Sekumpul Waterfall in Bali: A complete first timer’s guide

Is Sekumpul Waterfall the most beautiful waterfall in Bali? Yes, I certainly think so!

Tucked away deep in the lush jungle of north Bali you’ll find Sekumpul waterfall, one of the most impressive works of nature on the island.

When arriving at the parking in Sekumpul village, you can actually hear the water roar far away and the surroundings are just so beautiful. Birds chirping, a sea of palm trees illuminated by the morning sun and colorful butterflies everywhere.

Sekumpul Waterfall stands about 80 meters tall and is actually made up of several smaller cascades. Although not the largest waterfall in Bali, it is one of the most mesmerizing waterfalls I have ever seen and is in my mind an essential stop on any Bali itinerary.

🌟 Remember to always get insurance before you travel to Bali or anywhere else. SafetyWing is an affordable subscription travel insurance that you can purchase even after departure. Read my complete SafetyWing review here.

How to get to Sekumpul Waterfall

From north Bali

Sekumpul is easily reached from the north coast towns like Lovina and Singaraja, it will only take about an hour. Public transport in Bali is almost non-existent so you’ll either have to rent a scooter or hire a driver to take you there. Day trips from north Bali to the waterfalls usually cost somewhere between 500k and 600k.

If you drive by yourself and want to go straight to the main fall, search for Sekumpul on Google Maps and when you reach the village the parking area is easy to find. If you get lost the locals will point you in the right direction as the waterfalls are their main income.

At the entrance, there is a large banner reading “Welcome to Sekumpul”. The parking area will be on your left and from there it’s a 2/3-kilometer hike down to the main waterfall.

From Ubud or Seminyak

Even though it’s easier to get to Sekumpul Waterfall from north Bali, I’m guessing most of you will be based in either Ubud or Canggu/Seminyak. As I mentioned above we combined our visit to Sekumpul with sunrise over Pinggan Village while staying in Seminyak.

We left at 3.45 am to get there before sunrise and it was so nice to be the only ones on the road. Driving from Seminyak to Kintamani took under 2 hours while the return trip with all the traffic took more like 3-4 hours.

I definitely recommend hiring a driver so you don’t spend most of the day lost on the windy steep roads of north Bali. Trust me, driving a scooter and trying to navigate at the same time usually takes a lot longer than you’d think. We paid 1 million for a full-day tour to Sekumpul and Pinggan and I couldn’t be happier with our choice.

If you arrive later in the day and want to explore all the falls, using the Lemukih Waterfall entrance might be your best bet. The drive from south Bali is shorter and there are usually way fewer people there as it is little known.

🌟 I usually book this driver in advance >> Bali Private Car or Van Charter with Driver

Sekumpul Waterfall tour

If you don’t want to do any planning, I recommend this amazing tour that includes both Sekumpul and Banyumala, two of Bali’s absolute best and most beautiful waterfalls.

End the day with a visit to Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, a temple complex located on the shores of Lake Bratan in the mountains near Bedugul. One of the most iconic and recognizable landmarks in Bali. All three places are a must on any Bali Bucket List.

Sekumpul Waterfall practical info

Best time to visit Sekumpul Waterfall

You can visit Sekumpul all year round as there are positives and negatives with each season.

My favorite time to visit all the waterfalls in Bali, and the island in general really, is from February to April (avoiding Easter) when the two seasons overlap. This is when you get the best of both worlds!

During Bali’s rainy season from October to March, the falls are at their most powerful, but the water can sometimes be brown because of all the mud and sediment the rain carries with it. And make sure to be careful as the stairs and pathways can get quite slippery and the river you have to cross at the bottom becomes deeper this time of year.

Though not as powerful, the falls are still impressive during the dry season between May and September. It’s less humid and you’re more likely to have beautiful blue skies which make for some great photo ops. Especially in the early morning light.

But a lot of the greenery does get fried/turn brown in the warmer months so the surroundings might not appear as lush in August and September.

Sekumpul opening hours

Sekumpul Waterfall in Bali is open from 08:00 am to 07:00 pm.

We booked a driver for a half-day tour and combined our visit to Sekumpul with sunrise over Pinggan Village. I’ll talk more about the amazing Pinggan Village in the next post but because we had to be there at sunrise and continued straight to Sekumpul, we got to the falls at 7.30 am. The lady in the ticket booth just got there, so we were able to enter a bit early.

I’m very happy we arrived when we did because we had time to enjoy the area and shoot some photos in peace before the crowds started rolling in at around 9:00 am. The climb back up all the stairs is of course also much easier in the cooler morning air.

Sekumpul Waterfall entrance fee

There are three entrance fees to Sekumpul Waterfall:

• View only – 20,000 IDR per person.
• Medium trek – 125,000 IDR per person.
• Long trek – 200,000 IDR per person.

I was told that all visitors to Sekumpul Waterfall now are required to hire a guide if they want to walk past the viewpoints. This is in part for the safety of visitors, but also to support the local economy and help maintain the area.

View only

The “view only” fee is IDR 20,000 per person and allows viewing of Sekumpul waterfall only. 

Medium trek

The “medium trekking” option costs IDR 125,000 per person, which includes a guide, a donation to the local village, and visiting both Sekumpul and Hidden Waterfalls.

Long trek

The “long trekking” option costs IDR 200,000 per person and includes a guide, a donation to the local village, Sekumpul and Hidden Waterfalls, as well as the Fiji Lemukih waterfalls, which is a 30-minute hike away. 

Bottled water is also included, but please refuse this and bring your own reusable water bottle to limit the plastic waste.

How much time do you need at Sekumpul Waterfall?

How much time you need at Sekumpul Waterfall depends on which hike you want to do and the shape you’re in:

• View only – 1 hour
• Medium trek – 3-4 hours
• Long trek – 4-5 hours

Must read >> The ultimate Bali bucket list – 101 awesome things to do

The hike down to Sekumpul waterfall

The paved path to the waterfall is easy to follow from the parking area. Although it’s steep and a bit of a workout, you will be able to do it even if you’re not in the best shape.

You’ll pass several warungs on your way down, some of which offer the most amazing views from their rooftops. So definitely stop for a cold drink before you leave. Both the food and drinks here were surprisingly cheap. I had a big plate of Mie Goreng and an iced lemon tea which only cost me 40k.

After a couple of steps, there is a small path on your left from which you get the most beautiful view of the falls. That’s where I shot the photo with me in it as you can see above. If there’s already someone occupying that spot, don’t worry, there’s another viewpoint a little further down. We were lucky enough to have both viewpoints all to ourselves as we got there before 8:00 am as I mentioned above.

Once you’re satisfied with your photos, continue to the bottom of the stairs. A narrow bridge takes you across the river and from there the path to the left continues for five minutes to the main falls and the right path leads to the additional waterfalls.

Your guide will most likely take you a short distance to Hidden Waterfall, an incredible spot where lush greenery completely covers the rock face and water flows down all around you.

Keep in mind that even though there’s a bridge you will have to get your feet wet to reach the pool at the bottom of the fall. And even more river crossings are necessary if you want to explore the other waterfalls.

Fiji Lemukih Waterfall

There are also several other waterfalls to explore in the Sekumpul area, the main one being Fiji Lemukih about a 30-minute walk from Sekumpul. It is a bit smaller than Sekumpul, but still very impressive.

The waterfall is surrounded by lush jungle and there are several small pools at the bottom where you can take a dip. The water is crystal clear and very refreshing.

Lemukih Rice Fields

Complete the day with a visit to Lemukih Rice Fields, located just a few kilometers from Sekumpul Waterfall. This peaceful area is the perfect place to take a stroll and just enjoy the scenery of terraced rice fields and surrounding mountains.

You can also see local farmers at work, planting and harvesting rice. There are several small cafes and restaurants in the area where you can grab a bite to eat or a refreshing drink.

Must read >> The top 5 best beaches in Bali you shouldn’t miss!

Things to know before visiting Sekumpul

Scams to avoid

If you drive by yourself remember to avoid all the signs that say “Sekumpul Registration”. These do not actually lead to the waterfall, it is locals wanting to make some money off unaware tourists. Just look for the banner I talked about earlier.

Right after the parking area, there is a little shack where they sell guided tours, including lunch, coffee tastings, etc. The cheapest one is 100k and they go all the way up to 300k if I remember correctly.

At first, I thought these packages were mandatory and I guess that’s what they want you to think. But this is not the ticket booth, you’ll find that a lot closer to the waterfall. It’s not really a scam per se, as they will take you to the waterfall but you’ll end up paying A LOT more than you have to.

The walk down is tough on your knees

I can’t say that I’m in great shape, but I was really struggling with the walk down the path and stairs to the falls. You will feel it in your thighs and knees, but it is totally worth it once you reach the bottom.

The hike back up to the parking area wasn’t a walk in the park either. Haha, I looked like a drowned rat when I finally got back. Be sure to take your time, especially in the mid-day sun.

Safety first

The path and steps down to the bottom of Sekumpul waterfall get very slippery. So do the large rocks popular to climb up on to get the perfect photos. Please, don’t put yourself in danger to get the perfect shot.

On rainy days, the rivers you have to cross also get very powerful, so I recommend you check the weather forecast before you visit Sekumpual and any other waterfall in Bali.

Explore the surrounding area

Don’t go to north Bali to only see Sekumpul Waterfall, there are some epic viewpoints and other attractions that are definitely worth stopping by. Some of the favorite locations along the way are Strawberry Hill Lookout and the famous Handara Gates.

I also mentioned Pinggan Village and Ulun Danu Temple above, as the perfect additions to your day trip to north Bali. This is also where you’ll find many of the largest and most beautiful waterfalls, I’ll talk more about those below.

What to bring to Sekumpul Waterfall

For the best possible experiences at Sekumpul Waterfall in Bali, it’s important to come prepared with the right gear and essentials. Here are some items that I recommend bringing with you:

• Non-slip shoes – The hike to the waterfall is steep and can be quite slippery in some places, so it’s important to wear shoes with good grip and support. I wore flip-flops and it was not ideal, so I suggest closed-toe shoes like sneakers or hiking boots, alternatively hiking sandals.
• Swimsuit & lightweight towel – You’ll definitely want to take a dip in the refreshing pool at the base of the waterfall, so don’t forget to bring your swimsuit and a towel. Even if you only plan to shoot some photos, you will get wet from the powerful waterfall.
• Waterproof bag – To keep your belongings dry, I suggest bringing a waterproof bag to store your camera, phone and any other valuables. I was completely soaked after our visit, even though I didn’t get in the water.
• Waterproof & reef-safe sunscreen – Be sure to protect your skin with sunscreen, I got very sunburned on my shoulders from walking in the valley.
• Insect repellent – Mosquitoes and other bugs can be a nuisance at Sekumpul Waterfall as the valley gets very humid, so bring some insect repellent to keep them away. My legs were eaten alive, even when the sun was shining.
• Cash – There is an entrance fee to the waterfall, and you may also want to purchase snacks or souvenirs from the vendors in the area, so bring some cash with you.
• Reusable water bottle – This one if my favorite. It’s important to stay hydrated, so bring a reusable water bottle to refill throughout the day. The guided tours include water, but please say no to the plastic bottles and bring your own.

Where to stay close to Sekumpul Waterfall

If you have the time I urge you to spend a night or two in north Bali, you’ll get a completely different experience and perspective of the island. There are accommodation options for every budget.

Budget accommodation

If you are comfortable staying in a humble room, you will absolutely love the highly-rated ESA di Kubu Homestay. This is where you will experience the true warmth and hospitality of the beautiful Balinese people, away from the hustle and bustle of the south.

Dekha, the owner, is so passionate about the environment and his village, and will happily share everything with you. He will introduce you to the locals, show you around local farms, take you on walking tours to all the waterfalls around Sekumpul and even some hidden gems.

His wife, Sunny, cooks all the meals with fresh produce from the garden and local markets. You can even get the sweetest fresh fruit straight from the trees. And the WiFi is great. I mean, does it get any better? I would not have had such a great experience in north Bali if it had not been for Sunny and Dekha.

High-value accommodation

Located just a few minutes from Sekumpul Waterfall, Rostika Villa & Camping Sekumpul is one of my favorite hotels in Bali. They have done an incredible job of building up a complex with a pool and even a small waterfall in the middle of the mountainous jungle. The place is fresh, new and covered in pink and purple flowers. Every room comes with a balcony where you can watch the sunrise.

But what truly makes this place is the lovely staff that will do whatever it takes to make sure you have the best possible stay. They went above and beyond to accommodate our meal requests and help us with organizing transport.

Upscale accommodation

If you prefer to stay somewhere a bit nicer, you should check out Munduk Kupang Villa & Resto Sekumpul. This newly built hotel boasts incredible views from the entire property and a large infinity pool.

You get your own bungalow with the most comfortable bed and pillows, which can be hard to find in Bali. The staff is also super accommodating and always smiling.

Other waterfalls in north Bali worth visiting

While Sekumpul is my favorite waterfall in Bali, there are a lot more falls worth visiting close by. Banyumala is almost equally as beautiful and it does not receive as many visitors as Sekumpul, so be sure to check that out as well if you decide to go on a day trip. Others worth mentioning are NungNung and GitGit Waterfall.

A little further south you’ll find Tibumana and Tukad Cepung Waterfall which is located inside a cave. So definitely go chasing waterfalls in Bali.

Tukad Cepung is the only waterfall I do not recommend visiting as early as possible, you want that midday light to shine into the cave. You can read more about Tukad Cepung and the best waterfalls around Ubud here.

Popular Bali waterfall tours

Looking for more Bali guides?

• Don’t miss Gunung Kawi: My favorite temple in Ubud Bali
• Sunrise over Pinggan Village in Bali: An experience you can’t miss!
• Bukit Cinta in East Bali: The best sunrise viewpoint
• 29 things you should know before going to Bali!
• 17 things NOT to do in Bali: common tourist mistakes to avoid
• Best time to visit Jatiluwih Rice Terraces in Bali
• Top 11 unusual things to do in Bali!
• Tegalalang Rice Terrace Ubud swing & sunrise photo spot
• Pura Lempuyang Temple (Gates of Heaven) in East Bali: A first timer’s guide
• The Dark Side of Bali + How you can help break this tragic cycle
• Bali Budget Breakdown: How much do two weeks in Bali cost?

---

Remember to pin for later 😉