Chasing Waterfalls in Bali

These waterfalls in Bali will add to the excitement when visiting the famed Island of the Gods. Whether they’re big or small, these waterfalls can surely delight your adventurous spirit. All of these waterfalls involve a bit of hiking, some are a bit exhausting and others are easy peasy. But once you see/hear the raging or calming sound of these waterfalls in a middle of a lush jungle, all worries are gone. Not to mention the sounds of birds, insects, and other living creatures that harmonize with the cascading water.

1. Sekumpul Waterfall

I have no doubt this is Bali’s most beautiful waterfall. Sekumpul Waterfall is way up north of the island right in the middle of a jungle. I was speechless the first time I saw it. It was just beautiful from afar and much more stunning when I was at its base.

The hike down was easy but you’ve got to be wearing shoes to make it easy to wade in the water and to protect your feet from sharp objects/rocks. Going back up can be challenging as it would test your physical limits.

2. The Hidden Waterfall

You can’t go directly to the waterfall above without passing through this hidden waterfall. From its name, you might miss it if you are so focused on getting to the majestic Sekumpul waterfalls. It’s easy to miss this as it is – hidden. But if you have good ears, you’d surely hear its sounds and follow them. It’s just a small waterfall but worth dipping in it.

3. Kanto Lampo Waterfall

My friend couldn’t agree if this waterfall is man-made or natural. But it doesn’t matter. We both agree that this is the shortest hike we had to its glorious state. It’s only 5 minutes walk from the parking lot to the falls and the pathway is easy to tread on. Thus, it’s a family-friendly waterfall but kids should still be supervised. The rocks are slippery and the more you climb higher, the more dangerous it is. So, you better stay in a safe area.

4. Tukad Cepung Waterfall

Located in a cave-like area, I’d say that this is the most dramatic waterfall of all waterfalls I’ve been to. Every Instagram photos I’ve seen before coming here were picture-perfect and, well, so dramatic, if not scarily romantic. LOL… The rays of light that come in through the hole above create an otherworldly scene like you’re ready to be resurrected. Or, perhaps, a UFO is ready to abduct you! LOL… On the day we went there, a pre-wedding pictorial was going on. We waited a bit until they were done so we could do our own dramatic poses.

The hike was pretty easy with a well-maintained trail. This waterfall is crowded on weekends so avoid going there on these days and holidays.

5. Nungnung Waterfall

This was, perhaps, the furthest hike I had from the parking lot to the waterfall. Nungnung Waterfall is 900 meters above sea level and descent can be challenging at times, though the pathways were good enough to follow. As you follow the trail, you can hear its thunderous roar from afar. Right in the middle of verdant greenery, the cascading torrent of water sounds like a hymn of nature. And yes, you can go for a swim here but be aware of the risks.

You can go here any time of the day as there were only a few tourists who would venture this far.

6. Tegenungan Waterfall

If you join a Bali tour that includes a waterfall, this is certainly the place where they will take you. Just a few minutes drive from Ubud, Tegenungan Waterfall is the most crowded of all waterfalls in Bali I’ve been to. This was actually the first one I went to (yep, I joined the tour! lol) and I was disappointed at how crowded it was.

This is a family-friendly tourist attraction so the hike was kind of easy. The paths and stairs were concrete. The ascent, however, can be challenging for those who are not used to hiking.

7. Leke Leke Waterfall

Away from the madding crowd, Leke Leke waterfall is not known to everyone. It was only the two of us when we visited this place and the descent/ascent was undemanding. Though it’s not as majestic as Sekumpul or Nungnung waterfalls, Leke Leke has its own charm. I think the fact that it’s not within the tourists’ radar makes it like you’ve discovered something on your own.

The only downside when we went there, the waterf was murky. So, we didn’t swim and stayed long.

8. Banyumala Twin Waterfalls

This is one of the most accessible waterfalls in Bali. And, of course, crowded at certain times of the day. Many locals would go on a picnic and swim here – so goodluck if you could get a photo without photobombers. :)) It’s best to be here early in the morning or after 4 in the afternoon.

9. The Three Banyumana Waterfalls

Banyumana Waterfalls are a trio of separate waterfalls walking(7-10 minutes) distance from each other. Take note that Banyumana and Banyumala (see above) are two different waterfalls but both are in the Wanagiri area. They almost sound the same, right? They’re also not far from each other. don’t have to describe them one by one but these photos

This is Banyumana Waterfall #1

This is Banyumana Waterfall #2

This is Banyumana Waterfall #3

10 Yeh Hoo Waterfall

We were at Jatiluwih Rice Terraces when we passed by a small sign that points to Yeh Hoo Waterfall. So naturally, we followed the sign and it wasn’t really difficult to find it. From the parking area, we walked in the rice paddies and reached the waterfall in 10 minutes. Good thing we were the only ones there. It’s just a small waterfall and I suspect the water comes from the nearby mountain, then passes through the rice paddies.

11. Pangempu Waterfall in Bali

We didn’t plan to be here. A friend and I were driving around one of the rice paddies outside Bali proper when we stumbled on this waterfall. I’d consider Pangempu Waterfall as an off-the-beaten-track because there’s literally no proper space for visitors. You can park at your own risk on a one-way roadside. From here, it’s a 20-minute easy walk. Nothing special here, except that no one wants to be here. LOL…

There are so many waterfalls in Bali waiting for you to explore. Visiting them on your motorbike is the best you can do. Driving a car? Nah. You might be able to see one or two in a day. Traffic in Bali can test your patience, not to mention the limited parking in tourist attractions. It’s impossible to see them all in one day, but careful planning will go a long way.

Where to stay in Bali

There are many places to choose from in Bali. Depending on your accommodation taste/style and budget, there’s something for everyone. But then, you need to remember that Bali is a tourist destination island, so prices can be expensive in many ways – for a budget solo traveler. If can drive a scooter, rent one for a day/week/month. There’s no public transport in Bali (none that I know of), but Grab bike is cheap. You can book a guesthouse, hotel, hostel, or private/shared villa on the following websites: HostelWorld, Booking.com, and CTrip.