10 Best Waterfalls in Bali: Hidden Gems & How to Get There

Introduction

Bali's volcanic terrain, abundant rainfall, and dense jungle create perfect conditions for waterfalls, and the island has dozens of them scattered across its interior highlands. From towering 80-meter cascades plunging into jungle gorges to hidden falls tucked inside caves where sunbeams stream through rock openings, Bali's waterfalls are among its most awe-inspiring natural attractions.

Waterfall chasing has become one of Bali's most popular activities, and for good reason: the combination of jungle trekking, swimming in natural pools, and the sheer visual drama of these cascades creates experiences that no temple visit or beach day can match. This guide covers the 10 best waterfalls on the island, ranked by beauty and experience quality, with the practical information you need to find them, reach them, and enjoy them.

1. Sekumpul Waterfall

Location: Singaraja, North Bali (2-2.5 hours from south Bali) Entry fee: IDR 20,000 ($1.28) plus guide fee IDR 100,000-150,000 ($6-10) Difficulty: Moderate to challenging (steep descent, 30-45 minutes each way) Swimmable: Yes

Sekumpul is widely regarded as Bali's most beautiful waterfall, and standing at its base, you will understand why. Twin cascades plunge roughly 80 meters down a sheer cliff face into a misty jungle gorge, surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and enormous tropical trees. The scale is genuinely awe-inspiring; photos simply do not capture the height and power of the falls.

The journey to Sekumpul is part of the experience. From the parking area, you descend a series of steep staircases through the jungle, crossing a river and passing through a small village. The final approach involves crossing the river and scrambling over rocks to reach the base pool. The pool is deep enough for swimming, and the mist from the falls keeps you cool even on hot days.

Tips: Hire a local guide at the entrance. The path has several forks that are easy to miss, and guides know the safest river crossing points. Bring a dry bag for your camera and phone. The morning (before 10 AM) offers the best light as sunshine reaches the falls. Combine with Banyumala (30 minutes away) for a full waterfall day.

2. Tukad Cepung Waterfall

Location: Bangli Regency (1.5 hours from south Bali) Entry fee: IDR 20,000 ($1.28) Difficulty: Easy to moderate (short walk with river wading) Swimmable: Shallow pool only

Tukad Cepung is unlike any other waterfall in Bali. Rather than falling over a cliff face into an open pool, this waterfall is hidden inside a narrow canyon where water cascades down rock walls while sunbeams stream through openings in the cliff above. Between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM, when the sun angle is right, the light beams pierce through the mist and water spray, creating an almost supernatural cathedral of light.

The walk to the falls takes about 15 minutes from the parking area, descending stone steps and then wading through a shallow river into the canyon. You will get wet from the knees down at minimum, and completely soaked if you stand under the falls.

Tips: Visit between 9:00-11:00 AM for the sunbeam effect. Bring a waterproof phone case; the spray is constant. Wear water shoes, not flip-flops, as the river stones are slippery. Arrive early on weekdays to have the canyon to yourself; by 11 AM, tour groups arrive and the narrow space becomes crowded.

3. Nungnung Waterfall

Location: Badung/Tabanan border (1.5 hours from south Bali) Entry fee: IDR 20,000 ($1.28) Difficulty: Challenging (500+ stairs down, same number back up) Swimmable: Yes (deep pool)

Nungnung is one of Bali's tallest waterfalls at approximately 50 meters, and its relative difficulty of access keeps crowds small. The descent to the base involves over 500 steep stairs cut into the hillside, dropping through dense jungle to a powerful single cascade that thunders into a deep, cold pool. The power and spray of Nungnung are impressive; you will feel the vibration in your chest from 20 meters away.

The return climb is genuinely strenuous, taking 20-30 minutes of steep stair climbing. Bring water and be prepared to sweat. The effort is rewarded with a waterfall experience that feels far more remote and powerful than Bali's easier-access falls.

Tips: Visit in the morning when the stairs are cooler. Start early if combining with other activities, as the climb back will tire you. The pool is cold and deep, refreshing after the descent. Not suitable for young children or those with mobility issues.

4. Aling-Aling Waterfall

Location: Sambangan, North Bali (2 hours from south Bali) Entry fee: IDR 20,000 ($1.28) for viewing; IDR 125,000 ($8) for the jumping/sliding package with guide Difficulty: Moderate Swimmable: Yes, with cliff jumping and natural slides

Aling-Aling is Bali's best adventure waterfall. The main cascade is a beautiful 35-meter fall that you view from a platform, but the real draw is the series of smaller falls downstream where you can cliff jump (heights of 5, 10, and 15 meters) and slide down natural rock water slides. Local guides escort you through the circuit, ensuring safety at each jump point.

The jumping and sliding experience is genuinely thrilling and one of the most fun activities on the island. The guides test water depth, show you safe landing zones, and film your jumps for an additional tip.

Tips: The full adventure package (jumping + sliding + guide) is worth the extra cost over simple viewing. Wear a swimsuit under quick-dry clothes. The 15-meter cliff jump is genuinely high; only do it if you are comfortable with heights. The water is cold. Bring a GoPro or waterproof camera for the jumps.

5. Banyumala Twin Waterfalls

Location: Wanagiri, North Bali (2 hours from south Bali) Entry fee: IDR 20,000 ($1.28) Difficulty: Moderate (steep descent, 15-20 minutes) Swimmable: Yes

Banyumala is a wide, multi-tiered waterfall in a jungle setting that remains relatively uncrowded despite its beauty. Multiple cascades spread across a wide rock face, creating a curtain of water that falls into a clear, swimmable pool. The surrounding jungle is dense and green, and the setting feels genuinely remote.

The descent to the falls takes about 15-20 minutes down a steep, sometimes muddy path. Railings have been installed on the steeper sections. The pool at the base is large enough for swimming and the water is refreshingly cool.

Tips: Best combined with Sekumpul (30 minutes drive) for a full northern Bali waterfall day. The path can be extremely slippery after rain; good shoes are essential. Morning visits offer the best light. The nearby Wanagiri Hidden Hills viewpoint offers the famous Instagram twin-platform photo spot.

6. Tegenungan Waterfall

Location: Gianyar (30 minutes from Ubud, 1 hour from south Bali) Entry fee: IDR 20,000 ($1.28) Difficulty: Easy (short staircase) Swimmable: Yes

Tegenungan is Bali's most accessible major waterfall, a wide, powerful cascade just 30 minutes south of Ubud. The easy access and proximity to tourist areas make it the most visited waterfall on the island, but the falls themselves are genuinely impressive: a broad curtain of water dropping 15 meters into a large pool surrounded by lush vegetation.

The walk from the parking area takes only 10 minutes down a well-maintained staircase with viewing platforms along the way. The base area has changing rooms, cafes, and plenty of photo spots.

Tips: Arrive before 9:00 AM to avoid the crowds that build throughout the morning. The morning light is also much better for photography. Weekend crowds are significantly larger than weekdays. Walk to the left side of the pool for a less crowded swimming area.

7. Kanto Lampo Waterfall

Location: Gianyar (25 minutes from Ubud) Entry fee: IDR 15,000 ($0.96) Difficulty: Easy (5-minute walk) Swimmable: Yes (shallow)

Kanto Lampo is a unique waterfall where water cascades over stepped rock formations, creating a curtain effect that looks like a staircase of water. It is one of the most photogenic falls in Bali, with people sitting on the rock steps as water flows around and over them, creating dramatic portrait photos.

The fall is modest in height (about 15 meters) but the stepped rock formation makes it unlike any other waterfall on the island. The pool at the base is shallow and the current is manageable, making it safe for photos.

Tips: This is primarily a photo spot rather than a swimming destination. The classic shot has you sitting on the mid-level rocks with water flowing around you. Morning light (before 10 AM) avoids harsh shadows. A local attendant helps direct photos and ensures safety for a small tip.

8. Tibumana Waterfall

Location: Bangli (45 minutes from Ubud) Entry fee: IDR 15,000 ($0.96) Difficulty: Easy (10-minute walk) Swimmable: Yes

Tibumana is a single-drop waterfall in an intimate jungle setting that feels like a private grotto. The fall drops about 20 meters into a clear, deep pool surrounded by tropical vegetation and overhanging trees. The compact setting and easy access make it one of Bali's most popular waterfalls, but the atmosphere remains magical, especially in the morning.

The walk from the parking area follows a paved path through bamboo forest, crossing a small bridge before reaching the falls. The entire walk takes about 10 minutes.

Tips: The pool is deep enough for swimming and the water is clean and refreshing. A smaller, secondary fall can be found by climbing the rocks to the left. Visit early morning for the best combination of light and solitude. Combine with Tukad Cepung (20 minutes away) for a two-waterfall morning.

9. Gitgit Waterfall

Location: Singaraja, North Bali (2 hours from south Bali) Entry fee: IDR 20,000 ($1.28) Difficulty: Easy to moderate (15-minute walk with stairs) Swimmable: Yes

Gitgit is one of Bali's most established waterfall sites, a 35-meter single cascade that has been drawing visitors for decades. The fall is powerful, especially during the rainy season, and the jungle setting with tall trees and hanging vines creates a classic tropical waterfall scene. The walk to the falls passes through clove and coffee plantations.

While Gitgit is no longer the hidden gem it once was, the fall itself remains impressive, and the surrounding area offers additional walks to smaller cascading falls (Gitgit Twin Waterfalls and Mekalangan Waterfall) for those wanting a longer exploration.

Tips: The main path is lined with souvenir sellers, which can be persistent. A polite "no, thank you" works. The twin waterfalls (a 10-minute walk from the main falls) are less crowded and equally beautiful.

10. Leke Leke Waterfall

Location: Tabanan (1 hour from south Bali) Entry fee: IDR 30,000 ($1.92) Difficulty: Easy to moderate (20-minute walk) Swimmable: Yes (small pool)

Leke Leke is a slender, elegant waterfall that drops 20 meters through a narrow cliff opening into a small grotto. The thin cascade and enclosed setting create an intimate, almost sacred atmosphere. The walk to the falls follows a pleasant path through jungle and past rice terraces.

What makes Leke Leke special is the enclosed canyon setting. The waterfall seems to emerge from a crack in the cliff, falling into a small, sheltered pool where you can stand under the water flow. The light that enters the grotto creates soft, atmospheric conditions perfect for photography.

Tips: The narrow grotto means only a few people can be at the falls at once, creating a natural crowd limitation. Morning visits before 10 AM give you the best chance of having the grotto to yourself.

Waterfall Day Trip Routes

Route 1: Central Bali (From Ubud)

Duration: Full day Waterfalls: Tibumana -> Tukad Cepung -> Kanto Lampo Drive time: 2 hours total between waterfalls Best for: Easy access, varied experiences, suitable for all fitness levels

Start at Tibumana (8:00 AM), drive 20 minutes to Tukad Cepung (9:30 AM, arrive in time for sunbeams), then head to Kanto Lampo (11:30 AM) for photo opportunities. Finish with lunch at a warung nearby.

Route 2: North Bali (Full Day Adventure)

Duration: Full day (leave by 7 AM) Waterfalls: Sekumpul -> Banyumala -> Aling-Aling Drive time: 2-2.5 hours from south Bali, 30-45 minutes between waterfalls Best for: Serious waterfall enthusiasts, fit travelers

The northern route covers Bali's three most impressive falls in one ambitious day. Start with Sekumpul early (arrive by 9:30 AM), then drive to Banyumala (12:00 PM), and finish with the adventure experience at Aling-Aling (2:30 PM). Hire a private driver and leave by 7:00 AM.

Route 3: Quick Half-Day (From South Bali)

Duration: Half day Waterfalls: Tegenungan -> Leke Leke Drive time: 1-1.5 hours total Best for: Those with limited time, families with children

Visit Tegenungan first thing in the morning (8:00 AM), then drive 45 minutes to Leke Leke (10:30 AM). Back in south Bali by early afternoon for a beach session.

Essential Packing List for Waterfall Visits

• Waterproof sandals with grip (Teva, Chaco, or similar)
• Quick-dry shorts and rashguard or light shirt
• Swimsuit underneath your clothes
• Waterproof phone pouch or dry bag
• Small towel (microfiber dries fast)
• Reef-safe sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Water bottle (refillable)
• Small amount of cash for entrance fees and parking
• Change of dry clothes in the car for after

Final Thoughts

Bali's waterfalls are among the island's most rewarding experiences, offering a combination of physical adventure, natural beauty, and the thrill of discovering places that feel untouched despite their growing popularity. Whether you climb 500 stairs to stand in the mist of Nungnung, sit in the sunbeam-lit cave of Tukad Cepung, or cliff jump into the pools of Aling-Aling, each waterfall offers something unique. Start early, wear the right shoes, bring a waterproof bag, and prepare to be thoroughly wet, thoroughly exhausted, and thoroughly amazed.