If walking through dense jungle, clambering over rocks and ducking under lush green canopies is your kinda fun, then hunting for Bali’s hidden waterfalls needs to be on your Bali bucket list. Luckily for us adventurous souls, Bali is home to more than 16 of these natural treasures, many of which are off the beaten track and unbeknownst to the tourist crowds (picture-perfect Instagram feeds here we come!). So to help you on your next wet adventure, we’ve put together a list of the best waterfalls in Bali for you to discover. Go on, jump right in!
1. The Beginner: GitGit Waterfall in Singaraja
To whet your appetite and introduce you to Bali’s waterfall game, GitGit in Singaraja (North Bali) is one of the easiest to find and reach by road. Because of its accessibility, GitGit has become one of Bali’s most famous tourist attractions, with refreshment stops and even countless arts and crafts shops lining the pathway that leads to the falls. The waterfall is about thirty-five metres high, surrounded by lush greenery, and if you’re really lucky, you might even spot wild monkeys hanging out in the trees and drinking from the falls. Oh, and for those who believe in old wives’ tales – local legend has it that couples who bathe together under the waterfall will separate soon after their visit… you have been warned!
Find GitGit Waterfall on Google Maps here
2. The Niagara Falls of Bali: Air Terjun Munduk in Buleleng
Nestled in the rainforest around Munduk Village in Buleleng, lies Air Terjun Munduk – the Niagara Falls of Bali. There are three falls in this area, with the most spectacular being Niagara Munduk which some visitors have compared to a film set. Not only is the fifteen-metre high waterfall a jaw-dropping spectacle, but the area around it, with its two twin lakes, is also a stunner. With clove plantations, rice fields and the backdrop of Bali’s beautiful mountains all around, Munduk is a great place to find some inner peace. There is a restaurant here too, where you can enjoy some grub and a drink, before you journey one kilometer further to either the main Munduk Waterfall, or Melanting Waterfall which lets you splash around in the calm pooling waters.
Find Niagara Munduk Waterfall on Google Maps here
3. The Most Beautiful: Sekumpul Waterfall in Singaraja
Sekumpul Waterfall, located in the village of Sekumpul, is touted as the most beautiful waterfall in Bali. To see it up close requires a little bit of effort though, so this is one for dedicated adventurers. A dirt road, lots of slippery steps, and the crossing of a river – it’s a tough trek, but totally worth it. You can hire a local guide to help you get stunning views up close, however, Sekumpul Waterfall is often best enjoyed from a distance so that you can see it in all its glory. You see, Sekumpul Waterfall is actually made up of seven different falls, all reaching different dizzying heights into the treetops, and each spilling varying amounts of water. You won’t forget this one in a hurry…
Find Sekumpul Waterfall on Google Maps here
4. The One With The Highest Altitude: NungNung Waterfall in Petang
Nine hundred metres above sea level in a small village in the middle of nowhere, lies NungNung Waterfall. The journey here is quite lovely, with lush green rice paddies and plantations in every direction. The car park is easy enough to find, but once you get there, prepare for a long descent ahead. Before you see it, you will most definitely hear it, with the thunderous sound of thousands of gallons of water crashing into a pool below. Once you’ve reached the bottom of the 509 steps (think of the workout you’re getting!) your eyes will get their first glimpse of the stunning fifty-metre-high waterfall. Cameras at the ready…
Find NungNung Waterfall on Google Maps here
5. Mother Nature’s Gift: Banyumala Twin Waterfall in Wanagiri
Hidden away in the hills of Wanagiri (just 10 minutes north of Bedugul), Banyumala is a spectacular sight indeed. You don’t necessarily need a local guide to help show you around here, but there are a few slippery steps and a short trek to get to the base – but totally worth the hike. The waterfall is special in that there are two flows of water to be seen, with water cascading down steep rocks surrounded by gorgeous greenery. Here, you can take a refreshing dip in the plunge pool at the bottom – dunk your head and listen to the sounds of the water crashing down above. This is Mother Nature at her very best!
Find Banyumala Twin Waterfall on Google Maps here
6. The Slip & Slide: Aling-Aling Waterfall in Sambangan
Hey, adrenaline junkies – how does sliding down a thirty-five-metre waterfall sound? Yep, pretty awesome. Well, you can find this natural water slide at Aling-Aling Waterfall, located in Sambangan village. With its inviting, crystal-clear plunge pool and shower-like spray, you’ll want to pack your bikini for this one. The waterfall falls from a steep cliff and is surrounded by lush jungle, so it’s just as beautiful if you simply want to admire from a distance. The journey to get here can be a little tiresome, with treks across rice fields and up and down many steps. However, you won’t be complaining when you reach this magical oasis. Top tip: Aling-Aling is nearby to seven other waterfalls in northern Bali if you want to spend the day adventuring…
Find Aling-Aling Waterfall on Google Maps here
7. The Village Falls: Tegenungan Waterfall in Ubud
Tegenungan Waterfall is not situated in the mountains (which is quite rare for waterfalls in Bali) but actually in Ubud village. Like many others, it still boasts beautiful lush greenery all around (and the added bonus of a beautiful temple nearby), and the natural springs are perfect for bathing. The water flow is heavy, leaving it clean and fresh, so you’ll no doubt spot plenty of locals flocking here each day to enjoy a swim or refreshing bath. And for any budding photographers out there, you’ll want to know that the best time to visit Tegenungan Waterfall is during the evening, since its west-facing location captures the beautiful afternoon light.
Find Tegenungan Waterfall on Google Maps here
8. The Hidden Giant: Blahmantung Waterfall in Tabanan
Like the smell of coffee? Love bathing in fresh water? Head to Blahmantung Waterfall, nestled within the lush and undulating region of Tabanan, home to coffee plantations and rice fields for as far as the eye can see. One of Bali’s hidden treasures, this gorgeous waterfall is surrounded by beautiful green rainforest and requires a good 800 metre walk to get there. The trek is by no means easy, especially during the rainy season when you should be wary of slippery rocks – but it is so worth it when you arrive. At fifty metres high, it is a giant. And what’s more, you can jump into the plunge pool below and enjoy one of Mother Nature’s true beauties.
Find Blahmantung Waterfall on Google Maps here
9. The Spiritual Spot: Jembong Waterfall in Sukasada
Not far from the ever-famous GitGit Waterfall, Jembong Waterfall is often overshadowed by its popular neighbour. But this is no bad thing. Spiritual healings are known to take place here, thanks to its stunning and unspoiled, natural surroundings that are perfect for such magical experiences. It is located in the Theobroma cacao area, so you walk amongst cacao trees to find it. The waterfall has a gentle slope and water flow, again making it an ideal setting for healings, and of course bathing. Locally, Jembong Waterfall is known as the best waterfall in Bali, but you can be the judge of that.
Find Jembong Waterfall on Google Maps here
10. The Tallest One: Yeh Mampeh Waterfall in Singaraja
Located in the small village of Les, Yeh Mampeh Waterfall is one of Bali’s tallest waterfalls. Aptly named, Yeh Mampeh means ‘flying water’ in Balinese, and it is virtually untouched. Hike down the falls, explore the nearby caves, swim in the clean fresh water, or just soak up the splendid views of the green hills whilst enjoying the cool, unpolluted air. Escape the hustle and bustle, and relax in this beautiful natural setting. You won’t regret it.
Find Yeh Mampeh Waterfall on Google Maps here
11. The Natural Swimming Pool: Tibumana Waterfall
Let’s be honest: chasing waterfalls in Bali isn’t only about watching them from afar – we also want to dive in, swim around and make the most of the naturally refreshing waters. Well, Tibumana Waterfall is one of the very best for doing exactly that, thanks to its large pool of water at the base of a picture-perfect stream. The shallow pool is great for wading through and splashing around for hours, and the best bit is, it’s not far from Ubud and takes just 10 minutes to walk to from the parking area, crossing bamboo bridges and palm-lined pathways.
Find Tibumana Waterfall on Google Maps here
12. The Ray Of Light: Tukad Cepung in Bangli
Every good photographer knows that lighting is everything, and Bali’s Tukad Cepung waterfall has got it down pat. Famous for its heavenly streams of light that burst through the rock and forest canopy right when the sun is at a certain point in the sky, Tukad Cepung certainly knows how to work the camera. Set inside a ravine-like cove with a wall of water that rushes from the divine-like beams above – it’s no surprise that Tukad Cepung is becoming a must-visit destination for everyone’s Instagram feeds. Top tip: tie it in with a trip to Tibumana Waterfall (above) – they are only 30 minutes away from each other by car.
Find Tukad Cepung Waterfall on Google Maps here
13. The Haunted Ones: Carat Waterfalls in Singaraja
Carat Waterfalls (there are two here) are located close to the unspoiled village of Tamblang in Singaraja. To get there, you have to be ready for a bit of a tricky trek as the approximately 800 metre-long path includes a wobbly bamboo bridge and some steep cliffs to scale (probably best to leave the kids at home for this one). Here, the two waterfalls await, a smaller and a larger one, plus a small pool at the bottom which is perfect for swimming. Legend says that the Carat Waterfalls are haunted, and bad luck will be brought upon any visitor who says negative things about the falls. So… think only happy thoughts here, Honeys!
Find Carat Waterfall on Google Maps here
14. The Most Romantic: SingSing Waterfalls in Lovina
If you’re heading to the north of Bali, you’ll definitely want to make a pit-stop here. SingSing Waterfall is located in the Labuan Haji Temukus district, near Lovina. It has been touted as the most romantic waterfall in Bali, due to its calming and peaceful atmosphere. Sit among the natural surroundings with your lover, listen to the calm waters rippling down a cascade, or take a dip together in the fresh water, before heading to one of the yummy nearby restaurants for a bite to eat. This experience is nothing short of paradisal tranquility.
Find SingSing Waterfall on Google Maps here
15. The One Nobody Seems To Know: Leke Leke Waterfall in Tabanan
Full disclosure: we found Leke Leke Waterfall by accident, but boy are we glad we did. Slightly off-the-beaten-path and lesser known compared to Bali’s other big-name falls, Leke Leke remains somewhat of a secret. And you know what that means? Smaller crowds. In fact, when we were there we didn’t see a single other tourist (hoorah!). To get down to Leke Leke, you descend a slightly steep (but already carved) dirt track to the bottom of a lush valley, before shimmying over a rickety bamboo bridge and through tropical jungle. You’ll hear the falls before you see them, and when you do, you’ll spot the breathtaking surge of bright white water falling between a dramatic black cave. A large rock at the forefront makes for the perfect perch to nab some Insta shots, while the small pool of water at the falls’ base is ideal for a refreshing dip.
Find Leke Leke Waterfall on Google Maps here