We’ve all seen those picture-perfect Bali Instagram posts—pristine beaches, impossibly green rice terraces, and stunning #nofilter sunsets. I’ve been lucky to visit Bali a few times with my wife Felicity and our children, creating unforgettable memories as we explored the island’s wonders. I also wrote Visit Central Bali With Kids as a guide for families visiting the island. But today, we’re deep diving into the island’s most underrated liquid treasure: its wonderful hidden waterfalls.
But today, we’re deep diving into the island’s most underrated liquid treasure: its wonderful hidden waterfalls. We’re not talking, however, about the waterfalls you’ll find in every guidebook. These are portals to another world, concealed in the heart of Bali’s lush interior. We’re talking about secret cascades that require a bit of adventurous spirit, some navigation skills, and a complete disregard for your perfectly pressed travel outfit.
Oh, and a quick heads up about the Bali tourist levy—a small contribution that helps keep this paradise, well, paradisiacal. Grab your water-resistant everything, pack your sense of adventure (and maybe some swimmers), and let’s chase some serious waterfall magic!
Tukad Cepung, Bangli Regency
We’ve discovered the waterfall that every adventure-seeking traveler dreams about—and trust us, it’s worth every drop of sweat to get there. Tucked away in Bangli Regency, Tukad Cepung isn’t just a waterfall: it’s one of nature’s most elaborate magic tricks.
Here you will be descending into a canyon-like cave where sunlight pierces through a circular opening, creating a light show that would make cinematographers weep with joy. The journey isn’t for the faint-hearted though. We’re talking about a trek that requires sturdy hiking shoes, a sense of adventure, and the kind of determination that you will have to dig deep to find.
Carved over thousands of years, the canyon walls tell a story of water’s persistent power, with layers of rock revealing geological timelines most of us struggle to comprehend. Local Balinese believe these hidden caves are sacred spaces, where the boundary between the physical and spiritual worlds blurs. Some villagers still perform traditional ceremonies here, believing the water carries healing and purifying properties.
Sekumpul, Lemukih Village
If Tukad Cepung is a delicate ballet, Sekumpul is a heavy metal concert of cascading water. It is located in North Bali’s Lemukih Village and the trek to Sekumpul is the kind of adventure that separates casual tourists from true explorers. We’re talking about a descent that will make your leg muscles question everything. The surrounding jungle seems to come alive, with dense foliage that whispers ancient secrets and terrain that changes with every step.
Local villagers consider these falls sacred, which adds an extra layer of mystique to your adventure. Imagine standing beneath these thundering waters, feeling connected to something far larger than your typical Instagram-worthy moment.
The waterfall’s spiritual significance runs deep in local Balinese culture. Lemukih village elders speak of Sekumpul as a sacred water source, traditionally used in important religious ceremonies. The surrounding landscape isn’t just a backdrop, but a living ecosystem that has sustained local communities for generations. Farmers in the region have cultivated terraced landscapes that work in harmony with the natural water systems, creating a delicate balance between human agriculture and untouched wilderness.
Banyumala Twin Falls, Bedugul
Nestled in the northern part of Bali near Bedugul, Banyumala Twin Falls is an actualization of nature’s most perfect design. Two parallel streams of water cascade side by side, creating a symmetry that feels almost mathematically impossible.
The approach is gentler compared to Sekumpul, making it more accessible for travelers who prefer their adventures on the more comfortable side. The pool at the base of the falls lures swimmers in, offering a refreshing respite from Bali’s tropical heat.
Beyond its visual symmetry, Banyumala represents a crucial ecological microcosm. The surrounding forest hosts a remarkable diversity of plant and animal life, with rare orchid species clinging to moss-covered rocks and endemic bird species darting between the dense canopy. Local conservation efforts have been critical in preserving this pristine environment, protecting not just the waterfall itself, but the intricate web of life that depends on its ecosystem. The twin streams are more than just a beautiful sight—they’re a lifeline for countless species that call this hidden corner of Bali home.
Nung Nung Waterfall, Plaga Village
For those who crave a true sense of adventure, Nung Nung Waterfall, located in the lush highlands of Plaga Village, delivers a heart-pounding experience. At a staggering height of approximately 50 meters, this waterfall unleashes a powerful cascade that roars into a large pool below.
Getting there requires navigating a steep set of around 500 steps, which tests your endurance but rewards you with one of Bali’s most breathtaking sights. The descent is shaded by a canopy of tropical greenery, and the fresh mountain air invigorates your senses with every step.
Once you reach the base, you’ll be greeted by a thunderous wall of water plunging into a misty abyss, creating a dramatic and mesmerizing scene. The surrounding jungle buzzes with life, making it a perfect spot for photography or simply soaking in the unspoiled beauty.
Unlike more popular waterfalls, Nung Nung is less crowded, offering a peaceful, immersive encounter with nature. Local farmers use the nearby water for irrigation, demonstrating a harmonious balance between human life and this natural wonder.
Practical Waterfall Wisdom
Before you rush off chasing waterfalls, a few words of advice. Bring proper hiking shoes that laugh in the face of slippery rocks. Also, pack more water than you think you’ll need, and then some more. And always respect local guidelines, tread lightly, and remember—these waterfalls aren’t just photo opportunities, they’re living, breathing ecosystems.
Best Times to Visit Bali’s Hidden Waterfalls
Timing is everything when experiencing Bali’s cascades. For Tukad Cepung, the magic happens between July and October during the dry season. This is when sunlight creates that otherworldly cave light show photographers dream about. Early morning offers the most spectacular light rays piercing through the cave’s opening.
Sekumpul Waterfall is most impressive from November to March during the wet season. The cascades are at full thunder, transforming from impressive to absolutely epic.
Banyumala Twin Falls offers year-round beauty, but the period between April and October provides the most stable hiking conditions. Water levels are consistent, and the surrounding jungle is lush without being overgrown.
Conclusion
Bali’s hidden waterfalls aren’t just destinations – they’re experiences that rewrite your understanding of natural beauty. Each cascade tells a story, each trek reveals a new perspective, and every moment becomes a memory more valuable than any souvenir.
Pack your sense of adventure, respect the environment, and get ready to immerse yourself in some of the most incredible waterfalls you’ll ever encounter!
Author Bio:
Cathy Slater is an experienced content writer. She is associated with many renowned travel blogs as a guest author where she shares her valuable travel tips with the audience.
Lived in England since 1998 and travelled the world since 2005, visiting over 100 countries on 5 continents. Writer, blogger, photographer with a passion for adventure and travel, discovering those off beat places not yet on the tourist trail. Marco contributes the very best in independent travel tips and lifestyle articles.
