Bali Northern Trip : Majestic Waterfall Tour

Sekumpul’s rock formation gives the water a natural slide, turning a grand waterfall visit into a chance to get wet and play. This 10-hour northern Bali trip pairs that unusual stop with the twin falls at Banyumala and the iconic Ulun Danu Bratan Temple.

I like the mix of waterfall time and Balinese scenery on the drive, with rice terraces, hills, and occasional ocean views along the way. I also like the small-group format, capped at five, and the personal touch guides such as Komang, Lesmana, and Agus have brought to past trips.

The trade-off is the distance: reaching northern Bali makes for a long day, and getting to the falls involves walking, with some trips using scooters for part of the access. Entrance fees are not included, so allow extra money beyond the $36 tour price.

• Sekumpul’s natural slide gives you a rare chance to play in the water beneath Bali’s highest waterfall.
• Banyumala’s twin streams create a striking paired cascade, with time to enjoy the setting and walk around.
• Ulun Danu Bratan Temple adds a cultural stop to a day otherwise centered on waterfalls.
• The journey north is part of the outing, with views of rice terraces, hillsides, and small glimpses of the ocean.
• A group limit of five can make it easier to talk with your driver and adjust the pace to your interests.
• Pack for a wet, active day: sandals, a towel, and a change of clothes are useful, and the higher, cooler areas call for an extra layer.

A northern Bali day with three distinct stops

This tour makes sense if you want more than a quick waterfall photo. You get a temple visit, two named waterfall stops, and the long drive through Bali’s northern scenery, all within a 10-hour outing. It is a full day, not a casual half-day excursion.

The listed stops are Ulun Danu Bratan Temple, Sekumpul Waterfall, and Banyumala Waterfalls. The highlights are varied enough to keep the day from feeling like a repeat visit to the same kind of place: one stop is a temple, one is known for a natural water slide, and one for twin cascades.

The trip is priced at $36 per person and includes an air-conditioned vehicle, fuel, mineral water, and an English-speaking driver. That is useful value if you want transport arranged from your accommodation rather than planning the northern route yourself. Still, the fee does not cover personal expenses or entrance tickets, so the actual day will cost more than the headline price.

The drive north is part of the payoff

Pickup is offered from several south and central Bali areas, including Kuta, Seminyak, Sanur, Jimbaran, Ubud, Denpasar, and Gianyar. You wait in your hotel lobby for the driver. The same areas are listed for drop-off, which makes the tour workable from many common visitor bases.

Expect a long ride. The route heads away from the more familiar southern resort areas, and the changing views help make the transfer feel like part of the day rather than dead time. You may see hillsides, rice terraces, and small portions of the ocean along the way.

The vehicle is air-conditioned, a welcome comfort on a day with walking and potential swimming. The driver speaks English, and the small group limit of five creates room for conversation and questions. Past outings have featured drivers and guides named Komang, Putu, Lesmana, Agus, Chavez, Luh, and Yoga. The particular staff member on your date is not guaranteed, but the names give a sense of the personal, locally led character that has shaped many trips.

Several people on past outings valued conversations about Balinese culture and daily life as much as the scenery. That is one of the real advantages of having a local driver rather than simply arranging a car: the journey can offer context as well as transport. If that matters to you, ask questions along the way and let your driver know what you are curious about.

Ulun Danu Bratan Temple brings a change of pace

The first scheduled stop is Ulun Danu Bratan Temple, one of Bali’s best-known water temples. It provides a cultural counterpoint to the waterfalls and gives you a chance to take in an iconic site before the more physical part of the day.

The temple is in a cooler northern area. One useful tip from a past outing is to bring layers: the temperature up there can feel cooler than in the south. A light extra layer is easy to carry and may make the stop more comfortable.

The visit is listed for sightseeing, but no fixed amount of time is provided. That means you should not assume you will have a lengthy, guided temple tour. Think of it as a scenic and cultural pause within a waterfall-focused day. Entrance fees are not included, so budget for the temple as well as the waterfall stops.

Sekumpul rewards the walk with a natural slide

Sekumpul is described as Bali’s highest waterfall, and its standout feature is a rock formation that creates a natural water slide. The water flows down the rocks toward the pool below, giving this stop a more playful character than a simple viewpoint.

Swimming is part of the planned visit, but it is optional. If you want to try the slide or get into the water, pack a towel and a complete change of clothes. Sandals are recommended, and sturdy hiking sandals make more sense than flimsy flip-flops if you expect to walk over uneven ground.

Be realistic about the effort. The falls are not simply a roadside stop, and past trips have involved substantial walking and scooter rides to reach the waterfall area. The exact access arrangements are not specified, so ask your operator what to expect on your date. If steep or uneven paths are difficult for you, this is an important factor: the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.

The natural slide is appealing precisely because it is not a built attraction. It is part of the setting, and Balinese children have been seen using it alongside visitors. Still, treat it as a natural feature, not a managed waterslide. Follow your guide’s directions and use care around wet rocks.

Banyumala offers a calmer finish

Banyumala is known for its twin waterfalls. Two main streams descend side by side, giving the falls a balanced, almost throne-like shape. The stop is listed for photos, a visit, and a walk, so plan on moving around rather than staying by the vehicle.

After the more active Sekumpul visit, Banyumala gives you another kind of waterfall scene to take in. You can focus on the paired streams and the surrounding atmosphere, or take photos from different spots as you walk. If you have already swum at Sekumpul, you may prefer to keep this stop dry and enjoy the view.

The two falls are close enough in theme to make a satisfying pair, but they are not identical experiences. Sekumpul brings the unusual rock slide and a more physical approach; Banyumala’s draw is the twin cascade and a quieter pause. That contrast is what makes the two-stop waterfall plan worthwhile.

Guides can make the day feel personal

The standout feature in many past outings has been the care shown by the driver and waterfall guide. Komang, Lesmana, and Agus are among the names associated with trips, and individual guides have helped with photos, answered questions, and adjusted the pace to suit the group.

Photo help has been especially practical. Some guides have taken photos and videos, and one past outing included drone footage. Do not treat a drone or professional-style photography as a guaranteed inclusion, but if you want photos, it is worth asking your guide what they can do. A bright outfit can also help you show up clearly against the waterfall background.

Flexibility has mattered to people who wanted more time at a particular stop or had questions along the way. A maximum group size of five supports a more personal feel than a bus tour, though it does not mean every detail can be changed. If you have a preference about the order or length of stops, raise it with the driver rather than assuming a fully custom schedule.

What $36 covers, and what it does not

At $36 per person, the price covers a full day of transport, fuel, mineral water, and an English-speaking driver. For a northern Bali route with several stops, those basics offer a useful starting value, particularly if your accommodation is in one of the listed pickup areas.

The price is not all-inclusive. Entrance tickets are extra, and personal expenses are not covered. The tour details do not state meal costs or a meal arrangement, so plan to pay separately for food if needed. Bring some spending money rather than relying on the tour price to cover every stop.

The 10-hour duration is another part of the value calculation. You get a broad day out, but you give up most of a day to it. If you want a relaxed morning or have evening plans, factor in the drive and the time needed to walk at the waterfalls.

Pack for water, walking, and cooler air

A change of clothes and towel are strongly recommended because Sekumpul includes swimming and the natural slide. Sandals are on the suggested packing list; for the walks, choose footwear that stays secure and has a decent grip.

A light layer is sensible for the cooler northern area around the temple. Keep essentials simple and easy to carry, since you will be getting in and out of the vehicle and walking between viewpoints or waterfall areas.

The tour includes mineral water, but it is still wise to bring anything else you need for a full day outdoors. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed. Wheelchair users should look elsewhere, as the tour is not suitable for them and waterfall access involves walking.

Is this the right northern Bali tour for you?

Book it if you want a full day that combines two very different waterfall stops with a major temple, and you are comfortable with a long drive and active access on foot. The natural slide at Sekumpul is the distinctive reason to choose this outing over a simple waterfall visit, while Banyumala and Ulun Danu add variety.

It is a particularly good fit if you enjoy local conversation, want help with transport, and value a small group over an independent drive. It is less suitable if you need step-free access, want a short excursion, or prefer a day with no extra admission costs. At $36, the base price is appealing, but budget for entrance tickets and personal spending before you decide.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve without paying immediately. Those terms add flexibility, but the main question is whether you want a long, wet, scenic day in Bali’s north. If the answer is yes, bring good footwear and a dry change of clothes.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts 10 hours. The northern drive and waterfall walks make it a full-day outing.

What places does the tour visit?

The scheduled stops are Ulun Danu Bratan Temple, Sekumpul Waterfall, and Banyumala Waterfalls.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup is included from listed areas such as Ubud, Denpasar, Sanur, Jimbaran, Kuta, Seminyak, Legian, Kuta Selatan, and Gianyar. Wait in your hotel lobby for the driver.

What is included in the $36 price?

The price includes transport in an air-conditioned vehicle, fuel, mineral water, and an English-speaking driver.

Are entrance tickets included?

No. Entrance tickets are not included, so bring extra money for admission and personal expenses.

Can I swim at the waterfalls?

Swimming is listed at Sekumpul Waterfall. Bring a towel and a change of clothes if you plan to get in the water.

What should I bring?

Bring a change of clothes, a towel, and sandals. A light layer can also be useful in the cooler northern area.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, and reaching the waterfalls involves walking.