Sekumpul Waterfall is absolutely one of the most impressive and beautiful waterfalls in Bali. It is hidden deep in stunning nature and is surrounded by other waterfalls as well. For any nature lover, this 80-meter (262-foot) high waterfall is a must-see, not only because of the beauty of the waterfall itself but also because of the breathtaking nature surrounding this group of waterfalls. The lush green jungle and large rock formations look like they are straight out of a Jurassic Park movie. In this article, we will explain exactly how to get to Sekumpul Waterfall and share all the necessary tips for your visit. This way, you can hopefully check this beautiful spot off your bucket list soon!
A visit to Sekumpul Waterfall is essentially a 3-in-1 package of stunning waterfalls. There are two other waterfalls nearby that are absolutely worth a visit. One of them is Hidden Waterfall. As the name suggests, this waterfall is a bit more hidden. It is located at the end of a beautiful green gorge. A little further along is a group of waterfalls, collectively known as Fiji Waterfall. The three waterfalls converge into one pool. You can combine all these waterfalls by taking a lovely walk through nature. Further along in this article, you’ll read all about this hike.
Tip: It is recommended to allocate at least three or four hours for your visit to Sekumpul Waterfall, Hidden Waterfall, and Fiji Waterfall.
Visit Sekumpul Waterfall with or without a guide?
Before I visited Sekumpul Waterfall, I read various stories online about whether to use a guide. Some websites say a guide is mandatory, while others claim it’s a scam and you can visit the waterfall without one. I have to honestly say that after my visit, I still don’t know what the truth is. We took the entrance from the village of Lemukih, and everything along the path leading to the waterfall is set up for tours. If you really want to go alone, you would probably have to put in a lot of effort to avoid this, which won’t win you any friends.
A tour costs about $19, and personally, I think it’s perfectly fine to go out with a guide for that amount. Scam or not, these friendly locals are just trying to make a living and know the area like the back of their hand. Plus, the guide knows exactly how to navigate the best paths, which parts are slippery or dangerous, and can occasionally take a photo of you. Also, the included scooter ride from the ticket office to the entrance was a nice bonus, saving us at least half an hour of walking.
Note: A few kilometers (about a few miles) before you enter the village of Lemukih, there will already be boys along the road wanting to stop you. They will also want to be your guide, but it’s better to drive past them, as they are definitely not official guides.
How to get to the starting point of the hike to Sekumpul Waterfall?
There are two different entrances to get to the waterfalls. These are not clearly indicated on Google Maps, but are better shown on Maps.me. This is (approximately) the location of the main entrance to Sekumpul Waterfall. You can also walk to the waterfalls via this entrance from the village of Lemukih. If you go from Lemukih with a guide, you will be taken on the back of a scooter to the starting point of the hike.
What does the hike to the waterfalls look like?
Below, you’ll read about what the hike to Sekumpul Waterfall, Hidden Waterfall, and Fiji Waterfalls looks like.
Good to know: The description below assumes starting the hike in the village of Lemukih.
The path down
Once you’ve paid the entrance fee and started your hike, you immediately walk through the lush green jungle filled with large exotic plants and trees. The path varies from natural to man-made steps and leads into the valley. As you walk down this path for about half an hour, you will occasionally catch a glimpse of the impressive Sekumpul Waterfall. When you finally arrive at the river, the nature is breathtaking. A canyon of tall, green-covered rock walls towers above you. In various spots, you’ll see small waterfalls, thin trickling streams, and droplets clinging to the green leaves.
From the river, it’s just a short walk to Sekumpul Waterfall, but it’s nice to first visit Hidden Waterfall. For this, you need to cross the river up to your knees and skillfully walk over rocks. After a few minutes, you will come face to face with Hidden Waterfall, a stunning waterfall surrounded by high walls covered in ferns and moss.
Sekumpul Waterfall
Sekumpul Waterfall is only a few minutes’ walk from Hidden Waterfall. As soon as you stand at the foot of Sekumpul Waterfall, you immediately feel the power of this waterfall from the mist that comes towards you. You’re guaranteed to get wet here, which is no surprise since the water cascades down 80 meters (262 feet)! The mist also creates rainbows regularly, making this spot even more magical. Need a little more refreshment? Take a refreshing dip in the pool at the base of the waterfall.
Fiji Waterfall
Once you’ve spent enough time at Sekumpul Waterfall, it’s time to continue your hike to Fiji Waterfall. You’ll eventually reach the waterfall via several bridges. As you walk further, you’ll see that there aren’t just one, but actually three waterfalls visible. This group of waterfalls is called Fiji Waterfall. Swimming here can be a bit tricky due to the force of the water, but there are still plenty of beautiful spots to enjoy nature and take stunning photos.
Tip: After your visit to Fiji Waterfalls, retrace your steps back up the same route. Once you reach the top, order a well-deserved fresh coconut at Warung Fiji and enjoy the view over the rice fields.
What should you bring on the hike to Sekumpul Waterfall?
Wear sturdy sandals or shoes that can get wet, as you will walk through some water. Bring a towel or dry clothes for the return trip. Don’t forget to take enough water and possibly some snacks with you. There are also small shops at the entrance where you can buy these. If you have a camera, it’s a good idea to bring a lens cloth to dry your camera and a dry bag is a worthwhile addition.
What is the best time to visit Sekumpul Waterfall?
You can visit Sekumpul Waterfall year-round. This is because Sekumpul Waterfall does not rely on the rainy season for water volume, and the flow only slightly decreases during the dry season (April to October).
Photography tip: For the best photos, plan your visit between mid-morning and mid-afternoon. During this part of the day, you will have the best light.
Where to visit Sekumpul Waterfall from?
Sekumpul Waterfall is located in the north of Bali. The small mountain village of Munduk is the perfect base for Sekumpul Waterfalls, but you can also plan a tour from other places. From Munduk, it’s about a one to one and a half hour drive along a winding mountain road with beautiful views and fresh mountain air.
Are you staying in the south of Bali and want to visit the waterfalls from there? Then book the Sekumpul Waterfall tour, where you’ll visit all three waterfalls, as well as two of the most beautiful temples in Bali: Pura Ulun Danu Bratan and Pura Taman Ayun. Along with a guide—who is also your driver—you’ll learn all about these places.
Tip: For a unique experience, you can also stay near Sekumpul Waterfall. This way, you can start your hike early in the morning before other visitors arrive. You’re likely to have this magical place all to yourself! Taman Dari Villa is a lovely accommodation with an amazing view of nature. Book the room with a mountain view for an extra special stay. Sekumpul Waterfall is just a few hundred meters (about 0.2 miles) away.
