Before revealing themselves to the naked eye, Sekumpul Falls let their presence be known with a potent rumble - the waters of two mountain streams fly into a deep green valley, falling 80 metres, creating a vision with few equals in the whole world. In Balinese, Sekumpul means “group”, “gathering” - differing from what happens in other parts of the island, here, there are actually seven distinct cascades, each with its own water flow. Surrounding them, a luxurious forest of bambù, durian and rambutan shoot up towards the heavens. Until a few years ago, Sekumpul Falls was a secret paradise only visited by locals. However, the allure of their beauty is totally irresistible - today, excursionists from around the world venture over trails, brooks and slippery steps to enjoy the landscape and, if the season permits, a restorative dive into the fresh waters of the underlying pool. On the way, views range from rice paddies and coffee plantations while the lakes of Bedugul are nearby with an aquatic temple dedicated to the Goddess Ida Batara Dewi Ulun Danu.
Mount Batur and its history in the Geopark Batur Museum
Located South of Mount Batur, the Batur Geopark Museum provides information on the geological, biological and cultural diversity of the surrounding area. It was built after the Batur Caldera region joined UNESCO's global network of Geoparks in September 2012.
Written by Balinese scholar Professor I Made Bandem and American art historian Bruce W. Carpenter, this stunning study of masks as an ancient art form is a richly illustrated book, with over 1000 color images by photographer Doddy Obenk.
Natural pigments & dyes in Balinese traditional crafts
Colors play a vital role in Balinese culture and identity: they are symbolic and their origins are sacred. Traditional Balinese arts and crafts arise from the interconnection between man, the forces of nature and the cosmos, resulting in a divine unity.