Top Waterfalls in Ubud, Bali: Must-Visit Spots and Tips
Ubud is a top destination for tourists, renowned for its lush landscapes, breathtaking waterfalls, rich culture, and captivating natural beauty. In this blog post, we will provide a detailed guide to Ubud’s most spectacular waterfalls, the optimal times to visit them, and essential travel tips to enhance your experience.
What to expect when visiting Waterfalls in Ubud:
The climate - Bali is a tropical island which offers warm and humid weather almost throughout the whole year. However, the humidity drops to its lowest from May to August, making these months the most comfortable for sightseeing and exploring. May is just after Bali’s wet season, which makes it the perfect month to visit the waterfalls as they will be in full-flow.
Crowds - Ubud is a highly popular destination, so you can expect to experience crowds. The best strategy to avoid these crowds is to visit the waterfalls early in the morning, giving you a peaceful, crowd-free experience.
Accessibility - Many waterfalls in Ubud are only accessible by climbing up and down numerous steps, so be ready for a lot of stair climbing. It's essential to wear the right footwear for safety and comfort. My partner and I chose to wear water shoes during our explorations. These were ideal as they provided excellent comfort, grip, and were designed to handle getting wet. You can find high-quality water shoes at a reasonable price on websites like Amazon.
Always carry cash! It’s important to remember that most of these locations do not have card readers and there are no ATMs nearby, so be prepared by having cash on hand to explore these waterfalls.
The best waterfalls near Ubud:
Tegenungan waterfall
Tegenungan Waterfall is one of the largest and most visited waterfalls in Ubud. Located in the Ubud village area, this 15-meter-high waterfall is the tallest in the region. Due to its popularity, it can get quite crowded, so I recommend visiting early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
The area around Tegenungan Waterfall features various stalls where you can buy water, grab a beer, or rent a towel if you decide to swim. Swimming in the waterfall is a fantastic experience, and the towel rental service is convenient for those who forget to bring their own or make a spontaneous decision to take a dip.
There are restrooms and changing rooms available, however, when visiting Bali, it’s helpful to be aware that the facilities, including toilets and changing rooms, might differ from what you’re accustomed to at home. For instance, some restrooms may not have the same level of amenities or cleanliness as you might expect back home. It’s always a good idea to carry some tissues and hand sanitizer with you, and be prepared for a more basic setup in certain areas. This way, you can enjoy your visit without any surprises.
Location: Tegenungan Waterfall
Opening hours: 6am - 5:30pm - 7 days a week
Entrance fee - 20,000 IDR
Parking fee - 5,000IDR
Suwat waterfall
Suwat Waterfall features a short walk through a bamboo forest, allowing you to immerse yourself in Bali's lush vegetation. Upon reaching the stunning waterfall, you'll find a serene pool perfect for a refreshing swim and capturing memorable photos of this beautiful spot.
To the side of Suwat Waterfall, you'll notice a cave entrance that invites exploration. While you can climb and explore this intriguing feature, be cautious, especially if the water level in the pool is low, as access can be challenging. Proceed at your own risk and don’t put others in any danger.
Location: Suwat Waterfall
Opening hours: 8am-6pm - 7 days a week
Entrance fee: 15,000-25,000 IDR
Parking fee: The entrance fee includes parking fee
Taman Sari Waterfall & Natural pool
This is a fantastic location to avoid the crowds, enjoy a swim, and relax. The path to the waterfall and pool is easy to navigate, and the steps are less slippery compared to other waterfall trails, making it ideal if you prefer a less challenging walk.
However, if you want to reach the upper pool, you'll need to venture off the main path, where the rocks can be quite slippery. Exercise caution, but the effort is well worth it for the incredible photos you can capture.
We arrived at Taman Sari Waterfall around 10 am and were pleasantly surprised to have the entire place to ourselves. It seems that tour groups either skip this location or arrive later in the day. Therefore, I highly recommend visiting Taman Sari early in the morning for a peaceful experience.
Location: Taman Sari Waterfall & Natural pool
Opening hours: 8am-5:30pm - 7 days a week
Entrance fee: 20,000IDR
Parking fee: entrance fee includes parking fee
Goa rang reng waterfall
Goa Rang Reng translates to “multicolored cave.” Here, you can visit both the sacred cave and the waterfall. The path splits into two directions: one leading to the waterfall and the other to the cave. The sacred cave is a significant site for locals, who use it for Melukat, a spiritual cleansing ritual for Balinese Hindus. Exploring the cave requires the accompaniment of a local guide, who will be available in the area.
Goa Rang Reng was probably our favorite waterfall. It was much quieter, with fewer crowds, creating a very peaceful experience. The walk to the waterfall takes about 10 minutes and can be quite muddy and slippery, so caution is advised. The waterfall features a steady flow over the rocks, creating a rapid effect rather than a single stream of water typical of most waterfalls.
At the top of the waterfall, there is a pool where you can relax and swim. There is a rope on the left side of the rocks to assist with climbing up, but be mindful as the rocks can be very slippery.
Personal experience at Goa Rang Reng
We had a memorable experience with a local guide who took us off the beaten path for a swim down the Goa Rang Reng River. We reached a swing in the middle of the river where the sunlight was glistening down, making it a very personal and serene moment. It was just me, my partner, and the guide, adding to the intimacy of the experience. Initially, we were hesitant, but we trusted our instincts while remaining cautious about our belongings. If a local guide offers you this experience, I recommend doing it—just follow your instincts and stay cautious. Ensure you have enough cash to pay the guide, as they expect a decent donation at the end of the tour. If you don't have enough cash, politely decline the offer.
Do not attempt to find this swing on your own. The rocks are very slippery, the water is deep, and the swing is in a remote location. If anything were to happen, help might not be readily available. Always go with a local guide, as they know the area well and will ensure your safety.
Location: Goa Rang Reng Waterfall
Opening hours: 8am-5:30pm - 7 days a week
Entrance fee: 15,000-20,000 IDR
Parking fee: included in the entrance fee
How to get to the waterfalls -
There are a few ways to reach the waterfalls mentioned. The best option is to hire your own motorbike. Some waterfalls, like Goa Rang Reng, are only accessible by motorbike. Renting a motorbike gives you more flexibility and time, allowing you to visit at your own pace and avoid the crowds. You can rent a motorbike from a local business or through a website like Bikago. This is the ideal way to explore multiple waterfalls at your own pace.
However, if you're not comfortable navigating Bali’s busy roads, there are other options:
Private Car Hire: If you're not confident about riding a motorbike, you can hire a driver for the day. Local businesses or the website Klook offer this service. On Klook, you can create a custom itinerary for 6, 10, or 12 hours, request a driver who speaks your preferred language, and specify the number of people in your group. I do not recommend using Grab for these locations; getting a ride there might be easy, but finding a ride back can be challenging.
Book a Tour: Booking a tour is another great option, especially if you want to meet new people and relax. Be aware that some tours may not include entrance fees to the waterfalls, so double-check this when booking. You can find tours on websites like Viator and GetYourGuide.
There you have it, a complete guide to some of Ubud’s best waterfalls. Remember, it's essential to respect the natural beauty and cultural significance of the places you visit. Always clean up after yourself, be mindful of local customs, and leave each location as pristine as you found it. I hope this blog has provided valuable insights and inspiration for your trip.
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