Bali: Sekumpul and Banyumala Waterfall Guided Trek

Sekumpul is the star here: a tall, dramatic waterfall reached by a walk through rice fields and jungle. This is not a roadside photo stop. You walk for about 30 minutes, spend roughly two hours around the falls, and get close enough for spray, photos, and a swim.

I love the combination of Sekumpul’s height and Banyumala’s wider natural pool. I also like the local guidance, especially if you are paired with Ardy, who is attentive, answers questions, and knows the waterfall area well.

The catch is the physical effort. The walk and return climbs can be moderate to challenging, the ground may be wet, and entrance fees are paid separately. If you want an easy sightseeing day, this is not the right Bali outing.

Key points before you book

• Sekumpul takes real effort: Expect about 30 minutes on foot each way, with tiring uphill sections.
• Three waterfall experiences come early: Sekumpul, Grobogan, and Fiji are part of the first stop.
• Banyumala is made for swimming: Its falls are lower and wider, with a natural pool for a refreshing break.
• Rice fields add local scenery: The route through Sekumpul village is more rewarding than a simple drive to a viewpoint.
• Transport takes much of the day: Allow eight hours, including a two-hour ride to the first waterfall and a one-hour transfer to Banyumala.
• Bring dry clothes and cash: You can get wet, and waterfall entry charges are not included in the $44 price.

Why Sekumpul is worth the work

Bali has many waterfalls, but Sekumpul earns its reputation through scale and setting. The approach leads through Sekumpul village and rice fields before you reach the falls, so the outing feels like a walk through the northern Bali countryside rather than a quick attraction visit.

The walking time is about 30 minutes, though your total effort depends on your pace and the condition of the route. The information for this tour calls the trek moderate to challenging, and that warning matters. The return sections can be tiring, especially after swimming and walking on wet ground.

At Sekumpul, plan on about two hours for the waterfall stop. You can take photos, enjoy the view, and enter the cool natural pools. The tour also includes visits to Grobogan and Fiji Waterfalls, giving you more than one angle on this part of the jungle.

One useful detail is the help with photographs. Waterfalls are awkward places for self-timer shots, and a guide can help you find a better position or frame. Ardy, one of the named guides associated with this experience, is described as attentive and professional, with a good feel for the area. If you can request him, that may be worthwhile.

You should not expect a quiet, effortless walk to a single viewpoint. The reward is greater contact with the setting, but you pay for it with steps, slippery sections, and a wet change of clothes.

The rice-field walk through Sekumpul village

The first walk is one of the best parts of the experience because it puts the waterfall in context. You pass panoramic rice fields on the way to the falls, with the guide leading you through the village route.

This section gives you a slower look at northern Bali. Instead of sitting in a vehicle until the final photo stop, you see the cultivated countryside on foot. The rice fields also provide some of the trip’s easiest photo opportunities before the more crowded visual drama of the waterfalls.

Wear proper trekking shoes, not smooth sandals. The advice to bring comfortable shoes is practical, and you should take it seriously. Wet paths and uphill sections become much harder when your footwear has poor grip.

Bring water and snacks as well. Lunch is not included, and there is no promise of a meal during the eight-hour outing. A water bottle is especially important in Bali’s heat, even though the waterfalls themselves make the air feel cooler.

Sekumpul, Grobogan, and Fiji in one stop

Sekumpul is the main attraction, but the surrounding waterfall area gives the first stop more variety. You visit Grobogan and Fiji Waterfalls as part of the same section of the day.

Sekumpul is described as the taller fall, and the setting allows you to take photos beneath the cascade. That is a memorable feature, but it also means you should assume that your shoes and clothes may get wet. Protect cameras and phones appropriately, and keep a dry change of clothes in your day bag.

Fiji is included in the waterfall visit, adding another nearby view rather than asking you to spend the whole morning looking at one cascade. The exact feel of the water and paths can vary, so follow your guide’s advice about where to stand and where swimming is suitable.

You get around two hours here. That sounds generous, but it passes quickly once you combine walking, photographs, sightseeing, and time in the water. If you are keen on pictures, tell the guide early. A guide can help keep the visit moving while still allowing time for the shots you care about.

The one-hour transfer to Banyumala

After Sekumpul, the tour includes about an hour of transfer time to Banyumala Waterfall. This is a useful chance to rest, dry off a little, and have a snack, although lunch remains your responsibility.

The long transfer is also the main tradeoff of visiting two separate waterfall areas in one day. You get more variety than on a single-site outing, but part of your eight hours is spent in the vehicle. For an experience focused on northern Bali’s waterfalls, that is a reasonable exchange. For someone who wants a short hike and maximum time in the water, it may feel less efficient.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included from a wide range of areas, including Ubud, Denpasar, Badung Regency, Gianyar, Lovina Beach, Singaraja, Gobleg, and Wanagiri. Pickup coverage is useful, but distances in Bali can make the day feel longer depending on your starting point.

You are asked to wait in your hotel lobby 10 minutes before pickup. That small bit of planning matters, since a late start could cut into your time at the falls.

Swimming at Banyumala’s natural pool

Banyumala gives the day a different finish. It is described as lower but wider than Sekumpul, with a natural pool where you can swim and cool off.

I like this contrast. Sekumpul delivers height and drama, while Banyumala offers a more relaxed water stop. After the first trek and transfer, the chance to spend free time in the pool gives the day a natural rhythm.

You need to bring swimwear and a change of clothes. Non-swimmers should not book this tour, and even confident swimmers should follow local guidance around the pool. The tour information specifically warns that you will get wet, so do not rely on wearing your only set of clothes for the ride home.

The Banyumala visit lasts about two hours, including walking, photos, sightseeing, and swimming. You are not forced to spend every minute in the water. If you prefer to stay dry, you can use the time for photographs and scenery, but the pool is a major reason to bring swimwear.

Twin Lake View adds a short final stop

The final sightseeing stop is Twin Lake View, with about 30 minutes for photos and free time. It breaks up the return drive and gives you one last view before drop-off.

This is a brief stop, not a major third attraction. Think of it as a scenic pause after two active waterfall visits. It is especially useful if you want a wide view rather than another close-up of rushing water.

Because the stop is only around half an hour, keep your expectations in proportion. You will have time for photographs and a look around, but not a long walk or extended visit.

What the $44 price really covers

At $44 per person, the tour offers solid value if you want transport, guiding, and two major waterfall areas in one day. The price includes a local guide, the trekking experience, hotel pickup and drop-off, and photo opportunities. It also includes the Twin Lake View stop.

The value improves if you are staying far from the waterfalls and would otherwise need to arrange a private driver, find the trail, and manage two separate sites yourself. A guide also helps with the route and the practical business of getting good photos in a wet setting.

There are extra costs to plan for. Entrance fees to the waterfalls are not included and must be paid on site. Lunch, snacks, drinks, and personal expenses are also outside the price, so carry enough money and bring a water bottle.

A private group is available, but the supplied information does not say that every booking is private by default. If privacy matters to you, confirm the group arrangement before paying. The live guide language is English.

The free-cancellation policy allows a full refund when you cancel at least 24 hours ahead, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms are helpful if your Bali schedule is still shifting, but they do not remove the need to check the pickup time and the separate entrance charges.

Who will enjoy this trek most

This tour suits you if you want active sightseeing, waterfalls, swimming, and a local guide in one long day. It is a good fit for people who would rather walk through rice fields than simply stop at a roadside viewpoint.

It also works well if photography matters to you. You get several waterfall settings, a rice-field approach, a natural pool, and a final lake viewpoint. A guide can help with positioning and timing, which is useful when spray, uneven ground, and other sightseers make photos tricky.

You should be reasonably comfortable walking on uneven paths and handling uphill sections. The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or back problems. Non-swimmers should also skip it, since swimming is part of the Banyumala stop and the tour involves wet conditions.

Families and older visitors need to judge the physical demands carefully. The information does not give an age limit, but the moderate-to-challenging trek is enough reason to consider fitness, balance, and comfort on slippery ground before booking.

What to pack for a wet eight-hour day

Pack light, but pack intelligently. Comfortable trekking shoes are the most important item, followed by swimwear and a dry change of clothes.

Bring a camera if you want the waterfall photos, but protect it from spray. A water bottle and snacks will keep you going because lunch is not included. You should also bring money for entrance fees and personal expenses.

A small bag is easier than a large one on the trail. Keep anything you do not want wet in a sealed pouch. The tour specifically tells you to expect wet clothing, so plan for the ride back rather than hoping the sun will dry everything quickly.

The main strengths and weaknesses

The strongest part of this experience is the variety. In one day, you get rice fields, a demanding waterfall walk, several cascades, swimming at Banyumala, and Twin Lake View. That gives the outing more substance than a single waterfall visit.

The guide service is another plus. The driver is described as kind and well organized, while Ardy receives especially strong praise for his professionalism, answers, and care during the Sekumpul section. Good guiding matters here because the route is active and the scenery is spread across several stops.

The biggest weakness is the amount of transport. A two-hour ride at the start, one hour between waterfalls, and another 30-minute transfer around the final stop mean you spend a significant portion of the day in a vehicle.

The second drawback is the physical demand. You should not treat this as a gentle nature walk. The climbs can be tiring, you may get wet, and the return journey comes after a full day outdoors.

Should you book the Sekumpul and Banyumala trek?

Book it if you want Bali waterfalls with real walking, a chance to swim, and the convenience of pickup and guiding. At $44, it is a useful package for combining two waterfall areas without arranging your own transport.

Skip it if you have back or mobility problems, do not swim, or want a slow day with little driving. Before booking, budget for entrance fees and food, request Ardy if guide choice is possible, wear shoes with grip, and keep dry clothes ready. For an active day that values scenery over comfort, this is a strong choice.

FAQ

How long does the waterfall tour last?

The experience lasts about 8 hours, including transfers, waterfall visits, the Twin Lake View stop, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included from listed areas such as Ubud, Denpasar, Badung Regency, Gianyar, Lovina Beach, Singaraja, Gobleg, and Wanagiri.

How early should I wait for pickup?

You should be waiting in your hotel lobby 10 minutes before the scheduled pickup time.

Which waterfalls are included?

The tour includes Sekumpul Waterfall, Grobogan Waterfall, Fiji Waterfall, and Banyumala Waterfall.

Is swimming included?

Swimming is included as an activity at Banyumala Waterfall, and you can also take a refreshing dip in the natural pools around Sekumpul.

Are entrance fees included in the price?

No. Entrance fees to the waterfalls must be paid on site and are not included in the $44 price.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included. You should bring snacks and water, and budget separately for food and personal expenses.

Is the tour suitable for non-swimmers?

No. The tour is listed as unsuitable for non-swimmers.

What language does the guide speak?

The live tour guide speaks English.

Can I cancel the booking for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.