Sekumpul Waterfall
Sekumpul Waterfall: Where the Soul of North Bali Flows.
Every time I visit Sekumpul Waterfall, I feel like I’m returning to something sacred. It’s not just the view, or the sound, or the mist that hangs in the air like a blessing—it’s the deep, grounding energy that flows through the place. As someone who was born in Singaraja and raised in Denpasar, North Bali has always been a spiritual home for me. And of all its natural wonders, Sekumpul holds a special kind of magic.
Many people come to Bali and never make it up north. That’s a mistake, if you ask me. While the south buzzes with beach clubs and bustling cafes, the north whispers ancient stories through its rivers, mountains, and temples. Sekumpul is one of those places that speaks without words. You don’t just see it—you feel it.
The Journey In
Getting to Sekumpul is not easy, and I love that about it. It's located in the Buleleng Regency, tucked away between small villages and winding roads that snake through hills and clove plantations. If you're driving from Ubud or Denpasar, it can take three to four hours depending on traffic. But this is not the kind of destination you rush to.
I always encourage my guests to leave early in the morning. The light hits differently in the north—softer, cooler, more golden. On one visit, I drove through fog-covered roads just after sunrise, the smell of wet earth and forest filling the air. It reminded me of childhood visits to my grandmother’s home. That nostalgic comfort always seems to greet me when I’m headed to Sekumpul.
The Descent
The first time I visited Sekumpul, I wasn’t prepared. I had heard it was beautiful, but nothing can prepare you for what it’s like to actually stand in front of it.
After you arrive at the village, the waterfall isn’t immediately visible. There’s a bit of a trek to reach it—down dozens of stairs, across a narrow path, and through a shallow river. It's not a casual walk, and it can be slippery when wet. But with every step down, the sound of the falls grows louder. It’s like the earth is calling you closer.
Eventually, the trees part and there it is: not one, but a series of waterfalls—some thin and elegant, others wide and roaring—pouring down over cliffs covered in vines and moss. Mist floats in the air, catching the sunlight like tiny crystals. It’s not just a waterfall—it’s a cathedral of water.
A Place to Breathe
On one visit, I sat on a boulder near the base of the falls, barefoot, soaked from the river crossing. I wasn’t leading a tour that day—I was just there for myself. I closed my eyes, letting the spray hit my face, and listened to nothing but the sound of water hitting rock.
It’s hard to describe how calming it is. Sekumpul doesn’t ask anything of you. You don’t need to pose or perform. You just be. And in that stillness, you start to remember things you’d forgotten—how to slow down, how to listen, how to feel grateful without needing a reason.
In that moment, I felt something shift inside me. It reminded me why I chose this path in life—not just to create a business, but to share experiences that reconnect people to what matters.
The Power of Nature
Sekumpul is beautiful, but it is also powerful. This is not a place to treat lightly. I've seen people underestimate the strength of the current, or try to climb too close for the perfect selfie. But this waterfall demands respect.
For Balinese people, waterfalls are more than tourist attractions. They are considered sacred, places where the spirit of the land is most alive. The locals perform ceremonies here, asking for blessings, protection, or healing. You can feel that sacredness when you're there—it's not something you can fake.
I always remind my guests to approach Sekumpul with humility. Take off your shoes. Don’t shout. Don’t litter. Be present. Nature is not a background; it’s a living being, and Sekumpul is one of its temples.
Meeting the Locals
One of my favorite parts of every visit to Sekumpul is stopping by the village. The people who live here are incredibly welcoming. Many of them act as local guides, and their knowledge of the land is inspiring. On one trip, a young guide named Wayan shared stories of how he used to play in the waterfall as a boy and how his grandfather taught him the names of the different plants and birds that live in the area.
Supporting these local guides is important. They are the true guardians of the land, and their efforts keep Sekumpul clean, safe, and respected.
I’ve often invited guests to sit and have coffee at a local warung after the hike. The view from the ridge is stunning—you can see the entire valley, the waterfall in the distance, and the dense forest beyond. It’s the kind of view that makes you sit a little longer, breathe a little deeper.
A Place I Always Return To
I’ve traveled to many parts of Bali and beyond, but Sekumpul has a gravity that pulls me back again and again. It’s a place where I go to reset. When the city noise gets too loud or the pace of work too fast, I find myself planning another visit to the north.
And every time I go, it feels new. The water never flows the same way twice. The light changes. The air feels different. But the peace—that part always remains.
Sekumpul is not for the hurried traveler. It’s for those who want to be moved, not just impressed. It’s for those who are willing to walk a little farther, climb a little lower, and open themselves a little wider.
If you ever find yourself in Bali, don’t skip the north. Don’t miss Sekumpul. Trust me—it’s not just a destination. It’s a feeling. One that stays with you long after you’ve dried off and driven away.
