North Bali: Sekumpul Waterfalls and Ulun Danu Temple Tour

Sekumpul is the star here: seven waterfalls tucked into North Bali’s forested hills, reached by a demanding trek after a long drive from the south. I like that this trip takes care of the awkward transport, then adds Ulun Danu Beratan and Taman Ayun, two very different temples, in one full day.

I also like the small maximum group of nine and the option of a private car. The drawback is simple: this is a long day, often around 10 hours and sometimes longer, with no lunch included and a separate trekking fee at Sekumpul.

Key points to know

• Seven waterfalls at Sekumpul: Choose a medium trek for IDR 150,000 per person or a long trek for IDR 250,000 per person.
• Three major stops: The schedule includes about one hour at Sekumpul, Ulun Danu Beratan, and Taman Ayun.
• Early 6:30 am departure: The morning start helps fit North Bali into a day from Kuta, Ubud, or nearby southern areas.
• Shared or private options: Groups are capped at nine, while a private upgrade gives you more control over the day.
• Entrance fees vary by booking choice: Some options include tickets and a guide, while the basic option does not.
• Good hotel coverage: Pickup is offered from Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Jimbaran, Sanur, Kerobokan, Canggu, Nusa Dua, and Ubud.

Why Sekumpul makes this a serious day trip

Sekumpul is not a quick roadside waterfall stop. You travel north, leave the vehicle, and walk through Bali’s wooded interior toward a group of falls rather than a single cascade. The reward is a more active and scenic outing than the usual temple-and-photo itinerary, but you need to treat the walk as the main event.

The tour description gives you about one hour at the waterfall area, though that does not tell the full story. The trek itself takes effort, and the supplied options make clear that you will pay a separate local trekking fee. The medium trek costs IDR 150,000 per person, while the long trek costs IDR 250,000 per person.

That fee matters when you compare the advertised price of $22.50. The headline price is attractive for a private vehicle, air conditioning, hotel pickup, and three major North Bali sights, but your final cost depends on the option you choose and the trekking route you take. Check carefully to see if entrance tickets are included in your selected package.

A local guide is especially useful here. One particularly positive account describes driver Poetra making sure the group was comfortable with the local waterfall guide, while another guide took care with the walking route. That is the kind of support you want on a slippery, uneven trek, even if the tour itself does not spell out every trail condition.

The long drive from Kuta, Ubud, or the south

The vehicle leaves at 6:30 am, with pickup from a broad list of southern Bali areas. Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Jimbaran, Sanur, Kerobokan, Canggu, Nusa Dua, and Ubud are included. Lovina, Amed, and Tulamben carry an extra charge of IDR 150,000 per person, while Candidasa carries an extra IDR 100,000 per person.

This wide pickup range is useful, but it also explains why the day can feel long. North Bali is a considerable distance from the southern beach areas, and the tour covers three stops before returning you to your hotel. One account describes a 12-hour day from Jimbaran, so I would not plan an evening reservation that requires you to return at a precise time.

The air-conditioned vehicle is more than a minor comfort on this route. You are likely to spend a large part of the day sitting between stops, and the vehicle gives you a place to rest before or after the hike. Bottled water is included, but lunch is not, so bring money and allow room in your day for a meal stop.

There is one practical warning worth taking seriously. One poor account describes more than two and a half hours without a comfort break, followed by a disappointing stop. That does not define every departure, but it shows why you should ask the driver early about breaks, especially if you are traveling with children or anyone who needs regular stops.

Sekumpul Waterfall: seven falls and a real walk

At Sekumpul, you are looking for seven separate waterfalls in North Bali’s forested hills. The setting is the kind of place that rewards patience: the attraction is not just a single viewpoint, but the changing views as you move toward the falls.

The walk can be the best part of the day if you enjoy active outings. One account describes stopping many times on the climb, yet still calling the waterfall worth the effort. That is useful advice in plain language: you do not need to race, and you should be honest about your fitness before selecting the longer route.

The medium and long trek prices give you a choice, but the supplied information does not define the exact distance or route for either option. Ask the local guide to explain what each trek involves before you pay. The separate trekking fee is not a small detail, since it changes both your budget and the physical demands of the morning.

Wear clothing and footwear suited to walking. The information confirms a trek, uneven effort, and the need for a local guide, but it does not promise an easy path. You should also keep your camera secure and leave room in your schedule for pauses, photos, and the return walk.

The waterfall stop is listed as one hour, which may feel short for a long trek. If you want time for the full route, photos, and a relaxed return, ask how the timing works when the day begins. A private booking may give you more flexibility, but you should confirm that with the operator rather than assume it.

Ulun Danu Beratan beside the mountain lake

After Sekumpul, the tour moves to Ulun Danu Beratan, the famous lakeside temple often seen in Bali postcards. Its shrines appear to sit over the water, giving you a very different view from the enclosed forest around Sekumpul.

This is the easier visual contrast of the day. Sekumpul asks you to walk for the scenery, while Ulun Danu gives you a compact temple visit with strong photo opportunities. The planned stop is about one hour, enough to see the main temple area and take pictures without turning the visit into a long architectural study.

The temple’s position beside the lake is its main appeal. You get mountain scenery, water, and distinctive shrines in one frame. If photography matters to you, keep this stop in mind when deciding between a shared and private tour. A private vehicle may make it easier to pause for additional pictures along the route, though no extra stops are guaranteed.

The admission fee is listed as included when that option is selected. Since the tour has several booking choices, do not assume the $22.50 price includes every ticket. Confirm the exact package before booking, particularly if you prefer to arrive without paying separate entrance fees at each site.

Taman Ayun, a calmer final temple stop

Taman Ayun is the final scheduled stop, with about one hour to explore. It gives the day a more formal temple setting after the natural drama of the waterfall and the water-side views at Ulun Danu.

The tour describes Taman Ayun as a UNESCO Heritage Site. Here, the appeal is the planned temple grounds and the chance to see another important Balinese religious complex without adding a separate day to your schedule.

The order of the day works well in broad terms. You tackle the most physical stop first, then move through two shorter temple visits. By the time you reach Taman Ayun, you may be ready for a slower walk and photographs rather than another demanding activity.

Still, this is not a temple-focused tour. You get about an hour at each main stop, and the long drive takes up much of the day. If you want extended time at Taman Ayun, detailed cultural explanations, or a slow visit with no clock pressure, a dedicated temple tour would suit you better.

What the guide and driver add

The tour includes an English-speaking guide, an air-conditioned vehicle, hotel pickup and drop-off, bottled water, and insurance. The guide can help connect the three stops, while the driver handles the route that makes self-driving to Sekumpul stressful.

Driver Poetra receives especially warm praise for being kind, funny, and attentive. One account also says the driver stopped along the way when the passenger wanted photographs. That suggests the road portion can be more than a silent transfer, though individual service will depend on the person assigned to your booking.

Another strong point is careful support at the waterfall. A guide helped one person manage the trek and watched out for safety. The local trekking guide is additional, so make sure you budget for that person even if your chosen tour package includes an English-speaking guide.

The tour allows up to nine people. That is smaller than a large coach outing and can make pickup, questions, and photo stops easier. It is not the same as having a private guide, however. If you want the day to follow your pace, select the private option with tickets and guide.

Is $22.50 good value?

At $22.50 per person, the basic price looks strong for a full-day trip with hotel pickup, transport, and three major sights. It is particularly useful if you are staying in the south and do not want to rent a vehicle or manage the long North Bali route yourself.

The price needs context. Entrance fees may depend on the option, the Sekumpul trekking guide is not included, lunch is not included, and distant pickup areas cost extra. A private tour with tickets and a guide will cost more than the lowest advertised rate, but it may be the better value if you want comfort and control over a 10-hour day.

I would compare the total price rather than the headline figure. Add the waterfall trekking fee, food, and any pickup supplement. Then ask what your selected package includes. Once those costs are clear, the tour can still be a practical way to combine three sights that would be awkward to reach independently.

Who should book this North Bali outing?

I would recommend it to you if you want a full day that mixes a proper walk with Bali’s most recognizable temple scenery. It suits people who like seeing several important places in one outing and do not mind spending much of the day in a vehicle.

It is also a good fit if you are staying in Kuta, Ubud, or another listed pickup area and want door-to-door transport. The tour removes the stress of finding Sekumpul yourself, while the small group limit keeps the outing from becoming a large bus excursion.

I would hesitate if you dislike early starts, long drives, or uncertain return times. The waterfall trek may be tiring, and the day can stretch beyond the advertised 10 hours. It is also not ideal if you want a slow temple tour, a guaranteed lunch, or a detailed schedule with frequent comfort breaks.

You should also think about the booking choice. The shared option keeps the price low, while the private option gives you a better chance of shaping the day around your pace. The trekking guide remains an important extra in either case.

Final verdict: book it for the waterfalls, not just the temples

I would book this tour if Sekumpul is your priority and you want Ulun Danu Beratan and Taman Ayun added without arranging several separate transfers. The waterfall is the demanding part, but it is also the reason this day feels different from a standard Bali temple circuit.

Before paying, confirm four things: if entrance tickets are included, which Sekumpul trek you are buying, how much the local guide costs, and how meal and comfort breaks will work. If you accept the long day and budget for the extras, this is a useful, fairly priced way to reach North Bali from the south.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The stated start time is 6:30 am.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts about 10 hours. One account describes a 12-hour day from Jimbaran, so the return time can be longer depending on the pickup area and day.

Which locations offer free pickup?

Free pickup is offered from Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Jimbaran, Sanur, Kerobokan, Canggu, Nusa Dua, and Ubud.

Is pickup available from Lovina, Amed, or Tulamben?

Yes. Pickup from Lovina, Amed, or Tulamben has an extra charge of IDR 150,000 per person.

Is pickup available from Candidasa?

Yes. Pickup from Candidasa has an extra charge of IDR 100,000 per person.

How many people can join the shared tour?

The group can have a maximum of nine travelers.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included in the tour price.

Is the Sekumpul trekking guide included?

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

Are entrance tickets included?

Entrance fees are included only when you select an option that includes them. The tour offers choices with and without entrance fees.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund.