Sekumpul starts with a great morning. This North Bali trip pairs a seven-waterfall hike with two famous temple stops: Ulun Danu Beratan and Taman Ayun. The payoff is big if you love views and photos, and the local driving gets handled by pros like Poetra, who knows how to keep things calm and comfortable while you’re heading north.

Two things I really like: you get door-to-door pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle (small-group size max 9), and you also get an English-speaking guide to help the day run smoothly. One thing to consider: the north Bali drive is long, early, and can feel like it eats part of your energy before the hike even starts—so pack patience for a very full 10-hour day.

Seven Waterfalls Plus Two Temples: The Value of This North Bali Day

This is a classic combo day in North Bali, built around three big moments. First comes Sekumpul Waterfall, known for the hike to multiple falls rather than one single viewpoint. Then you pivot from jungle sounds to postcard-style scenery at Ulun Danu Beratan. Finally, you slow down again with Taman Ayun, another standout water temple that rounds out the day without feeling like a rushed checklist.

I like that the tour isn’t only about nature. Temples here aren’t tacked on. They give your brain a break after moving around on trails, and they’re also excellent for cultural photos—especially Ulun Danu Beratan with the shrine layout by the lake.

Price and What You Actually Get for $22.50

The headline price is $22.50 per person, and it’s the kind of deal that makes sense when you break it down. You’re paying for a full day of transportation, a guide, and the main sites. The tour also runs in a way that’s built for convenience: you don’t have to organize separate rides from the south side of Bali.

Here’s where value depends on your option. Entrance fees are included only if you choose the option that covers them. If you pick the version without entrance fees, you’ll pay those onsite (your exact amounts aren’t specified here). Either way, you still get pickup and drop-off, an English-speaking tour guide, bottled water, and insurance.

Then there’s the one cost that’s easy to overlook: the trekking guide fee at Sekumpul. It’s not included. Medium trekking is IDR 150K per person, and long trekking is IDR 250K per person. If you like having extra help for routes and timing, plan for that add-on.

Lunch is not included. That’s normal for long Bali touring days, but it matters. If you’re hungry, you’ll want to eat before you start (or be ready to buy something later).

The Morning Start and North Bali Logistics (Why Timing Matters)

This tour starts at 6:30 am and runs about 10 hours. That early start is the difference between getting good light for photos and arriving when crowds and heat can feel more intense. It also means you’ll spend a lot of your day in transit before you even reach Sekumpul.

And here’s the honest part: the drive can be the hardest element. The day is famous for a dreamy hike, but the road north from Kuta and other south locations can feel like a whole event by itself. You’ll be in an air-conditioned vehicle, and the driver is there to keep things moving, but you should assume the schedule is built around site timing, not lots of extra wandering.

If you’re the type who needs frequent comfort breaks, it’s worth asking your driver at the start what the plan is. I’ve found that a quick heads-up early helps avoid stress later, especially when you’re leaving so early.

Small-Group Comfort: Max 9 People, English Guide, and Smooth Transfers

This is not a giant bus day. The group limit is 9 travelers, which usually means you’re not lost in a crowd at temples, and you’re more likely to get attention if questions come up.

You’ll also get:

• Hotel pickup and two-way transfers from key locations
• An English-speaking tour guide
• A vehicle with air conditioning
• Bottled water

Pickup is free from Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Jimbaran, Sanur, Kerobokan, Canggu, Nusa Dua, and Ubud. If you’re staying farther north or east, there’s an extra pickup charge: Lovina, Amed, Tulamben (150K per person), and Candidasa (100K per person).

There’s also a mobile ticket involved, which generally makes it simpler on the day.

Stop 1: Sekumpul Waterfall Hike to Seven Falls

Sekumpul is the main event. The tour takes you into North Bali’s wilderness as you search for the majestic Sekumpul Waterfalls. The big theme here is not one waterfall stop, but a hike that leads to seven different falls.

This is where a guide matters. A local trekking guide is not included in the base price. The fee depends on trekking length (medium: IDR 150K per person; long: IDR 250K per person). Based on how the day is structured, the trekking guide helps you move with confidence and get to the right spots without turning the hike into a confusing maze.

One review story that stands out from this kind of setup: Poetra’s approach was to make sure everyone felt comfortable once they met the local guide. That matters at Sekumpul, because it’s not the sort of place where you want to be figuring things out while you’re trying to enjoy the view.

What I’d personally plan for: a big chunk of your morning is physical effort plus photo stops. Wear shoes you’re happy to walk in for a while, and bring layers, because near waterfalls the air can feel different than it does in the car.

Stop 2: Ulun Danu Beratan Temple for Lake-Side Postcard Photos

After the hike, the atmosphere shifts fast. At Ulun Danu Beratan, you get a full 1 hour to take in the iconic temple setting.

This is the temple people recognize from images: picturesque shrines by the water, commonly featured in postcards, and the dramatic look of the temple suspended over the lake. The way the buildings sit against the water makes it one of the easiest places on Bali to get photos that look polished even when you’re not using fancy gear.

This stop also acts like a mental reset. You’ve earned it after Sekumpul. Instead of moving from spot to spot, you can slow down, take photos, and just absorb the scene.

If you’re serious about pictures, this is one of the best times to experiment with angles. The temple is visually strong from multiple spots around the lake area, and the surrounding mountain scenery gives you depth even with simple shots.

Stop 3: Taman Ayun Temple (Water Temple and UNESCO Stop)

Your final temple stop is Taman Ayun, a water temple tied to UNESCO heritage. You’ll get another 1 hour here.

Taman Ayun brings a more grounded temple feel compared to the lakeside drama at Ulun Danu Beratan. It’s a good contrast: the setting is still scenic, but the focus is more on the temple complex itself and how it’s arranged around water.

I like making this your last stop because it’s not the place you rush through. By the time you arrive, you’re probably done with intense photo chasing, but you still have the energy to enjoy a cultural site at a steady pace.

What’s Included vs What’s Not (So You’re Not Surprised)

Before you go, I recommend you look at cost in two layers: what’s covered by the tour price, and what’s optional.

Included:

• Pick-up and drop-off
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• English-speaking tour guide
• Entrance fees (only if you select the option that includes them)
• Bottled water
• Insurance

Not included:

• Lunch
• Sekumpul trekking guide fee (medium IDR 150K per person, long IDR 250K per person)
• Personal expenses

This matters because the tour can end up feeling like a great deal or a slightly pricier day depending on the option you choose and the trekking length you want.

Also note: there are different tour versions—small-group without tickets, small-group with tickets and a guide, or private with tickets and a guide. The trekking guide is still additional.

Drive, Breaks, and How to Handle a Very Full Day

A long day can go two ways. It can feel smooth, or it can feel like you’re counting down hours. The difference often comes down to whether the tour keeps you comfortable during the transit windows.

This tour keeps you in an air-conditioned vehicle, and the guide and driver are there to manage the flow. Still, the day starts at 6:30 am, and total time is about 10 hours, so it’s smart to plan snacks or a breakfast you like.

If you’ve learned you need comfort breaks more often than the schedule allows, be proactive. Ask the driver what the plan is and whether there’s time to stop. It’s better to manage that early than to feel tense later.

Tips That Make a Big Difference on This Route

Here are practical moves that help you enjoy the day without adding stress:

• Bring cash for the trekking guide fee (medium or long) and anything you might want to buy onsite.
• Pack a small water buffer even though bottled water is included.
• If you’re sensitive to early mornings, plan a calmer night before. Starting at 6:30 am is not optional.
• For photos at Ulun Danu Beratan, give yourself time to experiment. The temple setting is naturally photogenic, but you still want a minute to pick your angle.

If you’re choosing trekking length, think about your pace. Medium trekking is less time on the trail, while long trekking costs more but can fit people who want more time in the Sekumpul area.

Should You Book This North Bali Tour?

Book it if you want a one-day structure that covers nature plus two iconic temples, and you prefer pickup and transfers over self-driving. The small-group size is a plus, and having an English-speaking guide helps you get organized quickly once you arrive.

Consider skipping or switching plans if you strongly dislike long early drives. The day is packed, and the north Bali transit can test your stamina. Also remember that the trekking guide fee at Sekumpul is extra, and lunch isn’t included, so check that you’re comfortable with those added expenses.

If you’re an early riser who wants an efficient route through North Bali’s best-known sights—Sekumpul, Ulun Danu Beratan, and Taman Ayun—this is a solid value way to do it.

FAQ

What time does the North Bali tour start?

The tour starts at 6:30 am.

How long is the tour?

It runs for about 10 hours.

Where do pickup and drop-off happen?

Free pick up is offered from Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Jimbaran, Sanur, Kerobokan, Canggu, Nusa Dua, and Ubud. There are extra charges from Lovina, Amed, Tulamben (150K per person) and Candidasa (100K per person).

What is the maximum group size?

The group has a maximum of 9 travelers.

Are entrance fees included in the price?

Entrance fees are included if you select the option that includes them.

Do I need to pay for a trekking guide at Sekumpul?

Yes. The trekking guide fee is not included. Medium trekking is IDR 150K per person and long trekking is IDR 250K per person.

Is lunch included?

No, lunch is not included.

Is it free to cancel?

Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What’s included in the tour?

Included are pick-up and drop-off, an air-conditioned vehicle, an English-speaking tour guide, bottled water, insurance, and entrance fee coverage if you choose that option.