Far up in the northern regions of Bali, nestled in the arms of the Bedugul hills are seven gorgeous waterfalls that are still mostly undiscovered by the people. These seven waterfalls in a single valley are one of Bali’s best kept secrets. Sekumpul Waterfall is one of these waterfalls that I had the pleasure of seeing.
It is such an adventure to visit this waterfall because you have to first brave the long drive up north and then a moderate trek to get to the waterfall. The path snakes through rice fields and small villages before coming upon this thunderous waterfall in Bali.
This blog has all the details you need to visit Sekumpul Waterfall including timings, entry fees, how to get there and best time to visit.
Where is Sekumpul Waterfall?
Sekumpul Waterfall is one of the northern most waterfall in Bali. It is between Munduk and Lovina in north Bali. You can find the exact location on Google Maps.
How to Get to Sekumpul Waterfall
By Scooter
Renting a scooter is a popular way to get around Bali. It’s also much cheaper than any other alternative. Scooter rentals can be found throughout Bali and they cost around IDR 60,000 to IDR 80,000 (approximately USD 3.50 to USD 5.50) per day. I’ve found that longer term rentals are usually cheaper. Checkout my guide to renting a scooter in Bali so you don’t get scammed like I did.
Local taxi
For those who prefer a hassle-free journey, local taxis like Gojek or Grab are readily available in Bali. These are Ubers for Bali. You can ask for a scooter or car depending on what you prefer. Hop into one of these comfortable rides and let the driver navigate the roads while you sit back and enjoy the scenic views along the way.
Private car charter
If you prefer a more luxurious and convenient option, renting a car with a private driver is a fantastic choice. This is a great choice for people who are traveling in bigger groups. Prices for a full day rental range from IDR 800,000 to IDR 1,200,000 (approximately USD 55 – USD 85).
Directions to Sekumpul Waterfall
From Singaraja/Lovina
- Head south on Jalan Veteran: Begin your journey by heading south on Jalan Veteran, which is the main road in Singaraja.
- Continue on Jalan Raya Banjar: Stay on Jalan Veteran until you reach the intersection with Jalan Raya Banjar. Turn right onto Jalan Raya Banjar.
- Follow Jalan Raya Banjar: Continue on Jalan Raya Banjar for approximately 10 kilometers (6.2 miles). This road will take you through the countryside and provide scenic views along the way.
- Turn left onto Jalan Sekumpul: Look for a sign indicating the direction to Sekumpul Waterfall. Once you see the sign, turn left onto Jalan Sekumpul.
- Drive to the parking area: Follow Jalan Sekumpul for about 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) until you reach the parking area near the waterfall.
From Canggu/Kuta/Seminyak
- Start by heading north from Canggu towards the main road Jl. Raya Canggu.
- Continue on Jl. Raya Canggu and follow the road until you reach the main intersection with Jl. Raya Kerobokan.
- Take a left turn onto Jl. Raya Kerobokan and continue straight.
- After a while, Jl. Raya Kerobokan will merge with Jl. Raya Semer.
- Continue on Jl. Raya Semer until you reach a T-junction.
- Take a right turn onto Jl. Raya Baturiti and follow the road.
- Keep following Jl. Raya Baturiti until you reach the intersection with Jl. Raya Bedugul.
- Take a left turn onto Jl. Raya Bedugul and continue towards the village of Sekumpul.
- Once you arrive in Sekumpul village, you will find signs directing you to Sekumpul Waterfall. Follow the signs and park your vehicle in the designated parking area.
From Ubud
- Begin by heading north from Ubud on Jl. Raya Ubud.
- Continue on Jl. Raya Ubud and follow the road until you reach the junction with Jl. Raya Tegallalang.
- Take a right turn onto Jl. Raya Tegallalang and continue on this road.
- Follow Jl. Raya Tegallalang as it winds through beautiful rice terraces and scenic landscapes.
- After some time, Jl. Raya Tegallalang will merge with Jl. Raya Payangan.
- Keep following Jl. Raya Payangan until you reach the junction with Jl. Raya Tampaksiring.
- Take a left turn onto Jl. Raya Tampaksiring and continue straight.
- Continue on Jl. Raya Tampaksiring until you reach a T-junction.
- Take a right turn onto Jl. Raya Baturiti and follow the road.
- Keep following Jl. Raya Baturiti until you reach the intersection with Jl. Raya Bedugul.
- Take a left turn onto Jl. Raya Bedugul and continue towards the village of Sekumpul.
- Once you arrive in Sekumpul village, you will find signs directing you to Sekumpul Waterfall. Follow the signs and park your vehicle in the designated parking area.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Sekumpul Waterfall is during the dry season from May to September. The trek to the waterfall is easier during this time because the path is dry. The water levels of the waterfall are also lower, making it easier and safer to swim in the pool below. During the rainy season the waterfall has too much force for you to swim directly beneath the waterfall and it’s easier to get hurt. Going in April might be the best bet because the waterfall still has a lot of water but the rains have stopped for the year.
Entry Fee and Timings
The waterfall is open from morning till late afternoon everyday. The best time to arrive is during the morning so you have enough time to do the three hour trek to all three waterfalls .
CAUTION: A lot of scams have come up in this area where you will see a counter set up on the road with the words ‘Registration for Sekumpul and Fiji Waterfall’. These guys try to stop you in the middle of the road and then force you to pay money for a fake registration. They try to sell guided tours for half a million IDR by telling you that it’s dangerous to trek alone. They have even printed fake tickets to seem more legit. The best thing to do is ignore them and keep driving. Don’t even look them in the eye.
You have the option of buying one of the three tickets at the official ticket counter. I recommend doing the longest trek because you get to see all three waterfalls and have a good day of sweating and exercising. The guided treks also support the local economy. The people in Bali have been devastated by covid and this gives them some income. You get one of three wrist bands depending upon which ticket you choose and this wristband is scanned at multiple points during the trek.
Viewpoint only – IDR 20,000
This is if you only want to go to the viewpoint at the top, click some pictures and then come back. The viewpoint is one third of the way of the entire trek to the base of the waterfall.
Short Trek – IDR 125,000
This trek includes a local guide and a trek to Sekumpul Waterfall and Hidden Waterfall beyond it.
Long Trek – IDR 200,000
In this trek the guide takes you to Sekumpul Waterfall, HIdden Waterfall and also Fiji Waterfall. This is a strenuous trek with lots of climbing up and down.
Experience at Sekumpul Waterfall
Walk to viewpoint
Since I loved trekking in cool mysterious jungles and getting sweaty I chose the long trek that visited all three waterfalls. We first went to the viewpoint which took about 10 minutes. This walk is through some small villages and very easy. The viewpoint of the waterfalls from the top is magnificent!
Hike to main waterfall
After the viewpoint we started descending down a steep set of stairs for some time before getting to the base of the valley. Just before getting down to the base there is a board which points right to Grebong Waterfall – another name for Sekumpul – and points to the left for Fiji Waterfall. First we went to the main Sekumpul Waterfall. The stream flowing through the valley comes from the waterfall so we started following it up. At some point here you have to get in the water and wade through it to continue going up. For this reason I recommend wearing water shoes.
Arrival at main waterfall
After a 30 minute hike you finally arrive at the base of the waterfall. It is incredible to see this 80 meter tall thundering force crashing onto the rocks just a few steps in front of you. You are going to get completely wet within a second from the mist flowing off the rocks. I got into my bikini at this point to wade into the pool beneath and get some pictures.
Hidden Waterfall
After I was finished at the main waterfall the guide took us to Hidden Waterfall which was close by. This waterfall is a further 10 minute hike up river. It’s a pretty single cascade of waterfall, falling down between the moss hugging the rocks. The pool is quieter and calmer. I liked this one much more than the last one. It felt like I had jumped into a studio Ghibli movie.
Fiji Waterfall
After that we made our way back to the sign that said Fiji Waterfall and went to the left this time. It takes 15 minutes to get here from the main waterfall. It has three large streams of water falling down from 3 sides with a pool in the middle. We sat here and enjoyed the peace and quiet of the forest.
After that we made our way back to the parking lot where we started. In total it took us about 3 hours to do the entire trek.
Things to Carry
- Backpack: I packed a sturdy backpack to carry all my essentials for the day like sunscreen etc.
- Water Bottle: I made sure to bring a reusable water bottle. I filled it up before leaving and added some electrolytes as well.
- Snacks: I had some nuts in my bag cause it’s always fun to eat those.
- Swimwear: Since swimming was allowed at the waterfall, I wore my bikini underneath my clothes.
- Towel: To dry off after swimming and to sit on while enjoying the mesmerizing views, I was carrying my quick-drying travel towel.
- Insect Repellent: To ward off any unwanted mosquito or insect encounters, I was wearing a little bit of mosquito repellant though there weren’t that many during the day.
- Sunscreen: Definitely had this one before leaving the hotel.
- Water shoes: I wore my water shoes for the trek. I love these because they are great for walking on slippery rocks, in the water and even on dry land.
- Camera: This is a great place to get some amazing shots and you should def carry your camera with you. 📸
Can You Swim at Sekumpul Waterfall?
Yes, you can swim at all three waterfalls – Sekumpul, Hidden and Fiji.
Is Sekumpul Waterfall Appropriate For Small Kids?
No. The trek is a little sketchy at some parts with lots of mud and wading through the river. If your kids like this then sure go for it but if they are too small or don’t like being dirty then they might not enjoy this one.
Places to Stay in Lovina
Luxury: Villa Cantik Lovina
This is a stunning beachfront villa with breathtaking views of the ocean. They have spacious and elegantly decorated rooms. The villa has top-notch amenities, including a private pool, spa services, and a beachside bar. You can take a walk in the lush tropical gardens or along the pristine beach.
- Price: From $165 USD.
- Booking.com link
Mid-level: 1000 Dream Bungalow
For those seeking a comfortable and affordable stay without compromising on quality, 1000 Dream Bungalow is an excellent choice. The rooms are decorated with traditional Balinese elements, creating a cozy and inviting vibe. You can relax by the pool, or try some local cuisine at the on-site restaurant. The friendly staff at 1000 Dream Bungalow will ensure your stay is pleasant and memorable.
- Price: From $85 USD.
- Booking.com link
Budget: Rini Hotel
Traveling on a budget? Look no further than Rini Hotel, which has affordable accommodation without compromising on comfort. It is situated in a convenient location, close to Lovina’s attractions. The cozy and well-maintained rooms are great for a comfortable stay, ensuring you have a good night’s sleep after daily adventures.
- Price: From $20 USD.
- Booking.com link
Things To Do Near Sekumpul Waterfall
Dolphin Watching
The beautiful untouched ocean at the north of Bali is home to huge pods of dolphins that visit the shores near Lovina daily. You can take a dolphin watching sunrise tour to see them.
Just a short drive away is the majestic Pura Ulun Danu Bratan. It is a pretty water temple on the shores of Lake Bratan. You can explore the temple, and learn more about Balinese culture here.
Jungle ATV Adventure
This is for the daredevils that prefer adrenaline to sightseeing! You can ride an ATV through the jungle trails near Sekumpul Waterfall. The trails have rugged terrain and muddy paths for a fun filled adventure.
This is located in Bali’s Lemukih village. The Lemukih Water Slide offers an adrenaline-pumping experience with its long and winding path. You will enjoy views of blooming green forest as you slide down. A lot of people come here after checking out the waterfalls.
Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
The Jatiluwih Rice Terraces in Bali, a UNESCO World Heritage site, have been visited by people for a long time.These terraces showcase traditional Balinese agricultural practices that are now being preserved. Nature lovers, photographers, and hikers should visit these for a unique experience.
Waterfalls Near Sekumpul Waterfall
Aling-Aling Waterfall
A short distance away from Sekumpul, Aling-Aling Waterfall has many cascades and natural swimming pools. The main waterfall is 35 meters high, while there are other smaller falls that dot the area. You can dive into the refreshing waters from a Tarzan swing or slide down natural rock slides, making it a popular spot for adventure seekers.
This iconic waterfall is one of Bali’s most famous. Surrounded by hills dotted with green trees, Gitgit Waterfall has a height of 40 meters. The thundering crash of water creates a mesmerizing sight. It is a waterfall that should not be missed!
Tour Options in Lovina
North Bali: Sunrise Tour with Dolphins, Waterfalls & Temples
Witness the beautiful dolphin at Lovina in Bali then see the natural wonders of Bali with visits to breathtaking waterfalls and ancient temples.
Private Sekumpul Waterfall Hiking Tour
Embark on a thrilling adventure to Sekumpul Waterfall, considered one of Bali’s most majestic waterfalls. Trek through lush jungles, crossing rivers and discover the landscapes of Bali.
Banyumala Waterfall Trek, Bedugul and Lake Beratan Tour
Discover the beauty of Banyumala Waterfall, immerse yourself in the tranquility of Lake Beratan, and explore the iconic Ulun Danu Temple, a floating temple dedicated to the goddess of water.
Jatiluwih (UNESCO Site) 2-Hour E-Bike Cycling Tour
Embark on an e-bike adventure through Jatiluwih, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its stunning rice terraces and learn about the traditional rice cultivation methods in Balinese agriculture.
Conclusion
The entire trek to all three waterfalls at Sekumpul Waterfall was one of my favorite adventures in Bali. Other waterfalls near Ubud have become too overcrowded and don’t have any mystery anymore. This waterfall, though, is amazing and so quiet. I would love for everyone to be able to visit this!
Checkout Other Bali posts
Bukit Cinta: Best Bali Viewpoint for Mount Agung
Batu Bolong Beach: Best Surf Beach in Bali
Nunggalan Beach: A White Sand Heaven
