Waterfalls in Bali
Bali has a selection of waterfalls that are fun to visit. For many people the idea of hiking through the jungle to a hidden waterfall and taking a cooling swim is the image of paradise. These places definitely exist and here are some useful tips of how to find them and what to expect. Waterfalls are sharp drops along the course of a river. You will often have to hike up or down a river for a certain way to get to a waterfall, but the river provides a route for you to follow.
Rivers flow best during and immediately after the wet season, meaning Nov-Apr. During that time you can expect waterfalls to be pumping and the pools at the bottom to be at their deepest. You can also expect more debris including rocks and the occasional log to come over the waterfall. Wet season means cloudy days in the highlands especially and after getting a soaking from the rain, the cold mountain water can be quite a shock. Bathing in a waterfall during the wet season may not feel like tropical paradise at first. During the dry season the weather is better, sunny and dry. However water flow is way less and pools will be shallow. The amount of tourists a waterfall will get often depends on how close it is to a main road and how far you have to hike to get to it. Visiting a waterfall can be a pleasant pit-stop on a road-trip across Bali.
•Tegenungan
Where is it near:
The waterfall at Tegenungan is 7km SW of Gianyar.
Directions:
Located at the village of Kemenuh. There are 2 ways to get to the waterfall. Go 0.5km west from Blahbatuh, turning south at the next junction. Look out for a sign for the Waterfall Restaurant. This way will put you on the same side of the steep river valley as the waterfall and bungee tower. The best view is from the other bank, which can be accessed by driving 1km west from Blahbatuh towards Kemenuh village. Signs indicate the direction of the waterfall. If lost ask a local.
How far from Kuta:
It should take you no more than an hour to drive from Kuta, locate the access points and arrive at the waterfall.
Where is the nearest food:
On the western bank you’ll find the Waterfall Restaurant and a small warung. If you want a decent meal Ubud is just 8km north.
How far is the waterfall from the road:
A small local road allows cars and motorbikes to drive up to the top of the valley overlooking the
waterfall. Five minutes to hike down.
What route might you visit this waterfall on:
Located just 2km from Sukawati market, a trip to Tegenungan waterfall might fit into a day trip after visiting the market.
•Yeh Mempeh
Where is it near:
Yeh Mempeh is close to the village of Les on the NE coast of Bali. It is just under 30km east of Singaraja (same from Amed).
Directions:
From Singaraja drive east along the north coast towards Bondalem / Tejakula. About 5km after you pass the turn off for the mountain road at Bondalem, there is a sign indicating the waterfall at the village of Les. You will drive up the hill parking outside a small group of shops.
How far from Kuta:
4 hours going through Singaraja.
Where is the nearest food:
There is a small warung at the shops in the parking area, nothing special. Best food is at
Poincianna Resort in Tejakula / Tembok which is several km south on the coastal road.
How far is the waterfall from the road:
A 20 minute hike on an obvious path leads you to the waterfall.
What route might you visit this waterfall on:
Yeh Mempeh is a good place to stop on a trip around the NE coast, from Singaraja to Amed.
•Blahmantung
Where is it near:
Blahmantung is close to Pupuan, the largest town in the west highlands of Bali.
Directions:
To the south of Pupuan you’ll see sign advertising the ‘Tourist Object’. Look out also for the sign saying ‘Bend Sabah Hulu‘ which is the river.
How far from Kuta:
Via Tabanan you are looking at 2 hours.
Where is the nearest food:
The nearest decent food is at Sanda Butik Villas on the main road in Sanda, several km south of Pupuan.
How far is the waterfall from the road:
The access is a steep rutted path, which drops, leading you through forest down to the waterfall. Its a 30 minute walk, although a trail bike can do it fast. Regular car and motorbike access are not possible, especially in wet conditions.
What route might you visit this waterfall on:
A trip from Kuta, through Tabanan to Seririt & Lovina could take in Blahmantung. Its certainly a scenic route.
•Gitgit
Where is it near:
Gitgit is 10km south of Singaraja in north Bali.
Directions:
From Kuta head towards Kerobokan, Mengwi, Bedugal, Singaraja. Gitgit is located on a windy part of the decent to Singaraja. Well sign posted and popular due to the location on the main road.
How far from Kuta:
2.5 hours
Where is the nearest food:
If you are coming from Kuta you might want to wait till you get to Singaraja / Lovina, as there isn’t a lot at Gitgit. If you are heading south, Crackers Bar at the Candi Kuning market serves burgers, chips, Bintang, coffee etc.
How far is the waterfall from the road:
500m down steps.
What route might you visit this waterfall on:
Kuta to Singaraja would be the route you take.
•Sing Sing
Where is it near:
Singsing (daybreak) waterfall is 1km west of Lovina.
Directions:
Head west of Lovina on the main road. Take Jl. Singsing 1km south to the waterfall. You will see a warung and a parking area.
How far from Kuta:
3 hours 30 minutes.
Where is the nearest food:
Nearest food is back in Lovina, with many places in the Kalibukbuk area.
How far is the waterfall from the road:
The 1st in a set of 2 waterfalls is 200 meters down a path after the warung. Keep going after that for the second, larger set.
What route might you visit this waterfall on:
If you are staying in the Lovina area or driving from Lovina to Pemuteran on the NW coast this might be a place you’d enjoy.
•Kuning
Where is it near:
Kuning waterfall is the town of Bangli.
Directions:
From Kuta head to Sanur, Gianyar, Bangli. Three kms before Bangli is a right hand turn which you take in the direction of a village called Kuning. Ask locals for directions to the waterfall (air terjun) once you get to Kuning, which is another 1.5km.
How far from Kuta:
1.5 hours
Where is the nearest food:
Local food available in Bangli and Gianyar. Ubud is 12km to the west for decent western food.
How far is the waterfall from the road:
Roads continually narrow to a dirt path, then a 20 minute hike.
What route might you visit this waterfall on:
A trip from Kuta, through the scenic area of Sideman might be perfect for a stop off at Kuning.
•Jukukmanis
Where is it near:
Jukukmanis waterfall is near Medewi in West Bali.
Directions:
From Kuta head to Tabanan, keeping heading west until you reach Medewi. Six km before Medewi is the Yeh Lebah river estuary. Its quite wide and as soon as you can see it on your left, look out for a
right hand turn heading inland. The first village you will pass through is Swastika. Carry on for 10km until Juwukmanis (sweet orange). There are 2 waterfalls located on either side of the road.
How far from Kuta:
3 hours
Where is the nearest food:
Medewi Beach
How far is the waterfall from the road:
Once in the village, head for the village pavilion and you’ll find 2 tracks leading to the waterfalls. A steep 30 minute hike will get you to the waterfall.
What route might you visit this waterfall on:
For people staying in Medewi and returning to Kuta via a loop through the Pupuan region, this is one route you might take.
•Mekarsari
Where is it near:
South of Bedugal in the highlands.
Directions:
From Kuta head to Tabanan, looking out for the road to Singaraja. Follow that towards Bedugal.
Located about 10km south of Bedugal, Mekarsari has a small white signpost on the main road saying ‘Waterfall 1,500m‘. Follow the sign to the village of Kerobokan (not the one near Seminyak), until you reach a path leading to the view and waterfall.
How far from Kuta:
2 hours
Where is the nearest food:
You can pick up a local snack in Candi Kuning 10 km north or at Australian owned Crackers Bar at the Candi Kuning market.
How far is the waterfall from the road:
Not totally sure, but it sounds like not more than 10 minutes.
What route might you visit this waterfall on:
A trip from Kuta to Lovina might incorporate this stop.
•Munduk
Where is it near:
Munduk waterfall is close to Lake Tamblingan in the highlands.
Directions:
From Kuta follow the same route as for Mekasari, heading towards Singaraja. After you pass Lake Bratan, take the sharp left turn around to the right passing Lake Buyan and Lake Tamblingan. There is a solitary road sign indicating the location of the waterfall. You should pass the Ngiring- Ngewedang restaurant on your right and the waterfall is 1km further also on the right. If you come to the Lumbung Bali hotel you’ve gone too far.
How far from Kuta:
2.5 hours
Where is the nearest food:
Ngiring- Ngewedang restaurant 1km east.
How far is the waterfall from the road:
Not exactly sure, could be a hike so ask locals.
What route might you visit this waterfall on:
Anyone staying in Munduk, or in Lovina, wanting some adventure might try this one.
Bali has other waterfalls Bali including Sebuluh on the west coast on Nusa Penida. As mentioned before the water levels are down during the dry season, so if you want a flowing waterfall with a deep pool to swim in, Nov-May is your best option.