Bali’s cultural tourist destinations extend beyond its beaches and mountains, encompassing its sacred waterfalls. These natural wonders hold a unique place in Balinese culture, often serving as the backdrop for religious ceremonies due to their perceived sacred and holy nature.
Discovering Balinese Culture and Waterfalls in Bali
It’s important to note that some of Bali’s waterfalls are sacred to Hindus, and as such, certain rules must be observed, such as the prohibition of swimming. Respecting these customs is a key part of experiencing the cultural richness of the island.
Waterfalls in Bali also have a mystical impression, so it is best to come to visit waterfalls in Bali by using the services of a tour guide so that we can know with certainty about the location and safety sundries while there.
Engaging a guide can significantly enrich your experience as an expat in Bali, providing you with a deeper understanding of the local culture, particularly when chasing waterfalls.
Why Visiting Waterfalls in Bali is Cultural Tourism
There are many waterfalls with amazing views hidden in various regions. Choosing a waterfall tourist attraction as a tourist destination to be visited is the right choice.
Especially for those of you who want a nature tour with a view of a waterfall in the middle of the forest. As a country with many mountains, Indonesia has many charming mountain attractions. In fact, there are waterfalls that are famous for being exotic because they have a thick culture.
Besides being beautiful, these Bali waterfalls are also Instagramable, and are the target of travelers. But visiting Bali waterfalls is not just about satisfying your photo craving.
Balinese people believe that some Bali waterfalls have high cultural and mystical value. Knowing the cultural stories of Bali waterfalls can make you closer to Balinese culture.
Guide to the Best Waterfalls Bali – 13 Amazing Waterfalls
1. Tukad Cepung Waterfall
This Bali waterfall is synonymous with soul-cleansing ceremonies. In addition, residents believe that this waterfall in the middle of the forest is where angels reside.
Tukad Cepung Waterfall is often referred to as a waterfall from the sky. At first glance, the waterfall appears to fall from the sky due to the dazzling sunlight.
This waterfall is a 15-meter-high main waterfall located under a cave. The depth of the water is not so deep, only 30 cm, so it is safe for those of you who want to bathe under it.
If you’re lucky, on a clear day, the splashing waterfall will show a beautiful rainbow. The best time to visit this place is 9 am – 1 pm during dry season.
2. Kanto Lampo Waterfall
This waterfall must be familiar to foreign tourists vacationing in Bali. The stepped texture of the stone becomes a beautiful waterfall background. No wonder so many people take pictures here.
This waterfall is considered sacred by the surrounding indigenous community. This is because the place which is considered holy is used for Mendak Toya Ning, which means looking for holy water for the Dewa Yadnya ceremony. Even the legend of the surrounding community says that the water began to flow since the prayer ritual was carried out.
Interestingly, this 16-meter-high spring does not come from a mountain spring but from the overflow of clogged subak irrigation water.
3. Tegenungan Waterfall
This waterfall in Ubud is hidden, so it is suitable to be called a hidden gem. The mystical atmosphere is also quite thick in this waterfall and is often associated with rituals using all-white clothing.
This waterfall has a height of 15 meters with a clear pool that is not too deep. Visitors can calmly swim in the pool without worrying about drowning. Besides being able to swim and enjoy the view that spoils the eyes, Tegenungan waterfall has many spots to take pictures.
There is a nesting spot complete with a bird’s head, a heart-shaped spot, and a swing on the edge of an artificial cliff. If you like taking pictures, you will definitely feel at home at this waterfall.
4. Tibumana Waterfall
If you’re in search of a tranquil Bali waterfall, Tibumana Waterfall in Gianyar is the perfect choice. Surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, the trek to the main attraction is a serene experience. As you start your journey, you’ll be greeted by the picturesque view of the surrounding nature.
There are also beautiful plants, small rivers from the flow of waterfalls, Balinese ornaments and cliffs in the tourist area so that the natural view spoils tourists.
This waterfall has a deep and wide main pool. You can swim there, but you have to be careful as it is quite deep. The water is clear, and there used to be a ban on swimming there because the local people believed the pool was an abstract bathing place.
5. Suwat Waterfall
This waterfall is located in a tourist village, Suwat Village, so you can visit and enjoy the atmosphere of rural Bali while visiting this place. The location is also quite close to Tibumana Waterfall. The location is still not widely known, so it is suitable for those of you who want to be satisfied soaking without disturbing many people.
One of the unique features of Suwat Waterfall is the large stone at the front, a popular spot for photos. The water flow is gentle, and the main pool is shallow, making it a comfortable and safe spot for children. The location is still relatively unknown, providing a peaceful and secure environment for a relaxing soak. The entrance fee is IDR 15,000 for locals and IDR 25,000 for foreign tourists.
6. Gitgit Waterfall
This location is included in Wonderful Indonesia’s recommendation for Bali’s Quiet Side. Of course, the location of this waterfall is still not crowded with tourists.
The mystical value of this location is not in the waterfall, but to get there, you have to pass through a haunted bend where there are often sightings.
Before it became a tourist spot, Gitgit Waterfall held a significant role in history. It was once a bathing place for the Dutch, a testament to its historical importance.
Over time, in 1939, this waterfall in Buleleng was developed into a tourist destination. Dr C Hooykaas, one of the founders of the Kirtya Liefrinck Van der Tuuk Foundation, was the man behind the development of the waterfall.
Gitgit Waterfall is stunning at 48 meters high, cascading and falling in unparalleled natural beauty. Beneath the waterfall, irregular rocks are washed by the clear, fresh water.
7. Goa Rang Reng Waterfall
Here, tourists can enjoy the rushing waterfall while accompanied by the sound of falling water. Goa Rang Reng Waterfall in North Bali itself has a height of about 20 meters with a slope of up to 45 meters. Besides swimming, you can also climb the sloping waterfall wall.
Goa Rang Reng Waterfall is located not far from the cave which is the location of cleansing rituals by Hindus in Bali, so the impression of this place is quite sacred.
The attraction, based on the stories of local residents, is said to have been created by the Kebo Iwa, who was assigned to steal the river flow to channel it to the southern region.
With his ingenuity, magic, and strength, he managed to make a cave that he made only overnight. He used his hands because traces of fingers could be seen on the walls and ceiling of the cave.
8. Banyumala Twin Waterfalls
Bali has several beautiful waterfalls and is popular among domestic and foreign tourists. One of the best waterfall in Bali is the Banyumala Twin Waterfalls in Northern Bali.
Banyumala waterfall, with a height of about 37 meters, looks enchanting. The waterfall is covered with greenery that makes it look beautiful and charming.
The air around this waterfall is so cool because of its location in the highlands. Around the road to the waterfall is filled with local plantations, rice fields, making it look so beautiful.
Under the waterfall, there is a natural pool that can be used for soaking or swimming. The depth of the pool is about 2 meters. Besides being clear, the water is so refreshing.
The entrance ticket price is IDR 20,000 per person for local tourists and IDR 30,000 per person for foreign tourists. Meanwhile, there are also vehicle tickets ranging from IDR 2,000 to IDR 10,000.
9. Leke Leke Waterfall
The name Leke-Leke may still be unfamiliar and rarely heard by most tourists on vacation to the Island of the Gods. This waterfall is located in Mekarsari Village, Baturiti District, Tabanan, Bali.
The entrance fee to Leke-Leke Waterfall is IDR 25,000 per person paid before entering. From the entrance, you have to walk again for about 20 minutes to get to the location.
The journey to the waterfall begins when you pass a bamboo sign that reads Leke-Leke in black ink. Along the way, you will encounter several bamboo bridges to cross the river.
10. Aling-Aling Waterfall
This waterfall is one of popular waterfall, especially in the Buleleng area. This is because this waterfall has an alluring attraction for foreign tourists on vacation.
This waterfall has a height of 35 meters and has a large pool at the bottom. No wonder many tourists are interested in coming to this place. Here are some of the main attractions of this waterfall.
Another attraction is that when heading to this waterfall, tourists can trek first by passing 176 steps down the valley.
11. Sekumpul Waterfall
As the name implies, Sekumpul Waterfall consists of a group of waterfalls with a total of waterfalls in the same area.
The history of Sekumpul Waterfall has several versions. First, this name was taken because in the same location there are a group of waterfalls that can be enjoyed.
Some of the names of these waterfalls are Gitgit Waterfall, Lemukih Waterfall, Munduk Waterfall and Les Buleleng Waterfall. The distance is only separated by two to three kilometres.
However, there are also those who say that the name Sekumpul is taken from the two main waterfalls that are close to each other. Locals often refer to them as Ceburan waterfalls.
Although close together, these two waterfalls come from different springs. Some waterfalls come from rivers, and some come from natural springs.
12. NungNung Waterfall
One famous waterfall that can be visited is Nungnung Waterfall, located in Bali. This place is famous as a natural destination with exotic spots.
This waterfall is known as one of the tallest waterfall in Bali. It offers stunning natural scenery and the soothing sound of roaring water. To reach the waterfall, visitors only need to pay an entrance fee of IDR 10,000 per motorcycle and IDR 1,000 for parking fees, making it a very affordable tourist option.
13. Peguyangan Waterfall
Peguyangan Waterfall is a tourist option if you are bored of playing on the beach or mountain. This place is only for people with big guts because it is located in Nusa Penida. For those of you who are phobic about heights, never try it because you will see the view of the ocean from the top.
But for those of you who don’t have a problem with that, you will be presented with a stunning natural charm that will amaze you.
If you want to go there, you must have a healthy body because the terrain is quite difficult to travel. Best to hiring a local guide, because you will trek over cliffs and through hundreds of stairs. It is better not to take small children or parents there. Given the condition of the road, it is rather steep and dangerous.
