Bali’s 7 Waterfalls Trek: A 2025 Review

So you’ve seen those completely wild photos of Bali, right? I mean, the ones with giant, powerful waterfalls crashing down into some kind of hidden jungle paradise. Well, a lot of those pictures, as a matter of fact, come from one special place in the northern part of the island. People call it the ‘7 Waterfalls Trek’ or sometimes the ‘Jewels in Bali’, and frankly, it has a lot of buzz around it. We went to see for ourselves what this whole experience is really about, beyond the perfect Instagram shots. Basically, this is the honest rundown of what to expect if you’re thinking about doing this hike in 2025. It’s actually a bit more intense than you might think, but, you know, also more amazing in some ways too.

What Exactly Is This ‘Jewels in Bali’ Trek?

Alright, so first things first, let’s clear something up about the name. You often hear it called the ‘7 Waterfalls Trek’, but to be honest, you’re not going to be trekking to seven totally separate spots miles apart. The name is, you know, more of a catchy title. Actually, the main event is a place called Sekumpul Waterfall, which itself is really a collection of a few tall, skinny streams of water falling down a massive cliff face. It’s pretty much an incredible sight. Then, just a short walk and a river crossing away, you’ll find the Fiji Waterfall, which is sort of a powerful triple-stream fall that feels completely different. So, when you add up all those individual streams, you get, more or less, to the number seven. It’s really clever marketing, in a way.

This whole adventure is located way up in the Buleleng Regency in North Bali, you know, kind of far from the usual tourist spots like Kuta or Seminyak. Getting there is basically a bit of a road trip in itself, often taking two to three hours from the main southern hubs. Now, this area is so incredibly lush and green; it honestly feels like a different world from the beach clubs and busy streets. It’s obviously a bit cooler up in the hills, and the air just feels cleaner. The trek itself starts from a local village, and frankly, you have to have a local guide. Seriously, this isn’t optional, as the community has set it up this way to make sure visitors are safe and that the money from tourism actually supports the local people who care for this amazing place. At the end of the day, that’s a system we can really get behind.

The Hike Itself: A Step-by-Step Experience

So, what does the hike actually feel like? Well, once you meet your guide and pay the entrance fee, you basically start walking through some small village paths. You’ll see clove and coffee plants growing everywhere, and it smells really amazing, to be honest. Then, pretty much right away, you get to the main event: the stairs. Okay, there are a lot of them, just so you know. The walk down is where it starts, a very long flight of steep concrete steps that just keeps going down, down, down into a massive green valley. Obviously, going down is the easy part for your breathing, but you can sort of feel it in your knees pretty quickly.

After what feels like a very long time, you start to hear it. At first, it’s just a little rumble, but then it gets louder and louder. And then, you know, you see it. Through a gap in the trees, you get your first look at Sekumpul Waterfall, and frankly, it stops you in your tracks. It’s absolutely massive, way bigger than you imagine from the pictures. You follow the path down to the base, and you’re just hit with this cool mist. The power of the water is just, like, incredible. After taking a million photos there, your guide will lead you on a new path. This part, honestly, involves getting your feet wet. You literally have to walk through a flowing river, which is so refreshing, and then climb over a few rocks. And then, you’re at Fiji Waterfall, a totally different vibe, sort of more enclosed and just roaring with power. It’s the perfect place for a swim to cool off, really.

Is It Difficult? A Frank Look at the Physical Challenge

Okay, let’s be totally honest about the difficulty because this is a big deal. On a scale of a gentle walk to a mountain climb, this trek is definitely leaning towards the more challenging side of moderate. The main issue for most people, really, is the stairs. We’re talking about, like, more than 300 very steep steps. The way down can be a little tough on the joints, you know, but the real challenge is the walk back up. That, my friends, is a serious cardio workout, especially in the Bali heat and humidity. You will absolutely be sweating, and your legs will probably feel a bit like jelly by the time you reach the top. You just have to take it slow and steady.

Besides the stairs, the path can be a little slippery in places, especially near the falls where everything is covered in a fine mist. And, as a matter of fact, there is that river crossing to get between Sekumpul and Fiji falls. The water is usually only about knee-deep, but the current can be sort of strong, and the rocks underfoot are uneven. This is actually where having a guide is a huge help; they know exactly where to step. So, who is this trek for? Honestly, if you have a decent level of fitness and are okay with stairs, you’ll probably be fine. Just be prepared for a workout. On the other hand, if you have mobility issues, bad knees, or serious heart or breathing problems, you might want to consider giving this one a miss, or maybe just viewing the falls from one of the viewpoints at the top without doing the full hike down.

Pro Tips for Your 2025 Waterfall Adventure

So if you’re feeling up for it, that’s great! Here are a few things we learned that will, you know, make your day a lot smoother. First, what you wear is really important. Definitely forget the flip-flops. You need good-quality water shoes or sandals with a strong grip, basically something you can walk on slippery rocks and through a river in. For clothes, lightweight, quick-drying stuff is the way to go because you will absolutely get wet, either from the mist or from swimming. A swimsuit underneath your clothes is obviously a great idea.

Next, let’s talk about what to bring with you. A small, waterproof backpack is pretty much a lifesaver here. Inside, you should pack a bottle of water, a small towel, and your phone or camera inside a waterproof pouch or bag. Seriously, everything will get damp, so protect your electronics. Bringing a complete change of clothes to leave in the car for after the hike is, like, the best feeling ever. As for timing, we recommend starting this trek as early in the morning as you can, you know, like 8 or 9 a.m. At the end of the day, you’ll beat the worst of the midday heat on the climb back up, and you’ll get to enjoy the waterfalls with fewer crowds, which is a huge bonus.

Beyond the Falls: Making the Most of a Day Up North

Given that the drive up to the Sekumpul area is pretty long, you should definitely plan to make a full day of it. Honestly, there’s so much cool stuff to see in the general area, it seems like a waste to just drive up, hike, and drive straight back. For example, not too far away is the super famous Pura Ulun Danu Beratan, that beautiful temple that looks like it’s floating on a lake. It’s pretty much a must-see in Bali and combines really well with the waterfall trip.

Also, just a little drive from the waterfall region is the Wanagiri Hidden Hills area. You’ve probably seen pictures of this, too. It’s where all those famous “Bali swings” and bird’s nest photo spots are, with these amazing views over the twin lakes, Buyan and Tamblingan. It’s a bit touristy, sure, but the views are genuinely spectacular and, you know, it makes for some fun photos. You could also just explore the Munduk area, which is famous for its cool climate, beautiful scenery, and, frankly, even more waterfalls. So, you can really turn this one hike into a full day of exploring a part of Bali that many visitors, you know, completely miss.

“Frankly, the walk back up the stairs is a true test, but when you look at the photos later, you’ll realize it was absolutely worth every single step. It’s just one of those Bali experiences you really have to feel for yourself.”

• It’s a collection of falls: Basically, you’re not seeing seven totally different waterfalls; it’s mostly about the main clusters at Sekumpul and Fiji.
• Prepare for a workout: The trek involves hundreds of steep stairs, especially the climb back up, so, you know, a decent fitness level is needed.
• Hire a local guide: It’s pretty much mandatory and helps support the local community while keeping you safe on the trail.
• Wear proper shoes: Seriously, water shoes or sandals with a good grip are a must for the slippery paths and river crossing.
• Go early: To be honest, starting your day early helps you avoid the biggest crowds and the worst of the midday heat.
• Make it a day trip: Combine the waterfall hike with other cool spots in North Bali, like the Ulun Danu Beratan temple or Wanagiri Hidden Hills, to make the long drive worthwhile.

Read our full review: [7 Waterfalls Trek Bali Full Review and Details]

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