The magic of waterfalls
There is something quite magical about waterfalls. A simple act of gravity in action can provide so much pleasure, whether it be a brook babbling playfully through the heart of a forest or a powerful flow of water gushing over rocks into a fast flowing river.Whatever its size or strength, a waterfall adds an extra dimension of beauty to any hiking adventure or gentle forest stroll. They bring to our attention extra special details in the natural world around us that we may not have noticed without the waterfall drawing our attention.
Waterfalls help to enhance our senses and provide a feeling of calm and contentment. No two waterfalls sound the same as each one has its own unique rhythm and vibration. Each waterfall pulses like a living entity and you can feel their cooling spray and breath in the fresh clean misty air. Mother nature truly knows how to create beautiful scenery that blends in harmony with the human spirit.
Waterfalls in Bali
The island of Bali is home to some of the most stunning natural treasures you will ever see. Among them are a series of magnificent waterfalls. These waterfalls vary in size, strength location but are all equally as stunning and impactful. If you are looking for something a little different to do that offers serenity, fresh air and the scent of nature, you can consider visiting some of Bali’s best waterfalls described below.
Tegenungan Waterfall
Tegenungan Kemenuh Village is quite easy to get to from the main tourist areas in South Bali. Although this waterfall is not located in highlands or mountains, it has a heavy water flow and is still able to take your breath away with its lush green surroundings. What is great about this waterfall is that it is perfect for swimming. Visitors love to relax to the sound of the water cascading and sunbathe while enjoying the fresh air. You need to walk along the bank of the River Tukad Petanu to reach this idyllic spot so the cool fresh water is a welcome treat at the end!
Munduk Waterfall
Munduk Waterfall is located about 70 kilometers from Kuta, in the rainforest around Munduk Village within the regency of Buleleng. It takes about two and a half to three hours drive but it is well worth the journey. It also provides you with an opportunity to visit other stunning sights in and around north Bali too. Munduk Village and Waterfall sit at around 850m above sea level so the climate is quite different to what you will have experienced in South Bali. A little fresher and cooler so it is worth taking an extra layer. The area around Munduk waterfall is stunning with it’s two twin lakes, clove plantations and rice fields sitting against the backdrop of some of Bali’s majestic mountains. Definitely worth a day trip.
Aling Aling Waterfall
Another stunning waterfall in the north of Bali is the Aling Aling waterfall. Located about 11 kilometers south west of Singaraja, this 35 metre waterfall splits into two breathtaking cascades of powerful water surrounded by lush green trees. Visitors can swim in the water at the bottom of the waterfall and enjoy the fresh clean water. Not far from the Aling Aling waterfall you can find some sister falls which are smaller but just as beautiful. These are called Pucuk, Twin, Cemara, Canging, Dedari and Kroya waterfalls. For the more daring visitors, these waterfalls offer safer spots to jump from.
Gitgit Waterfall
Gigit Waterfall is located in the Gitgit countryside, Sukasada district, Buleleng regency, also about 11 kilometers from Singaraja. This waterfall is probably one of the most popular ones in North Bali with the most amount of tourists visiting. The Cascading Gitgit Waterfall sits on a plateau, about 300 meters above sea level. It is the height of about 40 meters and is surrounded by tropical trees and lush greenery. A Gazebo close to Air Terjun Gitgit offers you the perfect opportunity to stop and enjoy a wonderful waterfall view and if you are lucky you can even see some wild monkeys. Gitgit waterfall is the perfect waterfall for families as the children can play in the water. Parents should always be wary of the slippery rocks. Oh, and a bit of warning for those that believe in old wives tales – local legend has it that couples who bathe together under the waterfall will separate soon after their visit!
Nungnung Waterfall
Nungnung is the name of a small village, 40 kilometers north of Denpasar and it sits at a height of 900 meters above sea level. Nungnung waterfall is the perfect place to visit for those who love trekking tours. It is not very well known to tourists so is a real treat for those adventurous enough to seek it out! To get to the waterfall there are quite a large number of stairs (509 to be exact!) and even ladders to tackle. The physical challenge is definitely worth it as when you finally arrive at the waterfall, you will be encountered by jaw dropping views. Surrounded by lush green trees and big majestic rocks, Nungnung towers into the sky at an impressive 70 metres high. The amount of water that comes thundering down into the plunge pool is mind boggling and especially impressive during rainy season. The water vapor is cool, refreshing and calming, a perfect combination to gear you up for the long hike back up!
Blahmantung Waterfall
The Blahmantug Waterfall (also known as Pujugan Waterfall) is located in the Pujungn Village, about 48 kilometers from Tabanan City. The drive there is beautiful as you meander through Bali’s biggest rice producing area. Set between high cliffs surrounded by coffee and clove plantations this stunning waterfall is well worth a visit. The area around the Blahmantung waterfall is still natural and untouched with a cool air and the natural sound of the water falling, the atmosphere is serene and relaxing which is a perfect after the challenging trek.
Jembong Waterfall
Jembong waterfall is quite famous among the locals, but it’s rarely visited by tourists, so it remains untouched. It has normal water flow, green surroundings, and gentle slope, so it is a perfect place for relaxing and releasing stress.
Bali waterfall tour top tips
Waterfalls are stunning but can be dangerous if you don’t take care. Continuous running water over rocks can make certain areas slippy so it is important to wear the right type of footwear (not flip flops!) that are comfortable and not slippy. For those adventurous visitors who like the thrill of jumping from the waterfalls into the plunge pools below, be extra careful to check that the areas are safe and the water below is deep enough. Safe areas to jump are usually indicated by signs. There are no lifeguards at these waterfalls so be careful and parents should watch their children closely at all times.
Sacred Bali waterfalls
Sacred waterfalls in Bali are traditionally used by Balinese priests for cleansing and purification of the body. Healing with flowing waters, healing with meditation, and flowers are magnificent traditions of Bali culture. Listening to the sounds of streaming water, to the sound of drops feels liberating. According to many, flowing water is the most enlightened element and the female energy of water is enhanced as it runs over rocks and down the cliffs. The water purifies and massages as it falls, clearing your body, flowing over and through you. The healing occurs on all levels, physical, mental, and spiritual.
Bali waterfall experience
For those visitors wishing to enjoy the ultimate Bali waterfall experience, agencies like The Seven Holiday offer unique, once in a lifetime Bali waterfall tours. Their standard day tour offers a trip around Bali visiting a total of three stunning Bali waterfalls. For visitors who have a particular waterfall in mind or who wish to extend their waterfall tour of Bali into 2 or more days, The Seven Holiday can create tailor-made trips specially designed to meet your needs and provide the ultimate Bali waterfall tour.
Contact The Seven Holiday to find out more.
