Is Bali Travel Guide Plus free to use?

Yes. Browsing the guides, itineraries and area breakdowns is free, and asking follow-up questions via WhatsApp is free too. We only monetise when we help you book a driver, activity or accommodation with trusted local partners, and only if you ask us to.

When is the best time to visit Bali?

The dry season (May to October) is the easiest for first-timers: sunny, less rain, best for surfing on the west coast. July-August is peak and busier. The wet season (November to April) is cheaper and still has plenty of sunny days, with rain usually coming in short afternoon bursts.

How many days do I need in Bali?

We recommend at least 7 days for a first trip, and 10-14 days to include Nusa Penida or the Gili Islands properly. Anything under 5 days means a lot of transport and not much downtime, especially if you also want Ubud.

Which area is best to stay in Bali?

There is no single best area. Canggu is great for surf, cafes and nightlife; Ubud for culture, jungle and yoga; Uluwatu for cliffs and serious surf; Seminyak for beach clubs and shopping; Sanur for calm beaches and Nusa Penida access. Most first-timers split their trip across 2-3 areas.

Do I need a visa to visit Bali?

Most nationalities can get a Visa on Arrival (VoA) for 30 days, extendable once for another 30 days. You can also apply online (e-VoA) before you fly. For stays longer than 60 days, consider a B211A visit visa. See our visa + SIM guide for details.

Is it safe to rent a scooter in Bali?

Scooters are the fastest way around, but Bali traffic is intense and accidents are common for inexperienced riders. We recommend a private driver for first-timers or longer trips, scooters only if you already know how to ride. Check insurance and always wear a helmet.

Sekumpul Waterfall — Visitor Guide, Fees & Tips

Sekumpul is consistently rated the most spectacular waterfall in Bali — and by many, in all of Indonesia. Hidden in a deep jungle canyon in north Bali's Buleleng Regency, the complex contains 6–7 individual falls of varying heights that converge on a single river below. The tallest drops approximately 80 metres. Getting there requires a 30–60 minute guided jungle hike with river crossings, which filters out the casual visitor and rewards those who make the effort with one of the most extraordinary natural scenes in Southeast Asia.

About Sekumpul Waterfall

Sekumpul sits near Sawan village in Buleleng Regency, about 18 km east of Singaraja and 78 km north of Ubud. The name translates loosely to "gathering" — a reference to the multiple falls that converge in the canyon. The river system feeds from high volcanic slopes of the central Bali mountains, ensuring strong flow even in dry season. The canyon walls are covered in prehistoric-looking ferns and dense bamboo, creating a cathedral-like enclosed space at the base.

Region: Buleleng Regency, north Bali, near Sawan village, 18 km east of Singaraja

Height: Tallest drop approximately 80 m; the complex has 6–7 individual falls visible from the canyon floor

River: Tributaries of the Singsing river system

The local village manages access via a guide association. Entering without a guide is not permitted. Guides lead visitors down steep paths, through three shallow river crossings, across boulder fields, and finally to an elevated platform with the panoramic view of all the falls simultaneously. The main plunge pool is wide enough to swim in safely away from the base of the falls. There is no food or facilities below — bring water and snacks. The hike back up is aerobic and takes 30–45 minutes.

Vibe: Wild, remote, genuinely adventurous. A real jungle hike with river crossings, not a tourist conveyor belt. The payoff is extraordinary.

Difficulty & Trail

Moderate–Harddifficulty rating

The descent to the canyon floor takes 30–60 minutes depending on trail conditions and your fitness. The trail involves steep dirt and root paths, three shallow river crossings (knee-deep in dry season, thigh-deep in wet), and some boulder scrambling near the falls. The climb back up is the harder direction. Total round trip 2–3 hours. Flip-flops are dangerous — wear proper shoes or grip sandals.

Entrance Fee

Entrance to the village gate: Rp 30,000 per person. Mandatory local guide: Rp 125,000–175,000 per person. Total cost per person approximately Rp 155,000–205,000. Guide fee is legitimate and funds the local village association — it is not optional.

Best Time to Visit

Morning start (08:00 arrival) before heat builds. Rainy season (November–March) gives peak flow — all 6–7 falls running simultaneously is a jaw-dropping scene. Dry season (May–October) is safer underfoot. Avoid visiting within 24 hours of heavy rain — the river crossings become dangerous.

Can You Swim Here?

Yes, in the plunge pool of the main fall. Cool, clear, and chest-deep near the centre. The water is genuinely refreshing after the hike in. Do not approach the base of the tallest fall directly — falling rocks are a real hazard. Swim in the wider pool area off to the side.

How to Get There

From Ubud

78 km, approximately 2.5–3 hours by car or scooter. This is a full-day trip from Ubud — plan to leave by 07:00.

From Canggu

95 km, approximately 2.5–3 hours via the mountain road through Bedugul.

From Denpasar

90 km, approximately 2.5 hours via the Trans-Bali Highway to Singaraja.

The most convenient way to reach any Bali waterfall is by private driver or scooter. If you need help booking a reliable driver, message us on WhatsApp.

What to Bring

Grip sandals, water shoes, or sturdy trail shoes — NOT flip-flops
Change of dry clothes in a dry bag
Waterproof phone case — you will cross rivers
At least 1.5 litres of water per person
Small first aid kit (cuts on rocks are common)
Insect repellent — the jungle is dense
Snack — the hike is 2–3 hours total and the nearest food is back at the top
Cash in Rp 50,000 bills for guide and entrance

Combine With Nearby Attractions

Banyumala Twin Waterfalls (40 min drive west) — the second-best north Bali waterfall for a full north Bali day

Air Terjun Aling-Aling (30 min west via Sambangan) — natural water slides add adventure

Lovina Beach and dolphin-watching sunrise trip (40 min northwest)

Git Git Waterfall (30 min west near Singaraja) — much easier, good if energy is low after Sekumpul

Photography Tips

The best view of all 6–7 falls together is from the wooden viewing platform before the final descent. Ultrawide lens essential.

Long exposure (1/8–1/30 sec) on a tripod transforms the multiple falls into a silky white wall of water.

The canyon walls are so close and tall that midday sun creates harsh contrast — mornings (soft sky) or overcast days produce more even light.

Get in the water for waist-deep shots looking back at the main fall — the scale is only apparent with a person for reference.

A gimbal or stabilised lens helps on the trail where you cannot stop to steady shots.

Scams & Guide Pressure

The mandatory guide system at Sekumpul is legitimate — guides are local villagers and the fee supports the community. Hiring a guide is required, not a scam. What to watch for: touts outside the official entrance who offer to "guide" you in independently at a lower fee — this bypasses the official village system and some unofficial routes have caused injuries on unmarked trails. Always enter through the official gate and arrange your guide there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sekumpul worth the long drive from Ubud?

Almost universally yes. Travellers who have visited 10+ Bali waterfalls most frequently name Sekumpul as the best. The scale, the multiple falls, and the jungle hike combine into an experience unlike anything in south Bali. Budget a full day.

Can I visit Sekumpul without a guide?

No. A local guide is mandatory at the official entrance gate. This is a village-managed conservation rule, not a tourist trap. Guide fees are Rp 125,000–175,000 per person and are genuinely worth it for safety on the trail.

How fit do I need to be for Sekumpul?

Moderate fitness is sufficient. The trail involves 30–60 minutes of steep walking and 3 shallow river crossings. The ascent back is harder than the descent. People in reasonable walking fitness complete it without issue. Avoid if you have knee problems or are not comfortable on uneven terrain.

What is the best month to visit Sekumpul?

June to September gives safer trail conditions and cleaner water. November to January gives the most dramatic flow with all 6–7 falls running at full power. Avoid the first 24 hours after heavy rain in any season.

Can you combine Sekumpul and Banyumala in one day?

Yes, but it is a long day. Sekumpul in the morning (3 hour total), drive west 40 minutes, Banyumala in the afternoon. Start early from Ubud (06:30–07:00) and you will be back by 18:00.

Is the road to Sekumpul good for a scooter?

The main road to Sawan village is paved and fine for scooters. The final access road is rougher. A scooter is manageable in dry season but a car gives more comfort, especially for the long drive from south Bali.