Place to see · Munduk
Sekumpul: several falls in a jungle amphitheatre
Sekumpul brings together several falls at the bottom of a jungle amphitheatre, north of the Munduk highlands. They are often called the most beautiful in Bali. The price to pay: hundreds of steps down and then back up, and a village guide to take at the entrance. Go in the morning, before the mist and the showers.
- Updated on
- 3 min read
- By Kylian Dev
In short
Facts as of · sourced figures
From the top, a viewpoint shows all the falls in the amphitheatre. The path then goes down a long staircase to the valley floor, follows the river and leads to the foot of the falls. Depending on the route chosen with the guide, you also see the neighbouring Fiji falls, further along the valley.
Contents
Key points
- A village guide is required at the main entrance; the conditions are posted on site.
- Hundreds of steps down, then back up: reasonable fitness and good shoes.
- The path sometimes crosses the river: expect to get your feet wet.
- Come in the morning: afternoon showers make the steps slippery and the river stronger.
Sekumpul is a village on the north side of the island, on the slopes that run down from the Munduk highlands towards Singaraja. The waterfalls drop into an amphitheatre of cliffs covered in ferns and bamboo: several falls side by side, and others further along the valley.
To compare with the island’s other falls, see the waterfalls of Bali; to sleep nearby, Munduk.
What you see at Sekumpul
From the top, a viewpoint shows all the falls in the amphitheatre. The path then goes down a long staircase to the valley floor, follows the river and leads to the foot of the falls. Depending on the route chosen with the guide, you also see the neighbouring Fiji falls, further along the valley.
- The upper viewpoint: the full view, without going down.
- The staircase: uneven steps, often wet, with handrails in places.
- The valley floor: river crossings, spray, slippery ground.
- The foot of the falls: how close you go depends on the flow and the guide’s instructions.
Getting there from Munduk
Sekumpul lies north-east of Munduk, on the roads that run down to the north coast. You go with a driver, or by scooter if you are comfortable on narrow, winding mountain roads. The car park and the entrance are run by the village.
- From Munduk, take the road to the north coast, towards Singaraja, then follow the signs for Sekumpul.
- Park at the village car park, at the entrance to the site.
- Pay the entrance and set off with the assigned guide.
- Go down at your own pace and keep some energy for the climb back.
To reach Munduk: Ubud to Munduk or airport to Munduk.
When to go
Morning is the best time: a drier path, light in the amphitheatre and a calmer river. In the afternoon the mist rises and showers are frequent in the rainy season. After heavy rain, the flow swells and the water turns muddy: the guide may then limit the descent.
| Time slot | Path | Light | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opening to 11 am | Drier | In the amphitheatre | The best time |
| 11 am to 2 pm | Busy | Harsh | Humid heat on the climb back |
| After 2 pm | Often wet | Mist | Frequent showers in the rainy season |
Season by season: see when to go to Bali.
What to pair it with
Sekumpul takes up a whole morning, including the drive. In the afternoon, stay in the highlands: Banyumala waterfall, smaller and often empty, or Lake Tamblingan if the mist allows. Doing Sekumpul and Jatiluwih on the same day is too much.
- Banyumala: a natural pool between two walls of ferns.
- Lake Tamblingan: a lakeshore path and a temple at the water’s edge.
Frequently asked questions
Is a guide compulsory at Sekumpul?
At the main entrance, the village asks you to go with a local guide. The conditions and the fee are posted on site; they can change.
Can you swim at Sekumpul?
Sometimes, at the foot of the falls, depending on the flow and the guide’s advice. After heavy rain the river swells and swimming is best avoided.
Can you see Sekumpul without going down?
Yes: the upper viewpoint gives the full view. The foot of the falls, however, means going down the staircase and back up.
Sources
Figures and rules checked on October 27, 2026 against the sources below. Entry rules and fees change: always check them on the official websites before you leave.
