Bali Waterfall Hiking: Pay the Fee, Sweat a Bit, and Chase the Magic

Rand Blimes
May 27
3 min read

Updated: Oct 12

One of the best things to do in Bali is to completely ignore TLC and go chasing waterfalls. The island is full of them—tucked into lush canyons, spilling through jungles, and sometimes even pouring into cathedral-like caverns. Most require only a short hike, but don’t be fooled by the ease of access. Each one asks for a little bit of effort—and a few small bills.

There’s a basic pattern to waterfall hikes on Bali: you arrive, you pay, you descend into a canyon, you gasp at the view, and then you huff your way back up. These hikes aren’t technically difficult, but they can be sweaty. And nothing in Bali is free. Waterfalls are "pay-to-play," with entrance fees that support local landowners and communities. Bring cash—preferably small bills—and don’t expect to slide past any checkpoints. But the rewards? Often worth every step and every rupiah.

Waterfall cascading down a rocky cliff, surrounded by lush green vines and foliage. Mist creates a serene, misty atmosphere. — A tight shot of Sepukul Waterfal

Bedugul Region Waterfalls

We went to Bedugul mainly to see the Ulu Danu Beretan Temple. But while there, we hired a driver for a half-day trip using Uber, which turned out cheaper than tours listed on GetYourGuide. If this had been later in our trip, we’d probably have used a driver we’d already befriended on WhatsApp and saved even more. These were our stops:

Aling Aling

A short but lovely hike into a lush canyon. The waterfall itself is graceful, if not earth-shattering. It’s a peaceful spot with gentle jungle vibes.

Git Git

This one feels like the Niagara Falls of Bali tourism. The paved path to the waterfall is lined with souvenir stands and shops. It’s very developed, but there’s a reason—Git Git is big, dramatic, and roaringly impressive.

Tall waterfall cascading into a rocky pool surrounded by lush greenery, creating a serene and tranquil natural scene. — Git Git Waterfall

Sekumpul and Fiji Waterfalls

This duo was the highlight of our Bedugul waterfall crawl. Both are set in a deep, emerald-green canyon, with multiple streams plunging from above. It’s a longer hike and feels more immersive. They’re some of the most spectacular waterfalls we saw on the island.

Woman in black tank top smiles near lush green waterfall. Bright sunlight, clear water, vibrant foliage, serene atmosphere. — A panoraa captures the many cascades of Sekumpul Waterfall

Hidden Canyon Beji Guwang

Not just a waterfall, but a whole canyon experience. A guide will take you downriver, helping navigate pools and scrambling rocks. It’s not technical, but you’ll get wet—so wear something you’re okay swimming in. One side canyon leads to a waterfall pouring into what looks like the mouth of a cave. The current makes it tough to get close, but it’s fun without being risky, assuming you’re a decent swimmer.

We fit this into a full-day drive from Denpasar to Tulamben, stopping along the way. It was a highlight—low-key but memorable.

Person in floral shirt and blue hat stands on rock in mossy cave creek, surrounded by green water and scattered yellow leaves. Peaceful mood. — Daughter 3 contemplating the route through Hidden Canyon

Sidemen Region

Tukad Cepung

If you’ve seen photos of this waterfall, you’ve probably seen its Instagrammable shaft-of-light moment. It looks stunning. So we did what you're supposed to: stayed nearby in Sidemen, woke early, and got there as soon as it opened. But the crowds beat us to it. The canyon was packed. People were queued up for posed photos. It was so crowded we didn’t even take out the camera. It used to be a beautiful spot, but the sheer volume of visitors has sucked the magic out. We’d suggest skipping it.

Waterfall cascading over dark rock, surrounded by green foliage. Soft light creates a serene mood, with mist at the base. — Goa Raja Waterfall

Goa Raja Waterfall

Now this was everything Tukad Cepung wasn’t. A short walk brought us to a natural pool perfect for soaking sore legs. And the waterfall itself—hidden deep in a shaded canyon—was stunning. Most importantly, it was empty. Not a soul on the trail. Not a selfie stick in sight. We had the whole thing to ourselves. In terms of both beauty and solitude, Goa Raja was the best waterfall we visited in Bali.

Woman smiling in rocky, lush waterfall pool. Greenery surrounds, water cascades down the rocks. Bright, serene, natural setting. — The most perfect jungle swimming hole in Bali . . . and we had it all to ourselves

Around Ubud

Kanto Lampo

A stepped waterfall nestled in a lush canyon just outside of Ubud. It’s an easy and enjoyable walk, and while you’ll definitely be sharing the space, the crowds here weren’t overwhelming. The waterfall is gentle and photogenic—a good one if you’re basing in Ubud and want a quick escape to nature. It is close to Goa Gaja Caves, so it is an easy add on.

Water cascades over dark rocks in a serene waterfall scene. The white, silky flow contrasts with the black, textured stones. — A tight shot of Kanto Lampo

Conclusion

Waterfall hiking on Bali is rarely about epic wilderness treks. But it is about discovery. It’s about sweating your way down mossy steps and feeling a cool mist greet you in a shady canyon. Some spots are popular for a reason. Others offer quiet magic for those willing to wander. And while some will always have a crowd gathered for that perfect Insta moment, every now and then, you'll stumble into a hidden pool and wonder why the whole world isn’t here. And then you'll be glad it's not. Because travel sometimes rewards the persistent—and the sweaty—with a private slice of paradise.