North Bali: Sekumpul Waterfalls and Ulun Danu Temple Tour

Sekumpul Waterfalls are the star here: several tall cascades drop through northern Bali’s thick jungle, and reaching them means a real walk down steep, uneven steps. At the bottom, you can wade into cold rock pools and look up at water falling from as high as 80 meters.

I like the pairing of wild scenery and sacred places. I also like the cooler mountain air around Lake Beratan, a welcome break from the heat of Bali’s southern coast. The catch is simple: this is a long day, and the climb back from the falls can be hard work.

The best guides make a real difference. Dewa, Didik, Kadek, Alit, and Yogi are among the guides praised for safe driving, local stories, patience, and help with photos. Just be ready for extra cash for the waterfall trek and entrance fees, unless you book an option that includes them.

Key points to know before booking

• Sekumpul requires effort: Expect more than 450 steps, steep paths, uneven ground, and some walking through water.
• The waterfalls are the main event: You can reach rock pools, stand close to the falling water, and sometimes continue toward Fiji Waterfalls.
• Ulun Danu is a picture-perfect temple: Its twin pagodas sit beside Lake Beratan in cool mountain country.
• Taman Ayun adds history and ceremony: This UNESCO-listed water temple gives the day a strong cultural finish.
• The ride is comfortable but long: Pickup and drop-off are included from much of southern Bali and Ubud.
• Budget for extras: Standard small-group bookings do not include all entrance fees or the local waterfall trekking fee.

Why Sekumpul makes this North Bali tour special

Many Bali day trips stay close to the island’s southern beaches. This one takes you north into a cooler, greener part of the island, where farms, mountain roads, coffee, cacao, lemongrass, and jungle streams replace beach clubs and traffic-heavy streets.

Sekumpul means grouped together in Bahasa, a fitting name for a collection of tall waterfalls spread across the forest. The falls can reach about 80 meters, or 262 feet, and the setting feels far removed from Bali’s busy resort belt.

The attraction is not just the viewpoint. You walk down toward the water, passing local plants and rural scenery. At the bottom, you can wade in the pools and get close enough to feel spray from the cascades. Bring water shoes or sturdy sneakers. Regular sandals are a poor choice on wet stone and steep steps.

This is also the part of the day that demands the most honesty. The descent is tiring, but the return climb is tougher. One visitor described struggling with the 450-plus steps, while another noted that the trek was harder than expected. Guides such as Surya and Tom have been praised for allowing plenty of rest, helping with balance, and making sure people stay hydrated.

If you have a knee injury or limited stamina, tell the operator before departure. A patient local trekking guide can adjust the pace, but the basic route remains physically demanding. This tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, pregnant women, or people with back problems.

The drive north from Bali’s resort coast

Pickup is available from Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Jimbaran, Sanur, Kerobokan, Canggu, Nusa Dua, and Ubud. The exact time depends on your location and the other pickups, so do not plan an early afternoon appointment after the tour.

The first drive can take about two hours. That sounds long, but the air-conditioned car or SUV makes it easier, and a good guide turns the ride into part of the experience. Didik, Dewa, Alit, Frans, Ronny, and Kadek are among the drivers praised for safe roads, friendly conversation, and explanations of Balinese customs, religion, and daily life.

The quality of English can vary. Most guests describe their guides as clear and helpful, but one person reported poor communication and confusion over destinations. If a detail matters, confirm it directly and ask your guide to repeat the plan.

Roads near the falls are narrow, steep, and bendy. Several people specifically praised drivers for handling these roads carefully. In heavy rain, the journey can take longer, and the route may feel slow. That is part of the trade-off for reaching a less urban part of Bali.

Sekumpul Waterfalls: a beautiful reward for a serious climb

The waterfall visit lasts about two hours, including the guided walk. The trail leads through rural northern Bali, with views of plants used in local farming and food production. Cacao, coffee, and lemongrass are specifically part of the experience, giving you a closer look at the countryside than a quick roadside photo stop would.

The local waterfall guide is separate from the main driver-guide. This matters because the trekking guide knows the route, the steps, and the safest places to cross water. The supplied information lists a medium trek at IDR 150,000 per person and a long trek at IDR 250,000 per person. It also states that an additional IDR 150,000 trekking payment is made on-site per group, so confirm the exact charge and route when booking.

At the bottom, the pools are cold. You can swim or wade, but swimming is optional. The water, spray, and slippery rocks make a change of clothes essential. A towel and waterproof camera are also useful.

The guides are often praised for taking photos. Dewa, Tom, Coman, and others have helped visitors capture waterfall pictures, including shots in the pools. Do not let photography rush the walk, though. The falls are best enjoyed by taking a quiet pause and looking up at the cliffs and water.

Some versions of the route include Fiji Waterfalls or a nearby slide, but the supplied tour plan specifically centers on Sekumpul. Treat those additions as possible extras, not guaranteed stops.

Twin Lakes and Lake Beratan’s cool mountain air

After the falls, the route heads toward the volcanic interior. Buyan and Tamblingan form Bali’s Twin Lakes, surrounded by mountain country and forest. The stop gives you a chance to see a very different side of the island before lunch.

The itinerary allows about an hour for lunch at a local restaurant. The meal is described as a buffet lunch near Lake Beratan, at roughly 1,231 meters, or 4,039 feet, above sea level. Food is not included in the tour price, and additional drinks are also your responsibility.

This is a useful pause after the waterfall climb. The cooler air feels refreshing, and you can dry off, eat, and change clothes if needed. Bring cash, since personal purchases and meals are not covered.

Do not expect a long leisurely lunch if the waterfall trek runs late. The tour has several major stops and a long return journey. Guides generally keep the day moving, but the schedule can change with traffic, weather, and the pace of the group.

Ulun Danu Bratan and its famous twin pagodas

Ulun Danu Bratan is one of Bali’s most recognizable temples. Its shrines sit beside Lake Beratan, with the water and mountain setting creating the postcard view associated with the site.

You receive about an hour here with a guide. That is enough time to see the main temple area, take photos, and hear about Balinese religious traditions. Guides such as Adi Putra, Dewa, and Ronny have been praised for explaining the temple’s meaning instead of simply dropping people at the gate.

The cool setting makes this stop especially pleasant after the hot, wet waterfall walk. It also gives the day a different rhythm: Sekumpul is about physical effort and nature, while Ulun Danu is about design, worship, water, and mountain scenery.

Arriving early can help. One visitor reached the temple before the crowds and had better photo opportunities. Since pickup times vary, early access is not guaranteed, but your guide may plan the order around traffic and opening conditions.

Remember that this is an active religious site, not only a photo backdrop. Dress respectfully and follow local instructions. The tour description does not specify a required dress code, so ask your guide if you are unsure.

Taman Ayun, a calmer cultural finish

Taman Ayun Temple is the final major stop, with about an hour for sightseeing. It is described as Bali’s foremost UNESCO Heritage Site, and its enclosed temple grounds and layered shrine towers offer a strong contrast to the open lakeside setting at Ulun Danu.

This stop is valuable because it rounds out the day. You begin with farms and waterfalls, move through volcanic mountain country, then see two important examples of Balinese temple design. A guide can help explain the role of water, courtyards, gates, and ceremonial spaces.

Taman Ayun is also less dependent on perfect weather than Sekumpul or Lake Beratan. Rain may soften the views, but the architecture remains worth seeing. If your energy is fading by this point, the one-hour visit is manageable.

The return drive is listed at about one hour, but the total trip can run longer because of traffic, especially on the way back toward Ubud, Kuta, or the southern coast. One visitor specifically warned that returning to Ubud and Kuta on time can be difficult. Do not schedule a flight, ferry, dinner reservation, or show immediately afterward.

Is $41 good value for a 10-hour day?

At $41 per person, this is a strong value if you want several northern Bali sights without arranging a private car, driver, temple tickets, and route planning yourself. The price includes air-conditioned transport, fuel, tolls, mineral water, insurance, and an English-speaking guide. Pickup and drop-off are included from the listed areas.

The price is less all-inclusive than it first appears. Standard small-group bookings exclude entrance fees, meals, personal purchases, and the waterfall trekking fee. Prepare around IDR 150,000 for entrance costs, plus the required local trekking payment. Ask which ticket option you are buying, since some private and small-group choices include entrance fees while the standard option does not.

The small-group size is also worth checking. The activity information says a maximum of 10 participants, while the tour description says groups of up to 5. In practice, some bookings have operated with only one person, creating a private-tour feel, but you should confirm the group size and inclusions before paying.

For $41, the value is best for people who want convenience and variety. If you dislike long drives or prefer to explore one place slowly, a private day near your hotel may suit you better. If you want waterfalls, temples, mountain air, and a local guide in one day, the cost is reasonable.

What to bring for the waterfall trail

Pack for two different outings: a wet jungle walk and a temple visit in the mountains.

• Wear sturdy sneakers or water shoes. You will encounter steep, uneven steps and possible water crossings.
• Bring swimwear, a towel, and dry clothes. The pools are cold, and falling water can soak you even if you do not swim.
• Carry a light jacket for Lake Beratan and Ulun Danu.
• Use a waterproof camera or protect your phone carefully.
• Bring cash for entrance fees, trekking charges, food, drinks, and personal expenses.
• Drink water during the return climb. Mineral water is included, but extra drinks are not.

The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, pregnant women, or people with back problems. Anyone with a knee issue should consider the climb carefully and discuss it before departure.

Who should book this experience?

I would choose this tour for an active first visit to Bali, especially if you want more than beaches and temples in the south. It suits couples, small groups, solo visitors, and families with older children who can handle a long walk and steep stairs.

It is also a good match if you value a guide. The strongest part of the experience is not simply transport between sights. Guides such as Yogi, Kadek, Didik, and Dewa have helped turn the long road journey into a cultural introduction, while local trekking guides such as Surya have made the difficult route more manageable.

I would think twice if you have poor mobility, a serious knee or back problem, or limited tolerance for early starts and long car rides. The waterfall can leave you exhausted, and one person did not have enough energy to complete every temple stop.

The tour has a 4.7 rating from 431 ratings, with transport receiving especially strong marks. That fits the practical picture: the scenery is excellent, but your enjoyment depends on a safe driver, clear communication, and a guide who respects your pace.

Should you book the North Bali waterfall and temple tour?

Book it if Sekumpul Waterfalls are high on your Bali list and you want Ulun Danu and Taman Ayun added in the same day. The combination is hard to beat for variety, and the falls are worth the climb if you are reasonably fit.

Choose a private or entrance-included option if you want fewer money details on the day. Confirm the waterfall trek length, the exact fees, group size, pickup time, and whether Fiji Waterfalls is included.

My practical verdict: this is a worthwhile, active day with excellent scenery and good value, but it is not an easy sightseeing loop. Wear proper shoes, bring dry clothes, leave your evening open, and treat the 450-plus-step climb as a serious part of the adventure.

FAQ

How long does the North Bali tour last?

The tour lasts about 10 hours, including pickup, driving, the waterfall trek, lunch, temple visits, and drop-off.

What waterfalls does the tour visit?

The main scheduled waterfall stop is Sekumpul Waterfalls. Some experiences may also include Fiji Waterfalls, but that should be confirmed before booking.

How difficult is the Sekumpul trek?

The route includes steep, uneven paths and more than 450 steps according to the supplied activity information and visitor details. The climb back up can be tiring.

Can I swim at Sekumpul Waterfalls?

You can wade in the rock pools and may swim near the falls. The water is cold, so bring swimwear, a towel, and dry clothes.

Are meals included?

No. Lunch and additional drinks are not included in the standard price. A buffet lunch stop is planned near Lake Beratan.

Are entrance fees included?

Entrance fees are not included in the standard small-group option. Some private and small-group options with entrance fee inclusions are available, so check the selected option carefully.

What is the waterfall trekking fee?

The supplied information lists a medium trek at IDR 150,000 per person and a long trek at IDR 250,000 per person. It also states that an IDR 150,000 trekking payment is made on-site per group. Confirm the exact charge and route before setting out.

Where does pickup take place?

Pickup is included from accommodation in Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Jimbaran, Sanur, Kerobokan, Canggu, Nusa Dua, and Ubud. Supplemental charges apply for pickup from Candidasa, Lovina, Amed, and Tulamben.

What language does the guide speak?

The live tour guide speaks English.

Can I cancel the tour?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the activity, and no-shows, are not refunded.