REVIEW · UBUD
Sekumpul Waterfall Tour
Book on Viator →Operated by Bali Volcano Tour · Bookable on Viator
Sekumpul Waterfall is the kind of Bali day you remember. I like how this tour pairs a real jungle trek with time right at the falls, so you get views on the way and not just a quick stop. I also like that the local driver support feels practical and organized, with guides like Wayan and Andrew showing up prepared and keeping the day moving. The only real drawback to plan around is that the hike is active and the entrance fee isn’t included, so you’ll want to budget for comfortable shoes and that extra cost.
This is a full 8-hour outing that starts at 8:00 am, with a dedicated stop of about 2 hours at Sekumpul. Even though the day is built for photos, it’s also built for being there: river crossings, dense greenery, and multiple tall cascades that make the waterfall feel bigger than the typical single-drop view.
In This Review
- Quick take: key things to know
- Why Sekumpul Waterfall Feels Special in Bali
- How the 8:00 am Start and Private Pickup Work in Real Life
- The 2-Hour Sekumpul Trek: Jungle Paths, Rice Fields, and Crossings
- At the Falls: What You’ll Actually Do for Those 2 Hours
- What’s Included (and Why the Driver Matters)
- Price Check: $38.47 for a Private Day That Doesn’t Cut Corners
- What to Bring So the Day Feels Easy, Not Annoying
- Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Want Another Option)
- Should You Book Sekumpul Waterfall Tour?
- FAQ
- What time does the tour start?
- How long is the Sekumpul Waterfall tour?
- Is pickup available?
- Is this a private tour?
- What is included in the price?
- Are entrance fees included?
- What should I bring for the day?
- Is the tour open to most people?
- Summary: Should you book?
Quick take: key things to know
- A moderate jungle hike through lush paths, rice fields, and river crossings gets you to the falls
- 2 hours at the waterfall gives you time to watch, take photos, and go in when conditions are calm
- Private transportation + an English-speaking driver keeps the logistics simple for a long day
- Multiple cascades mean different angles and a stronger photo payoff than one main viewpoint
- Bring essentials for getting wet: towel, spare clothes, sunscreen, and cash for the entrance fee
Why Sekumpul Waterfall Feels Special in Bali

Sekumpul is often described as the most beautiful waterfall on the island, and the vibe matches. Instead of one lonely drop, you’re dealing with multiple tall cascades surrounded by dense greenery. That matters, because the waterfall doesn’t look the same from every angle. You’ll notice the falls layering over each other as you move, which is a big part of why people call it fairytale-worthy.
What I also like is the tone: the falls have a calm feel. In the water you can find a safer, more manageable experience than you’d expect from a big name waterfall. One review highlighted that once the walk down was done, the water was surprisingly shallow and safe enough for people to go right underneath the water coming from above. That doesn’t mean it’s a kiddie splash zone, but it does mean you can treat the swim spot as a real option, not just a dangerous fantasy.
Of course, you still need to use common sense. Water conditions can change with weather and footing can be slick near the falls. Your best move is to go slowly, keep your eyes on your steps, and treat the hike like part of the show.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Ubud.
How the 8:00 am Start and Private Pickup Work in Real Life

This tour runs about 8 hours total and kicks off at 8:00 am. I’m a fan of early starts for waterfalls because daylight helps your photos and the paths feel less slippery than when the day heats up. It also gives you a full buffer to enjoy that 2-hour window at the waterfall without rushing.
You’ll have private transportation, and the driver speaks English. That sounds simple, but it’s a big deal on a day with a moderate trek and nature-based stops. You don’t want to be piecing together directions while you’re focused on staying balanced on uneven ground.
Your group is private, too—only your group participates. That can be great if you want a day that feels tailored instead of a cattle-car scramble. Just note one practical requirement: a 2-person minimum booking is required, so it’s easiest for couples or small groups rather than solo planning.
The 2-Hour Sekumpul Trek: Jungle Paths, Rice Fields, and Crossings
The heart of the experience is the walk to Sekumpul. Expect a moderate hike through lush jungle paths and near rice fields, with some river crossings built into the route. This is exactly the kind of hike where good footwear matters more than fitness bravado. If you’ve ever had your confidence rise on a flat path and then drop once you hit stones and streams, you’ll understand why.
Here’s what makes this trek worth doing: the waterfall isn’t just the destination, it’s the payoff for the walk. Dense greenery frames your route, and you’ll get photo chances along the way—not just one dramatic moment at the end. The trail also changes your sense of scale. When you’re looking up at cascades, they feel taller. When you’re moving from spot to spot, you start seeing how the water splits and reunites.
The main consideration is stamina and footing. The hike is described as moderate, and most people can participate, but you’ll still be walking on uneven ground and managing crossings. If your knees or ankles are touchy, you should plan extra time for careful steps and pace yourself from the first 10 minutes.
At the Falls: What You’ll Actually Do for Those 2 Hours

The Sekumpul stop lasts about 2 hours, and that timing is smart. It’s long enough to let you settle, take photos from different angles, and decide whether you want to get wet.
This is where those calm-and-safe details shine. One review specifically pointed out that the water can be shallow once you’re down at the falls, making it feasible for people to stand close and even go underneath the water flow. That’s the kind of detail that changes how you plan the day. If you know there’s a realistic swim option, you’ll show up with the right towel-and-clothes plan instead of just hoping for the best.
You can also get the fun surprise factor. Another review mentioned a rainbow seen around the falls—something that can happen when spray hits the right light. You can’t schedule a rainbow, but you can give yourself the chance by staying longer and not treating Sekumpul like a quick photo stop.
Photo tip from a practical standpoint: bring patience. With multiple cascades and a jungle setting, the best photos often come after you’ve walked to a safer angle and adjusted to the moving water. That’s also when the falls start to feel like a place, not just a background.
What’s Included (and Why the Driver Matters)
This tour includes:
- Private transportation
- English-speaking experience local driver
That’s it for the core inclusions on paper, but the value shows up in the way the day feels. With a local driver, you’re not stuck asking basic questions mid-hike. You’re not spending time figuring out timing between stops, and you can keep focus on the experience—getting to the waterfall, moving safely on the trail, and making the most of your time there.
I also liked the human side reflected in the feedback tied to the guide team. Mentions of Wayan and Andrew came up in the context of organization and guidance, which is what you want for a day that runs 8 hours and includes natural obstacles.
What’s not included:
- Entrance fee (admission ticket)
- Travel insurance
- Alcoholic beverages
So you’ll want cash on hand for entry, and it’s smart to think of this as a two-part budget: the tour price for transportation and the driver, plus the onsite fee for the waterfall entry.
Price Check: $38.47 for a Private Day That Doesn’t Cut Corners
At $38.47 per person, this tour price is competitive for a private format. The reason is simple: you’re paying for private transportation and an English-speaking driver for a full day. Many waterfall options that look cheap end up being “cheap because they’re group-based” or because they leave you on your own for directions.
The trade-off is that the entrance fee isn’t included, and the hike portion means you should come prepared. Still, for the overall structure—8 hours, private ride, and a proper 2-hour waterfall stop—this is the kind of value that adds up fast.
Also, the booking behavior says something. It’s commonly booked about 35 days in advance on average, which usually means the experience is in demand. If you have tight dates, don’t wait until the last week.
What to Bring So the Day Feels Easy, Not Annoying
The tour’s recommended items are exactly what you want for a waterfall hike and possible splash time:
- Sunscreen (the Bali sun does not negotiate)
- Bath towel
- Changing clothes
- Cash (for the entrance fee)
I’d add one more practical idea: focus on footwear with grip. The route includes river crossings, and the paths near the waterfall can be slick. You don’t need fancy gear, but you do need shoes that help you move confidently.
If you hate carrying stuff, plan for a small day bag and use it only for essentials. Towels and spare clothes can take space, so pack smart.
And yes, bring sunscreen even if it looks cloudy. Waterfall mist can make you feel cooler while you still get sun exposure.
Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Want Another Option)

This Sekumpul Waterfall tour is ideal if you:
- Like active sightseeing more than bus-and-brief-stop travel
- Want a private day with an English-speaking driver
- Enjoy nature photos and don’t mind a trek for the payoff
- Want a realistic chance to get in the water when conditions feel calm
It may feel less ideal if you:
- Need a very gentle walk only (because the hike is described as moderate)
- Have trouble with uneven footing and water crossings
- Don’t want to plan for extra entry costs onsite
One more mindset check: this is not a “show up, walk two minutes, leave” kind of outing. The best part is the journey to the falls and the chance to stay long enough to experience the sound, spray, and layered cascades.
Should You Book Sekumpul Waterfall Tour?

Book it if you want a Bali waterfall day that feels like an actual outing, not a quick photo quest. The mix of private transport, an English-speaking driver, and a 2-hour waterfall stop makes it a good value for your time. The trek route through jungle and rice field scenery also gives you a stronger sense of place than a one-viewpoint stop.
I’d especially lean yes if you’re excited by the idea of water that can be more manageable than expected. That shallow-water detail and the possibility of a rainbow are the kind of moments you can’t fake with a basic checklist.
Skip it (or pick another plan) if mobility is a big concern. The moderate hike and river crossings mean you’ll need a steady step and a calm pace.
FAQ
What time does the tour start?
The tour starts at 8:00 am.
How long is the Sekumpul Waterfall tour?
The duration is about 8 hours total, with around 2 hours at Sekumpul Waterfall.
Is pickup available?
Yes, the tour offers pickup.
Is this a private tour?
Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, so only your group participates.
What is included in the price?
Included features are private transportation and an English-speaking experience local driver.
Are entrance fees included?
No. The entrance fee / admission ticket is not included.
What should I bring for the day?
Bring sunscreen, a bath towel, changing clothes, and cash.
Is the tour open to most people?
It states that most travelers can participate, but keep in mind the day includes an active hike with river crossings.
Summary: Should you book?
If you want the classic Sekumpul experience—jungle trek, multiple cascades, and time to actually enjoy the falls—this private, driver-led day is a strong match for your Bali schedule and budget.
























