North Bali: Sekumpul Waterfalls and Ulun Danu Temple Tour

Waterfalls, temples, and one long Bali day. This North Bali trip brings you to seven Sekumpul falls, the postcard-ready Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, and Taman Ayun without forcing you to manage the difficult drive yourself. I especially like the hotel pickup from Kuta, Ubud, and much of south Bali, plus the small maximum group size of nine. The main catch is the hike: Sekumpul is physically demanding, and the local trekking guide fee is extra.

I also like the choice of tour styles. You can book a basic small group, add entrance tickets and a guide, or choose a private version with tickets included. The schedule can stretch beyond the advertised 10 hours, though, and one poor experience involved a long drive without a comfort stop and an unpleasant meal stop.

Key points to know before booking

• Sekumpul is the main event: The route takes you toward seven different waterfalls, but reaching the best views requires a strenuous trek.
• The local trekking fee is extra: Medium trekking costs IDR 150,000 per person, while the long trek costs IDR 250,000 per person.
• Ulun Danu is a photo stop with real atmosphere: Its shrines appear to float beside Lake Beratan, framed by Bali’s cool mountain setting.
• You get door to door transport: Pickup is offered from Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Jimbaran, Sanur, Kerobokan, Canggu, Nusa Dua, and Ubud.
• The group stays fairly small: The maximum is nine people, with private tours available as an upgrade.
• The day can run long: The official estimate is about 10 hours, but a 12 hour day is possible, especially from Jimbaran or when road conditions slow the return.

Why this North Bali day trip makes sense

North Bali is not close to the main beach districts. Sekumpul Waterfall is especially awkward to reach by rental car, with a long drive followed by a demanding walk. If you are staying in Kuta, Seminyak, Jimbaran, Sanur, Nusa Dua, Canggu, or Ubud, having a driver handle the route is a major part of the value.

The tour begins around 6:30 a.m. That early start is practical rather than glamorous. You need the day to fit in the waterfalls, two temples, and the return drive. If your pickup is from Jimbaran or another southern base, prepare for a very full day.

The advertised price is $22.50 per person, which is low for an air conditioned vehicle, hotel pickup, return transport, bottled water, insurance, and an English speaking guide. But read the price carefully. Entrance fees depend on the option you select, and the separate Sekumpul trekking guide fee is not included.

At the basic price, your savings may be smaller than expected once you add the waterfall guide and admission costs. The ticketed small group option is easier to budget. The private option costs more, but it gives you greater control over photo stops and the pace of the day.

The Sekumpul trek: beautiful, steep, and not a casual walk

Sekumpul is the reason to book this experience. The waterfall area offers seven falls, with water dropping through thick northern Bali forest. The setting is far removed from the island’s beach clubs and traffic. This is the part of the day that feels most rewarding, but it also demands the most from you.

The provided schedule allows about one hour at Sekumpul, though that should be understood as a rough estimate. Your time includes getting to the waterfall area, meeting the local trekking guide, walking down, viewing the falls, taking photographs, and climbing back up. The full experience can take longer depending on the route selected.

You have two listed trekking choices:

• Medium trek: IDR 150,000 per person
• Long trek: IDR 250,000 per person

That fee is separate from the main tour. You should confirm which route you want and exactly what is included before setting off. The longer route may offer more waterfall views, but it also means more time and greater physical effort.

The hike is not just a flat path through the trees. One account described stopping roughly 15 times on the climb back up. That gives you a useful picture of the effort involved, especially if you are not used to steep walking. You will want shoes with a firm grip, water, and enough patience to move at your own pace.

A local guide is a worthwhile expense here. One highly positive account praised the driver, Poetra, for making sure the local guide was suitable and that the visitor felt comfortable. Another account described the guide taking care during the trek. That support matters on uneven ground, particularly when the trail is wet.

The falls themselves reward the work. You can expect a powerful natural setting and excellent photo opportunities, but do not treat this as a quick roadside attraction. The waterfall portion is a real hike, not simply a viewpoint stop.

Ulun Danu Beratan and the famous floating shrines

After Sekumpul, the trip continues to Ulun Danu Beratan Temple. This is one of Bali’s most recognizable sights, thanks to the multi tiered shrines placed beside Lake Beratan. In photographs, the temple often appears to float on the water.

You receive about an hour here. That is enough to walk around the grounds, take photographs, and enjoy the mountain setting without turning the visit into a rushed photo sprint. The temple is also a useful contrast to Sekumpul. The waterfall requires physical effort and mud friendly clothing, while Ulun Danu offers a more measured visit with paved temple grounds and carefully framed views.

This stop is especially valuable if you want classic Bali images. The lake, shrines, and mountain air create a very different mood from the coast. You should still keep expectations sensible. The advertised visit is around one hour, so this is a compact temple stop rather than an extended cultural study.

Entrance admission is included only if you choose the relevant ticketed option. If you book the basic version, check the final cost before departure so the supposedly inexpensive tour does not become confusing on the day.

Taman Ayun brings the day back toward Bali’s royal past

The final major stop is Taman Ayun Temple, described as a UNESCO Heritage Site. It is associated with Bali’s royal temple tradition and gives the day a third setting: after the forest and the lake, you finish among formal temple grounds.

Again, the planned time is about one hour. That is enough for a walk around the complex and photographs, but you should not expect a long guided lesson in Balinese architecture. The English speaking guide can add context, and the guide service may be more valuable here if you want help understanding what you are seeing rather than simply moving from one photo spot to the next.

Taman Ayun helps keep the tour from becoming only a waterfall excursion. If you booked a vehicle solely for Sekumpul, you would still face a long return journey. Adding two major temples makes better use of that distance.

I would not book this trip only for Taman Ayun. It is the quieter cultural finish after the dramatic waterfall and the highly recognizable Ulun Danu. Its value comes from the combination.

Transport, timing, and the reality of a 10 hour day

The tour starts at 6:30 a.m. and lasts about 10 hours, but you should allow flexibility. Bali traffic, road conditions, the length of the trek, and your pickup location all affect the return time.

Pickup is free from:

• Kuta
• Legian
• Seminyak
• Jimbaran
• Sanur
• Kerobokan
• Canggu
• Nusa Dua
• Ubud

There are extra charges from Lovina, Amed, and Tulamben, listed at IDR 150,000 per person. Pickup from Candidasa carries an extra IDR 100,000 per person.

The air conditioned vehicle is a real benefit. Northern Bali roads can make a long day feel longer, and the drive is not the place to save a small amount if you dislike navigating unfamiliar roads. The driver can also stop for photographs when conditions allow. One positive account specifically praised the driver for stopping along the way when requested.

Still, transport quality can vary with the day. A serious complaint described more than two and a half hours without a comfort stop, followed by a stop at a dirty place for food. Lunch is not included, so you should ask about the meal plan and comfort breaks at the start.

Bring snacks, water beyond the supplied bottle, and some cash for food and local fees. That small amount of preparation can make a long road day much easier.

Small group or private tour?

The maximum group size is nine. That is not a private experience, but it is far better than being packed into a large coach. A small group also makes it easier to leave on time and communicate with the guide.

The private option is appealing if you want to spend more time at the falls, take photographs, or avoid waiting for other people on the trek. It may also suit couples and families who prefer a quieter vehicle. The extra cost needs to be weighed against the long duration and the fact that the local waterfall guide fee remains a separate issue.

The small group option offers the best value for most people. Choose the ticketed version if you want simpler budgeting and a guide included in the package. Choose the basic version only if you are comfortable checking every extra fee before the day begins.

Guides and service: a strong point, with one important distinction

The tour includes an English speaking tour guide, but the Sekumpul trekking guide is a separate local service. Do not confuse the two. The main guide handles the broader day, while the local guide supports the waterfall route.

The strongest service comments focus on warmth and flexibility. Poetra was praised for being kind, funny, and attentive to comfort. Another highly rated experience described a driver and guide who adjusted for photographs and helped with safety during the hike. A French speaking guide was also praised for detailed explanations and exceptional friendliness.

Those are useful signs, but you should still ask direct questions at pickup. Confirm:

• Which entrance fees you paid for
• Which trekking route you selected
• How much the local guide costs
• Where and when you will stop for food
• When you expect to return

The overall rating is 4.6 out of 5, with 93 percent recommending the experience. That points to a generally strong product, while the low rating highlights the exact problems to guard against: unclear inclusions, limited comfort breaks, and a day that runs longer than expected.

What to pack for the waterfall and temples

You need to pack for two very different parts of Bali. For Sekumpul, wear sturdy shoes and clothing you can move in. The trail can be tiring, and you may want a change of clothes if the walk becomes wet or muddy.

For the temples, bring clothing that respects local temple customs. The supplied information does not specify a dress code, so ask the guide if you are unsure. A small towel, sun protection, snacks, and extra water are sensible additions.

Keep your camera or phone protected during the waterfall section. The day is built around scenery, and you will likely want to stop often for photographs. The driver may accommodate photo requests during the road journey too, although safe stopping depends on the road.

Who should book this tour?

I would recommend this experience to you if you want to see North Bali but do not want to rent a car or arrange several separate rides. It suits people who value convenience, classic temple views, and a major nature stop in one day.

It is best for reasonably active visitors who can handle steep walking and a long day in a vehicle. Families and older visitors should think carefully about the trek. Most people can participate in the activity, but the waterfall route itself may still be too demanding for anyone with limited mobility or poor stamina.

You should skip it if you want a slow holiday morning, dislike long drives, or expect every cost to be included in the headline price. It is also a poor match if you want to spend several hours at each temple. The schedule gives you broad highlights, not unhurried exploration.

Is $22.50 good value?

At $22.50, the tour offers impressive transport value. Hotel pickup, a return ride, air conditioning, bottled water, insurance, and a guide would normally make the price attractive even before counting the three major stops.

The value becomes less clear after extras. Entrance fees may depend on your selected package, and the Sekumpul trekking guide costs IDR 150,000 or IDR 250,000 per person. Lunch is also on you. Before booking, compare the final ticketed price with the basic price plus every required fee.

For many people, the convenience still wins. Driving to Sekumpul yourself means dealing with the route, parking, local arrangements, and the return journey after a tiring climb. Paying for a planned transfer is reasonable here, especially from Ubud or the southern resort districts.

Final verdict: book it if you want Bali’s north in one day

I would book this tour for the combination of Sekumpul Waterfall, Ulun Danu Beratan, and Taman Ayun, especially if I were staying in Ubud or south Bali and wanted someone else to handle the road. The service record is mostly positive, with particular praise for friendly drivers, flexible photo stops, and careful support during the hike.

Choose the ticketed small group package for the clearest value. Choose private if you care strongly about pace and privacy. In either case, confirm the trekking fee, food stop, and entrance inclusions before departure.

Book it for scenery and convenience, not relaxation. If you are ready for a long day and a steep climb, this is an efficient way to see some of Bali’s most memorable northern sights.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The tour is scheduled to last approximately 10 hours, beginning at 6:30 a.m. The day can run longer, with one reported experience lasting 12 hours.

Where does hotel pickup operate?

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

Are there extra pickup charges from other areas?

Yes. Pickup from Lovina, Amed, and Tulamben costs IDR 150,000 per person. Pickup from Candidasa costs IDR 100,000 per person.

Is the Sekumpul trekking guide included?

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

Are entrance fees included?

Entrance fees are included only with the option that includes tickets. The basic tour option does not automatically include them, so check your selected package.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch and personal expenses are not included in the tour price.

What is the maximum group size?

The tour has a maximum of nine people. A private tour option is also available.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Cancellations and changes made less than 24 hours in advance are not accepted for a refund.