Are you looking for a hidden gem in Bali that will take your breath away? Do you want to experience the thrill of hiking through lush jungles and swimming under cascading waterfalls? If yes, then you need to visit Sekumpul Waterfall, Bali's most spectacular waterfall.
Sekumpul Waterfall is a cluster of seven waterfalls that are located in a remote valley in North Bali. It is one of the most beautiful and impressive natural attractions in Bali, and a must-see for any nature lover. In this ultimate guide, we will tell you everything you need to know about Sekumpul Waterfall, including how to get there, what to expect, and how to make the most of your visit.
How to get to Sekumpul Waterfall
Sekumpul Waterfall is located in the village of Sekumpul, about 66 km from Denpasar, 76 km from Kuta, 70 km from Canggu, and 27 km from Ubud. The easiest way to get there is by scooter or car, as public transportation is limited and unreliable in this area. You can rent a scooter for around 60,000 IDR ($4) per day, or hire a car with a driver for around 600,000 IDR ($40) per day.
The drive to Sekumpul Waterfall takes about 2.5 hours from Denpasar, Kuta, or Canggu, and about 1.5 hours from Ubud. The road is mostly paved and well-marked, but it can be narrow and winding in some parts, especially as you get closer to the waterfall. You will also have to pay a small fee of 2,000 IDR ($0.14) to enter the village of Sekumpul.
Alternatively, you can join a guided tour to Sekumpul Waterfall, which will take care of the transportation, entrance fees, and local guide for you. This is a good option if you want to avoid the hassle of driving and navigating, and enjoy the company of other travelers. There are many tour operators that offer Sekumpul Waterfall tours, either as a standalone trip or as part of a larger itinerary that includes other attractions in North Bali, such as Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, or Banyumala Twin Waterfalls. A typical Sekumpul Waterfall tour costs around 800,000 IDR ($55) per person, and lasts for about 10 hours.
Sekumpul Waterfall Tour
If you decide to take a guided tour to Sekumpul Waterfall, you can expect a full-day adventure that will show you the best of North Bali. Depending on the tour operator and the itinerary, you will visit different places along the way, but the main highlight will be Sekumpul Waterfall. Here is an example of what a Sekumpul Waterfall tour might look like:
- Pick up from your hotel in the morning and drive to Sekumpul village
- Meet your local guide and pay the entrance fee of 125,000 IDR ($8.5) per person
- Hike for about 40 minutes to reach the waterfall, passing through rice fields, plantations, and forests
- Enjoy the stunning views of the waterfall from different angles and take photos
- Swim in the refreshing pools at the base of the waterfall and feel the spray of the water
- Hike back to the parking lot and have lunch at a local restaurant
- Drive to Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, a beautiful temple on the shores of Lake Beratan
- Explore the temple grounds and admire the architecture and scenery
- Drive to Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features expansive and picturesque rice fields
- Walk along the trails and learn about the traditional irrigation system and farming culture
- Drive back to your hotel and drop off in the evening
Sekumpul Waterfall Entrance Fee
If you choose to visit Sekumpul Waterfall on your own, you will have to pay an entrance fee of 125,000 IDR ($8.5) per person, which includes a local guide, parking, and donation. The local guide is mandatory, as they will show you the way to the waterfall, help you cross the streams and bridges, and share some information and stories about the area. The parking fee is 2,000 IDR ($0.14) per vehicle, and the donation fee is 20,000 IDR ($1.4) per person, which goes to the maintenance and development of the village.
You can pay the entrance fee at the ticket booth near the parking lot, where you will also meet your local guide. Make sure to bring enough cash, as there are no ATMs or card machines in the area. You can also buy some snacks and drinks at the small shops near the ticket booth, as there are no facilities near the waterfall.
Sekumpul Waterfall Hike
One of the most exciting and rewarding parts of visiting Sekumpul Waterfall is the hike to get there. The hike takes about 40 minutes one way, and covers a distance of about 3 km. The difficulty level is moderate, as the trail involves some steep stairs, slippery rocks, and narrow bridges. However, the hike is also very scenic and enjoyable, as you will pass through lush greenery, rice fields, plantations, and forests. You will also see some smaller waterfalls along the way, such as Lemukih Waterfall and Grombong Waterfall.
The hike starts from the parking lot, where you will follow your local guide along a paved road that leads to the village of Sekumpul. You will see some houses, temples, and shops along the way, and you can interact with the friendly locals and learn about their culture and lifestyle. After about 15 minutes, you will reach a fork in the road, where you will turn left and descend a series of stairs that will take you to the valley. You will then cross a wooden bridge over a river, and continue along a dirt path that follows the stream. You will see some signs that point to the waterfall, and you will also hear the sound of the water getting louder and louder.
After about 25 minutes, you will reach the first viewpoint of Sekumpul Waterfall, where you will see the magnificent sight of the seven waterfalls cascading down from a height of about 80 meters. You will be amazed by the beauty and power of nature, and you will want to take some photos and videos of this moment. You can also see some other waterfalls in the distance, such as Fiji Waterfall and Hidden Waterfall, which are part of the same valley.
If you want to get closer to the waterfall, you will have to hike for another 10 minutes, which involves crossing another bridge and walking through some shallow water. You will then reach the base of the waterfall, where you can swim in the refreshing pools and feel the spray of the water on your face. You can also explore the other waterfalls in the area, such as Fiji Waterfall and Hidden Waterfall, which are equally stunning and worth visiting.
The hike back to the parking lot takes about the same time, but it is more challenging, as you will have to climb up the stairs and walk uphill. You will also have to pay a small fee of 10,000 IDR ($0.7) to use the motorbike taxi, which will take you from the village to the parking lot. This is optional, but highly recommended, as it will save you some time and energy.
Here are some tips on how to prepare and enjoy the hike to Sekumpul Waterfall:
- Wear comfortable shoes that have good grip and can get wet, as the trail can be slippery and muddy in some parts
- Bring a change of clothes and a towel, as you will get wet from the waterfall and the stream
- Apply sunscreen and insect repellent, as the sun can be strong and the bugs can be annoying
- Bring enough water and snacks, as there are no facilities near the waterfall
- Hire a locker at the ticket booth to store your valuables, as there are no lockers near the waterfall
- Respect the nature and the locals, and do not litter or make noise
- Have fun and enjoy the adventure!
Sekumpul Waterfall Viewpoint
If you are not up for the hike, or you just want to see the waterfall from a different perspective, you can visit the Sekumpul Waterfall viewpoint, which is located on the opposite side of the valley. The viewpoint offers a panoramic view of the waterfall and the surrounding landscape, and it is a great spot to take photos and admire the scenery.
To get to the viewpoint, you will have to drive for about 10 minutes from the parking lot, and then walk for about 5 minutes along a paved road that leads to a small platform. The road is steep and narrow, so be careful and drive slowly. You will see a sign that says "Sekumpul Waterfall Viewpoint" and a small hut where you can buy some drinks and snacks. The entrance fee to the viewpoint is 10,000 IDR ($0.7) per person, which you can pay at the hut. You will then walk for a few meters to reach the platform, where you can enjoy the view and take photos.
The best time to visit the viewpoint is in the morning, when the sun is behind you and the light is perfect for photography. You will also avoid the crowds and the heat, as the viewpoint can get busy and hot in the afternoon. The viewpoint is open from 6 am to 6 pm, but it is recommended to visit before 10 am or after 4 pm for the best experience.
Here are some tips on how to enjoy the viewpoint:
- Bring a camera and a tripod, as the view is stunning and worth capturing
- Bring a zoom lens or binoculars, as the waterfall is quite far from the platform
- Bring a hat and sunglasses, as the sun can be harsh and glarey
- Bring some water and snacks, as there are no facilities near the viewpoint
- Respect the nature and the locals, and do not litter or make noise
- Have fun and enjoy the view!
Sekumpul Waterfall Swimming
One of the most fun and refreshing things to do at Sekumpul Waterfall is to swim in the pools at the base of the waterfall. The water is cool and clear, and the spray of the waterfall is invigorating and soothing. Swimming at Sekumpul Waterfall is a great way to relax and enjoy the nature, and it is also a good opportunity to take some amazing photos and videos of the waterfall.
However, swimming at Sekumpul Waterfall is not without risks and challenges. The water can be deep and strong, and the rocks can be slippery and sharp. You also have to be careful of the debris and branches that might fall from the waterfall, especially after heavy rain.
Hidden Waterfall and Fiji Waterfall
Sekumpul Waterfall is not the only waterfall in the area. There are two other waterfalls that are located in the same valley as Sekumpul Waterfall, and they are equally stunning and worth visiting. They are called Hidden Waterfall and Fiji Waterfall, and they are part of the same cluster of seven waterfalls that make up Sekumpul Waterfall.
Hidden Waterfall is a small but beautiful waterfall that is hidden behind a rock wall. It is located about 10 minutes walk from Sekumpul Waterfall, and you can reach it by following the stream and crossing a bridge. Hidden Waterfall is a nice spot to relax and enjoy the tranquility, as it is usually less crowded and quieter than Sekumpul Waterfall. You can also swim in the pool at the base of the waterfall, which is shallow and calm.
Fiji Waterfall is a large and impressive waterfall that is located about 15 minutes walk from Sekumpul Waterfall, and you can reach it by following the stream and crossing another bridge. Fiji Waterfall is a spectacular sight to behold, as it drops from a height of about 70 meters and creates a rainbow effect. You can also swim in the pool at the base of the waterfall, which is deep and powerful.
Where to stay near Sekumpul Waterfall
If you want to extend your visit to Sekumpul Waterfall and explore more of North Bali, you might want to stay near the waterfall for a night or two. There are some accommodation options near Sekumpul Waterfall, ranging from budget to luxury, that offer comfortable and cozy rooms, stunning views, and friendly service. Here are some of the best places to stay near Sekumpul Waterfall:
- Sekumpul Accommodation: This is a homestay that offers simple but clean and spacious rooms with private bathrooms, balconies, and fans. The rooms have amazing views of the waterfall and the valley, and the staff are very helpful and hospitable. The homestay also provides free breakfast, free wifi, and free parking. The price is 250,000 IDR ($17) per night for a double room.
- Sawan Villa: This is a villa that offers luxurious and modern rooms with private bathrooms, air conditioning, and flat-screen TVs. The rooms have stunning views of the waterfall and the rice fields, and the staff are very professional and attentive. The villa also provides free breakfast, free wifi, and free parking. The price is 800,000 IDR ($55) per night for a double room.
- Sekumpul BnB: This is a bed and breakfast that offers cozy and charming rooms with private bathrooms, air conditioning, and minibars. The rooms have beautiful views of the waterfall and the garden, and the staff are very friendly and helpful. The bed and breakfast also provides free breakfast, free wifi, and free parking. The price is 500,000 IDR ($34) per night for a double room.
More Bali Waterfalls
Sekumpul Waterfall is not the only waterfall in Bali that you can visit. Bali is home to many other amazing waterfalls that are worth exploring, such as:
- Aling-Aling Waterfall: This is a waterfall that is located in the village of Sambangan, about 15 km from Sekumpul Waterfall. It is a unique waterfall that has four different falls with different heights and shapes, and it is also a popular spot for cliff jumping and sliding. You can jump from heights of 5, 10, or 15 meters, or slide down a natural slide of 12 meters. The entrance fee is 125,000 IDR ($8.5) per person, which includes a local guide and equipment.
- Nungnung Waterfall: This is a waterfall that is located in the village of Nungnung, about 40 km from Sekumpul Waterfall. It is one of the most powerful and impressive waterfalls in Bali, as it drops from a height of about 50 meters and creates a loud roar. The hike to the waterfall takes about 20 minutes, and involves descending and ascending about 500 stairs. The entrance fee is 10,000 IDR ($0.7) per person.
- Tegenungan Waterfall: This is a waterfall that is located in the village of Kemenuh, about 35 km from Sekumpul Waterfall. It is one of the most accessible and popular waterfalls in Bali, as it is close to Ubud and other tourist attractions. The waterfall is about 15 meters high, and it has a large pool where you can swim and relax. The entrance fee is 15,000 IDR ($1) per person.
Conclusion
Sekumpul Waterfall is one of the most amazing and spectacular waterfalls in Bali, and a a must-see for any nature lover. In this ultimate guide, we have told you everything you need to know about Sekumpul Waterfall, including how to get there, what to expect, and how to make the most of your visit. We hope this guide helps you plan your trip and enjoy your adventure.
