Ubud is considered by most as the cultural capital of Bali and is definitely worth a visit - not just for the traditional temples and palace, but also the stunning rice fields and nearby waterfalls! We ended up spending multiple days exploring them, and we thought that share a bit about our favourites!
Tegenungan Waterfall - 10km from Ubud
One of the closest waterfalls to Ubud and also one the biggest! Sure, it was one of the busiest that we visited, but it wasn't too busy that we were disappointed. Sat in a rocky clearing amongst coconut trees and a truly tropical jungle, there was plenty of space for everyone! It was also clean, fairly priced (15,000 RP) and the facilities were great. There was even a bamboo swing and a higher viewing area, but both come at an extra cost. Although you can’t swim in the waterfall, capturing its beauty from a distance is just as amazing.
Tibumana Waterfall - 15km from Ubud
On the way to Tibumana from Tirta Empul Temple (also a must see), we were treated to unbelievable views of the beautiful Balinese rice fields. Things got even better when we actually arrived at the waterfall and got to see it's ultimate photo potential! Sadly, there was a 50 person film crew making a movie there, so we couldn't fully enjoy it, but we weren't too let down because we needed to make it to our next spot before sunset anyway! Little did we know that there was another amazing waterfall right by it called Yeh Empel Waterfall (sometimes known as Pengibul Waterfall) that we could have checked out too if we had time.
Tukad Cepung Waterfall - 30km from Ubud
The stairs leading down to Tukad Cepung Waterfall were the steepest that we had to experience, and things got even more treacherous when we had to walk up the river, wading through thigh-high water, scrambling through caverns! It was fairly easy to know where to go though - just follow the tall canyon walls upstream! We were honestly blown away when we reached the waterfall, with dropped jaws and the occasional giggle of disbelief as the water powerfully cascaded and it's spray filled the air inside the cave! It was our favourite waterfall for sure!
Kanto Lampo Waterfall - 11km from Ubud
Kanto Lampo wasn't like the other waterfalls that we visited, not so tall but still impressive with a powerful flow of water that tumbled down all of the rocks. On Google Images, it looked a little like Goa Rang Reng Waterfall, which is also located nearby but lacks the same wow factor that Kanto Lampo had. From the parking area, it was only a short distance on foot and, at the bottom, a waist deep river was revealed, which was perfect for paddling and even swimming apart from a few large rocks. You can also climb up the rocks and into the waterfall for that perfect Instagram (if it isn't too crowded with tourists that is). For this waterfall, it was definitely worth downloading Maps.Me on our phone, because Google Maps wasn’t at all reliable.
Yellow Waterfall, Dusun Kuning - 20km from Ubud
On the way to Dusun Kuning Waterfall, we noticed a large sign for Dedari Waterfall, but the pictures didn’t look quite as impressive, so we continued with our plan and it wasn’t long until we arrived at Dusun Kuning. Even at midday or, as we like to call it, "waterfall rush hour”, we had the place all to ourselves! We guess that most tourists get tempted by the sign to Dedari Waterfall and never make it the rest of the way up the road to Dusun Kuning, making Dusun Kuning a secret and a very special place!
It was a long walk with too many stairs to count but, when we arrived at the waterfall, every step (and all the aching the next day) was totally worth it! It was tall and truly incredible, and being the only people there made it even more magical! The rocks were a little slippery (so you have to be careful), but there was a small pool at the bottom that was otherwise easily accessible and pretty safe for swimming. We could've stayed there all day! Plus, there was a great restaurant close by where we ate a lovely, vegan-friendly lunch with an equally amazing view.
Gitgit Twin Waterfall (Campuhan) - almost 60km from Ubud!
Another waterfall that we were able to visit but one that was much further away from Ubud. Nonetheless, if you get the chance to go, you won't be disappointed! As the name suggests, Twin Waterfall is home to two waterfalls which both fall into the same deep pool. It makes for great photos and, better yet, we had it all to ourselves! If your feeling adventurous there is also a small rope swing above the river, which made for some fun memories. Twin Waterfall is located in the north near other waterfalls such as Sekumpul, Nungnung and Aling-Aling, which we recommend going to too, but didn't get to go to ourselves.