North Bali: Sekumpul Waterfalls and Ulun Danu Temple Tour

Sekumpul is the main event here: a jungle walk leading to a group of seven waterfalls rather than one easy roadside viewpoint. I like that this tour takes on the difficult driving from Kuta, Ubud, and south Bali for you, then adds two of Bali’s most photogenic temples, Ulun Danu Beratan and Taman Ayun.

I also like the small maximum group of nine and the door-to-door pickup. Drivers such as Poetra have been praised for being kind, funny, and willing to stop for photos. The drawback is clear: this can become a 10 to 12-hour day, with a steep, wet trek, a separate trekking charge, and no lunch included.

Key points to know before booking

• Seven waterfalls, not just one viewpoint: Sekumpul offers a proper hike through northern Bali, with several falls reached on foot.
• Three major stops: The day combines Sekumpul, lakeside Ulun Danu Beratan, and the royal water temple of Taman Ayun.
• A separate trekking fee applies: Medium trekking costs IDR 150,000 per person, while long trekking costs IDR 250,000 per person.
• Pickup covers much of southern Bali: Free collection is offered from Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Jimbaran, Sanur, Kerobokan, Canggu, Nusa Dua, and Ubud.
• The $22.50 price needs careful checking: Some options do not include entrance fees, while upgraded small-group and private choices do.
• The day is physically demanding: You need to be ready for stairs, climbing, and a long return drive after the waterfall walk.

Why Sekumpul makes this trip worthwhile

Northern Bali feels far removed from the beach districts. The road trip is long, but the reward is a waterfall area with several cascades spread through forested hills. Sekumpul is not a quick photo stop. You walk down, cross the area around the falls, and climb back up.

The headline promise of seven falls matters. You are not simply stepping out of an air-conditioned car, taking one picture, and leaving. The walk gives the day a sense of purpose, though the exact route depends on the trekking choice you pay for locally.

The supplied timing lists one hour at Sekumpul, but the trek itself may make that feel tight. The full tour lasts about 10 hours, and some outings have stretched to 12 hours. I would treat the one-hour stop as a rough schedule rather than a guarantee. Wear shoes with a firm grip, carry water, and expect mud or slippery footing.

A local trekking guide is additional, even if your selected package includes an English-speaking tour guide for the wider day. This is an important distinction. The driver or main guide handles transport and the temple visits, while the Sekumpul guide helps with the walking route. For the safest and least confusing experience, budget for the trekking guide rather than trying to avoid the extra fee.

The early pickup and the long road north

Pickup begins around 6:30 am. Free collection is available from Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Jimbaran, Sanur, Kerobokan, Canggu, Nusa Dua, and Ubud. Lovina, Amed, and Tulamben require an additional IDR 150,000 per person, while Candidasa carries an extra IDR 100,000 per person.

That wide pickup area is useful, but it also explains why the driving time can vary. You may collect other people or spend a while crossing south Bali before reaching the northern hills. The group is capped at nine, which is more manageable than a large coach, but it does not guarantee a private departure unless you select the private option.

The vehicle is air-conditioned, and bottled water is included. Those are modest details that matter on a hot island day. The air-conditioning gives you a chance to recover between stops, while bottled water is welcome after the waterfall hike.

One serious point is comfort breaks. A poor experience reported more than two and a half hours without a restroom stop, followed by a stop at an unclean place. That may not happen on every departure, but you should use the restroom before leaving and tell the driver early if you need a break. Do not assume the schedule includes frequent facilities.

Walking to all seven Sekumpul falls

Sekumpul asks more of you than Bali’s easier waterfall stops. The route takes you into northern Bali’s forest, down toward the falls, and back up again. The word trekking is not decorative here. If you are not used to hills or stairs, the return climb may be the hardest part of the day.

One person described stopping many times on the climb from Jimbaran, while still finding the falls worth the effort. That is useful advice for setting expectations. You do not need to race. Walk slowly, take rests, and tell your guide when you need a pause.

The medium trek costs IDR 150,000 per person. The long trek costs IDR 250,000 per person. These charges are not included in the basic tour price. The information provided does not define every difference between the two routes, so ask which route you are getting before you start and confirm the fee in advance.

A trekking guide is especially useful here. One praised guide made sure the walker stayed safe, while Poetra checked that the local guide arrangement was comfortable. That kind of practical help is more valuable than a stream of facts when the ground is steep and wet.

Bring clothing you can move in. A swimsuit or spare clothes may be sensible if you plan to get close to the water, but do not count on changing facilities unless your operator confirms them. Keep phones and cameras protected from spray, and pack a small towel if you have room.

The stop is also a test of time management. You have two temples after Sekumpul, and the vehicle still has to return south. Take enough time to enjoy the falls, but remember that lingering far beyond the planned stop can push the whole day late.

Ulun Danu Beratan and the postcard view

After the waterfall, Ulun Danu Beratan offers a sharp change of mood. The temple sits at the edge of the mountain lake, with shrines that appear to rise from or float above the water. This is one of Bali’s instantly recognizable scenes, and it earns its place on the route even if you are tired.

The visit is listed at about one hour. That gives you time for photographs and a walk around the grounds, though it is not a long temple study. The appeal here is visual: water, mountain air, and carefully shaped temple buildings make a strong contrast with the rough forest path at Sekumpul.

I would save a little energy for this stop. After the waterfall, you may be wet, muddy, or tired, but Ulun Danu is the easier place to slow down and take photographs. Your English-speaking guide can add context, though the supplied details do not identify the guide assigned to each departure.

This is also where the tour’s design makes sense. Sekumpul provides the physical adventure. Ulun Danu provides the classic Bali image. You get two very different experiences without arranging another full day of transport.

Taman Ayun, a quieter final temple stop

Taman Ayun is the final listed stop, with roughly one hour allotted. It is described as a famous UNESCO Heritage Site and a royal water temple. The complex gives the day a more formal finish after the wild setting at Sekumpul and the lake views at Ulun Danu.

The name means beautiful garden, and the temple’s surrounding grounds are part of its appeal. You can expect a calmer visit focused on courtyards, walls, and temple architecture rather than a strenuous walk. Since this comes late in the day, the one-hour stop is probably enough for a focused visit and photographs.

Taman Ayun is a good inclusion for anyone who wants more than waterfalls. A waterfall-only outing would be more direct, but this three-stop plan gives you a broader look at Bali: forest, lake temple, and royal temple grounds.

The trade-off is time. Every added temple makes the return later, especially when the pickup point is in Jimbaran, Nusa Dua, or another southern district. If you mainly want Sekumpul and dislike long days, a private car with fewer stops may suit you better.

What the $22.50 price really covers

At $22.50 per person, the basic price looks attractive for a full-day vehicle, driver, guide, pickup, and three major locations. It can be good value if you want to avoid renting a car and paying for fuel while navigating northern Bali.

But do not judge the price without checking the package. Entrance fees may only be included with the upgraded option. The tour offers a small-group choice without tickets, a small-group choice with tickets and a guide, and a private option with tickets and a guide.

The waterfall trekking fee remains separate: IDR 150,000 for the medium trek or IDR 250,000 for the long trek. Lunch is not included, and personal expenses are extra. Add those costs before comparing this tour with a private driver hired directly.

The price is strongest for solo visitors or couples who want a seat in a shared vehicle. A private tour costs more, but it gives you greater control over the pace and may be a better buy for a group that values flexibility. The supplied information does not give the private-tour price, so check the final total rather than assuming the headline rate applies.

Insurance and bottled water are included. Hotel pickup and return transfers also reduce small but annoying costs. You are paying not only for admission and transport, but for someone else to handle the northern route.

Group size, guides, and the human side of the day

The maximum group is nine people. That is small enough for a more personal vehicle and easier communication than a full-size bus. Still, pickup routes and different fitness levels can affect the pace.

The strongest praise goes to the people running the day. Poetra is specifically described as kind, funny, and attentive to comfort. Another driver stopped along the route for photographs when asked. A French-speaking driver-guide was also praised for detailed explanations and unusual kindness, though no name was provided.

Those details tell you what to ask for. If you have a preferred language, state it when booking. If you want photo stops, mention that early. If you are concerned about the hike, ask how the local trekking guide will meet you and which route is included.

The main guide and the local waterfall guide have different jobs. Make sure you understand who is included in your package. The listing says English-speaking guide service is included, but the trekking guide fee is not. That distinction can prevent an unpleasant surprise at Sekumpul.

Timing, food, and what to pack

The tour starts at 6:30 am and lasts about 10 hours, but you should leave room for a longer day. Driving from the southern resorts takes time, and one experience lasted 12 hours. Do not schedule a flight, spa appointment, or fixed dinner reservation immediately afterward.

Lunch is not included. Pack something or ask your operator how the meal stop works. The information does not name a particular restaurant, and one poor experience involved a dirty stop, so I would keep expectations modest and carry a snack.

Useful items include:

• Firm walking shoes with good grip
• Extra water beyond the included bottle
• A small towel and spare clothes
• Sun protection
• A waterproof pouch for electronics
• Cash for the trekking fee and personal expenses

Most people can take part, but that broad statement should not be confused with an easy walk. The falls require a medium or long trek, and the climb back can be tiring. If you have difficulty with steep ground, ask the provider for a clear route description before booking.

Cancellation and practical booking checks

You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund.

At booking, confirm four things: your pickup address, whether entrance fees are included, the trekking route and fee, and whether you are joining a small group or booking privately. Also confirm the final price after any pickup surcharge.

This tour is available daily, and confirmation is sent at booking. Last-minute reservations may be possible, but the stated average booking lead time is 24 days, so popular dates should not be left until the morning before.

Should you book the Sekumpul day trip?

Book it if you want Bali’s northern waterfalls but do not want to drive yourself, and if you are happy with an early start, a demanding hike, and a long return journey. The combination of seven falls, Ulun Danu Beratan, and Taman Ayun gives you a full day with real variety.

Choose the private option if you want control over stops, need a slower trekking pace, or are traveling with several people. Choose the basic shared option only after checking which tickets are excluded and adding the separate waterfall guide fee to your budget.

Skip it if you want a relaxed day, dislike steep walks, or need a precise finish time. Sekumpul is beautiful, but reaching it takes work. For the right person, the long road and sore legs are a fair price for one of northern Bali’s most memorable settings.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The scheduled duration is approximately 10 hours. The day can run longer, with one experience lasting 12 hours, so avoid making tight evening plans.

What time does pickup begin?

The stated start time is 6:30 am.

Is hotel pickup included?

Free pickup and return transfers are offered from Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Jimbaran, Sanur, Kerobokan, Canggu, Nusa Dua, and Ubud. Extra charges apply from Lovina, Amed, Tulamben, and Candidasa.

Are entrance fees included?

Entrance fees depend on the option you select. Some packages do not include tickets, while upgraded small-group and private options include entrance fees and a guide.

Is the Sekumpul trekking guide included?

No. The Sekumpul trekking guide fee is separate. The medium trek costs IDR 150,000 per person, and the long trek costs IDR 250,000 per person.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, so plan to bring money for food or carry a snack.