North Bali: Sekumpul Waterfalls and Ulun Danu Temple Tour

North Bali rewards the early riser. This 10-hour trip pairs the seven falls of Sekumpul with two of Bali’s most photogenic temples, saving you the long self-drive through winding mountain roads. I like the door-to-door transport and the chance to see both wild scenery and landmark temples in one day. The main catch is the demanding waterfall walk, plus an extra trekking-guide fee.

I also like the small-group format, capped at nine people, and the friendly service reported from guides such as Poetra. Pickup is free from Kuta, Seminyak, Ubud, Sanur, Canggu, Nusa Dua, and several nearby areas. Still, the day can stretch beyond 10 hours, and one poor experience involved more than two and a half hours without a comfort stop.

Key points to know before booking

• Sekumpul is the day’s physical challenge: The route involves a substantial walk, with medium and long trekking options priced separately.
• Three major sights share one long day: You visit Sekumpul Waterfall, Ulun Danu Beratan, and Taman Ayun Temple.
• The group stays small: A maximum of nine people makes the trip more manageable than a large coach outing.
• Pickup covers much of southern Bali: Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Jimbaran, Sanur, Kerobokan, Canggu, Nusa Dua, and Ubud are included.
• The $22.50 starting price is not the final cost: Entrance fees and a Sekumpul trekking guide depend on the option you choose.
• Comfort depends on the day’s pacing: Bring patience, water, and a plan for the long drive back.

Why this North Bali day trip makes sense

North Bali is not a quick hop from Kuta or Ubud. Sekumpul lies in the island’s mountain country, and reaching it by rental car means handling a long drive before dealing with the walk itself. This tour removes that burden with hotel pickup, an air-conditioned vehicle, and a return transfer.

That matters most if you do not want to spend your holiday studying road turns or worrying about parking. You can use the drive to rest between stops, though the long distance still makes this a full-day commitment rather than a relaxed half-day outing.

The route also has a good mix. Sekumpul brings forest, water, and exercise. Ulun Danu Beratan gives you the classic Bali temple scene beside a mountain lake. Taman Ayun adds a more formal royal temple setting, with broad grounds and traditional shrine architecture.

The advertised starting price is $22.50 per person, which is appealing for transport and a full itinerary. Read the option details carefully before paying. Some versions do not include entrance fees, while an upgraded small-group or private version includes tickets and a guide. The Sekumpul trekking guide is listed separately, at IDR 150,000 per person for the medium trek or IDR 250,000 per person for the long trek.

The early pickup and long road north

The stated start time is 6:30 a.m. Pickup is available from Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Jimbaran, Sanur, Kerobokan, Canggu, Nusa Dua, and Ubud. If you are staying in Lovina, Amed, or Tulamben, an extra charge of IDR 150,000 per person applies. Candidasa pickup costs an extra IDR 100,000 per person.

The exact pickup order can affect your day, so allow flexibility in the morning. The vehicle is air-conditioned, bottled water is included, and the group limit is nine. Those are useful comforts when the itinerary already includes a long drive and a serious walk.

The transport is one of the strongest reasons to book. A private car can cover the same ground, but you then take on the driving yourself. On this trip, the driver handles the route while the guide helps you move through the planned stops.

One practical weakness is the lack of a stated comfort-stop schedule. One unhappy guest described going more than two and a half hours without a break and later being taken to an unpleasant stopping place. That may not be every departure, but it is a fair warning. Use the bathroom before pickup and ask your driver early about the next stop.

Sekumpul Waterfalls and the trek into the forest

Sekumpul is the headline stop. The experience takes you into North Bali’s forested hills to seek out a group of seven waterfalls. The reward is not a single roadside viewpoint. You need to walk down into the area, and the return climb is the part that tests your legs.

The supplied information lists medium and long trekking routes. The medium option costs IDR 150,000 per person, while the long option costs IDR 250,000 per person. The trekking guide fee is not part of the basic tour price, so budget for it separately.

You should think of this as an active outing, not a simple photo stop. One account describes stopping many times on the climb, especially when returning uphill. Another strongly recommends paying for the local guide, who can help with the route and keep you safe on the trek.

That local guide is separate from the tour’s English-speaking guide. This distinction matters. The tour guide may manage the day and explain the wider itinerary, while the Sekumpul trekking guide supports you on the waterfall route. Confirm exactly what your selected package includes before departure.

Wear shoes with a firm grip and clothing suited to getting warm and wet. The information does not specify changing facilities or swimming arrangements, so do not build your plans around a swim. Bring only what you need for the walk, and protect your phone and camera from spray.

The physical effort is also the attraction. You are not simply arriving at a paved temple courtyard, taking one picture, and leaving. You are making your way through North Bali’s natural setting to reach a series of falls. If your fitness is limited, ask about the medium route and be realistic about the climb back.

The waterfalls can also take more time than the one-hour itinerary estimate suggests. The listed hour is a guide, not a guarantee that the entire stop will feel short. Walking pace, photo breaks, and the selected trek all affect the schedule.

Ulun Danu Beratan, Bali’s postcard temple

After Sekumpul, the tour moves to Ulun Danu Beratan Temple. This is the scene many people picture when they imagine Bali: shrine structures beside or appearing to sit on the lake, backed by mountain scenery.

The temple’s setting gives you a sharp change of mood after the waterfall trek. At Sekumpul, you work for the view. At Ulun Danu, the appeal comes from the water, carefully placed shrines, and easy photo opportunities around the grounds.

The stop is scheduled for about one hour. That is enough for a focused visit and pictures, though it is not an open-ended temple exploration. You will want to keep an eye on the clock, especially if the waterfall walk ran long.

Entrance fees depend on the booking choice. Some options include tickets, while the basic price may not. The upgraded small-group option includes entrance fees and a guide, and a private option is also available with tickets and a guide. Check the exact package rather than assuming every $22.50 booking includes admission.

Ulun Danu is a strong match for anyone who wants an iconic Bali image without arranging a separate visit. It also provides a less strenuous stop after Sekumpul, although you should still expect walking around the temple grounds.

Taman Ayun Temple and the final cultural stop

Taman Ayun is the final listed stop, with about one hour at the site. It is described as a UNESCO Heritage Site and a royal water temple, giving the day a third type of experience after the falls and lakeside shrines.

The temple’s broad setting and formal design make it different from Ulun Danu. Here, the focus is less on a single lakeside view and more on the atmosphere of a major Balinese temple complex. You can slow down, look at the compound, and take in the architecture after the more active morning.

Because Taman Ayun comes late, your energy may be lower by then. That is one reason this itinerary suits people who want maximum sightseeing in one day rather than a slow schedule. If you prefer lingering at each place, three major stops plus the long return drive may feel rushed.

The one-hour timing is useful for planning, but traffic and delays can affect it. A friendly driver can make a difference here. One highly praised driver, Poetra, was described as kind, funny, and attentive to comfort. Another account praised a driver for stopping when asked so the passenger could take photographs along the route.

Guides, group size, and the private upgrade

The tour includes an English-speaking guide, an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, pickup and drop-off, and insurance. It operates with a maximum of nine people, which is a useful middle ground. You get shared transport costs without being placed on a large bus with dozens of people.

The private upgrade is worth considering if you care about pace and personal attention. It includes tickets and a guide, according to the supplied options, and removes the compromises that can come with coordinating a group. It will cost more than the starting rate, but the extra control may matter on a demanding day.

The local Sekumpul guide remains an important cost to remember. Paying for that support is sensible for the waterfall portion, particularly if you are unsure about the route or concerned about the climb. The tour descriptions specifically separate this fee from the main package.

Guide quality appears to be one of the tour’s strongest points. Poetra received especially warm praise for his humor, kindness, and care with the local waterfall guide. A French-speaking driver-guide was also praised for detailed explanations and unusual friendliness. Since guide assignments can vary, treat these examples as a sign of what good service can look like, not a promise that you will receive the same person.

What the $22.50 price really covers

At $22.50 per person, this is an inexpensive way to arrange transport between South Bali or Ubud and three significant North Bali sights. The value is strongest if you are traveling alone or as a couple and do not want to pay for a full private car.

The low base price needs careful reading. You may need to add:

• Entrance fees, unless your selected package includes them
• IDR 150,000 per person for the medium Sekumpul trek
• IDR 250,000 per person for the long Sekumpul trek
• Lunch
• Personal expenses
• Extra pickup charges from Lovina, Amed, Tulamben, or Candidasa

Lunch is not included, and no lunch stop is specified in the schedule. Carry money and ask your guide about the meal plan early in the day. Do not assume the tour price covers food.

For a clearer comparison, look at the total price rather than the headline number. A package with tickets, a guide, and private transport may be better value for a family or small group that wants flexibility. The basic small-group option works best for someone who wants a low-cost framework and accepts add-on fees.

The main drawbacks to consider

The biggest issue is time. Ten hours is the approximate duration, but one poor account reported a 12-hour day. North Bali roads, pickup routes, the waterfall trek, and traffic can all push the return later.

The second issue is physical effort. The walk to Sekumpul is not a casual stroll, and the climb back can be tough. If you have limited mobility, a health concern, or simply dislike steep walks, this is not an easy sightseeing tour.

The third issue is comfort during the drive. Most of the vehicle details are reassuring, but the long-break complaint shows why you should take care of bathroom needs before leaving and speak up if you need a stop.

Finally, the base ticket option can create confusion if you do not read the inclusions carefully. Confirm entrance fees, the trekking guide, the trek length, pickup location, and any extra charge before you commit.

Who should book this tour

I would recommend it to you if you want to see North Bali’s best-known natural and cultural sights in one day, but do not want to drive. It suits active visitors who can handle a substantial uphill walk and who value convenient hotel pickup.

It is also a good fit for solo visitors and couples who want to keep transport costs low. The nine-person maximum is more appealing than a large coach, and the English-speaking guide can help connect the separate stops.

Families should decide based on the children’s stamina. The waterfalls require effort, and the day may run long. A private option can make more sense if your group needs more control over pace and breaks.

I would not choose this tour for a lazy day, a short visit, or a carefully timed evening plan. I would also hesitate if you cannot manage the Sekumpul climb. In that case, a temple-focused outing with less walking would be a better match.

Final verdict: a strong day for active sightseers

Book this trip if Sekumpul is high on your Bali list and you want Ulun Danu and Taman Ayun added without planning three separate visits. The transport, small group, and combination of waterfalls and temples give the day real value.

Before booking, choose the package with care. Add the trekking fee, confirm entrance tickets, pack for a demanding walk, and leave your evening open. With those points handled, this is a practical way to reach North Bali’s signature sights, provided you accept a long day and a little road-time discomfort.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The approximate duration is 10 hours, starting at 6:30 a.m. One reported experience lasted 12 hours, so you should allow extra time.

What places does the tour visit?

The itinerary includes Sekumpul Waterfall, Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, and Taman Ayun Temple.

How many waterfalls can I see at Sekumpul?

The experience is described as a hike to seven different falls at Sekumpul.

Is hotel pickup included?

Free pickup and drop-off are available from Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Jimbaran, Sanur, Kerobokan, Canggu, Nusa Dua, and Ubud.

Are there extra pickup fees?

Yes. Pickup from Lovina, Amed, and Tulamben costs an additional IDR 150,000 per person. Pickup from Candidasa costs an additional IDR 100,000 per person.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included in the tour price.

Is the Sekumpul trekking guide included?

No. The trekking guide fee is additional. The medium trek costs IDR 150,000 per person, and the long trek costs IDR 250,000 per person.

Are entrance fees included?

Entrance fees depend on the option selected. Upgraded small-group and private options include entrance fees and a guide, while you should check the basic option carefully.

How large is the group?

The maximum group size is nine people.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund.