When it comes to Bali Waterfalls, Sekumpul Waterfall is right near the top of everyone’s list. There are plenty of good reasons for this, and rightly so. Sekumpul Waterfall is one of the most famous of the Bali Waterfalls, and arguably one of the most beautiful. But there are plenty of other reasons that this has become a “not to be missed” experience.
What most people don’t realize when they make the trip north to Sekumpul Waterfall, is that there is actually more than just the one waterfall. Sure, Sekumpul is actually a twin waterfall, but that isn’t what we are talking about.
Sekumpul Waterfall is actually located in a valley that is the home to two other waterfall locations that are just as, if not even more, impressive than Sekumpul itself. It is for this reason that it is certainly worth having a guide to take you down into the valley,. There are many crisscrossing paths, and even though it is hard to miss a raging waterfall, it is certainly possible if you have not been before and don’t know what to expect.
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Table of Contents
- How to get to Sekumpul Waterfall
- What to expect at Sekumpul Waterfall
- Where to stay for Sekumpul Waterfall
- What else is nearby?
- How to get around in North Bali
- Summary
How to get to Sekumpul Waterfall
If you are heading to Sekumpul Waterfall from down south, then you will be able to take the turn off from the Singaraja road just south of Git Git Twin Waterfalls. This will save you the time of going all the way down to Singaraja and coming back up to the waterfalls from the north coast. Of course, if you are in Singaraja, then that is the only way to come.
The road is a typical Bali Country road, and if you have been to Nung Nung Waterfall, then you can probably compare the road with that one. Take a lot of care if you are in a car, and follow the local precautions and give a friendly honk on the horn at the hairpins.
Set Google Maps for this location and you should have no issues.
A quick note for anyone coming from the south. There is an entrance marked on Google Maps as the Sekumpul Waterfall South Entrance. This location does exist, but is not really recommended unless you are on a scooter. There is no car access, and you would have to park a long way from it. The walk to Fiji Waterfall is only short, but the best access is the one supplied in the link above. If you are on a scooter and feeling adventurous, there is a water slide near the south entrance that involves an exciting but narrow, overgrown and slippery ride through the rice paddies that is worth checking out.
What to expect at Sekumpul Waterfall
When you arrive at the parking area, you will be greeted with a choice. Here, you can opt for a viewing only, (looking at the waterfall from a look out), the short tour, or longer tour. Obviously the prices are scaled as for which option you take, however if you are mobile and can negotiate the stairs and river crossings, then take the longer tour. This will take you to not only Sekumpul Waterfall, but also Hidden Waterfall and Fiji Waterfall. Both are as good as Sekumpul and worth the money!
You will have the option to ride your scooter or get a lift down to the lookout. This option is definately worth it, as by the end of the day you will be thankful to have the scooter so handy.
From the lookout, you will be taken down the stairs into the valley directly at the base of Sekumpul Waterfall. On the way there are a couple of photo opportunities. Take your time and stop for them. Everything in the valley is included in your entrance ticket price, so you might as well take advantage of it.
At the valley floor you will see Sekumpul Waterfall right in front of you, but wait, because you are not going there just yet!
Sekumpul Hidden Waterfall
Just down the valley from Sekumpul you will follow the river, cross over to the other side and head into what looks like a bit of a dead end. Around the corner, however, lies a Hidden Waterfall that you would not even realize existed, if not for your guide, or an article like this.
Hidden Waterfall jumps right out at you. We knew it was there because our guide told us about it. Still, we were second guessing him all the way because we couldn’t see it until the last second. Also, there is a smaller waterfall dribbling from the cliff opposite that we began to think was it. It wasn’t!
If you come to Hidden Waterfall at the height of wet season you might not be able to get too close to it. The pool at the base expands and cannot be negotiated. We were there in wet season, but at this stage of the season it is only afternoon storms, rather than the day long torrential rains of February. If you can get close, have a swim and get some good photos. Hidden Waterfall is actually taller than Sekumpul Waterfall, and the pool at the base about neck deep.
Sekumpul Waterfall
From Hidden Waterfall you will backtrack to Sekumpul Waterfall. This is a twin waterfall, and is obviously the most famous of the falls in this valley. Sekumpul falls 85m down the cliff face, and is very impressive. Negotiate your way around the large rock in front of the waterfall and get some beautiful photos up close and personal at the very base. Most people will linger at this spot, as it is the reason you made the trek to this remote region of Bali, after all. But what lays even further along the track is, in our opinion, even better!
Fiji Waterfall
Further along the valley floor you will find yourself heading to Fiji Waterfall. This is actually located in a different village to the other falls, and if you haven’t taken the tour, then you will have to pay another fee in order to enter. Anyone who has been to Tumpak Sewu Waterfall on Java will see some similarities here. In fact, we found quite a lot of similarities to the entire day’s trek to Tumpak Sewu.
NB: Tumpak Sewu STILL remains the most epic waterfall we have found in Indonesia!
Once you are through the check point, it is only a short trip up the river to Fiji Waterfall. As you approach, you will see that the single waterfall you could see from the view points above has now turned into two waterfalls. Then, as you arrive you will see that there are actually THREE waterfalls!
All of these waterfalls are epic. There is nothing much more to be said about them. Every one of them discharges an incredible amount of water, and falls from a spectacular height, as it is basically the same ridge line as Sekumpul Waterfall falls from. Fiji Waterfall is the only triple waterfall in Bali, and is actually a very well kept secret simply due to it’s proximity to Sekumpul Waterfall which gets all the attention.
Once you leave Fiji Waterfall, you will be faced with the climb back out of the valley. The stairs are well constructed and solid metal for the most part. But there are still 353 of them, so be ready with a couple of bottles of water and take your time!
Where to stay for Sekumpul Waterfall
Sekumpul Waterfall is quite isolated in North Bali, and most visitors will tend to come on a day trip from their accommodation down south. That doesn’t mean that you can’t choose to stay local, however, and there are a few homestays around the area. The best of them that gets a lot of good reviews is the Sekumpul BNB, which you can check out using the links below.
North Bali is a great place to visit, with so many things to see and do. The waterfalls alone are amazing, and Sekumpul really is just the start. For that reason, I would recommend to anyone to stay in the area for a few days. There are several ways to do this, and central areas you can choose to stay, so I will list them here along with a few choice accommodation options.
Singaraja
Singaraja is located on the northern coastline of Bali, and is a great place to base yourself to see some amazing waterfalls, including Sekumpul. From there you can also visit Aling Aling and Git Git, both very famous waterfalls in Bali. Here are a couple of easy to stay places around the Singaraja area that are highly recommended.
Munduk
Munduk is my choice of place to stay whenever I am in North Bali. That will not come as any surprise to regular readers of my blog! So even though it is a little further away, I still choose to stay there when I visit Sekumpul. The ride is only about 50 minutes, and is rather easy, with the beautiful cruise past the lakes, and then taking the back road into Sekumpul which means less traffic!
The other great thing about staying in Munduk is that you have no less than about a dozen world class waterfalls right on your doorstep! Make a few days of it and spend the entire time chasing waterfalls! It’s what WE choose to do.
Here are a few choice places to stay in Munduk, starting with our own personal favorite.
Bedugul
You will pass through Bedugul on the way to Sekumpul, which makes it a handy place to stay when you are visiting. It is also the largest town in the area, and sits nicely between two gorgeous lakes. With several other major Bali attractions located around the town, and being only a short drive to several other waterfalls, it is quite perfect, actually.
Here is a list of some of the best places to stay in Bedugul.
What else is nearby?
North Bali is full of incredible things to see and do. Sekumpul Waterfall is right at the top of the list for most visitors, but it is only one of dozens of reasons that people visit the area. Here are my top reasons to visit North Bali.
- Do the Munduk Waterfall Circuit Hike
- Grab a photo at the famous Handara Gates
- Visit Git Git Waterfall
- Hike along the Aling Aling string of Waterfalls
- Stop by at Ulun Danu Beratan Temple – the famous “Floating Temple” of Bali
- Check out the views from above the Twin Lakes of Munduk
- Take in a Sunrise at Pura Tamblingan
- Cruise around the best rice terraces in Bali at Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
- Stop in at Leke Leke Waterfall
- Spend a day visiting Banyumala Twin Waterfalls, Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfall, and Wanagiri Puncak Manik Waterfall
- Go dolphin spotting from Lovina Beach
- Visit Kebun Raya Bali – the Bali Botanic Gardens in Bedugul
- Take a stroll around the Blooms Gardens of Bedugul
If you are interested in spending more time in the area, then take a look at my Munduk Itinerary for tips on how to make the most of your time.
How to get around in North Bali
Like everywhere else in Bali, the easiest and most convenient way to get around is by scooter. Riding a scooter is efficient and economical, and once you get away from the traffic down south, it is also enjoyable! Most roads around Bali are made with scooters in mind, and once you get to some of the waterfall access spots, you can get a lot closer by scooter than in a car. SOME places you can only actually go with a scooter, and a car will not even get you in.
To ride a scooter in Bali you only really need your local license from home, plus an International Driver’s Permit. Grab one before you come to Bali and you should be good to go. Check out THIS article for more information.
Click HERE to find a trusted scooter rental.
If you are not confident to ride a scooter in Bali, then you have the option to rent a car and a driver. The bonus of doing this is that you will be ferried around Bali in air conditioned comfort, and the driver doubles as a guide. Simply give him your itinerary, and he will make it happen.
Click on THIS LINK to find a trusted car and driver to hire.
Summary
Well, that’s it for Sekumpul Waterfall. Make sure if you are in this part of Bali to see some of the sights. The Munduk area is great for waterfalls, with places like Banyu wana Amertha not to be missed. Also, Git Git is not too far away from Sekumpul, and could easily be combined into a long day trip.
For more information on what is around in the amazing North Bali area, click the below link.
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