Popular Bali Waterfalls Are Under New Management After Tourist Ticketing Scandal

Share The Article

Leaders in North Bali have confirmed that the popular waterfalls in Lemukih Village will be under new management following a tourist ticketing scandal.

In mid-November an Indonesian tourist called out the tourist attractions for forcing visitors to buy overpriced tour packages. 

Fiji Waterfall and Sekumpul Waterfall in Buleleng Regency have been booming in popularity this year. With more and more tourists planning to visit the north of the island, areas like Munduk and Lemukih Village have seen a sharp rise in the number of visitors wishing to explore the area. 

Both waterfalls are arguably among the most beautiful on the island. Surrounded by dense tropical jungle and accessible by a fair hike, those looking for a real Bali adventure have been rewarded with magical scenes at Fiji Waterfall and Sekumpul Waterfall.

@rahneebransby 🍃 Sekumpul Waterfall, Bali Indonesia. The most magical fairlyland ive ever been… #fyp #foryou #travel #bali #waterfall ♬ ac aethopia – cerys 🎞️

However, it emerged last month that guides at the ticket counters stationed at the entry points to Lemukih Village and Pegayaman Village had been putting pressure on tourists to buy highly overpriced tour packages.

Following a complaint video by an Indonesian tourist who shared his experience on TikTok, the Tourism Task Force visited the ticket counters. 

Officers from Bali’s Tourism Task Force met with staff from the waterfall tourism attraction team who confirmed that they had in fact been blocking tourists from visiting the site if they had not signed up for a tour.

The packages on offer included a guided hike to the Sekumpul Waterfalls and Fiji Waterfalls. Packages on offer started from IDR 300,000 to IDR 500,000. 

@couplesquest_ Have you seen the tallest waterfall in Bali before? 😱 this is Sekumpul Waterfall in North Bali. A 100m + waterfall tucked away in the jungle. You can do a medium trek to Sekumpul and Hidden Waterfall, which takes about 90 minutes, or the long trek which goes to Fiji Waterfall too. We did the medium trek this time, but cant wait to come back to see Fiji Waterfall too 🙌🏼😍. Where is your favourite waterfall in Bali? #baliwaterfalls #sekumpul #sekumpulwaterfall #sekumpulwaterfallbali #balitravel #travelbali #baliguide #balitravelguide #placestovisitinbali #whattodoinbali #wheretogoinbali #travelcouplegoals #travelcoupledreams #adventuretravelcouples ♬ original sound – MATT + DANIELLE | COUPLESQUEST

It was later confirmed by the Head of the Buleleng Tourism Service, Gede Dody Sukma, that tourists were never obliged to pay anything more than the IDR 20,000 entry ticket.

He also confirmed to the press that it was never mandatory for tourists to hire a guide from the ticket counter or buy a package tour to visit Sekumpul Waterfalls, Fiji Waterfalls, and the surrounding waterfalls. 

Following the visit from the Tourism Task Force officials committed to ensuring that this situation could not happen again. Meetings with the community and the staff from the ticketing counters and solutions have been agreed upon. 

@davemunday0 A hike down to the largest waterfall in Bali. Sekumpul Waterfall is in North Bali and isnt easy to get too but well worth the journey.#bali #canggu #waterfallhike #fyp ♬ Natural Beauty – Spiritual Gardens

The Tourism Task Force formally closed down the ticketing counters during their visit, and so the management team has been eager to find a fair solution so that they may be able to return to work.

A meeting was held between the Buleleng Tourism Office and the Lemukih Village Government as well as the four counter owners who were found to be selling the overpriced tour packages independently. 

Askara told reporters that the four ticketing counters will be permitted to reopen under a new management partnership agreement with the Lemukih Traditional Village and Lemukih Village Service for Tourist Attractions (DTW). The guides will also be required to complete the tour guide competency test before they are allowed back to work. 

Aksara said “Those who pass will be immediately integrated into the central counter [guiding rota]. Those who don’t pass can become security officers, cleaning officers will later be adjusted to suit the needs at the attraction.” 

The Head of the Buleleng Tourism Service confirmed that moving forward there will be no discrepancy in ticket prices for tourists wishing to visit Fiji Waterfall and Sekumpul Waterfall regardless of which ticket counter or entry point they use. 

Buleleng Regency has committed to training more tour guides in order to maximize tourist enjoyment of the area. The regency currently has 146 registered tour guides and given budget constrictions is only able to train 20-25 more every year. 

Buleleng Regency has heaps to offer tourists. The most famous destination in the regency is Lovina Beach.

The laid-back coastal retreat offers tourists a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of the south and kick back in rustic luxury.

Lovina Beach is an ideal place to stay in North Bali and can act as a launchpad for day trip adventures to magical spots like Sekumpul Waterfalls and Fiji Waterfalls.