North Bali: Sekumpul and Banyumala Waterfalls & Rice Terrace

Waterfalls in North Bali feel personal. I love Sekumpul for its multiple cascading streams and the chance to feel the jungle path on the way in. I also love Jatiluwih for that long, slow walk through terraced rice views that feel calm even when Bali is busy. The one drawback: the trek and steps can be steep, and Sekumpul can involve extra on-site fees if you want the full waterfall experience.

This is the kind of day that works because it’s organized. You get round-trip hotel transfers, a driver-guide in English, and a plan that strings together two major waterfall areas plus a UNESCO rice terrace stop in one 8-hour outing.

You’ll still want to plan your body and your cash. Bring proper footwear (I’m serious about water shoes) and extra cash for optional entrances and any add-ons you decide to take on the day.

Key things that make this tour worth your attention

• Sekumpul first, then Banyumala, so you can compare waterfall styles back-to-back
• A private day with an English-speaking driver-guide, so you’re not stuck watching a group disappear
• Jatiluwih rice terraces with guidance, not just a parking lot photo stop
• Photo help is a real theme in this tour, including finding angles on the hikes
• Rain or shine operations, so your guide may adjust stops if weather clouds the mountains
• Cash matters, because the full Sekumpul waterfall trek can cost extra on-site

North Bali waterfalls: what you’re really buying for $35

This tour sells itself as a “two waterfalls and rice terraces” day, and that’s exactly what you’re paying for. But what you’re really buying is time and friction reduction. North Bali drives can be long, and waterfall days get complicated fast. Here, you start with a planned route and you’re taken between sites with round-trip hotel transfers.

The other part is focus. You’re not just dropped at a waterfall gate. The day includes an English-speaking driver-guide who can explain what you’re seeing and help you move at a human pace. In multiple examples, guides like Ana, Komang, Oka, Ojes, Kadek, and Adi show up in reviews as the difference-maker, especially when it comes to pacing and photo moments.

Is it perfect value? Usually, yes. The base price is low, but waterfall access can involve optional admissions and, at Sekumpul in particular, extra requirements if you want to go beyond the simplest viewpoints. You can still keep it budget-friendly if you decide ahead of time what level of waterfall experience you want.

The ride out of the south: why timing matters for Sekumpul and Banyumala

Pickup is early. Expect 07:30 from Ubud and 07:00 from Central and South Bali. That timing matters because these north-side sites can get crowded, and visibility changes with weather in the mountains.

Your driver-guide is doing more than chauffeuring. Many guides in the feedback were praised for safe handling on narrow roads and for keeping the day flowing even when conditions shifted. That matters on this route. You’ll be dealing with switchbacks, changing traffic patterns, and sometimes rain.

The pickup coverage is also practical. Hotel pickup/drop-off is included for Ubud, Sanur, Canggu, Kerobokan, Legian, Seminyak, Kuta, and Jimbaran. If you’re staying in the Pecatu/Uluwatu area, there’s an extra 150,000 IDR add-on. That’s worth checking early so the day starts without surprises.

Sekumpul Waterfall: why this one turns into the main character

Sekumpul is the headline. It’s known for multiple cascading streams, and on a clear morning it can look almost staged—like the jungle is designed to frame water.

But the real story is how you get there. The trek moves through jungle paths and over gentle river crossings. You also get the “sound gets louder” moment as you approach. That slow build is part of what makes Sekumpul feel special, not just the water itself.

Here’s the practical truth: Sekumpul can be a long steep climb with steps. That’s why many guides and reviewers emphasize comfort and footwear. One common warning was that being told to wear flip-flops is not always ideal once you’re dealing with water currents and sharp rocks. I strongly recommend water shoes or trekking sandals with grip, plus quick-dry socks if you have them.

Also know the cost reality. Even when the tour includes optional admissions, the full waterfall experience down the route can require extra on-site payments, often tied to getting escorted by a local guide. One clear example from feedback put the Sekumpul entrance/trek-related fee around 375,000 IDR per person, with details like a scooter ride closer and a coconut included. Exact inclusions can vary, but the pattern is consistent: the more “down to the falls” you want, the more you should expect to pay.

If you want that full Sekumpul feel, bring cash, wear the right shoes, and accept that your legs will get a workout.

Banyumala Waterfall: calmer valley water, less dramatic hiking

After Sekumpul, you go to Banyumala. This is often described as a quieter, more peaceful setting inside a valley. The appeal is the twin waterfall feel and a chance to cool off in clear pools.

Compared with Sekumpul, Banyumala often feels like a recovery chapter. The pace can be easier, and the vibe is more about relaxing near the water than grinding steps. Still, it’s Bali, so expect the terrain to be uneven and slick.

Weather can play a role. One review noted fog can appear after lunch and may hide the second waterfall. That’s why having a flexible guide helps. In one case, the guide adjusted by shifting focus to temple and rice areas when visibility wasn’t cooperating. So if clouds roll in, don’t assume the day is wasted. Your guide may just re-route your priorities to keep the day rewarding.

Lunch break: plan for it since meals are not included

Lunch is listed as a break time, but meals aren’t included. That means you should either bring money for lunch or rely on your guide’s suggestions for a good stop.

In the feedback, several guides were praised for taking people to nice spots to eat, including scenic viewpoints. But because it’s not included, I treat lunch as your flexible variable. If you get hungry later, you’ll want cash ready so you don’t feel stuck.

Jatiluwih rice terraces: the UNESCO stop that earns its time

After waterfalls, Jatiluwih is a nice mental switch. Instead of water noise and wet steps, you get wide terraces, irrigation views, and a long walk through rice fields.

This stop is UNESCO-listed, and that’s not just a label. The value is in how the terraces are structured. Your guide can point out how the irrigation system supports the rice fields and how the human work fits with the mountain environment. In reviews, guides like Pans, Melissa, Budi, Wayan, and Susanta got credit for explaining Subak and Bali life in a way that makes the terraces feel less like a postcard.

You’ll also get more time for photos here. People mentioned sketching and getting help with photo angles, especially in quieter spots when the timing worked out. Even when it rains, this area can still deliver. It may not be the same look as a sunny morning, but you’re walking through real working fields, not a staged lookout.

Practical note: if the earlier hikes wipe you out, Jatiluwih can still feel like a lot of walking. It’s worth planning your pace. A good guide will give you time to slow down without rushing you into the next checkpoint.

The guides: what “private” feels like in real life

This is a private group tour. In practice, that means you’re not sharing a schedule with strangers. You can ask questions, you can pause for photos, and you can adjust when weather or energy levels change.

One reason the reviews are so high is guide behavior: people repeatedly highlighted that guides took care of them on steep treks, helped with bags, and held their hand when needed. That might sound dramatic, but it matters. Sekumpul is not a flat stroll, and the day is easier when the person leading you knows where to step, when to wait, and what routes make sense.

You also see a strong “photo + storytelling” pattern. Names like Oka, Ojes, Tyson, Kadek, Agis, and Angga were mentioned for being great at taking photos and helping people capture the day, not just standing nearby while you shoot your own.

If you want a day with personal attention—someone who can talk you through what you’re seeing—this format works.

What to bring (and what to skip) so the day stays fun

The tour checklist is simple, but the details matter because you’ll be wet and moving.

Bring:

• Hat
• Change of clothes
• Towel
• Sandals (though I’d treat water shoes as the better option for Sekumpul)
• Camera
• Sunscreen
• Cash (for optional admissions and any extra trekking/escort costs)

Skip:

• Alcohol and drugs are not allowed.
• Don’t plan to litter. Trash doesn’t belong in waterfall valleys.

A small strategy that helps: pack your change of clothes in a waterproof bag. It’s the difference between feeling refreshed at Banyumala versus spending the rest of the day damp and cranky.

Price and value: the fine print you should actually care about

At $35 per person for 8 hours, this tour can be a bargain—mostly because the price includes round-trip transfers, parking, tolls, bottle mineral water, insurance, and an English-speaking driver-guide.

But the value depends on how you do Sekumpul.

• If you treat waterfall access as fully included, you might feel surprised by add-ons.
• If you accept that the “full trek down” level of Sekumpul can mean extra on-site fees, you’ll feel fine and you’ll get the payoff you came for.

One review explicitly warned to take extra cash because seeing the waterfalls fully can cost more than the initial price suggests. That aligns with the “optional admissions” structure and the Sekumpul trek reality.

My advice: decide your goal before you go.

• Goal A: quick viewpoints, lighter walking
• Goal B: proper trek experience down to the falls

If you want Goal B, bring more cash than you think you’ll need. You’ll enjoy the day more because you won’t be negotiating your budget while you’re standing in the jungle.

Best fit: who will enjoy this tour most

You’ll probably love it if:

• You want two waterfall areas plus Jatiluwih rice terraces in one day.
• You like guided explanations and photo help, not just self-guided wandering.
• You’re comfortable with moderate walking and steps. This is not a gentle nature walk.

You should reconsider if:

• You want low-effort sightseeing only.
• You’re sensitive to steep stairs.
• You’re traveling with mobility limits.

There are also clear rules: children under 3 years aren’t suitable, and people over 70 years aren’t recommended. Pregnant women and women during menstruation are not allowed to participate. That’s something to plan around for your group.

Should you book? My practical call

Book this tour if you want a real North Bali day with two waterfall stops and Jatiluwih, and you appreciate a guide who can manage route pacing and photo moments. The combination of early pickup, private attention, and strong guide reviews (especially for Sekumpul and Jatiluwih) makes this a solid choice.

I’d only hesitate if you hate stairs, don’t want to handle extra cash for waterfall access, or you want a long beachy pace day. North Bali is nature-heavy. It’s the kind of day where you’ll remember the sound of water and the look of terraces long after you’re back in your hotel.

If you decide to go, pack your water shoes, bring a towel, and bring extra cash. Then go with the mindset that Sekumpul may require the full trek version to feel like the main event.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

It runs about 8 hours.

Where does the tour pick up and drop off?

Pickup and drop-off are included for Ubud, Sanur, Canggu, Kerobokan, Legian, Seminyak, Kuta, and Jimbaran. The Pecatu/Uluwatu area has an extra fee.

Is this a private tour or shared group?

It’s a private group.

Which sights are included on the day?

You’ll visit Sekumpul Waterfall, Banyumala Waterfalls, and Jatiluwih Rice Terrace.

Are entrances to the waterfalls and rice terraces included?

Admission is listed as optional for Sekumpul view point, Banyumala waterfall, and Jatiluwih rice terrace. You should expect possible extra on-site costs if you choose more involved access.

Are meals included?

No. Lunch is a break time, but meals and beverages are not included.

What time are hotel pickups?

Pickup is 07:30 from Ubud, and 07:00 from Central and South Bali.

Is the tour running in rain?

Yes. It operates rain or shine.

What should I bring for the trek and water?

Bring a hat, change of clothes, towel, sandals or water-friendly footwear, camera, sunscreen, and cash.