Bali often reveals itself slowly. Beyond the beaches and temples, there is a quieter side of the island where the air cools, the roads narrow, and the sound of water begins to replace the noise of traffic. This is where many travelers feel Bali differently, not as a destination to tick off, but as a place to slow down and breathe.
Waterfalls play a special role in that experience. They are scattered across different regions of the island, shaped by elevation, forest, and local geography. Some are powerful and dramatic, others gentle and intimate. Each one creates a different emotional response, depending on where you are in your journey.
Understanding which waterfalls to visit is not about chasing the most famous names. It is about choosing places that align with how you want to feel while exploring Bali, whether that means ease, adventure, reflection, or quiet presence.
Best Waterfalls in Bali for Nature Lovers
Leaving the coast almost always leads you inland, where Bali’s landscape becomes greener and more layered. The waterfalls below represent some of the island’s most rewarding natural experiences, chosen not only for their beauty, but for the way they fit into a thoughtful journey across Bali.
Each waterfall offers a different rhythm. Some are easy to reach and ideal for first encounters with Bali’s nature. Others require effort, rewarding you with moments that feel deeply personal. Knowing these differences helps you choose with intention, rather than expectation.
1. Tegenungan Waterfall
Location: Gianyar, near Ubud
Tegenungan is located just outside Ubud, making it one of the most accessible waterfalls in Bali. You do not need to drive deep into the mountains to reach it, which makes it a natural introduction for travelers who want to experience Bali’s inland scenery without committing to a long journey.
The waterfall is wide and powerful, pouring into a deep pool framed by lush greenery. Stone steps lead directly down, allowing you to approach the water comfortably. After heavy rain, the flow becomes especially dramatic, filling the space with sound and movement.
Emotionally, Tegenungan feels energizing rather than overwhelming. It pulls you out of the routine of sightseeing and into the present moment. For many first time visitors, this is where Bali begins to feel less curated and more alive.
Best for:
First time visitors, short nature escapes from Ubud, travelers who want impact without trekking
Things to know:
Early morning visits offer a calmer atmosphere and softer light.
2. Sekumpul Waterfall
Location: Buleleng, North Bali
Sekumpul is located in North Bali, an area that feels noticeably quieter and less developed than the south. Reaching the waterfall involves driving through villages and descending into a valley, making the journey itself part of the experience.
Rather than a single cascade, Sekumpul consists of multiple tall waterfalls flowing down a green cliff. The scale is immediately striking. Mist rises from the base, and the sound of water fills the entire valley.
Being at Sekumpul feels humbling. The effort it takes to reach the waterfall creates a sense of arrival that many travelers remember long after they leave. This is a place that invites respect and stillness, offering a powerful connection to Bali’s raw landscape.
Best for:
Nature lovers, adventurous travelers, those seeking Bali’s most dramatic scenery
Things to know:
Wear proper footwear. The path can be slippery, especially after rain.
3. Gitgit Waterfall
Location: Buleleng, North Bali
Gitgit Waterfall sits along one of North Bali’s most well known nature routes. The walk to the waterfall is gentle, passing through tropical vegetation and small local stalls that reflect the area’s slower pace of life.
The waterfall drops cleanly into a shallow pool, surrounded by dense greenery. Its shape is balanced and symmetrical, creating a scene that feels calm rather than intense. The setting encourages you to stop and observe rather than rush forward.
Gitgit offers a sense of quiet familiarity. It does not overwhelm with scale, but it provides a peaceful pause within a longer journey through the north. This makes it ideal for travelers who enjoy experiencing nature without physical demands.
Best for:
Relaxed exploration, families, travelers seeking an easy waterfall stop
Things to know:
The area can attract visitors mid day. Earlier visits feel more serene.
4. Aling Aling Waterfall
Location: Sambangan, Buleleng, North Bali
Aling Aling is part of the Sambangan waterfall area, where several cascades and natural pools are clustered together. Access is managed locally, and visitors are guided through the experience, adding a sense of structure and safety.
The main waterfall is tall and powerful, while nearby smaller waterfalls create natural slides and jumping spots. The environment feels playful yet controlled, blending adventure with local knowledge.
Emotionally, Aling Aling brings a sense of release. It encourages movement, laughter, and shared experience. This waterfall works best when you are ready to engage actively with Bali’s landscape rather than simply observe it.
Best for:
Adventure seekers, small groups, travelers who enjoy interactive nature
Things to know:
Swimming under the main waterfall is restricted for safety.
5. Banyumala Twin Waterfalls
Location: Wanagiri, near Lake Buyan
Banyumala is located in the highlands near Lake Buyan, an area known for cooler air and dense forest. The walk down is peaceful, gradually opening into a wide clearing where twin waterfalls flow side by side.
The pool at the base is calm and inviting, making it ideal for swimming. The space feels open and balanced, with fewer crowds compared to more accessible waterfalls in the south.
Being at Banyumala feels restorative. The sound of water is steady, the environment relaxed, and time seems to slow naturally. This waterfall suits moments when you want to stay longer without feeling rushed.
Best for:
Quiet reflection, swimming, slow travel days
Things to know:
The path can be uneven. Take your time on the way down.
6. Tukad Cepung Waterfall
Location: Bangli, near Penelokan
Tukad Cepung is hidden inside a narrow canyon, creating one of Bali’s most atmospheric waterfall experiences. Reaching it involves walking through shallow water and stone passages, adding a sense of discovery.
The waterfall flows inside a cave, where light filters in from above. When sunlight reaches the falling water, the space feels almost otherworldly, shifting between shadow and glow.
Tukad Cepung feels intimate and contemplative. It encourages silence and presence. This is a place where travelers often pause longer than expected, drawn into the quiet contrast between light and water.
Best for:
Photographers, travelers who enjoy unique settings, reflective moments
Things to know:
Visit in the morning for softer light and fewer people.
7. Kanto Lampo Waterfall
Location: Gianyar, near Ubud
Kanto Lampo is located not far from Ubud, making it an easy addition to an inland day trip. Unlike waterfalls hidden deep in the mountains, access here is relatively straightforward, with a short walk down to the river.
Instead of a single vertical drop, Kanto Lampo flows over layered rock formations, creating a wide cascade that feels almost sculpted. Water moves across the stones rather than crashing down, giving the waterfall a dynamic yet gentle character.
Being here feels playful and interactive. You can step onto the rocks, feel the water move around you, and engage with the landscape directly. Kanto Lampo suits travelers who enjoy being part of the scene rather than standing at a distance.
Best for:
Casual exploration, photography, short nature stops near Ubud
Things to know:
Rocks can be slippery. Move slowly and wear proper footwear.
8. Nungnung Waterfall
Location: Petang, Badung Regency
Nungnung sits deep in the highlands of central Bali, and reaching it requires commitment. A long staircase leads down into a lush valley, gradually removing you from the outside world.
The waterfall itself is tall and powerful, crashing into a mist filled basin below. The scale is immediately impressive, and the surrounding cliffs amplify the sound of water, creating an immersive atmosphere.
Nungnung feels raw and intense. The effort to reach it heightens the sense of reward, making the experience feel earned. This waterfall is for moments when you want to feel small in the presence of nature.
Best for:
Adventurous travelers, those seeking dramatic landscapes
Things to know:
The climb back up is demanding. Pace yourself and bring water.
9. Munduk Waterfalls
Location: Munduk Village, North Bali
Munduk is home to several waterfalls scattered along forested trails. Rather than one destination, the experience here is about movement through nature, connecting multiple cascades within a single walk.
The waterfalls vary in size and character, from tall drops to gentle streams flowing through greenery. The environment feels cool, quiet, and deeply connected to village life.
Emotionally, Munduk offers continuity. You are not rushing from one highlight to another. Instead, the journey unfolds gradually, encouraging a slower pace and deeper attention to your surroundings.
Best for:
Slow travel, nature walks, travelers who enjoy layered experiences
Things to know:
Wear comfortable walking shoes. Trails can be uneven.
10. Tibumana Waterfall
Location: Bangli Regency
Tibumana is tucked away in a forested area, accessible via a short, well maintained path. The journey feels gentle, setting a calm tone before you reach the waterfall.
The waterfall drops cleanly into a wide pool framed by greenery. The water is clear, and the space feels naturally enclosed, creating a sense of privacy and balance.
Being at Tibumana feels soothing. It invites quiet observation rather than excitement. Many travelers choose to swim, float, or simply sit and absorb the stillness of the place.
Best for:
Relaxation, swimming, couples seeking a peaceful setting
Things to know:
Mid morning visits offer a good balance of light and calm.
11. Leke Leke Waterfall
Location: Tabanan, near Bedugul
Leke Leke is hidden within a forested canyon, accessed by a scenic walk that immediately shifts the mood. The path feels immersive, drawing you away from busy roads into quiet greenery.
The waterfall itself is narrow and elegant, flowing down into a small pool surrounded by rock walls. Its simplicity is its strength, creating a focused and intimate experience.
Emotionally, Leke Leke feels personal. It is the kind of place where silence feels natural, and presence comes easily. This waterfall suits travelers who appreciate subtle beauty over scale.
Best for:
Couples, quiet reflection, intimate nature moments
Things to know:
The pool is shallow. Swimming is possible but limited.
12. Jembong Waterfall
Location: Buleleng, North Bali
Jembong Waterfall is located in a less visited part of North Bali, making it feel refreshingly untouristic. Access is straightforward, and the area is often quiet.
The waterfall cascades over smooth rock formations into a clear pool, surrounded by open greenery. Nearby viewpoints and paths allow you to explore the area at an easy pace.
Being at Jembong feels uncomplicated. There is no pressure to do anything other than enjoy the space. It is a reminder that some of Bali’s most rewarding experiences come without effort.
Best for:
Off the beaten path exploration, relaxed nature stops
Things to know:
Facilities are minimal. Bring what you need with you.
If these waterfalls resonate with your desire for quieter, more personal moments in Bali, our guide to hidden gems in Bali explores places where the island feels slower and more intimate.
Let Bali’s Waterfalls Shape the Way You Travel
Waterfalls in Bali are not about ticking boxes. They are moments where the island invites you to slow down, recalibrate, and reconnect with nature in a way that feels personal. Choosing the right waterfalls means choosing experiences that match your energy, your pace, and your intention.
At Bali Island Vacations, we help travelers explore Bali beyond the obvious. By shaping journeys that balance comfort, depth, and authenticity, we create space for you to experience the island in ways that feel natural and meaningful.
If you want your time in Bali to flow effortlessly between coast, forest, and highland, we are here to help you design a journey that feels truly yours.
