Bali Best Waterfalls Tour : Sekumpul and Banyumala

Waterfalls reward the effort. This full-day trip from Nusa Dua takes you deep into northern Bali for two very different falls, with private air-conditioned transport, admission fees, and a local guide at Sekumpul included. I like the freedom of a private vehicle and the chance to swim at Banyumala. I also like that the route passes through villages, giving you a look at everyday Bali beyond the beach resorts.

The main catch is the long day. Expect 10 to 12 hours, plus steep paths, many steps, and slippery sections near Sekumpul. You will need sturdy footwear and patience. This is not a quick photo stop from a coach.

Key points at a glance

• Two very different waterfalls: Sekumpul offers scale and dramatic views, while Banyumala is quieter and better suited to a cold swim.
• Private transport from southern Bali: Your group travels by air-conditioned vehicle rather than sharing a large bus.
• A local guide at Sekumpul: This matters because the route can be tricky, especially on steep and slippery sections.
• Swimming is part of the appeal: Banyumala has natural pools where you can cool off after the walk down.
• The price covers the main costs: At $69 per person, private transport, admission, the local trekking guide, an English-speaking chauffeur, and local tax are included.
• Plan around weather and stamina: Poor weather can cancel the trip, and most people can participate, but the walks still require care.

Why these two northern waterfalls make a good pair

Bali’s southern resorts are easy to reach and full of comforts. Northern Bali feels different. The road journey itself gives you changing views of villages and mountain country before the falls appear. That long transfer is not just dead time, although you should be ready for a full day away from your hotel.

Sekumpul and Banyumala complement each other well. Sekumpul is the big visual prize, with several streams dropping through thick greenery and a setting that feels grand. Banyumala Twin Waterfalls is more intimate, with twin streams feeding a natural pool. One stop gives you scale. The other gives you a place to sit, listen, and swim.

I like this pairing because it avoids spending a whole day at only one site. If you have already seen Bali’s smaller roadside cascades, these two offer a more worthwhile outing. The tradeoff is that both require walking, and the journey from Nusa Dua or other southern areas can be tiring.

The long ride from Nusa Dua to Bali’s north

Pickup is offered from Nusa Dua, Ubud, and most of south Bali. The exact pickup area should be clear when you book, but the important point is that you begin and end at your hotel area rather than arranging separate transport to a meeting point.

Your group has a private, air-conditioned vehicle and an English-speaking chauffeur. That is a real advantage on a day that may last 10 to 12 hours. You can travel at your own pace, keep your belongings with you, and avoid the fixed rhythm of a large shared bus.

The drive also gives the tour a useful local feel. You pass through villages on the way toward the falls, seeing more of Bali than the resort strip. The road time is part of the cost, so I would not choose this trip if you want a short, easy outing. I would choose it if reaching remote natural sites matters more than minimizing time in the car.

Admission fees and local tax are included. Personal expenses and gratuities are not, so bring money for anything extra you may want during the day. The tour is private, meaning only your own group participates.

Walking into Sekumpul Waterfall

Sekumpul is the main event for many people. It is often described as one of Bali’s most beautiful waterfalls, and its appeal comes from more than the falling water. The route leads you into a mountain setting where the sound of the falls grows stronger as you walk.

You have about two hours here, including time for the trail, views, and photos. A local trekking guide helps you find the route. That support is useful because the path includes many steps and can be slippery. Take the descent slowly, especially if rain has made the ground wet.

The walk is part of the experience, not an annoying gap between the car and the viewpoint. You get changing views as you move through the area, and the falls feel more impressive because you work your way toward them. The effort also means this stop is not ideal for anyone looking for a flat, gentle stroll.

Wear shoes with a firm grip. Sandals may be fine for some sections, but they are a poor choice if the steps are slick. Keep your camera protected from spray and carry only what you need. The information provided does not specify the exact trail conditions on the day, so allow time for careful footing rather than rushing to the water.

The local guide is especially valuable here. A driver may get you to the area, but a trekking guide can help you follow the trail and understand the mountain region. One visitor praised the guide for explaining the area during the hike, which points to the best use of this part of the tour: do not treat the guide as someone who simply points toward the falls. Ask questions as you walk.

Sekumpul is also where the tour’s physical demands become clear. The falls are beautiful and worth the effort, but you should not underestimate the steps. Take breaks, enjoy the views, and do not measure success by how quickly you reach the bottom.

A cold swim at Banyumala Twin Waterfalls

Banyumala has a different mood. The walk down brings you into a quieter natural setting, where two streams drop side by side into a pool. You have about one hour here, so the stop is shorter than Sekumpul but still gives you time to sit near the water or swim.

The pool is cold. That is part of its appeal after a warm walk, but do not expect a mild-temperature swimming hole. You can ease in slowly, take photographs, or simply sit nearby and listen to the water striking the rocks.

I like that the tour does not force you to swim. You can enjoy Banyumala from the edge, rest in the natural surroundings, or take a walk around the area. The description points to lovely places to relax, and the sound of the falls creates a strong sense of distance from Bali’s busy southern coast.

The path down to Banyumala also requires care. The information does not give a step count or a precise difficulty rating, so approach it as a natural trail rather than a paved attraction. Good footwear remains important. If you swim, bring suitable clothing and a way to keep your dry items protected, though the tour does not list towels or changing facilities among the inclusions.

With only one hour scheduled, keep an eye on time. Banyumala can invite lingering, especially if the pool is calm and the setting is peaceful. Still, the driver must continue the day’s route and return you to your hotel area.

What the $69 price really covers

At $69 per person, this tour offers solid value if you are traveling with a group that wants private transport. The price includes the vehicle, an English-speaking chauffeur, admission fees, local tax, and a local trekking guide at Sekumpul.

Those inclusions matter. A private car for a remote full-day outing would otherwise be a major part of your planning. You also avoid paying separate entry costs at the waterfalls, and you have help on the Sekumpul trail.

Value depends on your starting point. From Nusa Dua or another southern resort area, the drive can be long, but the private vehicle makes that more comfortable than a shared coach. From Ubud, the trip may feel more manageable, though it remains a full-day outing.

The price does not include personal expenses or gratuities. Nothing suggests that meals, drinks, swimwear, towels, or other personal items are included, so plan for those yourself. The tour is best priced for people who want convenience and two major nature stops, not for someone who only wants a short transfer to one waterfall.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would recommend this tour to active couples, families with older children, friends, and small groups who want to see northern Bali without arranging a car, driver, and local guide separately. It also suits photographers, since both waterfalls offer strong photo opportunities from different settings.

You should be comfortable with walking on uneven ground and steps. Most people can participate, but that general note should not be confused with a promise of an easy route. Sekumpul includes many steps and slippery areas, and Banyumala involves a walk down toward the falls.

This is less suitable if you have limited mobility, dislike wet conditions, or want a relaxed poolside day. The provided details do not give a specific accessibility assessment, so ask the provider about your own needs before booking.

The trip also suits anyone who wants to see more than polished resort Bali. The drive through villages and mountain country adds context. You are not just being taken to a viewpoint, you are spending a day moving through a different part of the island.

Timing, weather, and practical preparation

The tour lasts about 10 to 12 hours. Leave room in your schedule for the full day, especially if you are staying in Nusa Dua or another southern area. Do not place a flight, special dinner, or tightly timed evening activity immediately afterward.

Good weather is required. If poor weather forces cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. This is sensible for a waterfall excursion, since rain can affect both the views and trail conditions.

Bring shoes with good grip, water, sun protection, and clothing that can handle spray or a swim. A small bag is easier to manage than a large one on steep paths. You should also carry anything you need for personal comfort, since only transportation, admissions, the guide, chauffeur, and tax are listed as included.

Confirmation is provided when you book. Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded or accepted, and the cut-off follows local time.

How the experience compares with a simple waterfall visit

A single waterfall visit may cost less and take less time, but it will not offer the same range of scenery. Here, Sekumpul gives you a longer trail and a larger sense of scale, while Banyumala gives you a natural pool and a chance to cool off.

The private format also changes the feel of the day. You are not tied to a large group, and only your own party takes part. That makes it easier to spend more time on photographs, slow down on the steps, or enjoy the drive without a crowd.

Still, private does not mean effortless. You remain responsible for handling the physical parts of the route. The guide improves the experience at Sekumpul, but no guide can remove the stairs, slippery ground, or cold water.

Should you book the Sekumpul and Banyumala tour?

Book it if you want two of Bali’s most striking waterfall areas in one long, private day, and you value hotel pickup, an air-conditioned car, included admission, and trail help at Sekumpul. At $69 per person, the package makes sense for a small group that would otherwise need to organize several pieces separately.

Skip it if you want a short outing, dislike steep walks, or plan to avoid getting wet. The best reason to book is not simply the photographs. It is the combination of village roads, mountain scenery, a guided walk, a dramatic waterfall, and a cold natural pool.

Choose a day with good weather, wear proper shoes, and leave your schedule open. If that sounds like a fair exchange for a memorable look at Bali beyond the resorts, this tour is a strong choice.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and finish?

Pickup and drop-off are offered in Nusa Dua, Ubud, and most of south Bali. The experience begins and ends in the included pickup area.

How long does the tour last?

The full experience lasts approximately 10 to 12 hours.

Is transportation private?

Yes. Private transportation is included, and only your own group participates in the activity.

Is a guide included?

An English-speaking chauffeur and a local trekking guide at Sekumpul are included.

Are entrance fees included?

Yes. Admission fees to the waterfall sites are included in the tour price.

Can I swim during the tour?

Yes. Banyumala Twin Waterfalls has a natural pool, although the water is cold.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.