Sekumpul Waterfall, Ulun Danu Bratan & Taman Ayun Temple Day Trip Bali
- Duration10 hours
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Overview
Discover North Bali's wild side on a long, scenic day trip. You visit Taman Ayun, the royal water temple at Mengwi, cross the Bedugul highlands to Ulun Danu Bratan on its misty lake, then trek to Sekumpul, often called Bali's most beautiful waterfall. Our small-group option includes hotel pickup, an air-conditioned car, an English-speaking guide, entrance fees, water, insurance, fuel and tolls. It suits active travellers who want waterfalls and temples in one day, and who do not mind a long drive.
Highlights
- Sekumpul Waterfall in the forest of North Bali, a cluster of tall cascades
- Ulun Danu Bratan, the lakeside temple in the cool Bedugul highlands
- Taman Ayun, the royal water temple at Mengwi with its moat and shrines
- Small group with an English-speaking guide and air-conditioned car
- Hotel pickup and drop-off from popular areas of South Bali and Ubud
- Entrance fees, water, insurance, fuel and toll charges included
- Scenic drive over the mountains, past lakes, farms and terraced fields
Full Description
Sekumpul Waterfall in Buleleng
Sekumpul is a group of waterfalls hidden in a river gorge near the village of Lemukih in Buleleng, North Bali. Several cascades fall from a high jungle wall into pools and streams, with the tallest dropping around 80 metres. Visitors searching for a Sekumpul waterfall day trip usually want the trek and the photographs of falling water framed by tropical forest.
The route starts with a long flight of steps down the valley, then a walk along the river and over stones to a viewpoint at the foot of the main falls. A local trekking guide is required, and the fee is paid on the spot in cash, so keep some money ready. Wear sturdy shoes, expect to get wet and allow for the climb back up. It is a moderate trek.
Ulun Danu Bratan Temple in Bedugul
Ulun Danu Bratan is a 17th-century water temple on the edge of Lake Bratan, at around 1,200 metres in the Bedugul highlands. It is dedicated to Dewi Danu, the water goddess, and the lake is regarded as a source of the springs and rivers that irrigate the island's rice fields. Its tall, tiered meru shrines seem to float on the water in morning mist.
Travellers often ask about the best time to visit Ulun Danu Bratan, and morning is best, before crowds and afternoon cloud. The air is cool, so a light layer helps. Allow one to two hours to walk the gardens, see the lakeside shrines and understand why this place matters to Balinese farmers. The entrance fee is included in this option.
Taman Ayun Royal Temple in Mengwi
Taman Ayun, meaning beautiful garden, is a royal temple built in 1634 for the Mengwi kingdom and later enlarged. A wide moat runs around the complex, and inside you find tiered meru shrines, open pavilions and neat lawns. It is part of Bali's UNESCO-listed cultural landscape and is often described as one of the island's most elegant temples.
Taman Ayun temple tickets are included in our option, so you enter with your guide and can concentrate on the history. The visit takes about an hour and provides a calm cultural stop before or after the drive north. Respectful clothing covering the shoulders and knees is required, and a sarong is available.
The drive north and planning your day
How to get to Sekumpul from Ubud or the south is a common question, and the answer is a long road across the mountains. The trip takes around ten hours in total, with about three hours each way, so an early hotel pickup is essential. In this option a driver collects you from Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Jimbaran, Sanur, Kerobokan, Canggu, Nusa Dua or Ubud.
The dry season, from April to October, is the best time for the trek, because the paths and steps are less slippery. In the wet season the waterfalls are stronger but the trail is muddy, so bring a change of clothes. The route passes lakes, vegetable farms and mountain views, making the drive part of the enjoyment.
Itinerary
- Hotel pickupYour driver collects you early from your hotel in the pickup areas, with the time confirmed the evening before.
- Taman Ayun TempleWalk the moat, gardens and shrines of the royal temple at Mengwi, about 1 hour.
- Drive to BedugulCross the mountains to Lake Bratan, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Ulun Danu Bratan TempleVisit the lakeside temple and gardens, about 1 to 2 hours.
- Drive to SekumpulContinue north through the highlands to the Sekumpul trailhead.
- Sekumpul Waterfall trekWalk down the steps, along the river and to the falls with a local trekking guide, about 2 hours.
- Return to your hotelDrive back south and arrive in the evening, after around 10 hours.
What's included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Air-conditioned car
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Entrance fees
- Mineral water
- Insurance, fuel and toll charges
Not included
- Sekumpul trekking guide fee (paid locally)
- Meals and additional drinks
- Personal expenses
Is this right for you?
Great for
- Travellers without a car — hotel pickup is included
- History and culture lovers
- Travellers who want a proven choice — rated 4.6/5 by past travellers
Think twice if
- You prefer short outings — this takes about 10 hours
- You want a private tour — this one is shared with other travellers
Not suitable for
- People with mobility impairments or knee problems, because of the many steps
- Pregnant women
- Travellers who cannot manage a long drive and a moderate trek in one day
- Young children who cannot walk the trail
Meeting point
In our option we collect you from your accommodation in Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Jimbaran, Sanur, Kerobokan, Canggu, Nusa Dua or Ubud, and your driver confirms the exact pickup time the evening before. Please be ready in the lobby a few minutes early and share a working phone number when booking.
Important information
- Wear sturdy shoes with good grip, quick-dry clothing and a hat, and bring a change of clothes.
- Bring cash for the local trekking guide fee at Sekumpul, which is paid on the spot, and for meals.
- Meals and extra drinks are not included; the guide can suggest a lunch stop.
- Dress modestly at temples; a sarong is available.
- The Sekumpul trek involves many steps and slippery sections, so allow energy for the climb back up.
- Entrance fees to the three sites are included, but the trekking guide fee is not.
- Weather in the highlands changes quickly, so bring a light rain layer.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the Sekumpul Waterfall day trip cost?
The price depends on the date and the number of guests. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for each option.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, from Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Jimbaran, Sanur, Kerobokan, Canggu, Nusa Dua and Ubud.
How long is the tour?
About ten hours from pickup to drop-off, including long drives to North Bali.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Children who can walk long steps and a jungle path may enjoy it, but it is a long, active day. Please check the booking panel for age categories and ask us if unsure.
What should I wear and bring?
Wear sturdy shoes and quick-dry clothing, and bring a change of clothes, sunscreen and cash for the trekking guide fee.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
Often yes. The booking panel shows which dates are available right now.
What is the difference between the options?
This page offers one option, a small-group tour with entrance fees. The trekking guide fee at Sekumpul is paid locally.
Are entrance fees included?
Yes, the entrance fees to the temples and waterfall area are included, but the local trekking guide fee at Sekumpul is paid on the spot.
How difficult is the Sekumpul trek?
It is moderate, with many steps and some slippery sections. Reasonable fitness and good shoes are recommended.
When is the best time to visit Sekumpul?
The dry season, April to October, and mornings, when trails are safer and the light is good.
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