Sekumpul: Bali's most beautiful waterfall
A cluster of tall falls pouring into a jungle amphitheatre, at the bottom of a long stairway.
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- Area
- North
- Start from
- Ubud or Lovina
- Distance
- about 2.5 hours from Ubud
- Time needed
- 1 day
- Best season
- Dry season for safety; wet season for volume
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Transport
- Car or scooter; local guide at the trailhead
- Tickets & rules
- Entry fee; guide usually recommended or required
Why go
Sekumpul is often called the most beautiful waterfall in Bali, and many travellers who have seen dozens of falls agree. Several streams pour down a cliff into a green, misty amphitheatre, the main ones around 80 metres high.
Getting there is part of the experience: you walk down a long stairway through clove and durian plantations and then along the river, crossing streams. The sound and spray at the bottom are tremendous.
With a guide you can also visit nearby Fiji waterfall and other falls in the same valley.
The story
Sekumpul means something like 'a group' or 'gathered together', describing the cluster of waterfalls in one place.
The village around Sekumpul is surrounded by clove and coffee gardens, and many local guides are farmers who work the plantations when they're not guiding.
The north of Bali was historically more connected to sea trade through the port of Singaraja, the colonial capital, and its villages have a slightly different feel from the south.
Getting there
Drive north via Bedugul or from Lovina. Local guides at the village organise the walk; follow their advice about the route and the river level.
A suggested plan
- MorningLeave early to arrive before midday heat and crowds.
- WalkDescend the stairs and walk along the river to the main falls, about an hour or more including stops.
- ReturnClimb back up; it's hard work in the heat.
- AfternoonLunch in the village, then on to Lovina or back south.
Where to stay
Lovina or Munduk make good bases.
Good to know
- Wear sandals with grip or water shoes; you'll cross streams.
- Bring a dry bag for your phone.
- Don't go during heavy rain; flash floods and rockfall are real risks.
- Never swim near the base of the main falls.