Bali means many things to many people, but usually it’s the beaches, the culture and the beautiful people, and now in the insta age, it’s about arranging a day trip to find the hidden treasures that we know to be Bali’s best waterfalls. Some, are found off the tourist beaten track, others are smack dab in the centre of the action – yet you wouldn’t know it. For adventurous souls, visiting some of the best waterfalls in Bali must be on your bucket list when you stay at Chandra Villas. Dust off your walking shoes and put on your swimmers as we take you on an adventure through lush jungle, weaving paths and to the hidden slices of paradise in Bali.
1. Aling-Aling Waterfall
At a staggering 35-metres tall, Aling-Aling waterfall boasts a majestic ambience befitting its ancient status as a sacred site. This stunning waterfall is one of the most well-known in North Bali. Located a 2.5-hour drive from Chandra Villas, Aling-Aling Waterfall is a family-friendly option boasting cemented stairs leading up to the lookout. Swimming at this sacred site is prohibited. We suggest you trek with a private guide to the waterfalls for the cultural insights and the best experience possible.
Pricing: IDR 20,000 (entrance fee) + IDR 125,000 (guide fee) – all prices are per person.
Location: Jalan Raya Desa Sambangan, Sambangan, Bali
Image Courtesy: Journey Era
2. Kroya Waterfall
Kroya Waterfall is an adrenaline junkies dream – here you can slide, cliff-jump and swim in the refreshing natural pool. We suggest first testing your boundaries by jumping off the 5-metre drop into the water below. Then with the help of a guide who will direct you to the natural rock formation of which is best for sliding, feel the instant thrill of the unknown as you plunge into the waiting water below. It is recommended that you wear life jackets as the undercurrents are known to be strong and can pull swimmers to the edge of the canyon drop below.
Price: IDR 20,000 (entrance fee) + IDR 125,000 (guide fee) – all prices are per person.
Location: Kroya Waterfall is a short 5-minute walk from Aling-Aling Waterfall, and thus the two are suggested to be done together.
**The guide and entrance fee is only paid once when you are visiting Aling-Aling Waterfall and Froya Waterfall as they are located within the same Ambengan forest.
Image Courtesy: Gede Astika (Flickr)
3. Tegenungan Waterfall
Tegenungan Waterfall is located 5km south-east from central Ubud and is frequently visited by tourists for its ease of accessibility. This waterfall is suitable for all ages and involves a relatively short trek down concrete stairs to the base of the waterfall. Be prepared to navigate approximately 150+ steps both up and down, but rejoice in the knowledge you’ll be rewarded with a refreshing swim. There are small vendors down the bottom for you to purchase a drink or snacks. If you’re not great with stairs, you can also see the waterfall from the lookout up the top which is close by the carpark. The best time of day to visit is either early morning (it is open from 6:30am) or late in the afternoon from 3:00pm as this is when it is mostly deserted.
Price: IDR 20,000 (entrance fee per person)
Location: Jalan Ir. Sutami, Kemenuh, Gianyar, Bali
4. Banyumala Twin Waterfall
One of the lesser-known waterfalls in Bali, however, this won’t be for long. Banyumala Twin Waterfall is located just north of the Danau Buyan Lake in central Bali known as the Munduk area, approximately 2.5-hours from Chandra Villas. Not for the faint-hearted, to navigate your way to this waterfall you need to trek a natural bamboo track for approximately 20-minutes. For those willing to put in the work; the payoff is well worth it as a serene swim at the foot of the massive falls awaits.
Price: IDR 30,000 (entrance fee per person)
Location: Wanagiri, Sukasada, Buleleng Regency, Bali
Image Courtesy: ArtHouse Studio
5. Tibumana Waterfall
An ideal choice for those who want to enjoy the serene sound of the waterfall without the crowds of tourists as well. This waterfall is frequently by the locals, however, it has been kept a secret from the tourists until now. Located in the central Bali, not far from Ubud – Tibumana Waterfall should be on your list of must-visits due to its ease of access, safe swimming waters and off the beaten track feel. A short 10-minute walk through flat tropical trials and over bamboo bridges will lead you to the base of this waterfall. Here you will notice that there are some locals looking over people when they are swimming to make sure you are kept safe. If you are like us and want to capture the moment, this waterfall is one of the most picturesque waterfalls in Bali on a sunny day.
Price: IDR 10,000 (entrance fee per person)
Location: Jalan Desa Apuan, Apuan, Susut, Kabupaten Bangli, Bali
Image Courtesy: Daily Travel Pill
Inspired? Why not allow our Front Office team to arrange your waterfall adventures in advance? The girls can put together a day trip tailored to your interests. For instance, if you are wanting to see Tibumana Waterfall, we might suggest splicing a stop in Ubud to immerse yourself in the arts and cultural scene since its close by and booking one of the many fabulous Ubud restaurants for lunch. Talk to us about what’s on your Bali bucket list and we’ll organise it to happen.
