14 BEST Bali Waterfalls You Need to Check Out
With so many to choose from, it’s nearly impossible to rank the best Bali waterfalls. The island of the Gods has been blessed with an abundance of waterfalls, and they are a beautiful sight to behold; tourists and nature-lovers flock to these natural wonders from around the world.
Bali is one of the few locations in the world with so many exquisite spots that it would take weeks to see them all, and you still wouldn’t get bored. The beaches and weather conditions might be exceptional, but Bali offers much more than just the chance to relax on the sand; the Bali waterfalls are one of the special things about this tourist destination.
The waterfalls on this Indonesian island can transform a traveler into a permanent resident. Yes, they really are that spectacular. The dense vegetation, accessibility, and that rush of emotion that comes from being surrounded by nature make these sites anyone’s dream.
Pictures alone wouldn’t do justice to these waterfalls. There are many beauties, and while they are all glorious to the core, some are more thrilling than others. While this list by no means encompasses all the waterfalls in Bali, it certainly holds some of the most impressive. So grab your swimsuit, and let’s go!
The Best Bali Waterfalls
Sekumpul Waterfall
The Sekumpul village anchors this dreamy waterfall. Sekumpul consists of multiple cascades gushing downwards in slightly different styles. Only the determined tourist will take on a trip to this waterfall; besides what seems like 500 steps of stairs, you have to deal with the slippery nature of the paths and vegetation. However, in our opinion, this is the Bali waterfall to see, so it is all worth it!
Visiting Sekumpul waterfall costs just 20,000 IDR. Once you arrive at the town entrance at the top of the falls, you will have locals telling you to pay 175,000 IDR to enter. However, this is not necessary unless you want a guide. The trek is not hard if you are reasonably fit and you do not need a guide to take you to the waterfall, so just walk past the persistent locals (who even have official shirts on) and continue on your own.
This isn’t to say the guides are bad. We had a great one that took all our photos. Having a guide to guide you around makes life a lot easier; they will lead you through a trail that cuts across the village, where you can see daily village life and the locals hard at work in the rice paddies on the way. Our guide also always kept his eyes on our day bags while we were taking photos.
Regardless of the time or effort spent getting to this waterfall in Bali, the view more than makes up for it will take your breath away. The cascades, the surrounding vegetation, and the rocky floor of the waterfall are stunning vistas and make for some memorable photos. You could spend hours taking pictures – that’s how magnificent the scenery.
NungNung Waterfall
In the village of Petang is the NungNung Waterfall. The spectacular thing about this waterfall is its impressive height – the water cascades down an awesome 70-meter drop. Its sound gives its beauty away as the loud downpour gives its location away long before you arrive.
You can get to the waterfall’s base using hundreds of steps – just be sure to save energy for the return trip back to the top! From the base of the falls, cool off in the spray and get snapping.
Aling-Aling Waterfall
One of the top things to do in Bali is to chase waterfalls! Aling-Aling waterfall is located in the north of Bali and is one of the most impressive waterfalls on the island. It’s quite far from Ubud and Canggu, making it less popular than other Bali waterfalls and the perfect spot to enjoy nature. There are also three waterfalls around Aling Aling.
One that you can literally slide down (Kroya waterfall), one that you can cliff jump from, and one that you can just admire (although I have seen videos of some people jumping around it). The one that you can admire and the tallest is Aling Aling. All waterfalls are close together and connected via an easy cement path.
It costs 20,000 IDR to enter and view the waterfalls, but you will need a guide if you want to swim. The guide costs 175,000 IDR and is completely unnecessary and only there to watch you swim and ensure you don’t die. We opted for the viewing ticket only. However, Cam did take a dip in the pools anyway. Don’t forget to stop at the rice fields, snap a photo on the way in, and grab a coconut on the way out!
Peguyangan Waterfall
This waterfall isn’t actually on the island of Bali but nearby Nusa Penida. Although it’s a waterfall, it is one of the least visited sights on Nusa Penida. Lots of things make this waterfall alluring, but its height and width aren’t those things.
Situated at the base of a cliff, Peguyangan isn’t your typical waterfall. You will need some local expertise to get here, and some brave pants as you will have to climb down a pretty steep staircase. Just to warn you, be ready to get carried away by the view from the top of the cliff – it’s mesmerizing!
To access the waterfall, you must go down a meandering blue stairway. If you don’t like exercising, this attraction definitely won’t appeal to you! The hundreds of steps could tire you sooner than you think, and the 20-minute walk down the shiny stairway could feel like an hour, depending on the circumstances. Besides the waterfall, a sacred temple here doubles as a pilgrimage site.
Tegenungan Waterfall
The jungle area of Ubud in the center of the island holds Tegenungan waterfall. You can get to this pleasant attraction through a trail past the ticket booth. This is one of the more easily accessible waterfalls.
The presence of nature around this landmark area hasn’t been watered down by the activities of the locals. You can take a plunge into the water, enjoy a cold bath and pay an impromptu visit to the temple nearby.
Gitgit Waterfall
Feeling lazy but still craving a swim? The proximity to the road and ease of getting to this waterfall will get you raring to go. Located in Singaraja, the Gigit Waterfall is not very far from the main road; you can get to this lovely site within minutes of leaving your accommodation nearby. If you’re picturing a remote, pristine waterfall all to yourself, this may not be your cup of tea – it’s a popular tourist hotspot.
At only 35 meters high, this isn’t the highest waterfall in the Bali region, but what it lacks in height, it makes up for some beautiful scenery and wildlife. Due to a large number of tourists, many vendors hound this area, so put your guard up.
Blahmantung Waterfall
Situated in the Pujungan village of Bali is the Blahmantung Waterfall. The village name is often used to refer to the waterfall. It’s one of the best Bali waterfalls with an impressive height. Standing at about 55 meters high, prepare to be wowed by what awaits you. With coffee and cocoa plantations surrounding the area, it’s common to bump into the locals that are working their land nearby.
Getting to this waterfall isn’t straightforward, and the long drive will actually scare off a few tourists. Spending a couple of hours on a trip to seek out a single waterfall isn’t everybody’s fun idea. Add in the long trek towards the waterfall, and only a handful of tourists will persist, making the solitude all the more rewarding for those who do.
Pujungan village – where the waterfall is located – can be reached through the Denpasar area. From a distance, the waterfall is hidden from sight due to the surrounding cliffs. Ask questions, and you will be directed accordingly.
Munduk Waterfall
The Niagara Munduk – like its American counterpart – isn’t actually a loner. It’s a collection of two sister waterfalls. Situated in the Munduk village, these mini Niagara Falls consist of two waterfalls – Munduk and Melanting. While accessible by foot, you will have to trek nearly half a kilometer to reach them from the main road. I would suggest a good pair of trekking shoes as it could get muddy.
There’s something special about looking at the surrounding area from the top of these falls – you might just have to take some time to sit still and bask in the euphoria of the sight. The mountains, vegetation, and the twin lakes of the waterfalls provide a stunning backdrop for some contemplation. The two closely linked waterfalls – Munduk and Melanting – might share many things, but they don’t have the same height.
There’s a lot to see around this area, but be careful not to get lost. A swim in the water at the fall’s base might not be a bad idea either, especially after the rather sweaty trek to reach it.
Yeh Mampeh Waterfall
Located in Les, this waterfall is endearing. You might have to trek down the rock formation, but it’s not exactly arduous, though take extra care when it rains. The water is so clean that some locals come to bathe here – be prepared to see the unexpected.
The caves around the waterfall area are exceptional side attractions; you can opt to explore them after you’ve finished enjoying the waterfall and lazing on the giant rock slabs dotted around the area.
Yeh Mampeh’s remote location doesn’t seem to thrill tourists. The three-hour drive from the airport to the rather calm village of Les could be a factor. But who cares? You get to see fewer people and have some quiet time.
Carat Waterfall
The village of Tamblang acts as home to this amazing site. Be warned, locating this masterpiece is not for the fainthearted. From the muddy nature of the path to the wonky wooden bridge, the journey has all the hallmarks of an adventure. As always, these adrenaline-pumping hikes are not for everyone. The long trek downwards is not just torturous but long.
The Carat is actually a two-in-one waterfall; there’s a miniature waterfall and the taller waterfall. Both are closely linked, gushing downwards into the cavern below. You can enjoy a refreshing plunge in the water. There are some superstitions surrounding this waterfall; one claims misfortune will befall anyone who speaks ill about the waterfall. How true? There is an easy way to find out: just say exactly what the superstition forbids!
SingSing Waterfalls
Due to its proximity to Lovina beach, tourists and locals alike find their way to this waterfall for different reasons. While the tourists are interested in making pleasant memories of their stay in Bali, a few locals are bent on selling their wares to the crowd drawn here. As with many places in Bali, they can be a tad overbearing.
However, it’s not all negative. The SingSing waterfall could transform your mood in seconds, especially when it rains. There are trails that will reveal further spots like the lava stone pools – a perfect opportunity to unwind and relax.
Finding your way to the waterfall entails getting to Cempaga village. You will have to trek for some minutes to get to the site. Compared to the Carat, getting to the SingSing Waterfall is a breeze.
Jembong Waterfall
A rather unfamiliar waterfall in the North of Bali, Jembong waterfall, with its crystal-clear water, is hidden away in the Ambengan village of the Sukasada district. Although relatively close to the Bedugul tourist attraction (just 15km away), it’s not usually swarming with many visitors. In fact, it’s rather unpopular when compared to Sekumpul, Gitgit waterfall, or Niagra waterfall.
If you are a lover of chocolate, you’ll be impressed with the serene environment where Jembong waterfall is located. The surrounding chocolate plantation, the tropical trees, and the easy access to this waterfall make it a good route for a beautiful hiking experience.
When you get to Jembong waterfall, the way it flows will probably intrigue you the most. Unlike the typical waterfall, which is perpendicular and makes thundering sounds, Jembong flows on a slope of 75 degrees. This makes the water sound rather soothing, so you can have a more peaceful and relaxing stay and be one with nature.
Pengempu Waterfall
A worthy mention on any list of best Bali waterfalls would be Pengempu waterfall in Cau Belayu. The waterfall has, in recent times, started getting the recognition it deserves. Standing at 20 meters, Pengempu waterfall discharges water lightly, providing a relaxing environment for visitors. Its location is close to Denpasar, and you’ll spend about 40 minutes on the road.
If you are a nature lover, you’ll be intrigued by the extra perk of visiting the Pengempu waterfall – a cave. In the parking area, there is a 30-meter deep cave. Visitors can explore this feature before or after enjoying the cool waters of the Pengempu falls.
Banyumala Twin Waterfall
Banyumala is the polar opposite of the Gitgit waterfall. It’s a bit more off the beaten track, making it well worth the extra effort needed to locate it. You may need to hire a guide to bring you to Banyumala as it’s not easily accessible.
Water flows through two paths down the Banyumala Twin Waterfall, making it even more beautiful. The rock formation and its adjacent vegetation enhance the features of this site. This is one of the best waterfalls in Bali to take a swim in and enjoy the tranquility only nature can provide.
How to See the Waterfalls in Bali
You have a couple of options when planning a route to see the waterfalls in Bali.
Hire a Driver
This is the most expensive way to check out Bali waterfalls, but it is the best way. Or at least it’s the most comfortable. With a private driver, you can get a group together, sit in AC, and go wherever your heart may lead you in Bali without wasting tons of time on a motorbike. We paid 800,000 IDR for our driver for the day, and he took us to all the northern waterfalls. However, I didn’t feel like bargaining, and I believe we may have been able to get the price down to 700,000 IDR.
Rent a Motorbike
This is the most popular way to get around Bali – it’s also the cheapest! For 75,000 IDR, you can get yourselves a motorbike for the day to get around. However, be forewarned that all day on one of these things will give you a proper butt ache and acing for a massage.
Bali Waterfalls Map
Plan Your Trip to Bali
- Any trip to Bali will start and end at Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar. We arrived late at night and had to depart early in the morning. We stayed at Grandmas Airport Hotel and enjoyed our stay.
- The remainder of our time in Bali was spent in Airbnbs. The island has many Airbnb accommodation options for everyone. Get $35 here!
- Travel Insurance: We don’t travel without travel insurance, and neither should you. You never know what can happen in a foreign country, and it’s best to be prepared. HeyMondo offers excellent short and long-term travel insurance policies.
- Water: The tap water in Indonesia is not drinkable. Make sure to bring a travel water bottle and fill up from the large tanks, which can be found almost everywhere. Indonesia and Bali have a huge plastic waste problem, so try your hardest not to contribute to it. One of our favorites is the Grayl GeoPress.
- Adapter: Indonesia uses the Europlug. Pick up a good universal travel adaptor before you arrive.
- Packing: It can get real dusty riding around Bali on a motorbike. Wearing a buff will protect your face from all the dirt.
- Read and Watch: Eat, Pray, Love.
