Bali: Sekumpul and Banyumala Waterfall Guided Trek

Sekumpul’s towering falls are the main event, but this eight-hour outing also brings you to Banyumala’s twin cascades and a viewpoint over Bali’s Twin Lakes. I like the mix of a rice-field walk through Sekumpul village and time to swim at two very different waterfalls. You get transport and a local guide, which makes a long day of rural roads and footpaths easier to manage.

The trade-off is physical effort. The climbs back from the falls can be tiring, the trek is described as moderate to challenging, and entrance fees are extra. If steep, uneven walks or swimming are not right for you, this is not the best fit.

At a glance

• Sekumpul begins with a village walk: Expect about 30 minutes on foot, with rice fields along the way.
• Two waterfalls, two moods: Sekumpul is known for its tall cascades; Banyumala is lower and wider, with twin falls and a pool.
• Waterfall time is generous: The schedule gives about two hours at each waterfall, with a longer two-to-three-hour visit described for Sekumpul.
• Twin Lake View adds a final photo stop: The tour allows about 30 minutes at the viewpoint.
• Transport is included: Hotel pickup and drop-off are available from several areas, including Ubud, Denpasar, Singaraja, and Lovina Beach.
• Bring extra cash: Waterfall entrance fees and lunch are not included in the $44 price.

Sekumpul rewards the effort

Sekumpul is the draw for good reason: its tall cascades make a dramatic first stop, and you can get close enough for photos beneath the falls. The visit includes a guided walk, time to look around, and a chance to swim in the natural pools. This is not a quick roadside photo stop. Plan for a walk in and a demanding climb back out.

The route to the waterfall starts through Sekumpul village, where the roughly 30-minute walk passes panoramic rice fields. That approach is part of the appeal. You get a glimpse of the village surroundings before reaching the water, rather than arriving directly at a viewing platform. Wear shoes you can walk in on uneven ground, and expect to get wet if you swim or stand near the falls.

The schedule gives Sekumpul about two hours, while the tour description allows two to three hours there. That difference is worth keeping in mind: the exact time on site may depend on how the day runs. Either way, do not assume every minute is free time. Walking, photos, swimming, and the return climb all take a share of the visit.

Grobogan and Fiji add variety

The Sekumpul area includes visits to Grobogan and Fiji waterfalls as well as the main Sekumpul falls. These extra cascades give you more to see within the same stop, and help make the trek feel like a small waterfall circuit rather than a single destination. The time for each is not stated separately, so expect your guide to shape the order and pace of the visit.

Bring a camera, but keep it secure and protected from spray. The guide can help you find good angles and take photos, a useful touch if you want a picture of yourself near the falls rather than another collection of scenery shots. Do not count on dry clothes afterward. Swimwear and a change of clothes are both on the recommended packing list, and a water bottle is sensible for the walk and climbs.

Banyumala offers a different kind of swim

After Sekumpul, the drive to Banyumala takes about an hour. The second waterfall is described as lower but wider, with twin cascades and a natural pool where you can swim. That contrast is a strength of the day: Sekumpul supplies height and drama, while Banyumala offers a broader view and another chance to cool off.

The schedule sets aside about two hours here for a guided visit, walking, photos, and free time. That gives you room to enjoy the water without rushing straight back to the vehicle, though the approach and return still involve walking. The trek is rated moderate to challenging overall, and a previous visitor specifically noted that the climbs were tiring but worthwhile. Take that seriously if you are not used to steep walks.

Swimming is part of the plan, so pack swimwear and a towel or change of clothes. The tour is not suitable for non-swimmers, people with mobility impairments, or people with back problems. If you would rather stay dry, ask before booking whether skipping the swim or a portion of the walk is possible; that flexibility is not specified.

Twin Lake View makes a calm final stop

The last listed sightseeing stop is Twin Lake View, reached after a transfer of about 30 minutes from Banyumala. The visit lasts around half an hour and includes time for photos and a look over the lakes. After two waterfalls and several walks, this is a quieter way to close the day before the drive back.

It is a short stop, not a long visit with a separate activity. Think of it as a scenic pause and a chance to take in a different side of Bali’s interior. If you are comparing this outing with a waterfall-only trip, the viewpoint adds variety without taking up a large part of the day.

An eight-hour day with substantial road time

The tour lasts about eight hours, with pickup from a range of locations including Ubud, Denpasar, Singaraja, Lovina Beach, and Wanagiri. The first transfer is listed at roughly two hours, followed by about an hour between Sekumpul and Banyumala, then another half-hour to Twin Lake View. The final return transfer is part of the day too, so expect a good amount of time in the vehicle.

That travel time is not wasted if you want someone else to handle the route and connect these sites in one outing. You also avoid arranging separate transport between remote stops. Still, the day is long, and the listed eight hours may feel full once you add walking, swimming, and breaks. Have breakfast before pickup and bring snacks, since lunch is not included.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, and you are asked to wait in the hotel lobby 10 minutes before the pickup time. The exact start time depends on availability. Pickups and drop-offs are offered across several areas, but confirm that your lodging is covered before you book, particularly if you are staying outside the named locations.

What the $44 price does and does not cover

At $44 per person, the price covers a local guide, the trekking experience, visits to Sekumpul and Banyumala, photo opportunities, and hotel transport. That is useful value if you want the two waterfalls and Twin Lake View in one day without planning the transfers yourself. An English-speaking guide is listed, and a private group is available if you prefer a more personal outing.

The important extra cost is entrance fees. Waterfall admission is not included and must be paid on site; the amount is not specified, so budget for it separately. Lunch and personal expenses are also on you. The low headline price is therefore not the full cost of the day, though it still bundles the main transport and guiding.

The flexibility to reserve without paying at once and cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund can help if your plans are not settled. Check the available start times and terms when booking, and make sure you understand which entrance fees apply before setting your budget.

A good guide matters on a demanding route

This tour depends on its local guide for more than directions. You will want someone who can lead the walks, answer questions about the area, and help you make the most of your photo stops. Ardy is a guide name associated with the Sekumpul visit, and feedback about his professionalism, attentiveness, and familiarity with the area is especially positive. Guide assignments can change, so do not book on the assumption that Ardy will lead your trip.

The driver is another part of the experience, given the long transfers between stops. Past feedback has praised the driver’s kindness and the organization of the trip. Those details matter on a full-day outing: a considerate pickup and a smooth handoff to the guide can make a tiring schedule easier to enjoy.

Pack for wet paths and a hard climb

Comfortable trekking shoes are the first priority. The route includes walking to the waterfalls and climbs back up, so sandals or smooth-soled shoes are a poor choice. The trek is described as moderate to challenging, and the uphill sections can take real effort.

Bring swimwear, a change of clothes, a camera, snacks, and water. A small bag that can handle splashes is a practical choice, though no special equipment is listed as included. Keep water handy rather than waiting until you feel thirsty, especially when you are walking between the village and falls.

There is no lunch included, and the schedule is tight enough that you should not assume you can find a meal at a convenient moment. Pack something to eat, and carry money for admission and personal costs. The key is to arrive ready for a day outside, not dressed for a short scenic drive.

Who should book this waterfall trek?

I would choose this outing if you want to see two celebrated waterfalls in one day and are comfortable with a substantial walk. The combination is appealing: rice fields and village scenery on the way to Sekumpul, time at its high cascades, a contrasting swim at Banyumala, and a short Twin Lake View stop. Having transport and a guide arranged is a real plus for a route with several transfers.

It is less suitable if you have mobility limits, back problems, or cannot swim. Even if you are fit, the climb back from the falls may feel strenuous, and the day involves plenty of road time. The extra entrance charges also mean you should compare the actual total cost, not just the $44 base price.

For a fit visitor who wants an active day rather than a resort-side outing, this looks like a worthwhile way to reach several inland sights with local guidance. Pack shoes that grip, bring water and snacks, and leave room in the day for a few tiring climbs. If you want gentle sightseeing with minimal walking, choose a different Bali excursion.

FAQ

How long does the tour take?

The tour lasts about eight hours, including transfers, waterfall visits, and the Twin Lake View stop.

Are hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included for the listed locations, which include Ubud, Denpasar, Singaraja, Lovina Beach, Wanagiri, and other nearby areas. Wait in your hotel lobby 10 minutes before pickup.

Are waterfall entrance fees included in the price?

No. Entrance fees must be paid on site, and the amount is not specified. Lunch and personal expenses are also extra.

Can I swim at the waterfalls?

Swimming is included as an option at Sekumpul and Banyumala. Bring swimwear and a change of clothes. The activity is not suitable for non-swimmers.

How difficult is the trek?

It is described as moderate to challenging. Expect to walk to the waterfalls and climb back up; comfortable trekking shoes are recommended.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, a change of clothes, a camera, snacks, and water. Lunch is not included.