Bali: Sekumpul and Banyumala Waterfall Guided Trek

Sekumpul Waterfall is the kind of Bali stop that changes your mood fast. This guided trek takes you through rice fields and into the jungle for Sekumpul’s dramatic twin falls, plus a second visit to Banyumala for a wider, more relaxed waterfall swim. I especially love the way you get real time at the cascades for photos and swimming, and I like that your local guide helps you navigate the best angles, like Ardy did for one group at Sekumpul.

There is one drawback to plan for: this is a moderate to challenging walk, with some tiring uphill steps back out, and you will likely get wet. Also, waterfall entrance fees are not included, so expect to pay on site.

Key takeaways before you go

• Sekumpul waterfall swim time for photos and cooling off in the natural pools
• A second waterfall day with Banyumala’s twin falls, lower but wider
• Rice-field walking segment that breaks up the trek with big views
• Guides that know the best spots, including one guide named Ardy reported as attentive and professional
• Entrance fees paid on site, even though the tour handles the guiding and photo stops

Why this Sekumpul and Banyumala trek feels different than a quick drive-by

Bali has waterfalls everywhere on paper. What this tour does better is the actual day rhythm: you spend real time on the ground, not just in the parking lot. The big payoff is that Sekumpul is dramatic enough for that classic waterfall-photo moment, including chances to take pictures from up close. Then you shift to Banyumala, which can feel more forgiving because the falls are wider, and you still get time to cool off.

I also like the way this trip is built for your comfort in a practical way. You get hotel pickup and drop-off, a local guide, and set photo opportunities, so you are not constantly asking where to go next. The trade-off is you are trading an easy day for an active one, especially with the uphill return after swimming and exploring.

Getting rolling: pickup, long drive, and why the timing matters

The tour runs about 8 hours total, and it starts with pickup from multiple areas. Depending on where you stay, you might get collected in places like Ubud, Denpasar, Lovina, Gianyar, Wanagiri, and others. Then there is a noticeable transfer time early in the day, about 2 hours of driving.

That early ride matters because it sets your expectations. You are not doing a quick local jaunt. You are scheduling a full half-day outing where the waterfalls are the point, not the roads. If you are the kind of person who likes to stretch your legs before the main hike, pack water and snacks early, because you will want them before the trekking portion.

The walk to Sekumpul: rice fields first, jungle later

Once you start the hike, you walk for roughly 30 minutes to reach Sekumpul. The route is described as passing by panoramic rice fields along the way, which is exactly what I want on a waterfall day. It gives you something scenic before the main event, and it helps break up the effort.

Wear comfortable trekking shoes for this part. The ground in waterfall areas can be slippery and uneven, and sandals are a quick way to ruin a day. Also, bring a camera even if you are not a photographer. The rice-field views can be surprisingly nice, and you will likely want at least a few non-waterfall photos to remember the day’s full feel.

Sekumpul Waterfall: twin falls, close-up photo spots, and a real swim

At Sekumpul, you get about 2 to 3 hours at the waterfalls. This is the heart of the experience. Sekumpul is often described as one of Bali’s standout waterfall areas, and here the twin falls deliver that wow factor with height and strong water flow.

The big reason people love this stop is the chance to get close and even swim in the natural pools. One review experience highlighted that Sekumpul’s higher cascade is where you can do great photography from beneath the waterfall. Even if you are not planning to go right under the falls, the option is part of the fun, because it turns the waterfall from a sight into an experience.

Two practical notes that will save you stress:

• Bring a change of clothes. You will get wet, and you will want to swap out once you are done.
• Expect a harder return. You might start feeling okay at the waterfall, then realize the uphill steps and the climb back are the effort part. One group described the resurgences or climbs as tiring, but worth it, which matches what I’d plan for.

Your guide also helps you time the best moments. You are not just wandering around on your own. With photo stops and guided movement, you have more time to enjoy, less time to figure it out.

Stopovers on the way: Grobogan and Fiji waterfalls

Along the route toward the next main waterfall, you may also visit Grobogan and Fiji Waterfalls. The tour positioning is that these are part of the day flow before you head to Banyumala.

Think of these as bonus moments. They can add variety, especially if you are hoping for more than one waterfall setting in a single outing. If you are tired, you may not soak up every detail the way you would at Sekumpul, but it’s still nice to see more of what the area offers.

Transfer time to Banyumala: manageable, but plan your energy

After Sekumpul, there is about 1 hour of transfer time. That break is useful because it gives you a chance to dry off a bit, refuel with water or snacks, and reset for another waterfall hike and swim session.

If you tend to get motion-sick on curvy roads, consider taking your preferred remedy before the drive. The tour does not mention anything special here, so you are responsible for your own comfort. I find it helps to treat the transfer as a breather, not wasted time.

Banyumala Waterfalls: twin falls, a wider feel, and swimming options

Banyumala is another highlight, with time set aside for about 2 hours. This spot is also described as a twin waterfall area, and it is often compared to Sekumpul in a useful way: Banyumala can be lower but wider, which changes both the look and the feel.

That width matters. When you get wet and you are moving around the pool area, wider falls can be easier to enjoy because you are not dealing with a single narrow, extreme drop. You still get the chance to take a refreshing dip and enjoy the natural surroundings.

One review experience emphasized that the guide got them to Banyumala right after Sekumpul, and that it felt like a different kind of water show. That is exactly how I’d describe it if you are doing both in one day: Sekumpul gives height and drama, Banyumala gives breadth and relaxation.

One safety note: the tour specifies that it is not suitable for non-swimmers and not recommended for people with mobility impairments or back problems. If swimming is a big part of your goal, honestly check your comfort level before you start. Even if you do not plan to swim, the pool areas and the wet rocks can be unforgiving.

Twin Lake View: quick scenic payoff before the ride back

Near the end of the day, you get a 30-minute stop at Twin Lake View. This is a short photo break and sightseeing moment before you head back.

I like this kind of final stop because it balances the day. After hours of waterfall sounds and jungle humidity, a viewpoint can feel like a mental reset. You also get a chance to take photos that show the broader scenery, not just close-up water.

Price and value: what $44 includes, and what you will still pay

The tour price is $44 per person for about 8 hours. For that cost, you get:

• a local English-speaking guide
• hotel pickup and drop-off
• guiding and a trekking experience
• visits to Sekumpul and Banyumala
• photo opportunities

What you do not get is also important. Lunch is not included, and waterfall entrance fees are not included and must be paid on site.

So is it worth it? I think it is, mainly because the included value is what most people struggle to assemble on their own in Bali: reliable transport from your hotel area, a guide who can take you to the right spots, and a structured day with multiple waterfall experiences. If you were to book a guide just for Sekumpul and then arrange everything else yourself, the cost can climb fast. For $44, you are mostly paying for the day organization plus the trekking help, and then you pay separate costs for food and entry.

My practical advice: budget for entrance fees and plan your own lunch strategy. Bring snacks for the drive and trek, because waiting until after the second waterfall can make hunger hit at the worst time.

What to bring for this Bali waterfall trek (so you can enjoy it, not suffer)

The tour is very clear on essentials, and I’m glad it is specific. Pack:

• Comfortable shoes (not just sandals)
• Swimwear
• Change of clothes
• Camera
• Snacks
• Water bottle

I’d also suggest a small waterproof bag or zip pouch for your phone and wallet. The day is described as getting you wet, and with pools and waterfall mist, a little protection is worth it.

If you want the best photos, bring a camera strap you can trust when you are walking in wet areas. One slip and you are dealing with a damaged lens or a phone you did not plan to wash in waterfall water.

Who this tour suits best in real life

This is best for people who:

• like active days and can handle a moderate to challenging trek
• enjoy swimming in natural pool areas
• want a guide for route clarity and photo timing
• prefer structured day planning with hotel pickup and drop-off

It is not suitable for:

• people with back problems
• people with mobility impairments
• non-swimmers

If you are traveling with kids, or you are unsure about swim comfort, you might still enjoy the scenery, but the tour is explicitly not designed for non-swimmers. Think carefully about safety before you book.

Should you book the Sekumpul and Banyumala guided trek?

Book it if you want one of Bali’s most complete waterfall experiences in a single day, with enough time to actually enjoy the water, not just watch it. I’d also book it if you value having an English guide and someone who helps with photo placement, because the day is long enough that you do not want to spend it figuring things out.

Skip or choose a different format if your fitness level is low, you have a back issue, or you are not comfortable with swimming in natural pools. The trek, the wet surfaces, and the uphill return are part of the deal.

If you do book it, go in with the right mindset: wear proper shoes, bring a change of clothes, and treat the climbs as the price of admission for Sekumpul’s photo-ready power and Banyumala’s wider, refreshing swim vibe.

FAQ

How long is the Bali Sekumpul and Banyumala Waterfall guided trek?

The duration is 8 hours.

What is the price per person?

The price is $44 per person.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Does the tour include lunch?

No, lunch is not included.

Are the waterfall entrance fees included?

No, waterfall entrance fees are not included and must be paid on site.

Can I swim during the tour?

You can swim in the natural pool areas at both Sekumpul and Banyumala. The tour is not suitable for non-swimmers.

What language is the guide?

The tour guide is English.

What should I bring for the trek?

Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, a change of clothes, a camera, snacks, and water. You will likely get wet.

Is this trek easy?

The trek is described as moderate to challenging.

Is a private group option available?

Yes, a private group is available.