A trip to Bali isn’t complete without visiting at least one of the island’s famous waterfalls.
The towering streams of water lure tourists and locals down grand hikes to be greeted with majestic, unbelievable views.
Dotted across the landscape of central and North Bali, you don’t necessarily need to trek through deep jungles to find one of the beautiful waterfalls. There are even a few that are easily accessible for those who aren’t capable of venturing down steep steps.
For an easy day trip, or exploring far and wide to find hidden gems, the best waterfalls never fail to impress.
Here are all the Bali waterfalls worth a visit.
Tegenungan Waterfall – Easiest Access Waterfall
Less than a 30 minute drive from the heart of Ubud, Tegenungan Waterfall is the most easily accessible waterfall in Bali. Just over 100 steps down to the rocky water surroundings – a lot less than some of the waterfalls to come – you can enjoy the beautiful tropical views and take it easy on the descent. There is a scenic viewpoint at the top of the steps for those who still can’t tackle the journey down.
The easy access makes Tegenungan one of the most popular waterfalls. There may be the occasional queue to get a front-on picture, but that shouldn’t discourage you, it is still a tropical haven worth visiting!
You can swim in the freshwater pool below the cascading falls, getting right in underneath the flow – on-site lifeguards will ensure you and your loved ones are safe throughout. Surrounded by lush greenery and impressive rocky cliffs, Tegenungan Waterfall is the perfect falls for a family visit.
Getting to Tegenungan Waterfall: Thanks to its central location, Tegenungan Waterfall is known by many tour drivers. Whether you have your own personal driver or arrange one through your Ubud accommodation, everyone will know the best route to the waterfall.
Things to do at Tegenungan Waterfall: After a dip in the natural swimming pool and filling your phone with pictures, there is a quaint cafe at the top of the hill with views out over the jungles and waterfall. Stop by for a coffee or cold drink before heading out on the rest of your day’s tour.
Sekumpul Waterfall – Off the Beaten Track
Sekumpul is not a thriving tourist waterfall in Bali due to its far-off location, it is a famous waterfall though – cos it is so damn beautiful. In the winding hills and lush jungle of North Bali, trying to get to the waterfall is an adventure in itself.
I recommend hiring a driver as a motorbike can be quite tiring around the twists and turns. That being said, for the keen adventurer and confident motorbike driver, it’ll be a fun part of your visit.
You will need to tackle hundreds of slippery, uneven steps before reaching the thick jungle floor. Be sure to wear tough shoes and get ready for a workout – it isn’t a complicated trek but definitely intense. After passing the ticket point, the descent begins.. Whether you opt for one of the waterfall’s expert guides, bring your own or join a waterfall guided tour, it is best to have someone lead the way.
When the stairs stop, you will be climbing over rocks and splashing through muddy pools until you finally reach the bottom of the scenic waterfall. A sight you will never forget.
Falling from around 100m high, Sekumpul Waterfall is a powerful falls, surrounded by luscious dense jungles as if out of a deserted island movie. Crashing into a natural pool, you can dip your toes and paddle around, but swimming is near impossible due to its heavy flow.
Take advantage of the incredible photo opportunity and relax before you start your ascent back up the steps.
Getting to Sekumpul Waterfall: Over a 2 hour drive from Canggu, it is best to hire a professional tour guide and driver for your trip. Google Maps may offer tracks that are muddy and unreliable – from personal experience – pre-prepare and get some local advice before heading out on your own!
Things to do at Sekumpul Waterfall: Close by to the carpark is a small cafe where you can sit on the rooftop and enjoy a local meal with stunning mountain green views. The cafe has a shower and bathroom where you can clean up after a sweaty hike back up the hillside.
GitGit Waterfall – Great Waterfall for Families
When you talk about waterfalls in Bali, all the locals will quickly suggest GitGit Waterfall. It is the most popular and well-known thanks to its easy access and beautiful surroundings.
Located just 20 minutes from Singaraja, the hike down to the waterfall is properly paved. It’s a comfortable walk for families with young children and elderly companions. Everyone should get to enjoy the beauty of this incredible natural sight! The street leading to the waterfall has traditional markets where you can purchase local wares, or perhaps a towel if you forgot yours back at the villa.
Through the jungles, the 35m waterfall emerges from above the trees with the sounds of crashing water. Featuring the main attraction, as well as a few smaller plunge pools, everyone can find a spot where they are able to enjoy the breathtaking waterfall. Benches are located around the edge of the natural pools if you don’t fancy heading into the water. There are also bathrooms where you can dry off after a dip.
Getting to GitGit Waterfall: As always, I recommend hiring a local driver and tour guide to take you to GitGit Waterfall. Nearly 2 hours away from Canggu, it can be an uncomfortable ride on a motorbike. And with a driver, you are ensured not to get lost in the winding roads of Singaraja. Visiting GitGit is one of the must-do tours when in Bali!
Things to do at GitGit Waterfall: After admiring the views of the most popular Bali waterfall, I suggest making a day of your trip to Singaraja. You can explore the attractions, and perhaps even stop by some more waterfalls – such as Sekumpul. In the shadow of Mount Bratan, explore the hilly terrain for view points and cheeky monkeys.
Aling Aling Waterfall – A Natural Water Slide
Another Northern Bali waterfall, Aling Aling is just a 15 minute drive from the heart of town.
One of the best Bali waterfalls, at Aling Aling where you can swim, jump and explore. The clean fresh waters and luscious jungle provide the perfect tropical island setting for chasing waterfalls. However, it’s an adrenaline rush that lures the tourists here.
The name Aling Aling refers to a collection of waterfalls within a protected garden. With the help of a guide – required if you want to swim – you can explore the dense jungles to find each of the beautiful waterfalls. Starting with the most powerful, and the namesake of the collection, Aling Aling. It is a powerful stream of water that will mist you even from the viewpoint, a magnificent representation of the power of Mother nature.
The Kroya Waterfalls are much smaller, and popular spots where you can cliff jump from varying heights. You can even use the rocky falls as your own personal nature slide! Kroya Waterfall is only a minute walk from Aling Aling, you really shouldn’t miss it.
For a fun and adventurous day out, Aling Aling has everything. It is one of my favourite waterfalls to visit in Bali.
Getting to Aling Aling Waterfall: Just a short drive outside of Singaraja, Aling Aling is easily accessible by a concrete staircase – making it perfect for families! I will repeat myself to say that I recommend having a driver and guide, as driving a motorbike can be tiring.
Things to do at Aling Aling Waterfall: If you are having a day of exploring all the waterfalls of Singaraja, I would definitely hit up Aling Aling first. The easy walk means you won’t be too tired, but pack a towel to dry off before starting on your journey to your next spot.
Leke Leke Waterfall – A Jungle Paradise
An hour outside of Ubud, Leke Leke Waterfall is one of the most visitor friendly waterfalls with a small homestay, beautiful entrance and easy bamboo bridges leading to the water. A bit pricier than the other waterfalls around the island, you are contributing to the local village and workers of the waterfall.
It has an easy walk, which means Leke Leke Waterfall is a great place to head with your family for a fun adventure with the kids. Do note: there aren’t any lifeguards or guides on duty in case of an accident.
In the very heart of the lush jungles, it is a calmer waterfall compared to those in the Singaraja region. The rocky surroundings make for a great photo op, as do the jungles. It’s hard to believe places like this really exist.
For a romantic Jane and Tarzan moment, Leke Leke is a calm and relatively quiet spot to head with your partner.
Getting to Leke Leke Waterfall: It is an easy drive from Ubud to Leke Leke Waterfall. Very doable by motorbike, but you can always hire a driver if you are looking to explore further afield after your visit. With large road signs and the pretty entrance, it is one of the only waterfalls in Bali where you don’t need a guide.
Things to do at Leke Leke Waterfall: You can dine at the waterfall restaurant, lounge around on the grand rock side enjoying the sounds of the running water, and head out on an adventure to the next nearest waterfall. As Ubud is just a short drive away, it is an easy road trip for those who like a more chilled exploration.
Tukad Cepung Waterfall – A Photographers Dream
In the shadow of Mount Agung, Tukad Cepung Waterfall is a place every professional, aspiring or standard-Joe photographer needs to go.
A famous waterfall for its day-long golden sun beams, Tukad Cepung Waterfall is a 40-minute drive outside of Sideman, or 1 hour from Tegallalang. Worth the long drive and afternoon hike, the waterfall promises some of the most beautiful and unique sights.
It’s only a 20-minute hike down uneven steps and through some puddles of water. With the sun creeping over the top of the rocks and shimmering off the water, it is a photographer’s paradise. Us regular folk can also take advantage of the mesmerising light show.
Nungnung Waterfall – Hidden Waterfall in Bali
Nungnung Waterfall is one of the best secret waterfalls in Bali. It has lush jungles, an easy-ish hike down and close proximity to other waterfalls, allowing for a day of chasing waterfalls.
Just 40-minutes from Bedugul, Nungnung Waterfall is an easy drive from Lake Bratan. After paying IDR10,000 at the ticket office, you can descend down the steep jungle steps to the rocky shore of the plunge pool. The huge cliffs are covered with luscious greenery only adding to the exotic tropical atmosphere.
It is possible to swim in the Nungnung, but should be done with caution as it is a seriously heavy flow of water. It is by far one of the best waterfalls in Bali.
Niagara Munduk Waterfall – The Niagara Falls of Bali
Niagara Munduk Waterfall, aka Munduk Waterfall or Melanting Waterfall, are a collection of 3 streams of water running off the rocky cliffside into a shallow pool. Situated beside Lake Bratan, you can explore all of Munduk and the Mount Bratan area in a day.
Near by rice paddies and clove plantations, a trip to Munduk Waterfall gives you a glance into the ‘real Bali’, and all the stunning scenery the tropical island offers.
Unknown to a lot of travellers in Bali, the falls remain hidden and quiet from the crowds. Ideal for an adventurous day away from the tourist hotspots, this secret waterfall is a dreamy spot.
Banyumala Twin Waterfalls – Perfect Swimming Waterfall
Only a 30-minute drive from Bali Munduk Waterfall, the Banyumala Twin Waterfall is, as the name suggest, another twin waterfall. Sliding down the rocky cliffside, the Banyumala Twin Waterfalls are not like other Bali waterfalls that power off the cliff. These stick tightly to the cliff, rolling effortlessly into the large natural swimming pool below.
The trek down can be challenging with uneven bamboo steps and slippery mist – take your time and watch your step. Taking around 20-minutes, you enter into the vast open area with a huge pool, and stunning waterfalls ahead of you.
Dip your toes into the water in awe of mother nature, or dive in the deep end and fully immerse in the experience. Banyumala Twin Waterfalls in one of the must-see waterfalls in Bali to add to your tour.
Blahmantung Waterfall – An Undiscovered Waterfall
Local owned, with no parking and complicated directions, Blahmantung Waterfall is still a very untouched and secret waterfall in Bali. In the undiscovered hills of Tabanan, the waterfall has a rural, muddy and dirty trek down – be sure to have the appropriate footwear.
Blahmantung Waterfall has a very heavy and powerful flow that collects into a grand pool at the bottom. Not safe or suitable for swimming, it is just a beautiful place to sit, disconnect from the crowds and ponder the wonders of the world.
Be sure to visit long before sunset, trekking back in the dark is not recommended.
Yeh Mampeh Waterfall – A Secluded Waterfall
There aren’t many people who know about Yeh Mampeh Waterfall. Located in the hilly region of Northern Bali, in a small village named Les, Yeh Mampeh is an untouched waterfall in Bali.
For a tiny fee, you can enter the trek down to the waterfall which is an easy walk with lush green views and hidden caves. Meaning ‘flying water’ in Balinese, Yeh Mampeh is one of the tallest waterfalls on the island.
A truly peaceful spot away from the hustle and bustle of tourists, you don’t want to miss out on relaxing in this serene piece of paradise.
Kanto Lampo Waterfall – A Rocky Jungle Waterfall
Here we have yet another relatively unknown waterfall where you can escape the tourist trail and relax in peace.
With an easy walk down some steps, Kanto Lampo Waterfall is a breeze to get to compared to its neighbours. On the outskirts of Ubud, it is a quick road-trip to hit multiple sights and waterfalls in one day.
The best way to see the Kanto Lampo Waterfall is from the water, so pack your swimsuit! With a rocky cliff face where the water carefully rolls down, it is a calm and scenic fall. Majestic and beautiful, you can enjoy nature and jungles on a peaceful visit.
Sumampan Waterfall – A Local Secret
Sticking along the lines of secret waterfalls in Bali, Sumampan Waterfall is another lesser known spot that is a hit with the locals but rarely found by tourists.
Close by to Tegenungan Waterfall on the outskirts of Ubud, Sumampan is not a marked sight, making it a real hidden gem. Enclosed by a jungle canopy with a rocky shore, the stream of water falls out of the sky as if from nowhere.
A romantic setting to spend an hours adventure with your partner, and perfect for a photoshoot, you should visit Sumampan Waterfall before it becomes a tourist highlight!
Final Thoughts
There you have it. The most beautiful and best waterfalls in Bali worth muddy treks and aching legs.
A lot of the best things on the island make you work for it – beaches, volcanoes and now waterfalls.
If you have a taste for adventure and want to see something magical, I highly recommend visiting Aling-Aling Waterfall. It is an easy walk and a fun day out for the whole family!
Disconnect from your phone and explore all the spectacular tropical nature that the island holds.
