Bali's Waterfalls, and Which Are Worth the Trek
Updated: 2 days ago
Some of Bali's waterfalls are a short walk from the car park; others sit 60 to 80 km away in the north, with a steep climb down into a valley and back. Tegenungan is 12 km from Ubud by road, while Sekumpul is 67 km. That gap, plus a season that changes the flow, is the whole planning problem. Here is how to sort them.
Tegenungan is 12 km from Ubud; the northern falls are over 60
Tegenungan is the easy one: 12 km from Ubud and 34 km from Seminyak by road.
Sekumpul, Gitgit and Aling-Aling are in the north, 62 to 70 km from Ubud, so treat them as full day trips.
Start early, because Tegenungan fills with people by late morning.
The wet months, November to March, bring more water but slippery trails; the dry months bring less flow and safer footing.
Carry cash for entry and parking fees at the gate.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
How a Waterfall Day Becomes a Long Drive for Little
Bali's best falls are scattered across the centre and north, a long way from the southern beaches, and some end in a steep staircase down and a harder climb back. Plan it badly and you spend hours in the car for a crowded trickle. Plan it well, around distance, effort and season, and the same drive delivers the day you hoped for.
Read more: How the Rainy Season Changes a Bali Trip
Bali's Waterfalls, by Effort and Reward
For an easy win near Ubud, Tegenungan is the one: a short walk, a wide sheet of water and a pool you can swim in, at the price of being among the busiest falls on the island. It suits anyone who wants a waterfall without a trek, especially strung together with other Ubud stops.
For scenery that justifies a whole day, go north. Sekumpul is a valley of stacked falls reached by a long drive and a real climb down, while Gitgit and Aling-Aling nearby add their own drops, with cliff jumping at some pools. At 60 to 80 km from Ubud and the south, treat these as day trips, not quick stops.
Season runs through all of it. The wet months from November to March push more water but leave the trails slippery and the odd path closed after a storm, while the dry season trades force for safer footing. Early start, shoes with grip, cash at the gate: that is the difference between a smooth day and a sour one.
How Far Is Each Waterfall From Ubud and Seminyak?
Distances are by road from central Ubud and Seminyak, calculated with OpenStreetMap routing. Roads to the north cross the mountains, so allow more time than the distance suggests.
Waterfall | Best for | From Ubud | From Seminyak |
Tegenungan | An easy stop with a swimmable pool | 12 km | 34 km |
Sekumpul | A full day among stacked falls | 67 km | 78 km |
Gitgit | Pairing with Sekumpul | 62 km | 73 km |
Aling-Aling | Pools with cliff jumping | 70 km | 81 km |
Plan This Before You Set Off
Match the fall to the effort you want, from a short walk to a steep trek down and back.
Start early, because the easy falls like Tegenungan fill with people by late morning.
Wear shoes with grip, since the paths beside the water stay wet and slick.
Read the season, since heavy rain lifts the flow but slicks the trail, while the dry months thin the water.
Carry cash for the small entry fees that most falls charge at the gate.
See also: Explore Bali Activities
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best waterfall in Bali?
It depends on the effort you want. Sekumpul in the north is a valley of stacked falls, but it is 67 km from Ubud by road and needs a real trek. Tegenungan, 12 km from Ubud, is the easiest to reach.
Are there waterfalls near Ubud?
Yes. Tegenungan is the closest, about 12 km from Ubud by road, with a short walk to a wide fall and a swimmable pool.
Is it safe to visit Bali waterfalls in the rainy season?
Flow is stronger but trails get slippery and can close after heavy rain, so check conditions, wear proper footwear and take care.
Do Bali waterfalls charge an entry fee?
Most charge a small entry fee, so carry cash. Some also charge for parking.
What should I wear to a Bali waterfall?
Footwear with grip, since paths are often wet and slippery, plus swimwear if you plan to swim in the pool below.
Anchor the Waterfall Day to a Good Base
Falls sit inland and north, so where you sleep and how you drive decide how far each day stretches. Sort both, and a waterfall run becomes the highlight instead of the slog.
Where To Stay?
The big falls are all up north, so base to suit them. Compare hotels and villas across Bali and lock your stay before you plan the waterfall run.
Things To Do
A falls run pairs well with nearby stops. Browse tours and day trips across Bali so the drive north earns more than a single photo at the bottom.
Rent A Car
Falls hide inland and up north, far from the sand. Compare car hire across Bali, check what your licence needs, and sort transport before you go.
Sources: OpenStreetMap (road distances from central Ubud and Seminyak, calculated 24 October 2026).
Last verified: 24 October 2026
