Sekumpul Waterfall
Sekumpul, in north Bali near Singaraja, is regularly called the most beautiful waterfall on the island, and the description holds up. *Sekumpul* means "a group", and that is the point: rather than one fall, a cluster of six or seven ribbons drop from a high ring of cliff into a green amphitheatre, with the largest around 80 m.
The effort is real. From the road it is a long descent — several hundred concrete steps, then an unpaved path and at least one river crossing to reach the base of the main falls. Getting down takes 30–45 minutes; coming back up takes longer and is genuinely hard work in humidity. A second fall, Fiji (or Hidden Waterfall), sits nearby and is usually included.
The thing to plan for is the fee situation. Sekumpul has a history of confusing charges: an entrance fee, then locals along the route presenting themselves as compulsory guides at additional cost. It has become more organised, with an official ticket that bundles a guide, but you should still expect to be approached. Buy at the official post, establish the total before you start walking, and be politely firm with anyone else.
It is roughly 2–2.5 hours from Ubud, which makes it a committed day. Go in the morning, and consider the wet season, when the falls are at full volume — though the paths are then slick and the crossings stronger.
Travel tips for Sekumpul Waterfall
- Establish the full price at the official ticket post before you walk. Additional "compulsory guides" appearing on the path are a long-standing issue here.
- It is a hard climb back up. Several hundred steps in humidity — not suitable for anyone with knee or heart problems.
- Shoes you can soak. There is at least one river crossing and the path is mud after rain.
- Go in the morning and allow 2.5–3 hours on site, plus 2–2.5 hours' drive each way from Ubud.
- Wet season means more water but slippery paths and stronger crossings — a genuine trade-off.
- Combine with Munduk or Lovina, both within about an hour, rather than driving back to Ubud the same day.
Popular tours here
- North Bali Waterfalls & Lakes Tour
- Bali Private Day Tour with Driver & Guide
Frequently asked questions
Is Sekumpul the best waterfall in Bali?
It is widely rated as such — a cluster of six or seven falls dropping into a jungle amphitheatre, with the largest around 80 m.
How hard is the walk to Sekumpul?
Demanding — several hundred steps down, an unpaved path and at least one river crossing, with a hard 30 to 45 minute climb back up in humidity.
Do you need a guide at Sekumpul?
The official ticket now bundles one, but the site has a history of additional people presenting themselves as compulsory guides, so settle the total price at the official post first.
How far is Sekumpul from Ubud?
About 2 to 2.5 hours each way, which makes it a full committed day.
When is the best time to visit Sekumpul?
Morning for light and quiet; the wet season brings far more water but slippery paths and stronger river crossings.