Key Takeaways
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Waterfalls are among the most memorable natural sights in Bali. While some waterfalls plunge from great heights, others flow gently over rock shelves into small pools.
Getting there is part of the experience too. Some take only a few minutes to reach, while others involve steep steps, forest paths and a longer walk. The setting, water flow and swimming conditions can also be very different from one waterfall to the next.
This guide brings together some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Bali, along with practical details on how to reach them, what the trails are like, whether you can swim, and what makes each one worth visiting.
Most Beautiful Waterfalls in Bali
Bali has waterfalls across the island, each with its own setting and trail. Here are 10 worth adding to your itinerary, from easy-to-reach falls near Ubud to longer hikes in North Bali.
1. Sekumpul Waterfall
Often considered one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Bali, Sekumpul has several streams that cascade side by side down cliffs more than 80 metres high. The falls sit in a steep, forested valley, and you hear the rushing water and feel the cool spray as you get closer to the base.
The route involves a long descent with steep steps, dirt paths and even a shallow river crossing. Depending on the route you choose and whether you add nearby Fiji Waterfall, the trek can take 1-3 hours.
Location & Distance: Sekumpul is in Sawan, Buleleng Regency, North Bali. It takes around 2-3 hours by car from Ubud and the southern tourist areas, so it is best planned as a full-day trip or alongside a stay in North Bali.
Best For: Hiking, sightseeing, and photography rather than for casual swimming.
Note: You may come across unofficial registration tables on the way to Sekumpul. Skip these stops and pay only at the official ticket counter near the “Welcome to Sekumpul” sign.
2. Banyumala Twin Waterfalls
Banyumala has two main streams that fall side by side over a mossy rock face into a natural pool. Smaller streams run through the surrounding vegetation, giving the waterfall a softer look than the taller, more dramatic Sekumpul.
Getting down to the falls takes a moderate walk through forest paths, with a steeper climb on the way back. The route is much shorter than Sekumpul, but wet steps and muddy sections can still make the walk tiring.
Location & Distance: In Wanagiri Village, Buleleng Regency, North Bali. The drive takes around 2-3 hours from Ubud or South Bali, while Sekumpul Waterfall is about an hour away by car.
Best For: Swimming, photography, and a waterfall visit without the longer trek required at Sekumpul.
3. Aling Aling Waterfall
Aling Aling is a 30-metre-tall waterfall in Sambangan Village and part of a larger waterfall area with smaller falls and natural pools nearby. The main Aling Aling falls are considered sacred, so swimming and jumping are not permitted there. Instead, the adventure activities take place at nearby waterfalls such as Kroya, Kembar and Pucuk.
The guided route can include natural rock slides and cliff jumps, depending on the package and current conditions. The trail includes stairs and uneven sections.
Location & Distance: In Sambangan Village, Buleleng Regency, North Bali. The drive takes around 2-2.5 hours from Ubud or South Bali, while Sekumpul and Banyumala are both around an hour away by car.
Best For: Trekking, natural slides and guided cliff-jumping activities
4. Tukad Cepung Waterfall
Tukad Cepung is an unusual waterfall in Bali, hidden inside a narrow rock canyon rather than in an open valley. Water drops through an opening in the cliffs above, while the surrounding rock walls make the falls feel enclosed and shaded.
This waterfall is especially popular with photographers because sunlight can pass through the opening and form bright rays across the falling water and rocks. Visit around 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM on a sunny day for the best chance of seeing it.
The water at the base is quite shallow, so it is better to walk around and take photographs than swim. The walk takes about 15-20 minutes each way and includes steps, uneven ground and a rocky section.
Location & Distance: Tukad Cepung is in Tembuku, Bangli Regency, Central Bali, around 28 kilometres from Ubud by car.
Best for: Photography, a short hike and wading in the shallow water
5. Munduk Waterfalls
Munduk is not a single waterfall, but a group of falls spread around the highlands of Munduk Village. Munduk, Melanting, Labuhan Kebo and Golden Valley are among the main stops, connected by walking trails through coffee and clove plantations and forest.
You can take a short walk to one of the falls or follow a longer route connecting several waterfalls. Some sections are easy, while others have steep steps, with Melanting being one of the more demanding sections of the trek. The pools at the main falls are generally shallow and better for a quick dip than for proper swimming.
Location & Distance: Munduk is in North Bali, with the Munduk Waterfalls trekking point about 2 hours from Ubud and around 30 minutes by car from Banyumala Twin Waterfalls.
Best For: Hiking, photography and seeing several waterfalls along the same trail.
6. Nungnung Waterfall
Nungnung is a powerful waterfall in Bali, with water crashing into a rocky basin from a height of around 50 metres. The amount of water gives the falls a strong presence, while the surrounding forest keeps the setting wild and away from the developed tourist areas in Bali.
Reaching the base of the waterfall takes some effort. The trail starts with a long flight of steps from the parking area, followed by uneven sections leading towards the waterfall. The climb back up can be more tiring.
There is a small pool at the base where you can swim or take a dip, but the strong water flow and slippery rocks make it risky.
Location & Distance: In Pelaga Village, Badung Regency, North Bali. Ubud is about 60-90 minutes from the waterfall.
Best For: Sightseeing and photography
7. Tibumana Waterfall
Tibumana is a small waterfall surrounded by trees and rock walls, with a single curtain of stream falling into a natural pool below. Its easy access and swimming area make it a good alternative to Bali’s waterfalls that require a long trek.
The walk from the parking area takes around 10-15 minutes, with a few steps and small bridges along the way. The route is fairly easy, although parts can become slippery after rain.
Location & Distance: Tibumana is in Bangli Regency, Central Bali, about 16 kilometres from central Ubud and roughly 17 kilometres from Tukad Cepung Waterfall.
Best For: Swimming, photography, an easy waterfall visit and a relaxed half-day trip from Ubud
8. Kanto Lampo Waterfall
At Kanto Lampo, water flows over several layers of dark rock, forming small tiers before reaching the shallow pool. The layered rocks are highly photogenic, and they let you get close to the falls.
It is also one of the easiest waterfalls to visit in Bali. A short paved path and concrete stairs will take you from the parking area to the falls in about 5-10 minutes.
The water at the base is mostly knee-deep, so people usually sit or stand on the rocks, cool off and take photographs rather than swim.
Location & Distance: Kanto Lampo is in Gianyar Regency, Central Bali, about 11 kilometres from Ubud. Tibumana Waterfall is only 5-6 kilometres from Kanto Lampo.
Best For: Photography and a short waterfall visit that fits easily into an Ubud itinerary.
9. Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfalls
Banyu Wana Amertha is a group of four waterfalls in the Wanagiri highlands. They lie along a forest trail that takes you across paved forest paths, bridges, and streams. The waterfalls vary in size and setting, so you can spend time walking between different cascades rather than visiting just one spot.
The downhill hike from the parking entrance is just over 1 kilometre long and takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Some pools are shallow and better for wading or cooling off, while others are deep enough for swimming.
Location & Distance: In Wanagiri Village, Buleleng Regency, North Bali, about 2 hours from Ubud by car. Banyumala Twin Waterfalls is only 7-8 kilometres away, so you can visit both on the same day.
Best For: Sightseeing, photography and cooling off in the pools
10. Leke Leke Waterfall
Leke Leke is a 30-metre-tall narrow waterfall that falls into a small rocky cove. Trees, vines and canyon walls surround the falls, creating an enclosed setting that gives it a secluded feel compared to larger, wider waterfalls in Bali.
Reaching the falls takes around 15-20 minutes, with roughly 400 steps along a well-maintained path and bamboo bridges crossing small streams. The trail is relatively easy, but the steps can become slippery and muddy after rain.
The shallow pool at the base isn’t deep enough for swimming, but you can step into the water and take photos.
Location & Distance: Leke Leke is in Tabanan Regency, Central-West Bali, around 31-33 kilometres from Ubud.
Best For: Photography and a quieter waterfall setting
Things to Know Before Visiting Waterfalls in Bali
Best Time of Day to Visit: Early morning is usually the best time to visit most waterfalls in Bali, especially for cooler weather, softer light and fewer visitors. Tukad Cepung is an exception; around 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM is the best time to catch sunlight streaming into the canyon, but this is also when the waterfall gets busiest.
Best Months to Visit: Bali’s wetter months usually bring stronger waterfall flow, while the drier months make trails and steps easier to manage. April to June is a good time to visit Bali’s waterfalls for a balance of water flow and safer walking conditions.
Opening Hours: Bali’s waterfalls do not have a standard opening schedule; many are locally managed with varying hours. Visit during daylight hours, especially at waterfalls with steep paths, slippery steps or river crossings.
Entry Fee: Expect to pay a small entrance fee at most Bali waterfalls, usually around IDR 25,000-50,000 (approx. INR 130-270) per person. Some waterfall areas also charge separately for parking, lockers, local guiding or organised activities. So carry some cash.
How to Get Around: The easiest and most reliable way to visit remote waterfalls in Bali is to hire a private driver. Your driver can wait while you visit the falls, so you do not have to look for a ride back.
Grab and Gojek are useful around towns, but return rides can be harder to find in remote areas. Scooters are suitable for experienced riders, while organised tours are a good choice for waterfalls that require guides or include activities like those at Aling Aling.
Conclusion
Bali has waterfalls for short visits, longer hikes and active days in the water. And it helps to look beyond photographs when choosing where to go.
Check how far the waterfall is, how difficult the trail is and whether swimming is actually possible before adding it to your plan. Waterfalls around Ubud are easier to fit into a day, while those in North Bali take more travel time.
Whether you want an easy stop near Ubud or a full day around North Bali, contact Dimaak Tours to plan the route and arrange transport for your waterfall trip.
FAQs About Waterfalls in Bali
1. Which waterfall in Bali is best for swimming?
Banyumala Twin Waterfalls is one of the best choices for swimming, with a natural pool at the base. Tibumana is another good option if you want an easier walk and a place to swim.
2. Which waterfalls in Bali are easiest to reach?
Tibumana and Kanto Lampo are among the easiest waterfalls to reach. Both have short walks from the parking area, making them convenient choices for travellers staying in or around Ubud.
3. What is the best time to visit waterfalls in Bali?
April to June is a good time to visit, as you can enjoy a good balance between water flow and manageable trail conditions. Early morning is usually the best time of day for cooler weather, softer light and fewer visitors.
4. Which waterfalls in Bali are best for photography?
Sekumpul, Banyumala, Tukad Cepung, Kanto Lampo, Tibumana and Leke Leke are all great for photography. Tukad Cepung is especially photogenic, with sunlight entering the canyon as its main highlight, while Sekumpul and Banyumala give you beautiful waterfalls and forest views.
5. How many waterfalls can you visit in Bali in one day?
You can visit 2-3 waterfalls in one day if you group the ones that are close to each other and allow enough time for each stop. For example, Tibumana and Kanto Lampo are close to Ubud, while Banyumala and Banyu Wana Amertha are both in North Bali and can be visited on the same day. Longer hikes, such as Sekumpul or the Munduk waterfall trails, will leave less time for additional stops.
