Bali Northern Trip : Majestic Waterfall Tour

Sekumpul’s water slide is pure joy. This small-group northern Bali day strings together Sekumpul Waterfall, Banyumala twin waterfalls, and the iconic Ulun Danu Bratan Temple in one 10-hour outing. You get scenic driving through rice terraces and hillside views, plus time at multiple spots where the water actually matters.

What I like most is the focus on real waterfall time, not just quick look-and-go stops. The highlight is Sekumpul’s unique natural rock formation that creates a water slide through the water below, and the Banyumala falls deliver that “two streams, split like a throne” feel with a calmer atmosphere.

One consideration: the day is long and physical. You should plan on walking around waterfalls (and possible uneven steps), plus bringing a change of clothes and a towel so you’re comfortable for the swimming stops.

Key highlights you’ll actually feel

• Sekumpul Waterfall’s natural water slide, with time to swim and take photos
• Banyumala twin waterfalls, split into two main streams for that throne-like look
• Ulun Danu Bratan Temple as the iconic stop before the water gets wild
• Small group limited to 5, which keeps the experience more personal and flexible
• English-speaking driver and guides, including photo-focused help from names like Komang, Chavez, and Lesmana

A 10-Hour North Bali Route Built for Waterfall Lovers

This tour runs about 10 hours, so it’s set up like a full-day mission. You’re picked up from one of nine areas (Kuta Selatan, Ubud, Denpasar, Sanur, Jimbaran, Legian, Seminyak, Gianyar, or Kuta) and returned to one of nine drop-off locations at the end.

The ride itself is part of why the day works. On the way to the waterfalls, you pass hillsides, rice terraces, and small stretches of ocean view, so it doesn’t feel like you’re stuck in traffic the whole time. With an air-conditioned vehicle and mineral water included, the long drive feels more manageable.

Ulun Danu Bratan Temple: Cold Air and Classic Photo Stops

You start at Ulun Danu Bratan Temple, which isn’t a waterfall stop but is the most iconic “Bali postcard” moment of the day. This is your first chance to slow down and take in the temple setting before the waterfall walking and swimming.

A practical tip from real-world experience here: bring layers. One review specifically warned that it can feel colder up at the temple, and the onion-layer approach helps. If you’re coming from warmer coastal areas, this stop is often where you’ll notice the temperature shift first.

Also, don’t count on tickets being included. Entrance tickets are commonly handled separately, so plan a little cash for that.

Sekumpul Waterfall and the Natural Water Slide

Then you head to Sekumpul Waterfall, described as the highest waterfall in Bali. What makes Sekumpul special is the rock formation behind it—the water flows through a natural path that creates a water slide effect as it reaches the pool below.

This is also one of the most “do something, not just watch” parts of the day. The tour includes a photo stop, time to visit, and swimming. If you want to feel the rainforest-water environment rather than just take pictures from the edge, this is the stop that delivers.

You’ll want footwear that won’t betray you on wet ground. Even if the tour pace feels friendly, waterfall areas can be slick and uneven, so bring sandals you’re okay getting wet, and keep an eye on where you step. If you’re bringing a towel and a full change of clothes, Sekumpul becomes fun instead of messy.

Photography support can also matter a lot here. Several guides on this route are known for stepping in with extra picture help—names like Chavez and Komang come up often, and guides like Agus Lesmana have been reported to capture video footage (including drone-style footage in at least some cases). Just remember: photo/video quality varies by guide and conditions, so treat it as a perk, not a guarantee.

Banyumala Twin Waterfalls: Two Streams, One Majestic Vibe

Next comes Banyumala Waterfalls, and the name is basically your visual cue. It’s split into two main streams, and those twin drops create an illusion of a majestic throne shape as the water divides and falls.

This stop has a different mood than Sekumpul. Where Sekumpul can feel like an action zone because of the slide and swim opportunities, Banyumala leans more toward a relaxing waterfall visit. The tour includes a photo stop, time to visit, and a walk around the area.

Swimming may be possible depending on conditions and your chosen spots. In the day’s overall waterfall theme, the water-friendly expectation is real, but you should still judge safety on the spot and follow what the guide suggests. If you’re not into the wet portion, you can still enjoy the views and the walk—just don’t expect “easy flat paths” the whole time.

The walk portion is also where good time management pays off. Small groups tend to move together at a reasonable pace, so you can spend a little longer when you find the best angle without constantly feeling rushed.

Why the Small Group and English-Speaking Guides Matter

The tour limits the group to 5 participants, which is a big deal for a waterfall day. In a small group, the guide can adjust timing—extra minutes for a swim, a slower walk when the stairs look slick, or a quick adjustment when you want photos.

You’ll also have an English-speaking driver. And on this route, there’s often more than just driving involved—some days include a dedicated waterfall guide, and names like Lesmana, Agus Lesmana, and Luh show up frequently in the feedback. The consistent theme is clear: they pay attention, help with photos, and keep the day moving without feeling like a hard schedule.

One more value point: you don’t just pass by places, you learn what you’re looking at. Several guide styles in the feedback emphasize conversations about Balinese life and culture—so if you like getting the meaning behind a temple or the reason waterfalls are approached a certain way, you’ll likely enjoy that part.

Price and Value: $36 for Transport, Water, and a Full Day

At $36 per person, this is positioned as a budget-friendly full-day northern Bali experience. The included essentials are practical for a long drive: air-conditioned transportation, petrol fuel, mineral water, and an English-speaking driver.

What’s not included is where you’ll need to budget carefully. Entrance tickets aren’t listed in the included items, and one set of notes specifically reminds you to remember that. Personal expenses are also on you, so think about snacks, drinks beyond the water provided, and anything you buy on-site.

Here’s how I’d judge value: you’re paying for a full routing day—temple plus two waterfall zones—with transport across northern Bali and support for the stops. If you can’t easily arrange a northern driver yourself, or you don’t want to coordinate pickup, timing, and route, the price starts looking like a smart shortcut.

What to Pack (So Your Day Stays Fun, Not Awkward)

This tour gives you the right warning in plain language: bring what you need to handle wet spots and changing temperatures. Pack a change of clothes, a towel, and sandals you can wear around water.

That packing list isn’t just about comfort. It’s about keeping your energy up. If you get soaked at a waterfall and then you’re stuck in damp clothes during the ride, the day can feel longer than it should. With a towel and a dry set ready, Sekumpul and Banyumala become the fun highlight they’re supposed to be.

One more rule matters: no alcohol and no drugs. It’s not a “maybe” type of policy here. If you’re the kind of traveler who likes a relaxed drink during tours, swap that for something non-alcoholic so you don’t end up with issues.

Who This Tour Fits Best in Northern Bali

This is best for you if you want a northern Bali day centered on waterfalls you can experience, not just scenery from the roadside. The natural water slide at Sekumpul is the kind of activity that’s hard to reproduce on your own, and Banyumala’s twin-stream design gives you variety in one itinerary.

It also suits people who like guided structure but still want time to wander. Small-group limits and guide attention help here, especially if you’re picking photo spots or you want a bit more time at the swim area.

A word on fitness and comfort: it’s not marketed as a wheelchair-friendly outing, and you should not plan on it being accessible. If you need step-free routes, you’d likely struggle with waterfall terrain.

Should You Book the Majestic Waterfall Tour?

Book it if your priorities are Sekumpul Waterfall’s natural slide, Banyumala twin waterfalls, and Ulun Danu Bratan Temple in one practical 10-hour day. At $36, the included transport and guide support make it a straightforward way to see northern Bali without getting stuck on route planning.

Skip (or reconsider) if you hate long days, don’t want wet conditions, or you need fully accessible paths. And since entrance tickets aren’t included, make sure you budget a little extra so the day doesn’t turn into a surprise cost mid-tour.

If you like tours where the guide can help with timing and photos—whether that’s a classic handheld shot or more advanced video help—this route tends to deliver, especially with guides such as Komang, Chavez, Lesmana, Agus Lesmana, and Luh showing up in the feedback.

FAQ

How long is the Bali Northern Trip: Majestic Waterfall Tour?

The tour lasts about 10 hours.

How much does the tour cost?

It’s listed at $36 per person.

Is pickup included, and where do they pick you up from?

Pickup is included. You can be picked up from nine options: Kuta Selatan, Ubud, Denpasar, Sanur, Jimbaran, Legian, Seminyak, Gianyar, or Kuta. You should wait in your hotel lobby for the driver.

Do they drop you off after the tour?

Yes. Drop-off is included to nine areas: Denpasar, Kuta, Ubud, Kuta Selatan, Sanur, Jimbaran, Legian, Seminyak, or Gianyar.

What stops are included in the day?

The tour includes Ulun Danu Bratan Temple, Sekumpul Waterfall, and Banyumala Waterfalls.

Are entrance tickets included?

Entrance tickets are not included in what the tour lists as included.

Is swimming included at the waterfalls?

The tour notes swimming at Sekumpul Waterfall, and it also includes visiting Banyumala Falls with time to walk around.

What should I bring to the tour?

Bring a change of clothes, a towel, and sandals.

How big is the group?

It’s a small group limited to 5 participants.

Is this tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No, it’s listed as not suitable for wheelchair users.