Sekumpul Waterfall

Sekumpul is widely considered the most beautiful waterfall in Bali. Hidden in a deep, jungle-clad gorge in the hills of Buleleng regency, North Bali, it is actually a cluster of several falls, the name loosely means “group”, plunging side by side from the cliffs into a single valley. The tallest drops are roughly 80 metres, and in the wet season the spray fills the gorge like mist.

Getting there is an adventure. From the village, paths descend steeply through plantations of cloves, coffee, durian and rambutan before reaching the river. It is a long drive from the south, but for many visitors it’s the highlight of a trip to North Bali.

What to see

The shortest option is a walk to the panoramic viewpoint overlooking the whole group of falls from the rim of the gorge. Longer treks descend hundreds of concrete steps to the valley floor, where you can wade across the river and stand in the spray at the base of the main falls. The longest routes continue to neighbouring falls, including the so-called Hidden Waterfall and Fiji Waterfall, wading through streams between them. Expect to get wet up to the knees or waist.

How to visit

• Guides are mandatory for the treks. Buy tickets and hire a guide only at the official entrance in Sekumpul village, ignore touts who wave down vehicles on the approach roads.
• Routes range from a 1-hour viewpoint walk to 4–5-hour treks; prices increase with length.
• The medium and long routes involve 300+ steep steps and river crossings. You need reasonable fitness and good knees.
• In heavy rain the river can rise quickly and guides may close lower sections, trust their judgement.
• Leave very early from South Bali (2.5–3 hours’ drive) or stay overnight in Munduk or Lovina.

Etiquette & dress

Wear swimwear under quick-drying clothes and bring water shoes or sport sandals with grip; flip-flops are dangerous on wet rocks. Pack a dry bag for your phone and a small towel. Don’t stand directly under the falls, where rocks can fall. Tip your guide if they’ve looked after you well. Cover up when you return to the village and respect small shrines along the path.

Mosquitoes can be fierce in the gorge, so bring repellent. Changing rooms and simple warungs at the top are welcome after the climb back up; allow time for a fresh coconut before the long drive.

Plan for a full day if coming from the south: the winding mountain roads via Bedugul are scenic but slow, and fog can roll in after lunch.

Combine it with

• Git Git Waterfall, about 40 minutes west.
• Lovina for a sunrise dolphin trip and black-sand beaches, around 45 minutes away.
• Munduk waterfalls and coffee plantations in the highlands.
• Handara Gate and Ulun Danu Beratan on the drive back south.