Sekumpul Waterfall

Sekumpul Waterfall sits in Sekumpul Village, Sawan District, in North Bali, roughly 2.5 to 3 hours from Ubud or Denpasar. It is an 80-metre waterfall tucked into a narrow river valley, with two more cascades nearby. Unlike many Bali falls that are easy to reach from the parking area, Sekumpul demands a proper trek: around 400 stone steps down a steep gorge, a river crossing, and a climb back out.

The village manages the falls through a local cooperative. Entrance fees help fund trail maintenance, guide coordination, and upkeep of the steps. The system is not perfect—unofficial checkpoints have appeared along the road in recent years, and the pricing has changed more than once—but the falls themselves are worth the effort. On a clear morning, when the light hits the ridge and all seven streams are flowing, the place is easy to understand.

Entrance fees and trek options

Sekumpul has three pricing tiers, depending on how far you want to go. The medium and long treks both include a local guide. The viewpoint option does not.

The viewpoint is a good choice if you are short on time or not keen on steep stairs. The medium trek takes you down to the valley floor, where you can swim near Sekumpul and the Hidden Waterfall. The long trek continues to Fiji Waterfall, a triple-stream cascade about 30 minutes farther up the river; some packages also include the Lemukih natural water slide.

The hike

From the parking area, the trail begins with a paved path that leads to a viewpoint over the valley. If you booked the medium or long trek, you continue past the viewpoint and start the real descent: roughly 400 steps cut into the hillside. The steps are well maintained, but they can be slippery after rain.

At the bottom, you cross a river. The water is usually knee-deep and manageable, but after heavy rain the current can turn strong and guides may stop the descent. On the far side, the path splits. Left leads to Sekumpul in about five minutes; right leads to the Hidden Waterfall and, farther on, Fiji Waterfall. The climb back up takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your pace and the heat.

Best time to visit

The dry season, from April to October, offers the most reliable trail conditions. The steps are less slippery, the river crossing is safer, and the morning light hits the falls directly between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM. It is also the busiest window, so arriving when the gates open helps you avoid the worst of the crowds.

The wet season, from November to March, makes the trail more hazardous, but the water volume is higher and all seven streams run at full force. The landscape turns lush and green, and the mist from the falls fills the valley. Some guides refuse to take visitors down after heavy rain, so it is worth checking conditions before you make the drive.

Getting there

Sekumpul is in North Bali, and the drive from the south can take most of the morning. The route passes through Tegallalang, Kintamani, and the central mountain range before dropping into Buleleng. The roads are winding in places, and morning traffic in the south can add 30 to 60 minutes to the trip.

A private driver usually costs around 500,000 to 600,000 IDR from Ubud or Lovina for a half-day trip, and 700,000 to 900,000 IDR from the south for a full day. Renting a scooter in Lovina costs about 70,000 to 100,000 IDR per day. There is no direct public transport, so most visitors combine Sekumpul with other North Bali stops such as Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, Gitgit Waterfall, or the Handara Gate.

What to bring

• Trekking shoes or trainers with good grip. The steps and river rocks are slippery, and flip-flops will not work past the viewpoint.
• A change of clothes and a towel. You will get wet at the base of the falls, and the walk back up in damp clothes is uncomfortable.
• Water. There are no shops at the bottom of the gorge. Carry at least one litre per person.
• A waterproof bag or dry bag for your phone, wallet, and camera. The mist at the base of Sekumpul is heavy enough to soak through a backpack.
• Insect repellent. Mosquitoes are active in the valley, especially during the wet season.
• Cash. The entrance booth does not accept cards, and there are no ATMs near the parking area.

Nearby attractions

Gitgit Waterfall

Gitgit is a 35-metre waterfall about 20 minutes north of Sekumpul, right off the main road. It is easier to reach than Sekumpul, with a 15-minute walk from the car park, and it draws a steady stream of tour groups. The pool at the base is deep enough for swimming, and entry is 20,000 IDR.

Ulun Danu Beratan Temple

The iconic lake temple on the shores of Lake Beratan sits about an hour south of Sekumpul, on the route back to Ubud or the south. It is one of the most photographed temples in Bali and makes a good stop on the way back. Entry is 75,000 IDR for adults.

Lovina Beach

Lovina sits on the north coast about 45 minutes from Sekumpul. It is known for early-morning dolphin tours, black-sand beaches, and a calmer atmosphere than the south. If you are staying in Lovina, Sekumpul is the closest major waterfall, and the drive takes under an hour.

Practical tips

• The guide fee is built into the medium and long trek prices. You do not need to tip separately, though 20,000 to 50,000 IDR is appreciated if the guide was helpful.
• Ignore anyone who stops you on the road before the official entrance. Drive all the way to the 'Welcome to Sekumpul' sign and pay at the booth there.
• The return climb is the hardest part. Take breaks, pace yourself, and carry more water than you think you need.
• If you are prone to knee pain, bring walking poles or expect to go slow on the way down. The steps are steep and there are 400 of them.
• The Hanging Resto and Bar near the parking area has views over the valley. It is a good spot for a drink after the hike.
• Sekumpul can be combined with Munduk, Bedugul, and the northern temples in a single full-day itinerary. Most private drivers will quote the same rate whether you visit one stop or four.