North Bali: Sekumpul Waterfalls and Ulun Danu Temple Tour

Sekumpul is the big draw: a North Bali waterfall hike that can take you to seven different falls, paired with two temples that show a quieter, more ceremonial side of the island. Hotel pickup makes the long trip simpler than arranging the drive yourself.

I like that the day combines a strenuous nature stop with two very different temple settings, and that the group is capped at nine people. I also like the choice of small-group or private transport, with options that include entrance fees and a guide.

The catch is the distance and the extra cost at Sekumpul. The day can run longer than the estimated 10 hours, and the waterfall trekking guide is not included in the stated price.

• Sekumpul is the active part: Choose a medium or long trek, with a separate guide fee of IDR 150,000 or IDR 250,000 per person.
• The two temples give the day variety: Ulun Danu Beratan sits beside the lake, while Taman Ayun is the final temple stop.
• Pickup covers many bases: Free collection is offered in Ubud and listed areas including Kuta, Seminyak, Sanur, Canggu and Nusa Dua.
• The group stays small: The maximum is nine people, or you can select a private tour.
• Check the option before paying: Entrance fees and a guide are included only with certain choices.
• Plan for a full day: The start is 6:30 am, and the drive and waterfall hike can stretch the schedule.

Sekumpul makes the long northern drive worthwhile

The trip’s main prize is Sekumpul Waterfall, a cluster of falls set among North Bali’s greenery. The tour describes a route to seven different falls, so this is not simply a roadside photo stop. You should expect to walk and make your way through a natural setting, with the trekking level depending on the route you choose.

That exertion is part of the appeal, but it also shapes who will enjoy the day. If you want to see Sekumpul without managing the drive and route on your own, a driver and local trekking guide can take some pressure off. The driver gets you to the area; the separate waterfall guide helps with the trek. Do not assume the second role is covered by the tour price.

The stated trekking fees are IDR 150,000 per person for a medium trek and IDR 250,000 per person for a long trek. That is a meaningful extra, especially if you are comparing the advertised $22.50 starting price with the total cost of the day. Ask which route you are booking and what it involves before setting off, then choose honestly for your fitness and comfort.

Some descriptions make the walk sound like a beautiful challenge, while another account describes a long climb with frequent rests. That is a useful reminder: the falls may be the highlight, but getting to them can take effort. Wear footwear you can walk in and be prepared to take your time. The provided details do not specify trail conditions or walking distances, so confirm those directly if they matter to you.

Ulun Danu Beratan brings the postcard view

After the waterfall, the route visits Ulun Danu Beratan, the lakeside temple often pictured with its shrines appearing to float over the water. Its setting is the draw: mountain scenery, a lake edge and a temple complex that feels quite different from the forested waterfall stop.

You have about an hour here, which gives you time to take photographs and look around without turning the visit into a long temple study. The stop is likely to appeal most if you want the familiar Bali image, but it is more than a quick photo opportunity. Take a little time to notice how the buildings meet the water and how the mountain setting frames them.

The tour does not provide detailed information about ceremonies, access to individual buildings or what is included in the temple visit beyond the entrance-fee options. If you want deeper cultural context, check whether your chosen package includes a guide for the temple stops. The English-speaking tour guide is listed as included, though the precise guiding arrangement can vary by option.

Taman Ayun ends the day with a different temple setting

Taman Ayun is the final stop, with about an hour allocated. It is described as a royal water temple and a UNESCO Heritage Site, giving the day a third distinct setting after the falls and lakeside shrines.

This final visit helps the itinerary feel more rounded than a waterfall excursion alone. You get a day built around three very different sights: a demanding natural walk, an iconic temple by the lake, and a temple complex with a royal association. The trade-off is that each stop receives limited time. If you prefer to linger or explore temples at a slower pace, this schedule may feel brisk.

The three stops are not interchangeable. Sekumpul asks for physical effort, Ulun Danu is about its striking waterside position, and Taman Ayun adds another cultural stop before the return journey. That variety is a real strength, provided you are comfortable spending much of the day moving between places.

Pickup saves you from planning the northern route

The tour offers hotel pickup and return transfers from Ubud and a range of south Bali locations, including Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Jimbaran, Sanur, Kerobokan, Canggu and Nusa Dua. For a destination described as a difficult drive, having transport arranged is a major part of the value. You can leave the route planning and driving to someone else rather than tackling the trip yourself.

Pickup is free in those listed areas. Additional charges apply from Lovina, Amed and Tulamben at IDR 150,000 per person, and from Candidasa at IDR 100,000 per person. Check your hotel’s location before booking, since being on the island does not automatically mean you are within the free pickup zone.

The start time is 6:30 am, and the advertised duration is approximately 10 hours. That is already a full day, but the drive, stops and trek can make the return later. One account describes a 12-hour outing, while another raises concern about a long stretch without a comfort break. These experiences do not establish what will happen on your day, but they make it sensible to use the restroom before departure and ask the driver about planned breaks.

A driver named Poetra was praised for being kind, funny and attentive, including checking that a visitor was comfortable with the local waterfall guide. Another account describes a driver stopping for photos along the way. Those are encouraging examples of the personal service that can make a long ride feel easier, but you should not treat a particular driver or those extra stops as guaranteed.

The $22.50 starting price needs a closer look

At $22.50 per person, the starting price looks low for a full-day trip covering three major stops and hotel transport. It can be good value if you want someone else to handle the drive and you are happy with a shared vehicle. The small group limit of nine also avoids the scale of a large coach outing.

The price is not the whole budget, though. The tour has different options: a small-group trip without tickets, a small-group option with tickets and a guide, and a private option with tickets and a guide. Entrance fees depend on the option selected, and the Sekumpul trekking guide fee is additional. Lunch and personal expenses are also not included.

Before booking, compare the full price of the options rather than choosing by the lowest headline figure. Confirm whether temple entrance fees are included, what guide service comes with your selection, and which waterfall trek you want. A private tour may be worth the higher cost if you value having your own vehicle and a more flexible pace. A small group is the budget-conscious choice, with a maximum of nine people.

Lunch is not included, and the supplied details do not specify a meal stop. Bring money for food and personal expenses, and ask how the day is expected to handle lunch. That small question matters on a 10-hour outing, especially when the waterfall walk can add effort to an already long day.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would consider this tour if you want to see Sekumpul but do not want to arrange the long drive yourself. It suits people who are comfortable with an early start, a full day on the road and a physical walk at the waterfall. The combination of nature and temples also works well if you want more variety than a single-site excursion.

It is less suitable if you want a relaxed day with plenty of unstructured time, or if a strenuous trek is not appealing. The listed information says most people can participate, but it does not give specific accessibility details or trail conditions. If mobility, stamina or the trek’s difficulty is a concern, ask the operator before booking rather than relying on the general participation note.

The overall rating is 4.6 from 14 ratings, with 93% recommending the experience. The strongest themes are friendly, accommodating service and careful support during the waterfall trek. One account describes a driver-guide who spoke French and gave detailed explanations, but language ability will depend on the person assigned. A separate low rating raises concerns about a lengthy journey, a poor comfort stop and unexpected charges. The sensible approach is to confirm inclusions and breaks in advance, then treat the stated duration as an estimate rather than a promise.

Should you book the Sekumpul and temple tour?

Book it if Sekumpul is high on your Bali list and you value transport, a small group and a day that also includes two signature temples. The waterfall trek and the lake view give the trip its strongest contrast, while a capable driver can make the long route far less stressful.

Think twice if you want a short outing, dislike early starts or need a highly predictable schedule. Check the ticket and guide details, budget for the separate trekking fee and lunch, and ask about the walking route and comfort breaks. If those points suit you, this is a practical way to reach North Bali’s standout waterfall without taking on the drive alone.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The tour is approximately 10 hours. The day can take longer, so allow flexibility for the return.

What time does the tour start?

The listed start time is 6:30 am.

Which places does the tour visit?

The stops are Sekumpul Waterfall, Ulun Danu Beratan Temple and Taman Ayun Temple.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are included from Ubud and listed locations including Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Jimbaran, Sanur, Kerobokan, Canggu and Nusa Dua.

Are entrance fees included?

Entrance fees depend on the option you select. Check the details of your chosen package before booking.

Is the Sekumpul trekking guide included?

No. The trekking guide fee is additional: IDR 150,000 per person for a medium trek or IDR 250,000 per person for a long trek.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch and personal expenses are not included.

What is the maximum group size?

The tour has a maximum of nine people. You can also choose a private tour option.