Sekumpul Waterfall★★★
Sekumpul is considered the most beautiful waterfall in Bali — and once you stand before the thundering masses of water, you'll understand why. In fact, there are seven separate waterfalls that converge in a massive jungle-covered gorge. Two main cascades plunge over 80 meters into the depths, creating a permanent mist cloud that envelops the entire valley basin in a damp fog.
★★★ The Waterfall
The dimensions of Sekumpul are overwhelming: The cliffs tower over 100 meters above you, water trickles everywhere over moss-covered rocks, tropical plants cling to the steep walls, and the roar of the main falls is so loud you can hardly hear your own words. At the base of the falls, a natural pool forms, where you can — if you can withstand the spray — refresh yourself. The water is cold (16–18°C) and crystal clear.
The Descent
The path to the waterfall is demanding and not for the faint-hearted: From the parking lot, a steep staircase (about 300 steps) leads down into the gorge, then a path through rice fields and jungle, and finally, you have to cross a knee-deep river (shoes will get wet!). Overall: 30–45 minutes downhill, 45–60 minutes uphill. A local guide is mandatory (or at least strongly recommended) — the paths branch off, and it gets slippery in the rain.
Entry: 20,000 IDR. Local guide: 100,000 IDR per person (mandatory at the ticket counter). Parking: 10,000 IDR. Open: daily 7–17.
★★ Fiji Waterfall (Bonus)
Only 10 minutes from the Sekumpul parking lot lies another, lesser-known waterfall: Fiji (also called "Lemukih Waterfall"). Smaller than Sekumpul (about 30 m), but beautiful and almost always deserted. The descent is shorter (15 min.) and less steep. Perfect as a second stop if you still have energy.
Entry: 20,000 IDR (separate ticket).
Best Time to Visit
In the rainy season (November–March), the waterfalls are at their mightiest — huge volumes of water thunder into the depths, and the gorge steams. However, the paths are also slipperiest then, and the river crossing is more difficult. In the dry season (April–October), the waterfall is less mighty, but the paths are safer and the weather more predictable. Both seasons have their charm.
💡 Tipp
Start early (8 am) and be one of the first visitors — then there's no one at the foot of the waterfall, and you can experience the mighty natural spectacle in complete silence (apart from the thunder of the water). Bring a plastic bag for your phone and a spare T-shirt — you will get wet.
Achtung
Wear sturdy, waterproof shoes (no flip-flops!) — you will cross a river and climb over wet stones. Pack your camera in a waterproof case, as the spray at the base of the waterfall will soak everything. After heavy rain, the river can swell and make crossing dangerous — follow your guide's instructions.