Which Bali waterfalls should you visit, and can you swim?
Bali has dozens of waterfalls and not all are equal. Some are a thin trickle at the end of a paved road; others are more impressive and sit in a fantastic natural setting. Here are the main ones you will hear about and that are worth the detour:
- Tegenungan (near Ubud): 15-30 minutes from Ubud, it is the most accessible. 168 steps down, a pool about 30 m wide and cafés. Entry is about IDR 20,000 (US$1), and the site opens 6:30am to 6:30pm. Swimming is possible in the dry season; in the full monsoon the water turns brown and the current is violent.
- Tibumana (half an hour from Ubud): one of the prettiest and one of the few where you can really swim. Entry is around IDR 25,000 (about US$1.40). 180 steps to reach it. A beautiful waterfall of about 20 m falling into a lovely pool. The setting is superb, in the heart of the jungle, with bamboo bridges to cross on the way.
- Tukad Cepung (1 hour from Ubud): a waterfall hidden in a cave, where light draws rays. About 15 minutes' walk.
- Nungnung: 50 to 70 m (165-230 ft) high, very powerful, but you walk down about 500 steps (and back up).
- Gitgit (north): one of the best known, easy to reach, for about IDR 20,000.
- Sekumpul (north): the queen of Bali's waterfalls. A set of seven falls, some up to 80 m (260 ft), at the bottom of a valley. A guide is compulsory. Three options: IDR 20,000 for the viewpoint (view only), IDR 125,000 (US$7) for the medium trek (Sekumpul and Hidden), IDR 200,000 (US$11) for the long trek (with Fiji). Allow 3 to 4 hours, including 30 to 40 minutes on the way back up.
Beware of scams on the road to Sekumpul: "locals" stop you and demand an entry fee (often a high one). Refuse and pay only at the official ticket office.
The best season? March and April, just after the monsoon, for the power of the water (Sekumpul, Nungnung), and May to September for safer trails and clearer water.
Tip: wear shoes with good grip (the steps are sometimes slippery), start early in the morning or late in the afternoon, and combine Tegenungan, Tibumana and Tukad Cepung in the same day. The best-equipped waterfalls (Tegenungan and Tibumana, for example) have small lockers at the foot of the falls where you can leave your things before swimming.
Prices, hours and rules checked in October 2026. Confirm before you travel.
More landmarks in this section
- What are the best natural attractions in Bali?
- Is the Mount Batur sunrise trek worth it, and how does it work?
- Can you climb Mount Agung, and is it dangerous?
- Should you visit Jatiluwih rice terraces or Tegalalang?
- What is there to see at Lake Beratan and Ulun Danu temple?
- What can you do in West Bali National Park?