Private Sekumpul Waterfall Hiking Tour

Sekumpul is the star of this long day: you descend through jungle to a thundering waterfall, with other cascades close by and water sometimes running across the route. I like that you get a local trekking guide for the falls and a private driver for the road trip, so you are not left to manage the route or transport alone.

I also like the mix of stops: the coffee plantation gives you a taste of Bali’s unusual kopi luwak, and Ulun Danu Beratan adds a cultural visit beside Lake Beratan. The trade-off is the climb: expect many steep steps, slick footing, and possibly a river crossing. This is a poor fit if you have back problems or need step-free access.

Key things to know

• Sekumpul means stairs and stream crossings: The route includes hundreds of steps. Some hikers report getting wet up to the knees while crossing a river.
• Fiji Falls may be part of the waterfall visit: Local guides have taken hikers to both Fiji and Sekumpul, though the exact route can depend on conditions and your chosen trek.
• The private car makes a long day easier: Hotel pickup, air-conditioned transport, a driver, and a separate trekking guide are included.
• Kopi luwak costs extra: Most tastings are complimentary, but the civet-processed coffee is about US$5 per cup.
• Lunch is not included: You can stop at a local restaurant after the hike, so bring money for your meal.
• Plan for a full day, not a quick outing: The tour lasts about 10 hours, and traffic or temple queues can affect the pace.

A 7 a.m. start for northern Bali

The day begins with hotel pickup, usually at 07:00, in an air-conditioned minivan. You have a private driver rather than a seat on a shared coach, which gives the outing a more flexible feel and lets you discuss stops or timing as you go. Drivers including Gede Susila and Putu have been praised for being friendly, punctual, and helpful, but staff assignments vary.

Northern Bali is a long drive from many popular hotel areas. The road time is part of the day, not a short transfer between attractions. One person described the drive from Ubud as long but enjoyable, while another noted that traffic can make the car the main setting for much of the tour. If you are staying far from the temple or waterfalls, ask about pickup timing. Some itineraries have started earlier than 07:00 to get ahead of crowds.

The stated return is around 16:00, with the activity listed as 10 hours. Treat both times as estimates rather than a promise: road conditions and the length of your stops can shape the day. If you prefer a relaxed pace, tell your driver what matters most to you.

Coffee, tea, and the civet question

The plantation stop introduces kopi luwak, often nicknamed cat poop coffee. The name comes from the way Indonesian civets eat coffee cherries and pass the beans, which are then collected and processed. You can hear how the coffee is produced and try it for about US$5 a cup. Regional tea and other tastings are complimentary.

This stop is a curiosity, not the main event. If you are keen to try a cup, bring a little extra cash; if the idea does not appeal, you can skip it. One hiker who had already visited a coffee plantation chose to cancel this stop, and another felt it was less compelling than the waterfalls. I would treat the tasting as optional rather than a reason to book.

If animal welfare matters to you, ask how the plantation sources its beans and keeps any civets before you buy. The tour description explains the production method but does not give details about animal care. You do not need to drink kopi luwak to enjoy the rest of the day.

The stairway down to Sekumpul

At roughly 10:30, you reach the start of the trek. The path descends through lush greenery, with views of the waterfall system opening up as you go. Sekumpul is known for a series of cascades, described here as six falls, with the main water tumbling from around 260 feet, or 80 metres.

The route is not a stroll on a smooth park path. Hikers describe roughly 280 to 400 steps, depending on the route, including some tall steps that take effort. The climb back up is part of the deal, so pace yourself and take breaks as needed. A local guide helps you navigate the trail and can point out the safest way across wet or rocky stretches.

The exact route can vary. One person chose a shorter trek that was mostly stairs, while other guides have included both Sekumpul and nearby Fiji Falls. You can ask your guide what is realistic on the day and tell them if you need a shorter outing. Some hikers have been offered a ride after the stairway, but do not count on that as a standard part of the tour.

The stream crossings deserve special attention. The route may take you over slippery rocks and through water that can reach your knees. Wear shoes with a good grip that you do not mind getting wet; quick-drying or water-friendly footwear is a sensible choice. Pack mosquito repellent, too, as one hiker found it useful.

A local guide makes the waterfall visit

The private driver gets you to the trailhead, but the waterfall hike has its own local guide. That split is useful: your driver handles the wider day, while a guide who knows the trail can lead you through the falls area. Guides named Ketut, Mrysa, and Somia have led hikes, and visitors have appreciated their help with navigation, explanations, and photos. Names vary, so you cannot assume you will have a particular person.

Photo help is a recurring perk. Guides have found good spots and taken pictures, which can be welcome when you want a photo together rather than a string of selfies. If you would rather keep the visit focused on the scenery than pose for a typical Bali photo shoot, say so. A guide has been happy to adapt to that preference.

The setting is the payoff: the falls rise above the forest, and the sound and force of the water are hard to capture in a photograph. You may also have a chance to swim, but the rocky footing means you should only enter the water if conditions feel safe and you are comfortable with the route. Rain can make the trail more slippery, so follow your guide’s instructions and do not rush.

Lunch after the climb

After the trek, the itinerary allows for lunch at a local restaurant. In practice, the stop can be adjusted: hikers have eaten at a warung on the way back from the falls, while some have chosen to skip lunch to make room for other plans. The meal is not included in the tour price, so bring money for food and drinks beyond the bottled water provided.

This is a good moment to recover before the next drive. If you are tired or someone in your group feels unwell, tell your driver. The private format makes it easier to discuss whether to continue to the temple or shorten the day, though the stops and timing still depend on the tour plan.

Ulun Danu Beratan beside the lake

The final major stop is Pura Ulun Danu Beratan, a Hindu water temple dedicated to Shiva. Its position beside Lake Beratan gives the visit a different mood from the waterfall hike: rather than jungle paths and rushing water, you see the temple reflected on the lake when conditions allow.

The temple is a worthwhile cultural counterpoint, but it can be busy. One driver changed the order of stops to avoid queues, while another day involved crowds described as rather like a theme park line. Your driver can use local knowledge to adjust the sequence, but crowd levels and reflections are not guaranteed.

You may need to choose how long to linger. The full route combines plantation, waterfalls, lunch, and temple, so the day can feel packed, especially after a strenuous walk. A visitor who felt unwell skipped the temple, and another chose to skip both the plantation and temple. Tell your driver what you most want to see rather than trying to squeeze in every stop at any cost.

What the $58 price covers

At $58 per person, the price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, private transport in an air-conditioned minivan, a private driver, a trekking guide, entrance tickets and fees, bottled water, and live entertainment. The practical value is in putting transport, access, and local guidance together for a remote day trip. Hiring a car and arranging the waterfall visit separately would take more planning.

There are two clear extras: lunch and kopi luwak, which costs about US$5 per cup. Other listed tastings are complimentary. The tour’s private setup is especially useful if you want to adjust the pace or discuss changing the order of stops, though private does not mean the day is short. The drive and the hike both take time.

The tour has a 4.9 rating from 116 reviews, and transport received a perfect score from 89% of reviewers. The strongest praise centers on the waterfall guides and drivers: people value patient help on the trail, safe driving, cultural explanations, and practical photo assistance. That attention can make a challenging outing feel manageable, but it does not remove the physical effort involved.

Who should take this tour

This suits you if you want a full day of nature and culture, are comfortable with a demanding stairway, and like having a private driver rather than arranging transport yourself. It is particularly appealing if Sekumpul is high on your Bali list and you want a local guide for the trail. The temple and plantation provide variety, but the falls are the reason to go.

It is not suitable for wheelchair users, and the tour is not recommended for pregnant women or people with back problems. Even if none of those applies, think honestly about your balance and stamina. Wet steps, uneven rocks, and river crossings are more demanding than a simple walk to a viewpoint.

Bring comfortable shoes with grip, sunglasses, a sun hat, and a camera. I would add water-friendly footwear and mosquito repellent based on the trail conditions people have described. A change of clothes may also be useful if you expect to cross water, though that is practical advice rather than an item listed as included.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if the waterfall hike is your priority and you want transport, trail guidance, and the temple arranged in one day. At $58 per person, the private car and included guides make the price reasonable for a remote, multi-stop outing, especially if you value flexibility and photo help.

Skip it if you want a gentle sightseeing day, dislike long drives, or are not comfortable with hundreds of steps and wet, uneven ground. If you do book, set your expectations around the falls first, treat the coffee stop as optional, and tell your driver early if you would rather spend more time at the waterfalls than fit in every stop.

FAQ

How long is the Private Sekumpul Waterfall Hiking Tour?

The tour is listed as 10 hours. Pickup is usually at 07:00, with return around 16:00; timing can vary with traffic and the length of stops.

What is the price?

The price is $58 per person. Lunch and kopi luwak are not included.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup from your hotel lobby and drop-off are included.

Is the tour private?

Yes. The tour includes private transport and a private driver, as well as a trekking guide for the waterfall hike.

How difficult is the waterfall hike?

Expect hundreds of steps, uneven and sometimes slippery ground, and possible river crossings. The route is not suitable for wheelchair users and is not recommended for pregnant women or people with back problems.

Will I visit both Sekumpul and Fiji Falls?

The itinerary highlights Sekumpul, and local guides have taken hikers to both Sekumpul and Fiji Falls. The exact route may depend on the trek chosen and conditions.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, though the itinerary allows for a meal at a local restaurant after the hike.

How much does kopi luwak cost?

Kopi luwak is about US$5 per cup. Other listed tea and coffee tastings are complimentary.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, and a camera. Water-friendly shoes with good grip are useful for slippery rocks and stream crossings.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.