Sekumpul Waterfall with Kids
WHERE IS SEKUMPUL WATER (AIR TERJUN SEKUMPUL)?
Sekumpul Waterfall (Air Terjun Sekumpul in the local language) is located in the northern mountains of Bali, around 2.5 hours drive from the main tourist hubs of Canggu, Seminyak, Kuta and Ubud.
HOW TO GET TO SEKUMPUL WATERFALL, BALI
Although Sekumpul waterfall is one of the best attractions in Bali, it’s a little off the beaten track and quite hard to get to. Therefore, we recommend hiring a scooter and riding to Sekumpul yourself, hiring a driver (a driver and car can be arranged for around $50 for the day, through your accommodation), or visiting as part of an organised tour.
Our directions below are based on hiring a scooter and riding to Sekumpul yourself. Not only is the ride through the hills of Bratan picturesque, but it’s also by far the quickest way to get to Sekumpul.
Be warned though; the road to Sekumpul waterfall is very windy and steep in parts and is the main route between the north and south, making it extremely busy throughout the day. Take your time, drive safely and try to break up the drive with a few rest stops.
Scooters can be hired from any of the main tourist hubs in Bali, and cost around IDR 50,000 – 70,000 per day (USD $5).
FROM NORTH BALI (SINGARAJA, LOVINA)
From north Bali, follow the Bedugal – Singaraja Rd. towards Bedugal lake for around 45mins. Keep an eye out for the Sekumpul waterfall turn off on your left as you near the top of the mountain. From this turn-off its a long, windy 30min ride through forests and small mountain villages until you arrive at the designated carpark and waterfall hike starting point.
We stayed in northern Bali near Singaraja and would definitely recommend making the trip to Sekumpul waterfall from here. The drive is quicker and easier and can be included in a visit to Aling-Aling and Git-Git waterfalls in a day.
We hear the unmistakable roar of Sekumpul Waterfall before we see it.
“This way”, says our guide, Kadek, who hurries along the path, analysing our expressions for a hint of excitement. We round a corner, step down a few stairs and lay eyes on Sekumpul Waterfall for the first time.
“How is this even real?”, gasps Mark, his jaw firmly planted on the ground. It’s a question we’ll ask ourselves again and again over the next three hours as we explore Bali’s most incredible waterfall (see more of Bali with this 10-day Bali itinerary!).
A layer of mist hangs in the air, shrouding the magnificent twin-falls, which drop 80m to the valley floor below. Deep-green forests cling to the hills as trees crane towards the sky in search of sunlight. It’s like a scene from Jurrasic Park, only this is real life.
We’ve visited Bali’s tallest waterfall as part of a day-long waterfall mission in northern Bali, enjoying the thrills and spills of Aling Aling before making our way through the misty hills of Silangjana to Sekumpul. We arrive at an empty car park, pay our entrance fees, and sign up a trusty guide, Kadek.
The walk down is slow and steady – the pathway slippery from the incessant tropical rain that accompanies this time of year. After what feels like a thousand steps, we arrive at the valley floor below, greeted with the moody, moist environment of Hidden Falls. It’s completely surreal.
Water vapour fills the air, floating away with the forceful winds of the falls. We take off our shoes and explore further into the cavernous environment, standing under what seems to be an endless number of waterfalls. We’ve not ever seen anything like this.
After photographing away for what seems like an eternity, we’re hurried along by Kadek to our final stop; the base of Sekumpul. If the view of Sekumpul from above was jaw-dropping, the scene from below is mind-boggling.
Water cascades from 80m above at a rapid rate, hitting the rocks below with such force that the surrounding area is completely covered in a thick, rain-like mist. Within seconds we’re completely drenched from head to toe. We stand, grinning from ear to ear, staring in awe of nature’s power. It’s honestly one of the best travel moments we’ve ever encountered.
It’s from here that the best photos are taken, so we happily snap away, completely seduced by mother nature’s finest of creations.
We leave, but not before picking up as much rubbish as we can find. Joined by Kadek, who just so happens to be the local leader of the ‘Trash Heroes’ movement, we’re keen to leave this natural beauty better than we found it (read our guide on how to be a responsible and eco-friendly traveller here).
The hike back up is the day’s only downside; we’re so drained from the adrenalin and excitement that we barely have enough energy to drag ourselves back to the top. We somehow manage to, and after tucking into a sugar-filled Cornetto ice cream, we all agree that this is one of the best days we’ve ever had.
Keen to visit Sekumpul falls and have an epic day yourself?
Here, we’ve put together our comprehensive guide to Sekumpul waterfall, with all the information you need to find and explore this natural Bali beauty.