Sekumpul Waterfalls set the tone fast. This North Bali day trip strings together a seven-fall hike at Sekumpul, plus the postcard moment of Ulun Danu Beratan on the lake, with hotel pickup to reduce hassle. I also like that you can tailor the day with options that include entrance fees, and you’re capped at a small group size, so it doesn’t turn into a bus safari. The main thing to think about: the itinerary runs long and early, and the drive from central/south Bali can feel like a test of patience.

I love how the tour balances movement with big photo payoff. You’ll get structured time for each stop (about an hour at each of the three sights), and you’ll travel in air-conditioned comfort between them. One possible drawback is pacing: it’s a packed day without lunch included, so you’ll want snacks and a plan for restroom breaks.

If you pick the trek options carefully (and you budget for the trekking guide fee if you go), you’ll get a smoother experience and a better chance of capturing those waterfall angles without rushing. And if you end up with a driver like Poetra—mentioned as kind, funny, and willing to pause for photos—that little extra attention can make the day feel more human.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Seven falls at Sekumpul: a real hike, not a quick viewpoint stop
• Ulun Danu Beratan lake temple photos: classic views with timed visiting
• Taman Ayun UNESCO temple time: a UNESCO water temple stop built into the loop
• Small group cap (max 9): less crowding than the typical day tour
• Entrance fees are option-based: choose the package that matches your budget
• Trekking guide fee is separate: budget IDR 150K (medium) or IDR 250K (long)

Morning Start: 6:30 Pickup and the Reality of the North Bali Drive

This tour starts early, with a 6:30am start time. That matters in Bali because cooler mornings usually mean better light for photos and less heat during the hike. It also gives you a bigger chance to enjoy each sight without feeling like you’re sprinting after everyone else.

Pickup is one of the biggest practical wins. You’ll get hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned vehicle, and the tour includes two-way transfers from Ubud and key south Bali areas (plus other named areas). If you’re coming from places like Lovina, Amed, Tulamben, or Candidasa, there’s an extra per-person charge listed for pickup.

Now for the honest part: Sekumpul sits in the north, and getting there from Kuta/central/south Bali usually takes time. The tour is about 10 hours total, so you’re committing to a long day. Bring water (you’ll get bottled water), and consider packing a couple of small snacks for the time between stops since lunch isn’t included.

Sekumpul Waterfalls Hike: Seven Falls, Trekking Guide Fees, and What to Expect

Sekumpul is the star. The experience is built around a hike to seven different falls, which means you’re going to spend your morning walking through northern greenery, moving between viewpoints, and taking photos from different angles.

The tour includes entrance ticket at this stop in the itinerary notes, but entrance fees are listed as included only if you choose the right ticket option. In other words, you’ll want to double-check which package you select so you’re not surprised later.

The trekking guide fee is separate

Here’s an important money and safety point. The tour does not include the Sekumpul & trekking guide fee. You may need to add this on the day:

• Medium trekking: IDR 150K per person
• Long trekking: IDR 250K per person

If you’re not sure which option fits you, think in simple terms: medium likely gives you a more manageable route, while long aims for more extensive walking. Either way, you’ll be on wet paths at times, so having a trekking guide can be a smart way to keep your footing and timing under control.

What I’d do for comfort

Because the day runs tight, you’ll want to arrive ready to hike. Wear footwear you trust on slippery ground (water shoes or hiking sandals with grip can work, but anything with real traction helps). Bring a dry bag or zip pouch for your phone/camera. And don’t count on having long, flexible breaks during the drive—plan a restroom stop early at pickup or before you start the hike.

The photo payoff

When Sekumpul clicks, it really clicks. The appeal is variety: multiple falls, multiple layers of water, and enough changes in angle that your pictures don’t all look the same. With a good pacing strategy (and a guide who knows where you’ll get the best views), you’ll spend more time shooting and less time backtracking.

Ulun Danu Beratan Temple: The Lake Temple Stop That Changes the Mood

After the hike, you get a major visual reset: Ulun Danu Beratan Temple on the edge of the lake. This is the Bali postcard temple you’ve seen in photos—shrines by the water that often look like they’re floating above the scenery.

The stop is about 1 hour, which is a sweet spot for two things:

1) You can enjoy the views without rushing.

2) You can move around enough to find a couple of angles for photos.

This stop also helps you pace your body. You go from wet, uneven walking to a calmer, more open area where you can breathe, stretch your legs, and let the day feel less intense.

If you care about photos, arrive with a plan. Keep your gear simple, and expect you’ll want shots from different sides of the temple area. The best move is to watch how other people approach paths and keep your own pace so you don’t feel crowded or panicked.

Taman Ayun Temple: A UNESCO Water Temple Break From the Mainstream

Your final major temple stop is Taman Ayun Temple, also described as a UNESCO Heritage Site and a royal water temple. Even if you’ve seen lots of Bali temples, Taman Ayun is worth the time because it’s part of the same cultural world as the others—but in a different setting and with a different feel.

Like the other core stops, you’ll get about 1 hour here. That length is enough to:

• Walk through at an easy pace
• Take in the water-and-garden vibe
• Read the surroundings and understand why it’s protected as a UNESCO site

One practical note: temple areas can be busy and the light can change quickly, so sunglasses and a hat can help even if it looks cloudy. Comfortable sandals or shoes you can remove easily can also make the visit smoother.

Price and Logistics: Where Value Comes From (and What Costs Extra)

The price is $22.50 per person, and it’s the kind of deal that only makes sense if the tour actually reduces hassle. In this case, the value is in the basics:

• Pickup and drop-off
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• English speaking tour guide
• Bottled water
• Insurance
• Small-group format (maximum 9 travelers)
• Mobile ticket

That’s a lot included for a relatively low base price. The catch is that Bali tours often work like this: the ticket you pay covers transport and guiding structure, while certain site-specific or activity-specific fees are still layered on.

Entrance fees: included only if you choose that option

Entrance fees are listed as included if you select the option that covers them. The itinerary notes say admission ticket is included at each of the three stops, so the real-world detail to confirm is which package you booked. If you picked a lower-cost option without tickets, you may pay entrance fees on top.

Trekking guide fee: plan for it

On top of the base tour price, you may still pay for the tactical trekking guide portion:

• IDR 150K for medium trekking
• IDR 250K for long trekking

This matters for value thinking. If you’re tempted to skip the trekking guide to save money, remember you’re hiking to seven falls—not a single viewpoint. A guide can help you move safely, keep timing, and focus on routes that reduce wasted steps.

Lunch not included

This is the simplest surprise. Lunch isn’t included, so you’ll need to budget for food or bring a snack strategy. If you’re prone to getting low energy mid-day, plan ahead.

Best For Who, and What to Pack for a Smoother Day

This tour fits best if you want a structured day trip in northern Bali without the stress of navigation and difficult logistics. It’s also a good match if you like taking photos but don’t want to think through transport timing yourself.

You’ll likely enjoy it most if you’re:

• Comfortable with a hike (wet, uneven ground is part of the deal)
• Interested in both nature and major temple sites
• Happy to start early and spend most of the day on the move

What to pack (practical, not fancy)

• Water-resistant bag or zip pouch for electronics
• Traction-friendly footwear
• Light rain layer or poncho (water areas can mean mist and damp)
• Hat and sunglasses
• Snacks for the day since lunch isn’t included
• Cash for trekking guide fee (and any entrance fees if your option doesn’t include them)

If you want extra confidence, choose the trekking plan that fits your stamina. The day is doable, but it’s not a casual stroll.

The Fine Print That Matters: When This Tour Feels Easy vs. Tough

The most praised parts here tend to be the day’s flow and the people running it: a friendly driver who stops for photos and an accommodating guide who helps you feel safe during the trek. In one example name that comes up for drivers is Poetra, described as kind, funny, and attentive to comfort during the day.

That said, the day can feel rough if you’re the type who hates long drives or strict timing. One thing to watch is the lack of built-in slack: if you need frequent breaks, don’t count on the schedule having a comfort pause exactly when you want it. Instead, handle it proactively—use the restroom before you start key segments, and keep snacks and water ready.

Also keep in mind that the tour can be intense because it stacks three big experiences into one day: waterfall hike, lake temple, and another UNESCO temple.

Should You Book This North Bali Tour?

Book it if you want one trip that covers the big hitters of northern Bali: Sekumpul Waterfalls, Ulun Danu Beratan, and Taman Ayun—all with hotel pickup, air-conditioned transport, and a small-group limit. It’s great value when you want convenience and don’t want to fight routing, timing, and multiple local entry points on your own.

Skip (or choose a more flexible plan) if:

• You’re not confident with wet hiking
• You hate early starts and long drives
• You need a lot of downtime built into the schedule
• You don’t want extra fees beyond the base price (because entrance fees and trekking guide fees can still apply depending on your option)

If you do book, my best advice is simple: pick the trekking level that matches your body, pack snacks, and treat the day like a photo-and-walking mission. When it clicks, it really delivers a full Bali day without you doing the logistics math.

FAQ

How long is the North Bali: Sekumpul Waterfalls and Ulun Danu Temple Tour?

It runs about 10 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 6:30am.

Is pickup included, and from where?

Yes. There is free pickup from many areas including Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Jimbaran, Sanur, Kerobokan, Canggu, Nusa Dua, and Ubud. There are extra charges for pickup from Lovina, Amed, Tulamben (150K IDR per person) and Candidasa (100K IDR per person).

Do I need to buy entrance tickets?

Entrance fees are included only if you select the option that covers them. Otherwise, you may need to pay entrance fees separately.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch isn’t included.

Do I have to pay for a trekking guide?

Yes. The Sekumpul & trekking guide fee is not included. It’s listed as IDR 150K per person for medium trekking and IDR 250K per person for long trekking.

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 9 travelers.

Does the tour include a tour guide and transportation?

Yes. It includes an English speaking tour guide, air-conditioned vehicle, and pickup and drop-off.

Can I cancel for free?

Yes. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time.