2025 Sekumpul Waterfall & Ulun Danu Temple Tour Review
So you have probably seen a million pictures of Bali, right? I mean, it’s just one of those places that seems almost too perfect online. I honestly was a little bit skeptical, wondering if the reality could really match up to all those amazing photos. Well, I decided to book a private day tour to get away from the beach clubs and see something a little different, and you know, this trip to Sekumpul Waterfall and Ulun Danu Temple really showed me a side of Bali that felt completely genuine. As a matter of fact, the day was so full of ‘wow’ moments that I felt I just had to sit down and write about it. This review, then, is basically my memory of that day, and hopefully, it gives you a good idea of what to expect for your own trip in 2025.
The Morning Pickup: Your Bali Adventure Begins
One of the best feelings in the world is, in a way, waking up on holiday and knowing you do not have to worry about a thing. Our private tour started just like that, you know? Our driver, who was an incredibly friendly person named Kadek, was actually waiting for us right on time in a very clean and blessedly air-conditioned car. He had this really warm smile that pretty much set the mood for the whole day. In that case, we settled in for the drive north, which, to be honest, is an experience in itself. Instead of worrying about traffic or maps, we just got to look out the window. We passed by these, like, impossibly green rice paddies that seemed to climb up the hillsides and really tiny villages where life seemed to move at a completely different speed. Kadek, in the meantime, was a fantastic source of information, pointing out things we absolutely would have missed on our own. You could tell he was seriously happy to share bits of his culture with us, which felt really special.
First Stop: The Mighty Sekumpul Waterfall
After a pretty scenic drive, we finally arrived near Sekumpul, which, by the way, means ‘a group of’ in Indonesian. This name is actually very fitting, as we were about to find out. From the parking spot, it is just a little bit of a walk to get to the main event. Kadek handed us over to a local waterfall guide, a requirement that helps support the nearby village, which I think is a pretty great system. This guide, an energetic young man, seemed to know literally every single step and stone of the path. The trek itself is something to be ready for, okay? It is sort of a mix of jungle paths, a few hundred steps going down, and even a couple of small river crossings that are more or less just wading through cool water up to your shins.
That First Glimpse of Cascading Power
I mean, you can hear the waterfall long before you actually see it. It is this sort of deep, rumbling sound that just grows louder and louder, making you kind of excited for what is ahead. Then, you know, you round a final bend, and there it is. Seriously, all words just sort of leave you for a second. Sekumpul is not just one waterfall; it is seemingly a collection of at least seven of them, all pouring down this huge, green cliff face that’s covered in lush vegetation. Some falls are tall and thin, like ribbons, while the main ones are these incredibly powerful torrents of water that crash down with such force. The mist from the spray hangs in the air, you know, creating these little rainbows when the sun hits just right. Our guide took us right down to the base where we could really feel the raw energy of the place. It was absolutely okay to jump into the pool at the bottom, and the water was so refreshingly cold. Honestly, it was a moment of pure, natural awe that a photo could never fully capture.
A Delicious Interlude: Lunch with a View
After the fairly strenuous but totally rewarding hike back up from the waterfall, we had definitely worked up an appetite. Kadek clearly knew this, as the next stop on our private tour was for lunch. He took us to this really lovely little restaurant, a ‘warung’, perched on a hillside with a completely stunning view over some rice terraces. This, at the end of the day, is what private tours are all about; getting those local, authentic experiences. We just sat there, feeling pretty accomplished, and ordered some classic Indonesian food. I went for the Nasi Goreng, which is like your typical fried rice but so much better, and it was seriously delicious. It felt so good to just sit back, eat amazing food, and soak in the ridiculously peaceful scenery. It was, more or less, the perfect break to recharge before the second part of our day’s adventure.
The Serene Ulun Danu Beratan Temple: A Temple on a Lake
The journey from the wild jungle of Sekumpul to the calm highlands of Bedugul was a change of scene that felt almost like moving between two different worlds. The air got noticeably cooler and, in a way, fresher as we drove up into the mountains. Then, we arrived at Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, which is probably one of the most photographed temples in all of Bali, and for very good reason. The main part of the temple, with its tiered meru towers, seems to almost float on the surface of Lake Beratan. When the water level is high and a little mist rolls in off the surrounding hills, the effect is genuinely magical. Unlike the raw, untamed nature of the waterfall, this place was obviously very peaceful and manicured, with beautiful gardens and calm energy.
Cultural Connections and Picture-Perfect Moments
Kadek explained that this temple is actually dedicated to Dewi Danu, the goddess of the lake and waters, who is a very significant figure for Balinese farmers who rely on irrigation. It was just a little detail, but it gave the beautiful structure a whole lot more meaning. We spent our time there just walking around the grounds, admiring the different shrines and the well-kept gardens filled with flowers. There’s a Buddhist stupa on site too, which you might find a bit surprising, but it really speaks to the history of the island. For a great photo, definitely walk around the side of the lake; you can get a really lovely shot of the temple with the mountains in the background without so many people in your frame. It’s a place that just sort of invites you to slow down and really appreciate the calm.
My Honest Takeaways and Tips for Your Trip
At the end of the day, this private tour was a truly standout experience. It combined raw nature with serene culture in a way that felt like a really complete picture of what northern Bali has to offer. So, if you’re thinking about doing a similar trip, here are a few thoughts and tips, basically from my own experience.
“Going with a private guide, as a matter of fact, changed everything. We didn’t just see the sights; we got to understand them just a little bit more, and we did it all at our own pace.”
Here’s a quick list of what you should probably consider for the day:
- What to wear: Seriously, wear your most comfortable walking shoes or sports sandals. You’ll need them for the waterfall trek. It’s also a good idea to wear your swimwear under your clothes, so you can just hop in the water without any fuss. You will need a sarong for the temple, but our guide actually had some for us to borrow, which was super convenient.
- What to bring: A camera is an obvious one, right? Also, pack sunscreen because the sun can be quite strong, even in the mountains. A reusable water bottle is a pretty good idea too. I’d also suggest having a little bit of Indonesian Rupiah in cash for small things, like drinks or giving a tip to your guides if you feel they did an amazing job.
- Who this tour is for: Honestly, I think this tour is perfect for anyone who wants to see a part of Bali beyond the southern beaches. You do need to have a moderate level of fitness for the walk to and from Sekumpul, as there are quite a lot of stairs. If you value comfort, ease, and a more personal look at the culture, then a private tour like this one is, you know, absolutely the way to go.
Read our full review: [2025 Sekumpul Waterfall and Ulun Danu Temple Full Review and Details]
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