Sekumpul waterfall in Bali is an absolutely stunner. Plus, when you get there, there isn’t just one waterfall to behold. No, you can easily combine your short hike with both the neighbouring Fij waterfall and Grombon waterfall. Since quite a few tourists visit, there are a few tourist traps that you should know about before visiting.
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Why Should You Hike Sekumpul Waterfall?
For one, Sekumpul waterfall is often referred to as THE most beautiful waterfall in all of Bali. (I personally think it’s pretty head to head with the relatively nearby Twin Waterfalls.)
Plus, Sekumpul is actually made up of multiple waterfalls (I read anything of six to eight). Hence the name because sekumpul means “collection” or “group”.
The waterfalls are coming down some seriously high and steep cliffs. As there are multiple the heights differ. The biggest Sekumpul waterfall height among them is 80 metres (262 feet). No wonder it is called Niagara Sekumpul.
The hike itself is somewhat challenging (especially if you hate stairs or aren’t a fan of heights or wobbly bridges) but incredibly scenic.
Imagine lush tropical forests rising around you, small streams of water bubbling down below, tiny falls coming up everywhere, birds singing, flower blooming… you get the idea. It’s paradise! AND you can take a dip in the wonderfully cool waters and stand underneath the falls.
Read this too: Get the free Checklist for Bali’s Best 25 Waterfalls
Where is the Sekumpul Waterfall Location?
The falls are located next to Sekumpul Village in the North of Bali and can be combined on a trip from South Bali up North to Lovina Beach, for instance. From the famous water temple Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, it takes roughly forty minutes to get there.
You can use GoogleMaps to guide you on the Sekumpul waterfall map, which is handy when you are on your scooter and can just plug in your earphones for the GPS directions.
However, for this you would need access to wifi, so better pack your portable hotspot if you have one. (You can check out the one I am using worldwide here.)
For a better view of the actual hiking trails (Google isn’t very good there), I used the free app maps.me. Download your Bali map in advance so you can use it offline too.
Sekumpul Waterfall – How to Get There
We did a day trip from Canggu to Lovina Beach and back down and included Sekumpul waterfall into our Bali trip itinerary as a short but worthwhile detour. From Lovina Beach, it takes roughly an hour to reach the waterfall entrance.
One important thing you should know is that there are two entrances. The main entrance only allows you to visit one waterfall and charges you two again at the entrance of the other waterfall.
[su_gmap width=”640″ address=”Sekumpul Waterfall “]However, if you take the lesser known southern entrance (near Warung Fij), you can simply show the ticket you already have.
To the right of the southern entrance, you can find the small Grombon waterfall and its equally small pool. There is a great view over the lush forest down below.
From there, you walk down for 15 minutes (up it takes much longer as it’s very steep) before the path splits. Leading to the right, you can follow the trail towards Sekumpul waterfall.
Taking the left trail (show your ticket), you will reach Fiji waterfall after crossing a bridge and following the small river.
Address: Sekumpul, Sawan, Lemukih, Sawan, Kabupaten Buleleng, Bali 81171
Read this too: Basically no other tourists: Visit Sing Sing Waterfall in South Bali
Should You Do a Sekumpul Waterfall Tour?
You can get local guides to drive you to the waterfall and other sights. Many taxi companies offer these and you can just whatsapp them. Find them through recommendation of your hotel or airbnb or ask in one of the many Bali facebook groups.
However, if you really are just staying for a short time in Bali, it’s best to have everything done for you. The research, the trip organising, the local guide, the driving, etc…
It all takes up so much time and driving in Bali is a bit of a challenge (and especially in the mountains and down the super narrow and bumpy roads to the falls.)
- Sunrise, Rice Fields & Sekumpul Waterfall Full-Day Excursion – This tour is really packed with the most scenic places you can cover in the region. Start the day with a sunrise hike over Mt Batur, then take classic selfies at the endless rows of rice terraces at Singaraja and end the day with a swim beneath Sekumpul Waterfall. Secure your spot here.
- Private Sekumpul Waterfall Hiking Tour – This tour is perfect if you want to cover the main sights in the region. It not only includes Sekumpul but also Pura Ulun Danu Beratan. Plus, you get to learn about and taste the “cat poop” (kopi luwak) coffee.
Please ask questions to make up your own mind about the ethicalness of the kopi luwak practice and whether supporting it buying a drinking sample or beans. I found two different providers for this tour. This one is a third of the price. However, if it’s already sold out, you can book the other tour here.
Tourradar for instance offers a 13 day package to the best highlights, not just the Sekumpul waterfalls. It will also take you to Tanah Lot, Lovina, the Mt Batu crater, Tirtagangga Palace and famous rice terraces, to name just a few. Accommodation part of the trip as well. Check availability here as such trips are booked out like crazy during peak season. (Especially for Easter, July, August and December.) Viator offers multiple day trips from various popular locations and with other highly sought after nearby attractions. Here is an overview of the private tours:
- From Ubud: Sekumpul Waterfall and Ulun Danu Temple (10h)– from $55
- From Denpasar: Sekumpul Waterfall (10h)– from $50
- From Buleleng: Sekumpul Waterfall (8h)– from $52.53
- From Ubud / Kuta / Seminyak / Sanur: Sunrise at Kintamani, Lemukih Rice Field and Sekumpul Waterfall (1 day) – from $99
Can You Visit Sekumpul Waterfall Without a Guide?
We organised our trip by ourselves and had no problem finding the falls and doing the hikes. The trails are well laid out. However, if you prefer guided tours so you have the utmost comfort, you should totally go for it. This way, you don’t have to organise your scooter or car, figure out the directions, etc.
As it can get pretty wet around the waterfalls, hiking during dry season is a great idea so you can reach them much easier and safer. During wet season, you should better come with a guide who can help you out with the Sekumpul waterfall trekking.
How Long Does it Take to Hike Sekumpul Waterfall?
I would say getting to the waterfall from the parking to the entrance and all the way to Sekumpul took between 30 to 60 minutes. That depends on how often you stop for views and photos (and air if you are out of shape like me.)
Getting up takes longer because it is a steep climb.
How’s the Sekumpul Waterfall Weather Typically?
Bali being blessed with tropical climate year round, you can expect warm to mild temperatures whenever you visit.
However, even though the temperatures alongside Lovina Beach were hot, once we got down to the waterfall, it cooled down quite a bit. (That’s what tropical forests and fresh waterfalls can do.)
There are two seasons in Bali, dry season (March to October) and rainy season. These affect the Sekumpul waterfalls in such a way that the two main waterfalls will look quite different.
The left one remains clear as it receives water from the mountains. While the right waterfall becomes murky as it is a river fall. You can get a private trekking tour here.
Read this too: Why You Shouldn’t Visit During Nyepi
What to Pack for Sekumpul Waterfall
As the Sekumpul waterfall hike follows steep and slippery steps down and you need to climb even more slippery rocks to get to the waterfall and pools, you need good footwear.
Ideally, you have close toed, breathable hiking shoes suited for a tropical adventure. (Check out these quick dry aqua shoes.) No need to hurt your toes on the rocks.
If you are a photographer, be warned that your equipment will easily get wet. The spray from the falls is severe. So definitely pack a rain poncho, protective filter, a lens cleaning set or maybe even a special waterproof camera bag.
The Sekumpul waterfalls basically call for an action camera like GoPro or Apeman. Drones are only allowed at Grombon waterfall. It will be hard to stabilise a regular tripod, so opt for a more durable and bendable Joby gorilla pod.
Read this too: What to Pack for Bali as a Woman
You need to pay the entrance fee in cash, so be sure to have enough on you. (We paid 20,000 IDR as a “group discount” but the friend who brought us here said he paid the same amount going solo the time prior.)
Also, in case you didn’t bring enough water or snacks with you, there is a small kiosk at the entrance also.
For this, you should have enough spare change too. If you are really keen on trying the waterfall and fresh spring water, use a reliable filter like Lifestraw. Don’t just do it without it.
Read this too: How to Prevent Bali Belly
Should you want to swim, come wearing your swimwear underneath your clothes. This way you can just undress right there and then and jump right in.
Bring a quick dry towel too to keep in your waterproof backpack for afterwards. (Maybe even lock the bag in case you are afraid of opportunist tourists nicking your wallet.)
Is a Day Trip to the Sekumpul Waterfalls Worth It?
Absolutely! If you are in the area and want to visit Ulun Danu Beratan Temple as well, it makes for a great detour. Driving all the way from further out destinations, such as Ubud, Canggu or Seminyak, JUST and only to see the Sekumpul falls isn’t worth it.
That’s why the tours I’ve mentioned also included visits to other nearby falls or the Danu Beratan Temple. The entire region is just too beautiful to no explore. Block out a day and start travelling North Bali!
Read next:
- Finding the lesser known SIng Sing Waterfall in Bali
- Where to Find the Best Canggu Restaurants in 2018
- What to Pack for Bali – Female Vacation Edition
- Bali Day of Silence – What you Need to Know about Nyepi
- My Bali Holiday ATM Scam Story
- A (Funny) Bali Accommodation Horror Story
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Surabaya says
Sekumpul Waterfall is A must see part of your trip to northern Bali. There is a long walk to the falls but you get to enjoy a swim at the base of it which is brilliant. Stop for a moment here and take in the incredible surroundings – lush green forest/jungle on one side with a 2 huge cacades of water belting down beside while you rest in beautiful cool water.
Annemarie says
Totally agree. Sekumpul is really worth a visit and super scenic.