Bali Northern Trip : Majestic Waterfall Tour

This northern Bali waterfall circuit is interesting because it strings together three very different sights in one long, satisfying day. I especially love the Sekumpul natural water slide, and I also really like the Banyumala twin-waterfall look, with water splitting into two dramatic streams.

The main drawback is simple: you are going to get wet and do some walking. Pack smart for slippery rocks, bring a towel and spare clothes, and plan for a long day of driving around the island’s quieter north.

Key things that make this tour work

• Sekumpul’s natural slide: a one-of-a-kind rock formation that creates a proper water slide moment
• Banyumala’s twin streams: two main flows that give a throne-like effect as the water drops
• Ulun Danu Bratan Temple: the iconic water temple stop that balances all the waterfall time
• Small group size: limited to 5 participants, so you are not stuck in a huge crowd shuffle
• English-speaking driver: routes and timing are handled, plus helpful cultural context along the way

Northern Bali Waterfalls: Why This Route Feels Worth a Full Day

Bali’s north has a slower rhythm than the south, and that matters when you are chasing waterfalls. Instead of bouncing between only one or two photo stops, this tour builds in time for actual exploring, including a swim at the waterfall locations.

The trip also gives you more than “pretty water.” You get temple time at Ulun Danu Bratan, then you jump into the wet, jungle-feeling world of Sekumpul and Banyumala. That mix is what makes the day feel complete, not just scenic.

You should expect hills, rice terraces, and bits of ocean views during the drive. That part is not “extra fluff.” It is the visual payoff for the long route, and it helps the waterfall stops feel like the climax, not the only moment.

Price and Value: Why $36 Can Be a Good Deal

At $36 per person for a 10-hour outing, the value comes down to what is included. You get air-conditioned transportation, petrol fuel, mineral water, and an English-speaking driver. For Bali, that saves you from arranging rides and figuring out timing between widely spaced north-side attractions.

The tradeoff is also clear: entrance tickets are not included. So your true total depends on how many paid entries apply to the temple and waterfall areas. Still, for a full-day route with a car and driver, this is the kind of price that works if you show up prepared and make the stops count.

Another value point: a small group limited to 5 participants. That usually means easier photo stops and less time waiting for everyone to re-group after a swim or a short walk.

Pickup, Drop-Off, and the One Rule That Makes the Day Easier

You get pickup from a long list of areas, including Kuta, Seminyak, Legian, Sanur, Jimbaran, Ubud, Denpasar, Gianyar, and Kuta Selatan. That flexibility is underrated, because it reduces your need to add extra transport costs before the tour even starts.

The day also runs smoother if you treat the pickup like a punctual appointment. The driver will wait in your hotel lobby as scheduled, so be ready when they arrive. If you are picking a meeting spot yourself, you might lose time and then feel rushed at the waterfalls.

At the end, you are dropped back at multiple options too, including Denpasar, Kuta, Ubud, Kuta Selatan, Sanur, Jimbaran, Legian, Seminyak, and Gianyar. This matters because north-side outings often leave you far from where you want to be for dinner.

Ulun Danu Bratan Temple: The Iconic Water Temple Reset

Ulun Danu Bratan Temple is not a waterfall stop, but it is the perfect “reset” before the wet sites. The temple is famous in Bali as a water temple, and it gives your eyes a different kind of calm.

This stop also helps you understand the island’s relationship with water. Then when you reach Sekumpul and Banyumala, it feels less like random sightseeing and more like a theme you are experiencing in stages.

What to consider: temples usually mean you should dress appropriately. The tour itself does not list a specific dress code, but it does encourage practical packing for waterfall time later. So bring layers you can adjust, and save the most extreme wet-situation clothing for the waterfall phase.

Sekumpul Waterfall: The Highest Bali Fall and the Natural Water Slide

Sekumpul is the headline waterfall, and the big reason is the natural waterslide effect. Here, rock formations shape the water into a slide that carries you through the flow and down into the water below. It is not a constructed attraction, so the experience feels raw and playful.

This is also described as the highest waterfall in Bali. Whether you measure height by official numbers or by how it looks and feels on site, the practical takeaway is that Sekumpul has a big presence, and the area tends to draw serious waterfall lovers.

Expect a mix of photo time, sightseeing, and the chance to swim. That swim is a highlight, but it only works if you plan for getting cold and wet. The tour specifically recommends bringing change of clothes and a towel, and you will be glad you listened.

One more note: the day involves walking and moving around slippery terrain. Wear sandals that can handle wet ground, or water-friendly footwear that stays put. If you do not, you will spend your energy worrying about footing instead of enjoying the falls.

Banyumala Twin Waterfalls: Two Streams That Look Like a Majestic Throne

After Sekumpul, Banyumala gives you a different kind of drama. The key detail is that it splits into two main streams. As the water falls, the effect is described as an illusion of a majestic throne, which is a fun way to picture what you will see.

The stop is also built for photos and walking, and there is time to enjoy the atmosphere. If you liked the wild energy at Sekumpul, Banyumala still delivers, but with a more relaxed feel that lets you linger.

The biggest advantage here is variety. Sekumpul’s signature moment is the slide and the rugged rock shaping. Banyumala’s signature moment is the split-water composition. Together they make the day feel like you experienced two different personalities of waterfall.

The Drive Through Rice Terraces, Hillsides, and Bits of Ocean

This tour is long, so the drive matters. Before you reach the waterfall areas, you can see hillside scenery, rice terraces, and small portions of the ocean along the way. Even if you come for the water, that route gives your brain a break from constant greenery close to the falls.

You will also see why guides often talk while driving. It is not just filler. The cultural context helps you place what you are seeing, especially at Ulun Danu Bratan Temple, where water is part of the spiritual setting.

In at least some cases, the route feels part adventure and part scenic road trip. One reason people recommend the tour is that they find the drive views long and worth it, not wasted time.

Small-Group Touring With Real People, Real Photo Help

One of the most praised parts of this experience is the human side. Multiple guides are mentioned by name, including Komang, Putu, Chavez, Lesmana (often paired with Agus Lesmana), and Luh, with Yoga also mentioned in connection with guidance. The common thread is that the drivers and guides adjust for what you want, not just what the schedule says.

People highlight photo help, including guides taking lots of photos and video. In some cases, drone footage comes up as a special extra, with files shared back to your phone. That is not guaranteed in the tour facts provided, but it is a clear pattern in the service style, and it explains why many people leave with more than just phone snapshots.

What you should count on is an English-speaking driver and a small-group setup limited to 5. That combo usually means less waiting, better timing for quick photo stops, and more flexibility if you want to spend a little longer at a viewpoint or waterfall edge.

What to Pack for Sekumpul and Banyumala (So You Enjoy It More)

The tour’s packing list is short, but you should treat it like the mission brief.

Bring:

• Change of clothes
• Towel
• Sandals

That is the core list, and it matches what you will need for waterfall swimming and cooler misty conditions at higher points. Even if you only plan to dip your feet, you will still get splashed. If you want to actually swim, a towel and spare outfit become non-negotiable.

Also remember:

• Alcohol and drugs are not allowed.

And because you are dealing with waterfalls, plan for a bit of physical effort. The stops include sightseeing, walking, and swimming time, so wear something you can move in and dry quickly.

If you have sensitive skin, consider bringing a light cover-up you can put on after swimming. The tour does not mention it, but it is a practical way to avoid sun and cold water shock right after you leave the falls.

Who This Bali North Waterfall Day Is Best For

This tour is best for you if you want a full day outdoors without needing to plan transport yourself. You should also like a route that mixes nature with culture, because Ulun Danu Bratan Temple is not just a quick pass-through in the day’s flow.

It is a strong fit for:

• Waterfall lovers who want two very different falls in one trip
• People who enjoy swimming in natural spots
• Travelers who like small-group pacing and photo-friendly stops
• Anyone who values a guide who explains Bali as you drive

It may not be ideal if you need wheelchair accessibility. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, based on the activity information provided.

Should You Book This Majestic Waterfall Tour?

Yes, you should book it if you are comfortable with a wet day, a long drive, and the idea that entrance tickets are extra. For $36, the included air-conditioned transport, English-speaking driver, and the two major waterfall experiences plus Ulun Danu Bratan Temple are a solid package, especially with a group size limited to 5.

Skip it if you want an easy, low-effort outing with minimal walking or if you need wheelchair access. Also think twice if you hate getting cold after swimming, because the tour strongly recommends a towel and change of clothes, which is a hint that the waterfall conditions can be chill.

If you pack smart and you show up ready to move, this is the kind of northern Bali day that gives you real waterfall memories, not just quick roadside views.