Chasing Waterfalls in Bali: 13 Bucket-List Locations You Need on Your Itinerary

Last Updated on March 18, 2026

Are you planning your first (or second) trip to Bali this summer and already dreaming of waterfall-hopping adventures in the jungle? You’re in for a treat!

I’ve been living here for over six months, and let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like chasing waterfalls in Bali.

There’s something so primal and raw about it; a deep, unfiltered connection with nature that brings you back to life, especially when you’re swimming right below a powerful cascade, feeling the force of the water pushing against you.

But not all waterfalls in Bali are the same: some are overly crowded, some are tough to reach, and others really need to be visited early in the morning.

So, I’m sharing everything you need to know before your waterfall-hopping trip: my absolute favorite waterfalls in Bali, practical tips for visiting, and important things to pay attention to.

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The Best Time to Visit Waterfalls in Bali

Waterfalls are some of the most sought-after natural wonders in Bali, and yes…they may be crowded. Which is why planning your visit time carefully will definitely impact your experience, depending on which waterfalls you decide to head to.

As a general rule, early in the morning (before 9 am) or right before sunset (around 5 or 6 pm.) are the best times to truly take it all in and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

Of course, this is especially true for the highly popular waterfalls or those located closer to the main towns, since they are so much easier to reach. But even just in terms of photography, the soft glow of sunrise or golden hour is so much better than midday when the sun is directly overhead.

13 Best Waterfalls in Bali

1. Leke Leke Waterfall

To visit for the atmosphere

Leke Leke was the very first waterfall I visited and, to this day, it’s still my favorite.

It’s located in the Tabanan Regency in north-central Bali, and its position, tucked away deep in the jungle, far from the noise, is likely what makes it so special.

Leke Leke is definitely not a hidden gem anymore, but if you visit early in the morning, at sunset, or during the rainy season, it can still feel quite remote. I visited early afternoon during the rainy season, and I only stumbled upon two more visitors.

Leke Leke is one of my favorite waterfalls in Bali

Its most unique feature is probably the rock formation that seems to embrace the single, narrow cascade as it falls powerfully into a circular pool where you can swim. It looks almost as if the water is pouring straight out of the solid rock. The atmosphere here is mystical, reverent, and truly special.

2. Banyumala Twin Waterfalls

To visit for the location

Banyumala Twin Waterfalls is one of the most incredible waterfalls in Bali. It’s not exactly a hidden gem, but its location in North Bali, further away from the main tourist hubs, means it rarely gets overly crowded.

It’s located about 30 minutes from the village of Munduk, which is the perfect place to truly enjoy the silence and untouched nature of the island.

There’s a short but intense trek to reach the falls, taking you through narrow dirt paths, a bamboo forest, and the deep, dense, humid jungle.

However, once you reach the bottom, it’s entirely worth it. You’ll get to see the twin cascades gently flowing down the rocky wall, pooling into a natural pool that is amazing for swimming.

Early in the morning is the best time for lighting and to avoid other visitors; however, it generally doesn’t get too packed at other times of the day, either.

3. Gembleng Waterfall

To visit for the pictures

Gembleng Waterfall is, to date, the most picture-perfect waterfall I’ve visited in Bali. It’s located about 20 minutes from the village of Sidemen in East Bali, and I highly recommend getting there before 9 am, at the latest.

The waterfall itself isn’t massive; in fact, the small cascade isn’t even the main highlight of the location. Its natural rock pools are! A nature’s version of an infinity pool, offering a view over the lush, emerald jungle of Sidemen that creates the perfect backdrop for your photos.

The early morning atmosphere is peaceful and relaxing, and taking a break to cool off in the pools after the hike up is pure bliss. But again, this is only if you get there before 9 am!

Around that time, other visitors start to arrive, and you won’t really be able to linger in the water, as people will be lining up right behind you waiting for their turn to take pictures.

4. Tukad Cepung Waterfall

To visit for the location

Tukad Cepung Waterfall is one of the most scenic waterfalls in Bali. However, you won’t reach it without a bit of effort (which is actually great, as it keeps lazy visitors away!).

It’s located in Central Bali, in the Bangli region, and the hike down takes around 20 minutes and involves steep steps and a narrow jungle path.

What makes this waterfall unique is the narrow, rocky canyon surrounding the cascade, which flows from right above you as if it’s pouring straight from the sky.

While the water at the base of the falls is too shallow for swimming, you can stand right beneath the cascade.

The water crashing down through the opening above, the rays of sunlight filtering in from the top, and the mist spreading all around make Tukad Cepung one of the most magical, bucket-list-worthy locations on the island.

5. Taman Sari Waterfall

Great for swimming

Taman Sari is one of the most underrated waterfalls in Bali, and I have to admit that before studying the waterfalls near Ubud on Google Maps, I didn’t even know it existed.

It’s genuinely one of those hidden gems that is truly worth visiting: to avoid the crowds, to see its unique layout, and because it’s such a lovely spot for a swim.

What makes Taman Sari stand out is its structure. It’s not just one drop, but a double waterfall! A small upper cascade feeds into a larger, main waterfall that drops into an inviting natural pool.

The water is deep but calm, and the sandy bottom makes it safe and easy to swim in. Even later in the day, you won’t find heavy crowds. For such a gorgeous spot, this level of peace was an absolute gift.

6. Nung Nung Waterfall

To visit for the atmosphere

Nung Nung Waterfall is located about 45 minutes north of Ubud. Maybe it’s because it’s set so far away from the most visited towns, or maybe it’s because of what feels like a million steps to get down to it, but it’s one of those spots that truly retains an untamed, raw, and non-touristy vibe.

It’s easily one of the largest, highest, and most majestic waterfalls on the island. It looks like it’s bursting straight out of the dense jungle, powerfully cascading into a pool below.

In fact, it’s so powerful that the mist created by the crash of the water will get you soaked in no time, no need to even swim!

Swimming is possible, but considering the force of the water, it’s not exactly a relaxing experience; it’s definitely more of an adrenaline rush.

Visiting in the morning means you might have the waterfall all to yourself, but honestly, the crowds during the day are nowhere near what you’d find at the more popular spots closer to Ubud.

7. Suwat Waterfall

To visit for the peaceful atmosphere

Suwat Waterfall, located just outside of Ubud, is probably the spot that surprised me the most. You know that feeling when you don’t expect much, but reality turns out to be so much better than you imagined?

That’s exactly how I felt as I walked the path toward Suwat, which slowly opened up to reveal a small, peaceful cascade flowing into a pool.

The vibrant green of the surrounding vegetation, combined with the fact that no one else was there, made me feel like I was discovering a place completely untouched by man.

There are a few steps to get down to the fall, but nothing crazy. You can easily swim in the pool, though you should know the sandy bottom gets deep right away, and it’s a bit rocky right where you enter the water.

You won’t find many people here at any time of the day, and you’ll very likely have it all to yourself if you visit in the morning.

8. Sekumpul Waterfall

Great for photography lovers

Sekumpul is another legendary waterfall in Bali, but the fact that it’s located far up north, about a two-hour drive from Ubud, keeps most tourists away.

The double waterfalls are hidden deep in the jungle and are accessible only after a fairly demanding hike down. However, the views, both from the top of the trail and down at the base of the falls, are truly one of a kind. It’s a spot that photographers will absolutely love.

That said, Sekumpul is definitely not a remote, unmanaged, hidden gem. On the contrary, it’s one of the most expensive waterfalls to visit on the island.

There are three ticket options: “waterfall only,” “medium trek,” and “long trek” (the latter two include a local guide to ensure your safety on the trails).

When it comes to crowds, you can visit Sekumpul at almost any time of the day. However, the light is particularly special in the early hours, and the quiet morning atmosphere makes the whole experience even more rewarding.

9. Tibumana Waterfall

Great for swimming and easy access

If you’re looking for a great waterfall for swimming with easy access, and without a crazy hike down (though you’ll still have to navigate a few steps), Tibumana is perfect. You don’t even have to plan a long journey to get there, considering it’s very close to Ubud.

The downside to this convenience is that it does attract more visitors, though it gets nowhere near the crowds you’ll see at places like Kanto Lampo or Tegenungan.

To beat the rush, you simply need to arrive a bit earlier in the morning, and you’ll likely get the peaceful, pleasantly shallow pool all to yourself.

The water cascades gently into the pool, creating an ideal swimming experience. With a comfortable, sandy bottom, it’s truly one of the best spots on the island if you’re not a strong swimmer or if you’re visiting with kids.

10. Goa Rang Reng Waterfall

For a waterfall adventure

Goa Rang Reng is another unique waterfall in Bali, located about 20-30 minutes from Ubud.

It’s perfect if you’re interested in the views, taking stunning photos, or a bit of jungle and canyon exploration. You could easily spend over an hour here.

Goa Rang Reng is a large waterfall cascading down a wide rocky wall. If you’re visiting during the dry season, you may be able to walk along the rocky wall itself and capture an incredible photo from right in the middle of it.

However, if you visit after heavy rains, as I did, it can be way too dangerous and slippery to attempt.

From the main area, you can trek through the river, but I’d highly recommend going with a local guide.

Since the paths aren’t super clear, a guide will ensure you know exactly where to go. Once you’re there, you can swim through the canyon, jump off nearby rocks into the water, and even participate in a traditional Balinese purification ceremony if you’d like.

11. Goa Raja Waterfall

To visit for the atmosphere and the surrounding nature

Goa Raja, meaning “King’s Cave,” is another stunning waterfall in Central Bali, located not too far from Tukad Cepung.

The hike down is absolutely incredible, honestly, one of the nicest in all of Bali. It’s not that hard, though it does still involve steep steps, mud, and uneven dirt paths, including a couple of bridges you’ll need to cross.

At Goa Raja, there are two main spots to enjoy. First, there is a stone-lined pool filled with emerald water, with a gentler, wider cascade nearby, feeding into a stream.

Then there is the main waterfall, which plunges from a cliff just above. Almost hidden between towering rock walls, the power and beauty of this main fall are absolutely breathtaking.

12. Jagasatru Waterfall

To visit for the peaceful atmosphere

If you’re in East Bali and want to visit a spot that isn’t touristy at all, one that feels like it was just discovered (unlike Gembleng), then you have to visit Jagasatru Waterfall.

Since it’s a bit further out, it makes a perfect stop to include if you’re already planning a day trip to explore the eastern side of the island.

It’s not the roaring, powerful kind of waterfall you might expect. Instead, this location is all about the quiet, peaceful atmosphere.

The entrance is donation-based, and before heading down, don’t miss the massive golden statue of Lord Brahma, the Hindu creator god, who is believed to protect the energy of the area.

It adds a spiritual presence to the site, perfectly reminding you that in Bali, nature is rarely just nature…it’s sacred.

13. Git Git Waterfall

For an easy adventure

Gitgit is one of the most famous waterfalls in Bali. Located up in North Bali, it makes for a perfect stop if you’re already exploring the Bedugul area.

What I really appreciate about Gitgit is how accessible it is compared to the intense hikes of places like Sekumpul. The trek down is mostly paved and relatively easy, though you will pass by quite a few local souvenir stalls and warungs along the way.

The waterfall crashes down with incredible force, creating a refreshing mist all around the rocky pool. You can absolutely take a dip in the pools below, but be warned: the water here is freezing!

Because it’s so easy to reach, it naturally attracts larger crowds and tour groups later in the day, so getting there before 10 am is your best bet to enjoy its raw power in peace.

What to Pack if You’re Chasing Waterfalls in Bali

Besides your daily essentials, there are a few items you absolutely can’t forget:

Water shoes or sneakers that can get wet: More often than not, the paths leading down to the waterfalls and the ground surrounding them are slippery, wet, and muddy, not exactly the easiest terrain to navigate. Making sure you wear shoes with a solid grip is the best way to avoid slipping.

Cash: There will almost always be a small entrance fee or a donation required to visit the waterfalls. This money usually goes toward the local staff who maintain the area and support the surrounding village. These fees are always paid in cash, so make sure to bring small bills with you.

Towels and dry clothes: Driving around in wet clothes is not the most comfortable feeling, so make sure you pack a towel and a fresh change of clothes for the ride to your next stop.

Dry bag: This isn’t an absolute necessity, but if you have one, it’s incredibly useful. The rocks and surfaces where you’ll leave your belongings while taking a dip are almost always wet, so this keeps your phone and dry clothes safe.

Snacks and water: You’ll definitely find local stalls around the entrances, but having your own snacks and, above all, a refillable water bottle makes everything easier and helps reduce plastic waste on the island.

Best Waterfall Tours in Bali

Depending on how far the waterfalls you want to visit are from your accommodation, you can plan your adventure in a few different ways. In my post about my waterfall-hopping trip around Ubud, I share more about how you can easily plan a short half-day itinerary.

But if you’re looking at longer journeys, renting a scooter is definitely the most flexible way to chase waterfalls in Bali. If riding a scooter isn’t an option for you, then booking a tour (or hiring a private driver for the day) is your next best bet.

Here are some of my favorite tours:

So, there they are: my absolute favorite waterfalls in Bali! Chasing waterfalls gave me some of the best memories from my very first trip. It was the moment I truly felt connected to the island and to myself, and it’s an experience I absolutely recommend for your first holiday here.

If you’re still planning your trip or finalizing your itinerary, make sure to check out my Bali Travel Guide. Inside, you’ll find all the hard-earned wisdom I’ve picked up after living here for over six months, which will hopefully help fill in any missing pieces for your adventure.

And if you have any questions about visiting Bali or these waterfalls, make sure to drop them in the comments below!

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