REVIEW · UBUD
Mount Batur Sunrise Hike with Sekumpul Waterfalls Tours
Book on Viator →Operated by Bagus Bali Sunrise Trekking Tours · Bookable on Viator
Early starts beat lazy afternoons. This combo pairs a Mount Batur sunrise trek with the famous Sekumpul Waterfalls, and it’s set up for you with hotel pickup from Ubud (and Kintamani) plus trekking gear like a headlamp and walking pole. I really like the way the day is loaded with useful extras—breakfast on the mountain, lunch afterward, bottled water, and hot coffee/tea to keep you human. The main thing to think about: it’s a long, early day (think wake-up hours in the 2:30–4:00 range) and you’ll feel it in your legs by the end.
The afternoon part is why many people book this in the first place. You’ll head to Sekumpul Waterfalls, a set of seven waterfalls spread across two sides of Sekumpul village—clean water, plus time where you can shower and even swim under the falls if conditions allow. It’s also a private tour for your group, so you’re not stuck doing the “follow the slowest person” dance all day.
In This Review
- Quick Hits (What You’ll Really Notice)
- Why This Mount Batur + Sekumpul Combo Works in One Day
- The Early Start: Pickup Timing and What to Expect Before Sunrise
- Mount Batur Sunrise: Gear, Guides, and the Rim Breakfast Moment
- What the climb feels like
- From Summit to Sekumpul: The Midday Reset That Matters
- Sekumpul Waterfalls: Seven Falls, Clean Water, and Time to Cool Off
- Photo note
- Ulun Danu Beratan Temple (Optional): A Calm Finish After the Waterfalls
- Price and Value: What $104.76 Buys You (and What It Saves)
- Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Might Struggle)
- What to Bring: Simple Things That Prevent Big Annoyances
- Should You Book This Tour?
- FAQ
- What time does pickup happen?
- How long is the tour?
- Is the tour private or shared?
- What’s included in the tour price?
- What should I bring for the hike and waterfall time?
- Is the Beratan Lake Temple entrance fee included?
- Can I cancel for a full refund?
- What if the weather is bad?
Quick Hits (What You’ll Really Notice)

- Hotel pickup that saves real time: Ubud and Kintamani pickup/drop-off so you’re not piecing together transport.
- Headlamp + poles included: less scrambling for gear at the last minute.
- Breakfast up on the rim of Mt. Batur: warm fuel before the downhill.
- Sekumpul’s seven waterfalls: two-side layout, with a local Sekumpul guide leading the way.
- Meals and drinks are part of the package: bottled water, coffee/tea, breakfast, and lunch.
- Optional Lake Beratan stop: Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is available, but entrance is on you.
Why This Mount Batur + Sekumpul Combo Works in One Day

Bali can be great, but it’s also easy to waste daylight on “just getting there.” This tour avoids that problem by stacking two different experiences into one 16-hour block: an early volcano sunrise and a waterfall hike later.
The value isn’t just that you do two sights. It’s that you do them with local guides and a plan that keeps the logistics simple. Your morning starts with pickup and transport to the Batur trail area, then the day flows straight into Sekumpul in the afternoon. That means fewer headaches and more time out in the weather you came for.
Also, guides matter here. In the experiences people describe, guides like Gerald and Gede show up repeatedly—people talk about friendly, professional service, good English, and taking solid photos. That’s not a small detail when you’re up before the sky has even fully warmed.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Ubud.
The Early Start: Pickup Timing and What to Expect Before Sunrise

Your day begins with pickup from your accommodation—typically between 1:30 and 2:15 a.m. depending on your hotel location. Then you’re driven about 1 hour 30 minutes to the Mt. Batur trekking start point area.
Around 3:15 a.m., there’s a coffee break service. That matters more than it sounds. When you’re walking in the dark, you want something warm in your stomach and your headlamp already sorted.
A key detail: you’ll arrive at the trail start around 4:00 a.m. and then start moving. The experience is designed for sunrise timing, so you won’t be rolling into the morning with a relaxed schedule. Bring a jacket and expect it to feel cold at first—even if Bali later warms up.
If you’re the type who hates waking up before your brain is online, you’ll still manage. Just don’t book this if you need a late-night “recovery plan” that day. There isn’t one.
Mount Batur Sunrise: Gear, Guides, and the Rim Breakfast Moment
Once you reach the right spot, the climb starts in earnest. You’ll arrive at the top area around 6:00 a.m., and that’s when breakfast time begins. This is one of the reasons people love this specific format: you’re not just standing around waiting for the view. You get food in place first, then you can enjoy sunrise with calmer energy.
The tour includes trekking essentials: headlamp and walking pole. That’s big value because Batur trails are easier when you’re stable underfoot. A headlamp also helps you avoid that half-lit stumble feeling that can happen on rocky paths.
From what’s shared in past experiences, guides can be a real differentiator. Names that show up include GeralD (often praised as an excellent guide), Juta, Carik, Oman, and Tana—with people describing them as friendly, helpful, and good with photos. Some guides even adjust the pace; one person mentioned trail running on the descent, which tells you the guide was paying attention to comfort and ability rather than dragging everyone along.
After breakfast, you’ll walk to the finish point, arriving around 8:30 a.m. That gives you time to get moving again before the afternoon shift.
What the climb feels like
You should assume it’s challenging. The tour description calls for moderate physical fitness, and sunrise treks on a volcano aren’t casual hikes. The plan includes poles, which suggests balance and leg support are part of the deal.
If you can handle steep stairs for 30–60 minutes at a time, you’re probably fine. If not, you may still do it—just know you’ll be using your legs hard and you’ll want to dress smart.
From Summit to Sekumpul: The Midday Reset That Matters

Once you finish at Mount Batur around 8:30 a.m., you head toward Sekumpul. Transport takes you from the Batur area to Sekumpul Village, and you’ll typically arrive around 10:30 a.m.
This middle chunk is where your day either stays fun or turns into a slog. You’ve already woken up early, and the climb has done its work. The good news: you’re not expected to jump into another intense hike immediately without a transition.
When you arrive at Sekumpul, you meet your Sekumpul tour guide and start exploring. This guide component matters because Sekumpul isn’t just one viewpoint you reach by walking straight. It’s a group of waterfalls and paths, so you want someone local who knows the order and best places to stop.
Then lunch is at 1:00 p.m. That means you have time to hike, take photos, and enjoy the water before you’re stuck thinking about food.
Sekumpul Waterfalls: Seven Falls, Clean Water, and Time to Cool Off

Sekumpul is one of those Bali experiences people keep talking about. Here’s the practical version: there are seven waterfalls in the Sekumpul area, spread across two different sides of the village. The water is described as very clean, and the tour allows time to enjoy it beyond just walking by.
A distinctive detail in the tour description: you can use your time there for shower and swim under the waterfalls. That’s a big reason this feels like more than just sightseeing. It’s your chance to cool off from the morning climb and do something physical in the second half of the day.
Around 10:30 a.m. you start exploring, and by 1:00 p.m. you’re ready for lunch. In real terms, that’s a long enough window to enjoy the place without feeling rushed—though you’ll still want sensible footwear because waterfall areas can be slick.
From the experiences people share, Sekumpul guides like Nyoman (mentioned specifically) show up as attentive and professional. That’s not “fluff”—it helps you choose routes and keeps the day moving safely through terrain that can be uneven.
Photo note
If you care about pictures, bring it up. People highlight guides like Carik for expert photography, including strong photo and video results during both parts of the day. Your guide can also help you time stops so you’re not just snapping random angles in the wrong light.
Ulun Danu Beratan Temple (Optional): A Calm Finish After the Waterfalls

After lunch, the tour includes an optional stop at Lake Beratan and the Ulun Danu Beratan Temple area. This is listed as optional, with the key cost detail being that entrance ticket is not included (you pay it yourself).
The timing given for this optional stop is around 2:00 p.m. If you choose it, it’s a good way to round out a high-energy day with something more cultural and scenic—especially if you like temple visits that aren’t just a quick photo stop.
Who should consider it? If you enjoy mixing nature with a cultural stop and you don’t mind paying an entrance fee, it’s worth doing. If your legs are already screaming after Batur, you might skip it and just get back earlier.
Price and Value: What $104.76 Buys You (and What It Saves)

At $104.76 per person, this isn’t the cheapest way to do Bali outdoors. But it’s also not trying to be. The value comes from the fact that you’re paying for a full-day system:
- Private transportation (pickup and drop-off from Ubud and Kintamani)
- Private guides for both Mt. Batur and Sekumpul
- Included trekking gear: headlamp and walking poles
- Meals: breakfast and lunch
- Drinks: bottled water plus coffee/tea and hot drinks
- All fees and taxes (with the exception of Beratan entrance)
When tours only cover transportation, you often end up buying snacks, renting gear, and paying separate guides. Here, the essentials are baked in. That can genuinely save money once you add up all the “small extras” that normally appear during a self-planned day.
Also, you get what’s sometimes hard to purchase in Bali: time efficiency. With early pickup and a planned handoff from Batur to Sekumpul, you aren’t guessing routes or waiting on other groups.
If you’re traveling as a couple or small group, the private element can also feel like better value, because your time isn’t spent negotiating with other schedules.
Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Might Struggle)

This is best for hikers who can handle a steep early trek and a longer active afternoon. The tour explicitly asks for moderate physical fitness, so it’s not aimed at total beginners.
I’d say you’ll enjoy it most if you:
- want one day with two iconic Bali nature experiences
- like having a guide who can manage pace and keep you safe
- don’t want to deal with separate tickets and transport logistics
- care about sunrise timing enough to get up early without bargaining with your alarm
You might want to skip (or ask for advice before booking) if you:
- have trouble with steep, rocky trails
- hate very early wake-ups and long sit-in-a-car time afterward
- need a fully relaxing day after a previous hike
It’s also a private tour for your group. That can be a win if you like space and pacing without crowds. Still, keep in mind that sunrise hikes and waterfall areas are popular, and your day will follow the general tempo of those activities.
What to Bring: Simple Things That Prevent Big Annoyances
The tour lists what you should bring, and I agree with all of it. For a day that starts in darkness and ends around afternoon, you want layers and basics you can use twice.
Bring:
- Sport shoes (for traction)
- A jacket (sunrise can feel cold)
- Spare clothes (water time at Sekumpul)
- Mask (listed in the packing advice)
- Hand sanitizer
- Sandals (useful after the hike or for water area time)
One more practical note: charge your phone and bring a small power plan if you use GPS for photos. Early mornings drain batteries faster than you expect.
If you’re thinking about swim/shower under waterfalls, plan your wet-to-dry routine too. You’ll be happier if your spare clothes are actually easy to reach.
Should You Book This Tour?
If your ideal Bali day includes Mount Batur sunrise plus the Sekumpul Waterfalls experience, I think this is a smart booking. You get a full schedule that handles guides, transport, and key gear, plus included food and drinks that keep your energy steady from sunrise to lunch.
I’d book it if:
- you’re okay with a very early start
- you want a guided, safer-feeling hike without organizing two separate tours
- you like the idea of waterfall time that can include shower/swim moments
I’d hesitate if:
- early mornings wreck you every time
- you want something shorter or calmer than a 16-hour day
- you’re not comfortable with steep treks and uneven terrain
Bottom line: this is a high-effort, high-reward day. If you’re prepared, it can be one of the most memorable combinations you do in Bali.
FAQ
What time does pickup happen?
Pickup is scheduled between 1:30 and 2:15 a.m., depending on your accommodation.
How long is the tour?
It runs about 16 hours (approx.).
Is the tour private or shared?
This is a private tour/activity, meaning only your group participates.
What’s included in the tour price?
Included items are a headlamp and walking poles, breakfast, lunch, bottled water, coffee and/or tea, private transportation, all fees and taxes, and private guides for both Mount Batur and Sekumpul.
What should I bring for the hike and waterfall time?
You’re advised to bring sport shoes, a jacket, spare clothes, sandals, a mask, and hand sanitizer.
Is the Beratan Lake Temple entrance fee included?
No. Entrance ticket to Beratan Lake Temple is not included, and you pay it yourself if you choose the optional stop.
Can I cancel for a full refund?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
What if the weather is bad?
The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.














