50K per person (£5, €6).
If you want to explore Lake Buyan, you must pay an entrance fee, like many other sites in Bali. This is the latest information, as we visited the island in 2023. The ticket for the Lake Buyan visit is 10K IDR.
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Twin Lakes Viewpoint Opening Times
The Twin Lakes Viewpoint area is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can visit at any time of day or night. However, for ideal visibility and photographic conditions, it is best to go during daylight hours.
Most visitors aim to see sunrise or sunset when the lighting creates stunning colours reflecting on the lake waters.
Best Time To Visit Twin Lakes Viewpoint
The best times of day for photography at Twin Lakes Viewpoint are early morning at sunrise (around 6 AM) or late afternoon nearing sunset (around 5 PM). During these golden hours, sunlight casts a beautiful, warm glow over the landscape.
Midday is also fine, but clouds can roll in, obscuring views briefly. Sunrise offers the highest chance for clear unobstructed views of the lakes and Mount Agung backdrop. The best months are April-October, during the dry season when rainfall is low.
Top things to do in the Munduk area
You are in Munduk, Northern Bali, one of the most suggestive and off-path areas of the island. While soaking in the Instagram-worthy views at the Twin Lakes Viewpoint could keep you occupied for hours, there are a few other things worth exploring in the area:
Visit Turyapada Tower
As we were driving the winding roads between Munduk and the Twin Lakes, we couldn’t help but notice a massive, futuristic structure piercing through the North Bali mist.
The Turyapada Tower is what many see as the Bali Eiffel Tower. But doesn’t look like that at all.
The tower is 115 metres tall, and is surrounded by other attractions like glass bridges, a 360-degree rotating restaurant, and even a planetarium.
Full transparency: We haven’t stepped inside yet! During our last visit, the second phase of construction (the gondola and the main tourist facilities) was still being finalised, with a full public opening slated for later in 2026.
Even from the outside, though, it completely changes the skyline of the Twin Lakes Bali.
2026 Update: If you want to be one of the first to go up, you currently have to register on the official government portal. They are strictly limiting visitors during the soft-opening phase, so don’t expect to “rock up” and get a ticket!
Take a Boat Ride
At Lake Buyan and Lake Tamblingan, you can charter local fishing boats for rides across the shimmering waters. Skim across the calm surface while snapping photos of temples dotted along the lakeshores with Mount Agung as your backdrop.
TIP: This is the best tour to enjoy a day in Northern Bali. Enjoy the hidden waterfalls and far away from the crowded place and enjoy the landscape in the nature surrounding tamblingan lake with traditional canoeing.
Visit Ulun Danu Temple
On the banks of Lake Beratan, a 30-minute drive west, lies the iconic Ulun Danu temple. You might have recognised this Bali landmark; featured on the 50,000 rupiah note, its pagodas seem to float over the serene waters. It’s one of Bali’s most photographed temples.
Hike Mount Agung
If you’re feeling adventurous, experienced guides in the area can take you on guided treks up Mount Agung. The sunrise view from the peak above the clouds is simply breathtaking (and demanding!).
Explore Local Villages
The scenic roads connecting the lakes, rice terraces and temples make for great walks or bicycle rides. Along the way, stop to chat with locals and learn about Balinese village life. Their warmth and hospitality is unparalleled.
Explore the Golden Valley Waterfalls
See the jungle come alive with a visit to Golden Valley, home to over 7 cascading waterfalls that plunge from heights of up to 50 metres into turquoise pools perfect for swimming and photography. Wade in for a refreshing dip or observe butterflies fluttering over the thundering falls.
Start a hike from Munduk Waterfalls Trekking Point
Who said that in Bali, you can’t go hiking? Away from the relaxing beaches, there is more to do. If you are staying longer in Bali, a change of scenery and activities is needed. We stayed on the island for two months (and more are yet to come) and loved the diversity.
Visiting the Munduk area you should embark on scenic hiking trails that start from the Munduk Waterfalls Trekking Point. Pass through clove and coffee plantations and local villages on routes leading to gorgeous waterfalls and vistas of the lush mountainous terrain surrounding the twin lakes region.
TIPS: Join a local on a fantastic hike through Northern Bali. This tour by GetYourGuide takes you through Bali’s northern wilderness and searches for the majestic Sekumpul Waterfalls. Visit 2 iconic temples, Ulun Danu (lakeside twin pagodas) and Taman Ayun (Bali’s foremost UNESCO Heritage Site), and enjoy a small group tour for up to 5 people. BOOK NOW.
Have a romantic picnic at Rumah Gemuk Bali
The Rumah Gemuk was a last-minute plan on our schedule while getting to our fabulous villa in Munduk. This heaven is perfect for a romantic picnic. It is also cheap, compared to what you think.
You will have many choices, from fancy dishes to quick burgers. Take a break and get a romantic setup in the garden. Soak up the romance and views at this glass-walled cafe perched right over Lake Bratan – perfect for couples.
Discover the Melanting waterfall
This peaceful 60 metre tall waterfall has a large pool at the base surrounded by impressive rock cliffs. It’s one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Bali and is actually underrated. If you like Leke Leke Waterfall, you can’t miss Melanting Waterfall.
TIPS: If you are interested in a whole-day exploration of hidden waterfalls in Bali, you should join this tour.
Marvel at the Rice Terraces Munduk
Have you thought that the most scenic rice terraces in Bali are only around Ubud? Well, you are wrong. The Munduk area scenery is insane and actually free.
Meander through the traditional village of Munduk and snap endless photos of its incredibly lush green rice terraces, stepping into the hills, backdropped by scenic valley views. For the best vistas, head up to nearby Batu Luang or Panca Yoga temples.
Visit a Coffee Plantation
Drop by local coffee plantations like Bali Pulina Agrowisata near Lake Buyan to learn all about coffee cultivation in the volcanic soil and enjoy unlimited tasters of unique Balinese brews like the exotic luwak coffee made from beans collected from wild civets.
Hidden Strawberry Garden
Pick juicy, ripe strawberries straight from unique cone-shaped gardens tucked away in the highlands. Through the curve to get to the top of the Bali twin lakes viewpoint, there is the Hidden Strawberry Garden.
Isn’t easy to spot, there isn’t much of advertising on the road, but we found scouting google map. Actually you can check our shop, with the offline Bali map, ready for the grab. There are many farms in Northern Bali, that produce and sell strawberries, and you can also buy some really cheap just on the side of the road. We have done it twice, and both times, were too sweet to resist and snap a shot.
Take photos at Bali Handara Gate
When we visited, there was a huge queue, so we skipped the classic Insta-cover of Bali, but then there was no other time to stand. Well, we passed and snapped a photo for you anyway.
Pose for iconic pictures at the famous Handara gate entrance with the lush of the mountains in the background. This photo spot is one of the most iconic on the island and is often featured in wedding photography.
TIPS: If you are short on time, join this tour, which features an entire day in Northern Bali, Handara Gate and the Lake viewpoint. BOOK THIS.
Try luwak coffee
I’ve tried it, but didn’t like it. I still don’t get my head around the fact that it’s the world’s most expensive coffee. We’ve also seen the process of visiting a local farm, attached to a roastery. The beans are collected daily.
Local civets (Luwak), mostly active through the night, chew the sweet outside part, peeling it, and defecate the beans. It’s truly a distinctive flavour.
The beans are washed so many times to take off toxins and, of course, the remaining of the Luwak digestive process, which I felt lost the true coffee flavour. Luwak coffee is unique to Bali, and if you want to get to know this island more, you have to try it at least once.
Where to stay in Munduk
After a day of exploration in Northern Bali, staying at this extraordinary resort in Bali was the most incredible experience for us. Our villa at the Munduk Moding Plantation Nature Resort came with an outdoor jacuzzi overlooking the lush rice terraces and coffee trees cloaking the mountains.
We spent two days gazing at the vista while soaking in the warm bubbles with a cup of local plantation coffee truly epitomises the Balinese highland experience.
You should book at least a night stay while in Bali, to balance yourself and explore a fantastic part of the island, not often recognized like the others. CHECK THE AMENITIES AND PRICES.
Good To Know Before You Go
To make the most of your time at Bali’s Twin Lakes Viewpoint, keep these tips in mind:
Get There Early – Arrive at sunrise (around 6 AM) to beat both the clouds and the crowds. Mornings typically offer the clearest views.
Visit on Weekdays – Weekends tend to be busier, with both tourists and locals visiting the viewpoint. For a more serene experience, go on a weekday.
Respect the Locals – While enjoying the lakes, be mindful not to disrupt the local villagers going about their daily tasks. Ask before photograph them.
Keep an eye on the Weather – Mount Agung is an active volcano and occasionally spews ash that causes the viewpoint to be closed temporarily. Check conditions before heading out.
Bring Snacks/Water – There are no shops or restaurants around the viewpoint itself, so come prepared with water and snacks. There’s nothing better than a picnic with the lakes and volcanoes as your companions!
ALSO WORTH A LOOK
For further recommendations about Bali, see this guide.
Is Canggu worth visiting? A pros and cons guide to Canggu, Bali
Is it worth visiting Bali’s Twin Lakes viewpoint?
Yes. Bali Twin Lakes viewpoint is a fantastic angle of the island, in an area away from the main sights. If you are spending about 2 weeks in Bali, you should get at least one day to explore the Twin Lakes.
So what are you waiting for? Add Bali’s magical Twin Lakes Viewpoint to your bucket list now! Its raw natural beauty and opportunities for photography, sightseeing and cultural immersion make it a must-see. Just be ready to fall in love with this hidden Instagram hotspot!
