Start early
Morning light and lighter crowds make for better views and safer trail conditions.
Chasing Cascades: Sekumpul and Banyumala’s Twin Waterfalls of Northern Bali
Two dramatic waterfalls, a jungle trek, and the kind of wet, grateful silence only moving water creates
Munduk, Bali•By Robert Eric Crews•Land Adventures,Water Activities,Wildlife Nature•August•Dry season (May–September)
Continue ReadingYou push through a curtain of jungle and the air changes—cooler, scent heavy with wet earth and moss. Light slices through the canopy in thin beams and, somewhere below, water thunders. That first glimpse of Sekumpul is not cinematic so much as physically persuasive: multiple ribbons of white falling from a dark green wall into a basin framed by ferns and volcanic rock. For a long second you only listen. The falls demand your attention and, in return, give a clear, immediate kind of calm.
Duration8 hours (including transport)
Group Size1–10 Guests
LanguagesEnglish
Trail Wisdom
Trail Wisdom
Wear grippy footwear
Expect slippery rocks, muddy sections, and river crossings—trail shoes or strong sandals help.
Waterproof your kit
A dry bag or zip-locks protect phones and cameras from spray and sudden rain.
Carry local cash
Bring small bills for entrance fees, warung snacks, and tipping your guide.
Local Knowledge
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- Coffee plantation stops near Munduk for fresh Arabica and local processing demonstrations
- Small village warungs serving grilled fish or ayam betutu near trailheads for a post-hike meal
Wildlife
Long-tailed macaques in surrounding forests (keep distance), Kingfishers and sunbirds around streams and pools
Conservation Note
Trails pass through community-managed land—support local guides, stay on paths, and pack out waste to minimize impact.
The waterfalls flow through landscapes shaped by Bali's volcanic activity and centuries of terraced agriculture; nearby villages preserved traditional farming and craft practices.
Seasonal Guide
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for:Lush foliage, Fewer tourists
Challenges:Intermittent showers, Muddy trails
Spring (March–May) sees the landscape freshening after rains—trails can be muddy but the waterfalls are robust.
summer
Best for:Dryer trails, Clearer travel conditions
Challenges:Hotter transport days, Stronger sun mid-day
Summer (June–August) is drier and busiest; mornings are best to avoid heat and crowds.
fall
Best for:Dramatic water flow after storms, Rich greens
Challenges:Unpredictable rain, Slippery descent sections
Fall (September–November) can deliver powerful flows following seasonal storms—respect river conditions.
winter
Best for:Lush rainforest atmosphere, Lower sunlight angles
Challenges:Heaviest rains (Nov–Mar), Higher currents and access issues
Winter in Bali corresponds to the wet season—spectacular waterfalls but more hazardous crossings and access interruptions.
Photographer's Notes
Photographer's Notes
Use a polarizing filter to reduce surface glare and enhance greens; shoot Sekumpul wide to capture multiple ribbons, and use a low shutter speed (tripod or steady rock) for silky water at Banyumala—early morning provides the best light and fewer people.
What to Bring
What to Bring
Trail shoes or grippy sandals
EssentialProvide traction on muddy steps and rocky river crossings.
Light rain shell
EssentialProtects against sudden tropical downpours and spray from the falls.
Dry bag or waterproof phone case
EssentialKeeps electronics and dry clothes safe during river crossings and misty viewpoints.
Trekking poles (optional)
Helps balance on descents and across streams, especially if trails are wet.
Common Questions
Common Questions
What to Pack
What to Pack
Trail shoes for traction, waterproof phone case/dry bag for electronics, quick-dry clothes and a change for swimming, cash for entrances and warungs
Did You Know
Did You Know
Sekumpul is actually a cluster of falls fed by tributaries of the Serewe River—its multiple streams and dramatic cliff face are often cited as some of Bali’s most striking inland cascades.
Quick Travel Tips
Quick Travel Tips
Start early to beat crowds and heat; bring small-denomination cash for fees and snacks; confirm pickup time/location with your operator the day before; carry a lightweight rain jacket during wet months
Local Flavor
Local Flavor
After the hike, stop in Munduk for kopi luwak or local Arabica at a plantation café and try ikan bakar (grilled fish) or sate lilit at a village warung; small guesthouses and family-run restaurants make for quiet post-trek meals and chance encounters with local farming life.
Logistics Snapshot
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airportNgurah Rai (Denpasar) — ~2.5–3 hours drive; Common trailhead: near Munduk
Sawan villages; Driving distance from Ubud~2.5–3 hours; Cell service: patchy on the trail, better near villages; Permits: small local entrance or guide fee usually applies (included on organized tours).
Sustainability Note
Sustainability Note
These falls sit in community-managed land—support local guides and warungs, stay on established trails, and carry out any trash; avoid using soaps in natural pools.
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