Due to Bali’s tropical climate and heavy rain seasons, there are countless waterfalls to explore. Whether you fancy an adrenaline-filled or relaxing sight-seeing day, you’ll find yourself mesmerised by each one of Bali’s waterfalls. Below are my top 3 favourite waterfalls I visited:
1. Aling-Aling Waterfall
Coming in strong with my absolute favourite is Aling-Aling waterfall. Only a 30-minute drive from Lovina, it’s hidden in the jungle surrounded by abundant greenery. With the option for cliff jumping and sliding down the natural waterslides, there’s no denying the awesomeness of this place.
I would recommend paying for a guide otherwise you’re not allowed to do the jumps. However, if this doesn’t bother you, with a small fee you’re welcome to appreciate the 35-metre-tall fall on your own. Initially, our guide took us to the main waterfall to snap some impressive photos then it was time for the jumps.
The first platform is 5 metres high but prepare yourself for the almost-freezing temperatures below. It was a shock to the system but not enough to stop us from proceeding to the waterslide. With a precarious climb up and an exhilarating slide down, this alone sets Aling-Aling aside from all the other waterfalls. The second platform is 10 metres high but the water below is much shallower which is why you have the guides to show you the best areas to jump into. The final platform is 15 metres which is a lot higher than all the photos let on but so incredibly worth it.
The energy provided by our tour guide and the picturesque scenery around us, not to mention the huge achievement of jumping 15 metres off a cliff made this such a wild experience.
Entry fee: 125,000 IDR (with a guide), 20,000 IDR (without a guide)
Parking: Free
Nearest Town: Lovina
2. Leke Leke Waterfall
Even though this is one of the more remote waterfalls in Bali, Leke Leke waterfall is a must see. Located in the Tabanan Regency, you can hire a car for the day or book a taxi on the Grab app to reach it. We chose to rent a moped for a few days whilst we were staying in Canggu which was an experience in itself taking on the Balinese streets.
1 hour from Canggu and Ubud, the walk to Leke Leke takes 15 minutes through the luscious vegetation, over a bamboo bridge and pass Hedwig the owl. As you near the waterfall, the faint gushing of water will become louder until the full cascade comes into view. The beauty of this waterfall is that it doesn’t get too crowded which makes it a picture-perfect spot. You can also cool off in the plunge pool below if you can withstand the enormous spray from the waterfall.
The entry fee is a little higher than the other waterfalls I visited and it is very secluded however Leke Leke will undoubtably leave you in awe.
Entry fee: 50,000 IDR
Parking: Free
Nearest Town: Ubud or Canggu
3. Tegenungan Waterfall
Unlike the above waterfalls, Tegenungan waterfall is notoriously very crowded with shops, restaurants and a day club. Despite the tourist traps, it was the hidden, smaller waterfall we found here that put this in my top 3 favourites.
25 minutes from Ubud, Tegenungan waterfall is one of the more accessible waterfalls but the steps down are very steep- it is a serious workout coming back up! As you descend, you’ll pass Omma Day Club on your left which is the perefect place to relax whilst soaking up some incredible views in the infinity pool. If you’d rather take a dip in some fresher water, you can bathe in the waterfall’s plunge pool. Although it’s not that deep, the waterfall is very powerful so there is a rope to prohibit visitors from going too far.
What a lot of people miss is the hidden waterfall located on the right as you walk back up behind Omma. We were able to take uninterrupted photos and cool off directly underneath the waterfall before attempting the climb back up.
Entry fee: 15,000 IDR
Parking: Free for mopeds, 5,000 IDR for cars
Nearest Town: Ubud