Bali Best Waterfalls Tour : Sekumpul and Banyumala

Two Bali waterfalls, one full day of wow.

You’ll see Sekumpul Waterfall up close and then switch gears to Banyumala Twin Waterfalls, where walking down toward the falls and cooling off in natural pools is part of the day’s rhythm. It’s set up for an easy win: private, air-conditioned transport from your hotel, plus guides to help you find the right trail and keep things smooth on steep, step-heavy paths.

I especially like that the day is guided where it matters most—there’s a local trekking guide at Sekumpul—so you’re not wandering and guessing. The other big plus is the mix of photo moments and time on the ground: you get nature walks, time to swim at the second stop, and enough breathing room to take it in without feeling like you’re sprinting.

The main thing to weigh is physical effort. There are plenty of steps at these waterfall spots, and some areas can be slippery, so you’ll want good footwear and a slow pace.

Key things that make this waterfall tour worth it

• Sekumpul’s famous drop with a guided trail: you’ll have help finding the route, and there’s time on site to enjoy the view.
• Banyumala Twin Waterfalls with a down-hike vibe: walking toward the falls is part of the experience, not just a quick photo stop.
• Cold water swimming is on the schedule: the pools are there for a reason—expect it to feel chilly, then refreshing.
• Private air-conditioned vehicle and English chauffeur: comfortable transfers keep the day from feeling like one long slog.
• Admission fees are included: you’re paying one price that covers entry for both waterfall stops.
• You get a full Bali drive-through, not just stops: the route passes through villages and mountain-region areas, which adds context to what you’re seeing.

Why Sekumpul and Banyumala is a smart pairing

If you’re doing a Bali best waterfalls tour and only want one day to do it, Sekumpul and Banyumala make sense together because they feel different.

Sekumpul tends to deliver that big, dramatic waterfall moment people talk about—one where you can spend time looking up at the scale and framing shots from a few angles. It’s also the stop where having a local trekking guide really helps. Waterfalls in Bali can be easy to underestimate until you’re actually on the path, so guidance cuts down on stress and helps you spend your energy enjoying the place.

Then Banyumala shifts the mood. Instead of just standing at a viewpoint, you get movement—walking down toward the twin falls. It’s the kind of stop where you feel the water pressure and the cool air changing as you get closer. And yes, swimming is part of the plan, even if you’ll feel every bit of that cold water when you first step in.

Pickup, ride time, and how the pacing works

This tour is built for a full day without feeling chaotic. Plan for roughly 10 to 12 hours total, with two main waterfall stops: about 2 hours at Sekumpul and about 1 hour at Banyumala.

You’ll have pickup and drop-off included in the service area, and the operator notes hassle-free transfers from Ubud and most of south Bali. That matters because Bali’s roads can be unpredictable. Using a private, air-conditioned vehicle helps you avoid the squeeze of crowded rides and gives you a calmer start so you’re ready for the steps and uneven footing later.

Because it’s a private tour, only your group participates. That’s a real quality-of-life upgrade on waterfall days. You can move at a reasonable pace, stop for photos without feeling rushed, and keep your timing aligned with how you’re feeling rather than how the rest of the group is moving.

Also, you’ll get a mobile ticket, which reduces the friction of exchanges and paper tickets on the day.

Sekumpul Waterfall: the guided trek and photo-ready scale

Sekumpul Waterfall is often described as one of Bali’s most beautiful. What that really means once you’re there is that the waterfall feels substantial—people even compare it in size terms to the Niagara Falls area. Whether or not you measure it that way in your head, the effect is similar: you look at the flow and suddenly understand why it’s famous.

Here’s where I think the tour design helps you. Sekumpul includes a local trekking guide (so you’re not trying to find your own route while also watching your footing). The guide helps you get oriented and move confidently along the trail.

You’ll also have about 2 hours at Sekumpul, which is long enough to do the practical stuff without rushing:

• Take your time on the walk and viewpoints
• Find a couple of photo spots that work for your camera style
• Pause to just look—this is one of those places where the sound and scale do a lot of the work for you

The Sekumpul caution: steps and slippery sections

From the on-the-ground feedback people share after this tour, the biggest practical issue is that Sekumpul involves lots of steps and can be slippery. That’s not a reason to skip it—just a reason to prep.

Wear shoes with grip. If you’re using sandals, keep in mind you’re likely to be stepping on wet rock. A slow pace also makes a difference; if you rush, you’ll fight the trail and miss the views.

Banyumala Twin Waterfalls: walking down, cold water, and real “wow” physics

After Sekumpul, Banyumala feels like a second act. The Twin Waterfalls here are reached by walking down toward the falls, so the experience becomes more physical and more sensory.

You’ll get around 1 hour at Banyumala, which is usually the right length: long enough to go down, get close, and enjoy the sound and mist, but short enough that you’re not exhausted by the time you’re done.

One thing I love about this stop is that it doesn’t treat swimming as an optional side quest. It’s part of the point. The water is described as cold—and yes, it will be cold when you first get in—but the payoff is that you cool off right after the walking, and the waterfall energy is right there at your feet.

What you’re really experiencing at Banyumala

This stop isn’t only about the waterfall itself. It’s about how the environment changes as you get lower:

• The air feels cooler closer to the flow
• You feel more force when you stand near the rock
• The rock surfaces and pools make the area feel more grounded and tactile

That’s why Banyumala works so well with Sekumpul. One stop gives you scale and famous waterfall energy. The other gives you closeness, movement, and the kind of natural interaction you can’t really fake.

Transfers that keep the day from draining you

A lot of waterfall tours fail by the time you hit the second stop. The ride is long, everyone’s tired, and suddenly the photos look like a chore.

Here, the operator includes private transportation and an English-speaking chauffeur, and the vehicle is air-conditioned. That combination matters because waterfall days often involve early start times and humid conditions.

Also, you’re not just buying a drive—you’re buying structure:

• Scheduled time at each waterfall spot
• Local help at Sekumpul for the trail
• Admission fees handled
• A full-day plan that’s meant to flow

Even if you’re comfortable traveling on your own, having someone manage the logistics can be the difference between enjoying the day and getting cranky.

What’s included in the price—and what you’ll still need

The price is $69.00 per person, which sounds simple, but the value depends on what’s bundled.

Included:

• Private transportation
• English-speaking chauffeur
• Admission fees
• Local trekking guide at Sekumpul
• Local tax

Not included:

• Personal expenses
• Gratuities

So you’re paying for the essentials that tend to add up on waterfall days: getting there, getting the right entry tickets, and having proper local guidance where it counts. If you tried to DIY this, the biggest costs would be time and uncertainty—figuring out routes, timing your arrival, and making sure you’re on the correct trails without losing hours.

One smart way to think about it: you’re paying to trade your planning workload for a smoother day.

How much effort is this really?

This is the part I want to be straight with you about. This isn’t a lounge by the falls kind of outing.

Expect:

• Trail walking and steps at Sekumpul
• Slippery surfaces in wet areas
• A down-walk toward the falls at Banyumala
• The option to swim in cold natural pools

If you’re generally active and okay with short hikes and careful footing, you’ll likely be fine. The tour notes that most travelers can participate, but your comfort with steps is the deciding factor here.

My practical advice:

• Move slower than you think you need to. You’ll enjoy more and risk less.
• Treat wet rock like wet rock, not like pavement.
• Bring what you need to handle being damp for a while.

Photos, timing, and getting the shots without rushing

These waterfalls are photo-friendly, but the best results usually come from not sprinting between angles.

At Sekumpul, I’d plan your time like this: find a stable spot to shoot first, then use the rest of your time to explore nearby viewpoints with the guide. Having that 2-hour window helps, because you can wait for the light to shift slightly and reposition without feeling rushed.

At Banyumala, your best shots often come from how close you get to the falling water. That means you’re balancing photo time with safe footing. Also, the twin falls can give you different compositions depending on where you stand, and swimming can change what you’re able to capture.

If you want photos that look like you really were there, take a few wide shots for scale, then switch to close details where you show texture—rock edges, water impact, and how the falls fill the frame.

The local context you’ll get on the road

One of the underrated parts of these waterfall days is what you learn between the stops.

People highlight that the route passes through villages and mountain-region areas, giving you a broader view of Bali beyond the waterfall itself. The guide at Sekumpul is also described as strong—helpful not just for finding the trail, but for sharing context about the mountain region and what you’re seeing around you.

You don’t have to be a geology nerd to appreciate this. It simply makes the day feel less like a checklist and more like a connected experience. When you understand the terrain and how water behaves down the slope, the waterfalls don’t feel random. They feel like the natural outcome of the island’s shape.

Who should book this Bali waterfalls day?

This tour is a great fit if:

• You want two iconic Bali waterfalls in one day without complex planning
• You prefer a private, air-conditioned ride and an English-speaking chauffeur
• You like the idea of a guided trail at Sekumpul
• You’re interested in walking at the falls and possibly swimming at Banyumala

It may not be your best match if:

• You hate steps and slippery surfaces
• You want a fully relaxed, low-walking nature outing
• You’re not comfortable with wet footing or getting damp

If you’re traveling as a couple, with friends, or as a small group, the private setup feels especially good because your pace stays yours.

Should you book the Bali SUN Tours Sekumpul and Banyumala day?

If your priority is a one-day tour that’s built for real waterfall time—good transfers, included entry, and local help—this is a solid choice.

I’d book it if you want Sekumpul’s famous waterfall moment plus Banyumala’s down-hike closeness and optional swimming, all without the headache of piecing together tickets and directions. The $69 price works best when you value that simplicity and the fact that key costs are already handled.

If you’re the type who needs a low-effort outing, or you’re worried about slippery steps, then consider a different style of waterfall visit. For everyone else, this is the kind of Bali day that leaves you wet (if you swim), tired in the good way, and still talking about the falls after you’re back.

FAQ

What waterfalls are included on this tour?

You’ll visit Sekumpul Waterfall and Banyumala Twin Waterfalls in one day.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included in the service area, and transfers are noted as hassle-free from Ubud and most of south Bali.

How long does the tour take?

The total experience is about 10 to 12 hours.

Are admission fees included?

Yes. Admission fees for the waterfall stops are included.

Do you get a guide?

You’ll have an English-speaking chauffeur, and there is a local trekking guide at Sekumpul.

Is the tour private?

Yes. It’s private, meaning only your group participates.

Can I swim at Banyumala?

Yes. The experience includes time for swimming in natural pools at Banyumala.

What’s the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. The experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for most people?

The tour notes that most travelers can participate. However, the stops involve steps and can be slippery, so comfortable footwear and careful walking matter.