Best Bali Waterfalls — Hidden Gems Only Locals Know
A local guide to Bali's most stunning waterfalls — from Sekumpul and Tukad Cepung to hidden falls in Munduk and Sidemen. How to get there, what to expect, and which ones are worth the hike.
In This Guide
- Sekumpul Waterfall — The One Everyone Should See
- Tukad Cepung Waterfall — The Cave Waterfall
- Munduk Waterfalls — Three Falls in One Trek
- Nungnung Waterfall — Raw Power
- Tibumana Waterfall — Easy Access Near Ubud
- Aling-Aling Waterfall — The Swimming Hole
- Banyumala Twin Waterfalls — Off the Tourist Trail
- Kanto Lampo — The Cascading Staircase
- Leke Leke Waterfall — Quiet and Photogenic
- Gitgit Waterfall — The Classic
- Planning Your Waterfall Day
Bali has over fifty waterfalls scattered across its volcanic highlands, but most visitors only see one or two — usually the overcrowded ones near Ubud. The island's most spectacular falls are tucked into jungle valleys in the north and east, where roads narrow, tourist buses disappear, and the landscape feels like a different world entirely.
As a certified guide who has hiked to nearly every waterfall on the island, these are the ones I keep coming back to — and the ones I take travelers to when they want to see the real Bali. If you are planning a longer trip, our 7-day Bali itinerary and 10-day itinerary both include waterfall days.
Sekumpul Waterfall — The One Everyone Should See
Sekumpul is often called the most beautiful waterfall in Bali, and for once the hype is justified. Located in the northern highlands near Singaraja, this is actually a cluster of falls cascading through dense tropical jungle. The main drop is about 80 meters and the spray creates permanent rainbows on sunny mornings.
The hike down takes about 30 minutes through rice paddies and jungle trail. It is steep and can be slippery after rain, so wear proper shoes — not flip-flops. You will cross a shallow river at the bottom to reach the main viewing area.
Best time to visit: Early morning before 9 AM when the light hits the falls. Rainy season (November through March) means more water volume but muddier trails.
Getting there: About 2 hours from Ubud or 90 minutes from Munduk. This is one of the main reasons having a private driver makes a difference — the roads north of the mountains are winding and poorly signed.
Tukad Cepung Waterfall — The Cave Waterfall
Tukad Cepung is unlike any other waterfall you have seen. The water falls through a gap in a cave ceiling, creating shafts of light that cut through the mist. When the sun is at the right angle (usually between 9 and 11 AM), the whole cave fills with golden light.
The walk down from the parking area takes about 15 minutes through a narrow river gorge. You will get wet — the final approach means wading through ankle-deep water. Bring a dry bag for your phone.
This waterfall is in Bangli regency, about 45 minutes east of Ubud. It pairs well with a morning at Tirta Empul temple or a drive through the Kintamani volcanic ridge.
Munduk Waterfalls — Three Falls in One Trek
The Munduk area in north-central Bali has three waterfalls you can visit on a single jungle trek: Munduk Waterfall, Melanting Waterfall, and Golden Valley Waterfall. The trail connecting them winds through clove and coffee plantations with mountain views the entire way.
Munduk Waterfall is the tallest at about 25 meters and has a natural pool at the base where you can swim. Melanting is wider and more powerful, especially during rainy season. Golden Valley is the quietest and least visited — sometimes you will have it entirely to yourself.
The full trek takes about 2 to 3 hours at a comfortable pace. A local guide is helpful for navigation since trail markers are minimal. Munduk is also home to some of Bali's best mountain lodges, making it an excellent overnight stop on a custom itinerary that covers the north coast.
Nungnung Waterfall — Raw Power
Nungnung is the most powerful waterfall on this list. The single drop plunges about 50 meters into a massive natural pool, and the roar of water is deafening during peak flow. It feels genuinely wild and untouched.
The tradeoff is the access — roughly 500 steps down (and back up) through steep jungle. This is a workout, especially on the return. Bring water, go early when it is cooler, and budget about 90 minutes for the round trip including time at the falls.
Located about an hour north of Canggu, Nungnung makes a good stop on a day trip that includes Jatiluwih rice terraces.
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Get Your Free ItineraryTibumana Waterfall — Easy Access Near Ubud
If you want a beautiful waterfall without a serious hike, Tibumana is the one. The walk from the parking area takes about 10 minutes down a well-maintained path with steps and railings. The falls drop into a clear pool surrounded by jungle, and swimming is easy here.
Tibumana is only about 30 minutes east of Ubud, making it one of the most accessible waterfalls for travelers with limited time. It is popular but rarely as packed as Tegenungan, which most tour groups visit instead.
Aling-Aling Waterfall — The Swimming Hole
Aling-Aling in north Bali is famous for its natural waterslides and cliff jumps. The main waterfall is about 35 meters and stunning to look at, but the real draw is the series of smaller cascades below where you can slide down natural rock chutes and jump from ledges of varying heights.
A local guide is required here (hired at the entrance) and they will show you the safe spots for jumping and sliding. This is one of the most fun waterfall experiences in Bali and a favorite with families and adventure travelers.
Banyumala Twin Waterfalls — Off the Tourist Trail
Banyumala is in the same northern highlands as Sekumpul but sees a fraction of the visitors. Two streams of water fall side by side into a wide pool, and the surrounding jungle is thick and green. The hike down is moderate — about 20 minutes through bamboo forest.
This pairs well with a visit to the Wanagiri Hidden Hills viewpoints and the twin lakes of Buyan and Tamblingan, all within a short drive.
Kanto Lampo — The Cascading Staircase
Kanto Lampo near Gianyar has water that cascades over terraced rock formations, creating a natural staircase effect. It is photogenic and easy to reach — only a 5-minute walk from the road. The downside is that it has become very popular for photos, so arrive early.
Leke Leke Waterfall — Quiet and Photogenic
Leke Leke is a tall, thin waterfall that drops through a narrow jungle gorge. The walk in takes about 15 minutes across a bamboo bridge and through dense vegetation. It is rarely crowded and the setting feels intimate compared to the bigger falls.
Located between Ubud and the northern mountains, it works well as a stop on a longer day exploring the central highlands.
Gitgit Waterfall — The Classic
Gitgit was one of the first waterfalls in Bali to become a tourist attraction, and it remains a solid choice. The 40-meter drop is impressive, the path is well-maintained, and there are local warungs near the parking area for coffee or lunch. It is about 10 minutes south of the north coast town of Singaraja.
Planning Your Waterfall Day
Most of Bali's best waterfalls are in the north and central highlands, connected by narrow mountain roads. Trying to navigate these roads on a scooter while checking maps is stressful and sometimes dangerous — this is genuinely one of the situations where hiring a private driver makes your day dramatically better.
A driver who knows the roads can fit 2 to 3 waterfalls into a single day, time arrivals for the best light and smallest crowds, and handle the logistics while you focus on the experience. We typically recommend combining waterfalls with nearby temples, rice terraces, or coffee plantations to make a full day of it.
What to bring: Water shoes or hiking sandals with grip, a dry bag for electronics, a change of clothes, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle. Most waterfalls charge a small entrance fee (10,000 to 30,000 IDR).
Best season: Waterfalls are at their most powerful during and just after rainy season (December through April). Dry season means easier trails but less dramatic water flow.
Ready to explore Bali's waterfalls with someone who knows every trail? Get in touch with us to plan a waterfall day trip or build a custom itinerary around Bali's northern highlands. You can also pair a waterfall trek with a volcano sunrise hike or a visit to Sidemen for the ultimate nature-focused day.
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