Ubud Waterfalls: Which Are Worth the Trip?

Not every waterfall deserves a scooter ride, sweat, and a 30,000-rupiah entry fee. After chasing dozens around Ubud over two years — sometimes in the rain, sometimes with a hangover, always with wet shoes — these are the ones we recommend to friends. And the one we tell them to skip.

Quick rankings (if you only have one day)

1.Sekumpul — the undisputed best

2.Tukad Cepung — the light beam magic

3.Tibumana — the swimming one

4.Kanto Lampo — the tiered one (quick visit)

5.Nungnung — the powerful one (if you love stairs)

1. Sekumpul — the best, and it's not close

A seven-tiered masterpiece 2 hours north of Ubud in the mountains above Singaraja. The hike in takes 30–45 minutes down steep stairs and across two river crossings. You'll emerge into an amphitheater of waterfalls. Bring water shoes or be prepared for a slippery crossing.

Cost: IDR 125,000 (~$8) including local guide (they assign one at the gate; skipping them isn't worth the hassle).

Best time: 8–10am. Tour buses roll in at 11.

Tip: The driver fee for a full-day Ubud-to-Sekumpul trip is ~$40–$55. Split with another couple.

2. Tukad Cepung — light-beam magic

A waterfall inside a cave. When the sun is at the right angle (around 10–11am on a clear morning), a beam of light drops through a crack in the cave ceiling directly onto the waterfall. It's genuinely one of the most beautiful 30 seconds you'll experience in Bali.

Cost: IDR 25,000 (~$1.60).

Warning: Overrun on weekends — go Tuesday–Thursday. Photos of the beam require queueing in the water.

3. Tibumana — the best swim

A perfect plunge pool at the base of a gentle fall. Less crowded than most, cleaner than Tegenungan, and you can actually swim here. This is our "we just want to be in the water" pick.

4. Kanto Lampo — the tiered one

Shallow cascades you can sit in. Great for families with kids. The iconic rock-ledge pose is Instagram bait, but the walk is easy and you're in and out in 45 minutes.

5. Nungnung — raw power

500+ steps down to a thunderous single-plunge fall. The roar is visceral. The walk back up is punishing — pack water and don't do this after a big lunch.

6. Gitgit — classic but crowded

North Bali's most famous waterfall. Pretty, but overrun with bus tours and commissioned guides pressuring tips. Skip if you've been to Sekumpul.

The one to skip: Tegenungan

Closer to Ubud, heavily promoted on Instagram, packed with people queueing to take the same photo. The water often runs brown after rain. You can do better.

What to pack for a waterfall day

·Water shoes or sandals with grip

·Dry bag for phone and wallet

·Microfiber towel

·Snack and water (no reliable food at most)

·Cash in small bills (entry fees usually IDR 20–125k)

·Scooter or driver arranged for the day

Combine with temples

Tirta Empul pairs beautifully with Tibumana (same general direction). Goa Gajah pairs with Kanto Lampo. See our Bali temples guide for a full loop.