Seven waterfalls in one north Bali morning. This day tour strings together the famous Sekumpul Waterfalls hike with the postcard view of Ulun Danu Beratan over the lake, then winds down at UNESCO-listed Taman Ayun. It also solves a real problem: you get taken north without white-knuckling a DIY drive before your shoes even get wet.

I especially like the door-to-door pickup (including free pickup from Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, and Ubud) and the fact you travel in an air-conditioned vehicle with bottled water and insurance included. The group stays small too, with a maximum of 9 people, so the day doesn’t feel like a cattle stampede at the temple gates.

One thing to consider: the day starts early at 6:30 am and the drive is long and twisty. If you’re the type who needs frequent comfort stops, build in patience and plan ahead, because the hike portion and road time can feel packed.

Key highlights I’d pin on your map

• Sekumpul Waterfalls hike with access to multiple falls and a guide option (trekking guide fees are extra)
• Ulun Danu Beratan temple photo moment with the temple perched by the lake views you see on postcards
• Taman Ayun Water Temple (UNESCO) as a calmer, cultural finish after wet footing
• Small group, max 9 travelers, so you keep momentum without losing everyone
• You control the ticket level: entrance fees depend on the option you choose

The 6:30 am start that actually makes sense

This tour kicks off at 6:30 am, which sounds brutal until you realize what it buys you. You get north Bali earlier in the day, before crowds fully set in and before your energy drains from sitting in traffic for too long.

The timing also matters for the hike at Sekumpul. When you start early, you’re more likely to enjoy the waterfall circuit without feeling rushed. And yes, you’ll still feel like you’re doing a lot in one day, but that’s the point of the combo: waterfalls plus two iconic temples.

Pickup coverage: easy from south Bali, extra from a few spots

Pickup is one of the biggest value drivers here. You’ll get free pickup from a long list of popular areas, including Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Jimbaran, Sanur, Kerobokan, Canggu, Nusa Dua, and Ubud.

If you’re coming from Lovina, Amed, or Tulamben, there’s an extra charge of 150K IDR per person. From Candidasa, it’s 100K IDR per person. So if you’re not staying near south Bali or Ubud, do the math and make sure the pickup fee won’t shock you later.

Also note the group size: the tour caps at 9 travelers. That usually means less waiting and more time doing stuff, not standing around.

The drive north: rewarding scenery, but plan for comfort

North Bali days have a reputation for being scenic and tiring in the same breath. You’re spending significant time in the car to reach Sekumpul, and you’ll feel it most if you dislike long, winding routes.

Here’s the practical takeaway: treat this as a full-day transport + activity combo. You’ll want water on hand (you get bottled water), and you should plan for the fact that the day’s rhythm may not include a comfort break every 20 minutes.

I’ll also add this: the driving quality can make the whole day feel smoother. One name you’ll see mentioned is Poetra, described as kind, funny, and focused on keeping people comfortable. That kind of driver attitude matters when the road is taking your attention.

Stop 1: Sekumpul Waterfalls hike to seven falls

Sekumpul Waterfalls is why you book this tour. The goal is a trek that lets you see seven different falls, and the experience is built around getting you from viewing areas to the spots where the water makes the most visual impact.

This portion is not a casual stroll. Even if the itinerary lists the waterfall stop as about an hour on the schedule, you should expect the pace to depend on the trek route and group movement. Your feet get involved, and the ground around waterfalls tends to be slippery, so good shoes matter more than fashion.

Trekking guide fees you need to budget

One important detail: the trekking guide fee is not included. The cost depends on how long the trek is:

• Medium trek: IDR 150K per person
• Long trek: IDR 250K per person

That means the advertised price can be a little misleading at first glance. If you want the full Sekumpul experience with proper support, plan for this extra cost.

What you can do to make this portion better

Bring a small, simple kit: a change in socks if you hate damp shoes afterward, and a rain layer or quick-dry top if you get mist. Keep your phone secured for photo moments, because Sekumpul rewards photos but doesn’t care about your electronics.

If you’re going with the mindset of a short hike with big payoffs, you’ll have a good day. If you’re hoping for a light walk and lots of sitting, temper expectations.

Stop 2: Ulun Danu Beratan Temple and the lake postcard view

Then the day shifts gears from muddy footing to scenic culture. Ulun Danu Beratan Temple sits by the lake, and you’ll recognize it fast because it’s the type of shrine that shows up on postcards for a reason.

The itinerary gives you about 1 hour here, which is enough time to walk the main areas, take photos from a few angles, and not feel like you have to sprint through. The temple’s setting helps: you get a clear sense of the space around you, so even if you’re not into temples, you’ll still enjoy the view.

Photo note that saves time

If photography matters to you, arrive ready to move. Lake temples can look dramatically different based on viewpoint and the angle of light. Take a quick scan, then commit to the spots that give you both the water and the temple in frame.

Also, this is a good moment to slow down after Sekumpul. If your legs feel cooked, you’ll appreciate the calmer tempo.

Stop 3: Taman Ayun Water Temple, UNESCO-listed and easy to like

Your final temple stop is Taman Ayun Water Temple, a UNESCO Heritage Site. This one often lands well because it feels ceremonial and orderly compared to the more weather-and-water-focused feel of Sekumpul.

You’ll have about 1 hour here. That’s a nice length: enough time to understand what you’re looking at, and still leave without the day dragging.

Why this stop is a good “balance” move

The day already includes a famous lake temple and a waterfall hike. Taman Ayun acts like a reset. You trade wet adventure for calm architecture, plus you get a second cultural stop that makes the day feel more than just nature sightseeing.

What’s included for $22.50 and what costs extra

The headline price is $22.50 per person, and that matters because the tour bundles a lot of practical stuff.

Included

You get:

• Pick-up and drop-off
• An air-conditioned vehicle
• An English-speaking tour guide
• Bottled water
• Insurance
• Entrance fee coverage if you select the option that includes tickets

Not included

You’ll still need to pay for:

• Lunch (not provided)
• Sekumpul & trekking guide fee (Medium IDR 150K or Long IDR 250K per person)
• Personal expenses

The value math you should do

If you pick the option that includes entrance fees, you’re basically paying for transportation, guide time, and getting your temple access handled. That’s usually a good deal compared to trying to sort tickets and timing yourself when you’re already doing a long north Bali day.

If you pick the option without entrance fees, you’ll save a bit upfront but need to handle admissions separately. For temples, that can be doable, but it’s still one more task during a day that already has multiple moving parts.

Group size and guide vibe: why it can feel personal

This tour limits the group to up to 9 travelers, which tends to change the feel of the day. You’re not waiting on a giant herd, and it’s easier to get your questions answered without feeling like you’re in line at a theme park.

You’ll have an English-speaking tour guide, and the trekking portion uses an additional trekking guide with the fees mentioned above. On the best days, the handoff between your driver, your guide, and your trekking support feels smooth, which matters when you’re moving from car to trail.

If you get a driver like Poetra, the day can feel lighter. The idea isn’t just transport; it’s coordination and comfort on a long road day.

The practical stuff: shoes, timing, and food

Shoes

Wear shoes that can handle wet ground. Flip-flops might look vacation-cute, but Sekumpul is the kind of place that makes them a bad idea fast.

Food and pacing

Lunch isn’t included. I’d plan to eat something before you’re picked up, then keep water and snacks in mind for the long day stretch. Even with bottled water on board, you’ll feel better if you’re not running on pure adrenaline.

Start early, not late

Because your day begins at 6:30 am, you’ll want an early night the day before. This isn’t the tour to squeeze in one more bar stop unless you love waking up exhausted on purpose.

Who should book this tour

This is a strong fit if you want:

• A one-day north Bali hit: waterfalls plus two major temple stops
• A tour that handles pickup, transfers, and an English guide
• A small group experience (max 9) instead of chaos
• The Sekumpul experience but without the stress of self-drive logistics

Who should think twice

You might want to choose another option if:

• You need very frequent comfort breaks and extra stops during the drive
• You hate early mornings and long car time
• You don’t want to budget extra for a trekking guide fee on top of the base price

Should you book North Bali: Sekumpul Waterfalls and Ulun Danu Temple Tour?

If your goal is maximum payoff—waterfalls, iconic temple scenery, and UNESCO culture in one day—this tour is a solid booking. The price becomes more attractive when you factor in door-to-door pickup, an English-speaking guide, air-conditioned transport, and insurance, plus the chance to include entrance fees depending on your option.

Just go in with eyes open. Budget for the trekking guide fee, wear the right shoes, and plan for a long day that starts early. Do that, and you’re likely to walk away with the kind of north Bali memories that feel earned, not rushed.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

It starts at 6:30 am.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 10 hours.

Is hotel pickup offered?

Yes. Pick-up and drop-off are included.

Where is pickup free?

Free pick-up is available from Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Jimbaran, Sanur, Kerobokan, Canggu, Nusa Dua, and Ubud.

Is pickup included from Lovina, Amed, Tulamben, and Candidasa?

There’s an extra charge: 150K IDR per person from Lovina, Amed, or Tulamben, and 100K IDR per person from Candidasa.

Is entrance fee included?

Entrance fees are included only if you choose the option that includes entrance fees/tickets.

What are the stops on the itinerary?

Sekumpul Waterfall, Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, and Taman Ayun Water Temple.

Is lunch included?

No, lunch is not included.

Do I need to pay for a trekking guide?

Yes. The Sekumpul & trekking guide fee is not included (Medium IDR 150K per person; Long IDR 250K per person).

What’s the maximum group size?

The tour has a maximum of 9 travelers.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience start time.