Guide to Gembleng Waterfall: Bali’s Enchanting Natural Infinity Pool

Last Updated on January 22, 2026

Yes, for once I’m guilty too! I must admit that I had been longing to get that picture at Sidemen’s Gembleng Waterfall.

You know… the dreamiest natural infinity pool made of rocks, with lush jungle views and tall palm trees stretching as far as the eye can see. Yes, that’s what drew me there.

After visiting, I have to admit there’s much more than that: the typical village roads surrounded by rice fields, with local farmers harvesting; the waterfall itself (which is often forgotten), cascading into a smaller pool.

Gembleng Waterfall is even considered a spiritual site where Melukat, the traditional Balinese purification ceremony, is performed.

In this Gembleng Waterfall Guide, I’ll share everything you need to know to make the most of your visit: how to get there, whether it’s worth it, and, above all, when to go (as crowds can significantly impact your overall impression). So, let’s begin.

How to Plan Your Trip To Gembleng Waterfall

To get to Gembleng Waterfall, you have three main options. Your choice will depend on where you’re departing from and whether your visit is part of a longer itinerary around Sidemen or simply a day trip. These are the most common ways to reach the waterfall:

• Scooter: This is the easiest, fastest, and most affordable way to get around Bali and reach Gembleng. I definitely recommend it if you’re already in Sidemen. If you feel comfortable driving a scooter for longer distances, you can even make your way to Gembleng from Ubud or further south.

• Hire a private driver: This could be the right option if you’re not planning on driving (regardless of where you’re departing from). You can plan your own itinerary for the day and agree on it with your driver. This is one of my go-to services when it comes to hiring a driver in advance. They’re very transparent and clear from the beginning about additional expenses and overtime charges.

• Join a tour: Sometimes joining a tour is the right compromise if you’re looking to save some money while combining multiple sights into a single package. This tour feels like a tropical island dream, including fun snorkeling around the turquoise waters of Blue Lagoon and Bias Tugel Beach in East Bali, along with a visit to Gembleng Waterfall.

How To Get To Gembleng Waterfall By Scooter

Gembleng Waterfall is located around 30 minutes from the Sidemen village. Ideally, I would suggest planning a stay in Sidemen to avoid longer journeys from locations like Ubud or further south.

The waterfall is very easy to reach if you’re driving a scooter. The roads are well-paved, with no major bumpy sections, and the waterfall is well-signposted all along the way.

You’ll be riding along Sidemen’s roads, surrounded by jungle trees. Than, the rice fields open up in front of you. Despite the village being very new to tourism, I met so many locals asking if I needed help.

After the rice fields, you’ll ride along smaller village roads, surrounded by colourful traditional buildings and home compounds, and that’s where you’ll find the sign to the waterfall. It’s very easy to reach, with no major road detours.

You’ll arrive at the waterfall parking area. It’s impossible to miss, as you’ll find a big sign marking Gembleng Waterfall.

Gembleng Waterfall Entrance Fee and Parking

Even though Gembleng Waterfall is one of the most popular in the area, there’s no entrance or parking fee.

The staff simply asks for a small cash donation (always bring cash!). If you’re not sure how much to give, it’s usually anywhere between IDR 25,000 and 50,000 ($1.5-3), in line with other waterfalls on the island.

The parking situation is very chill: you arrive and leave your scooter wherever you find a spot right before the entrance.

Gembleng Waterfall Hike

That’s one of the things I don’t like about visiting natural sights in Bali. Whether they’re beaches or waterfalls, there are usually some steep stairs involved, and here that’s the case too. But it’s not that bad.

Right after paying your donation, there are steep paved stairs to climb before actually reaching the top of the waterfall and the infinity pool.

While climbing the stairs, on your left, you can already glimpse the slow stream of water flowing over the surrounding rocks: it’s the water coming from the waterfall, which settles into the infinity pools and then starts sliding down the valley, often reaching beyond the parking area.

At the top of the stairs, you’ll find the rocky area where the pools have formed through water erosion. On the other side, another small staircase leads to the waterfall warung and another epic view of the surrounding valley.

Best Time to Visit Gembleng Waterfall

Gembleng Waterfall is the kind of place you want to visit with no one else around. Not only because the pool and the area in general are tiny, but also because ideally, you wouldn’t come here just to take a picture and leave.

You’ll want to experience everything this magical place has to offer: the soothing nature sounds of birds chirping and flowing water, the fresh water waking up your body as you dip into the natural pools, and the view of the emerald Sidemen valley stretching out before you.

All of this, ideally, with no people queuing behind you to take pictures and pressuring you to stop your contemplation.

To do that, you’ll need to be there between 8 and 9 am; the earlier, the better.

I personally arrived around 9, and there was already a family of four, two girls setting up an entire photoshoot, and a couple taking romantic pictures.

However, by 9:30, the crowds started to arrive, and there was literally a queue waiting to take a picture at the infinity pool. That’s when I left.

Gembleng Waterfall: Is it Worth Visiting?

Absolutely yes, and for many reasons. If you’re in Sidemen, the waterfall is extremely easy to reach from the village. It’s literally the first place I headed to after dropping my backpack at the homestay and renting a scooter.

The peculiarity of the waterfall itself makes it a unique location. I’ve visited other waterfalls around Ubud and Leke Leke Waterfall in Central Bali, but the charm and serenity of Gembleng are difficult to compare.

It’s true…here you won’t find a majestic waterfall powerfully cascading into a huge pool where you can swim and experience the power of nature on your body.

However, you’ll find the stillness, the silence, and the natural beauty that only a verdant jungle view opening up in front of you can provide. It truly feels like a gift for your eyes.

What’s often overlooked is the waterfall itself, as the pools get all the attention. The small cascade gently brushing the surrounding rocks before settling into another small natural pool (much less photogenic than the other) is another sight to behold here.

Finally, and that’s just the cherry on top, it’s one of those picture-perfect locations that deliver photos you won’t be able to stop admiring.

There’s simply something appealing about the blend of emerald green jungle, the blue sky above you, and the natural dark grey color of the surrounding rocks.

Tips to Visit Gembleng Waterfall

Here are a couple more things to know about Gembleng Waterfall:

• Wear your swimsuit beforehand: there aren’t many places to change near the pool areas
• The site is considered a religious location: avoid getting changed in front of others and be respectful of local customs
• The warung serves simple Indonesian dishes if you’re visiting around lunchtime
• Once at the pool area, rocks are the only place to leave your belongings, so bring the bare minimum
• Useful items to bring: water shoes (the ground is slippery), a towel, a change of swimsuit, and mosquito spray, as you’re still surrounded by jungle
• The water is fresh, but not freezing. In Bali’s crazy heat, it feels like a gentle wake-up for your body.

FAQ Section

1. How Long To Spend at Gembleng Waterfall?

This depends on a couple of factors: when you’re visiting and how long it will take you to get the perfect picture (if you need one).

If there are no crowds, you can literally arrive, take the picture, and go. Or you can take your time, enjoy the view, and bathe longer in the pool without rushing. It totally depends, but I’d say anywhere from 30 minutes to one hour.

2. What Can I Expect at Gembleng Waterfall? (Instagram Vs. Reality Check)

It’s true, Gembleng Waterfall feels like one of those picture-perfect locations that sometimes make you say, “Yes, but I bet that behind that awesome picture, there’s a queue of people waiting and a not-so-idyllic atmosphere.”

It totally depends on when you’re visiting: early morning delivers the serene experience you’re picturing in your head. I literally had all the time to take my pictures and enjoy the atmosphere, fully present in the moment.

3. What Can I Do or See Around Gembleng Waterfall?

If you’re planning a day trip, there are many things to do in and around Sidemen. Here are a couple of highlights.

• Jagasatru Waterfall is located around 45 minutes away, and here, crowds won’t be a problem. It’s one of those unknown locations that makes you feel like you’ve just discovered it.
• Lahangan Sweet is a bit further away (about 1.5 hours), but if you’re planning a day trip, you can easily visit Gembleng first and then head to one of the most unbelievable viewpoints on Mount Agung in all of Bali.
• Tirta Gangga is located about one hour from Gembleng Waterfall, and the water palace built by the last king of Karangasem definitely deserves a stop on your East Bali itinerary.

4. How Long Does It Take to Get from Ubud to Gembleng Waterfall

From Ubud, Gembleng Waterfall is around 1.5 hours away.

If you’re planning a day trip to East Bali, Gembleng Waterfall can be your first stop, or your second, with Lahangan Sweet being the first for a one-of-a-kind sunrise on Mount Agung.

There it is! Gembleng Waterfall ended up being one of my favorite locations in Bali and around Sidemen. Hopefully, you’ll like it as much as I did, and with this guide, you’ll be able to enjoy it in the right way (without crazy crowds around you!).

If you have any questions about this location or traveling around Bali in general, make sure to drop them in the comments, and don’t forget to share this article with anyone you know who’s planning a trip to Bali.

Other Bali Reads You May Find Helpful

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• 21 Bali Must-Haves: What to Pack for Bali’s Rainy and Dry Season
• 14 Best Things to Do in Sidemen & East Bali in 2026
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