How to find hidden waterfalls in Ubud!

Ever wandered Ubud looking for a quiet waterfall, only to find selfie sticks everywhere? It feels like the falls have their own paparazzi. But there’s still a peaceful hush at its secret cascades.

Cool mist drifts through coconut groves (clusters of tall palm trees). Below, clear pools welcome your first dip.

In this guide we’ll show you how to slip off the beaten path – yeah, those barely marked jungle trails. You’ll discover three hidden cascades: Tukad Cepung, Melanting, and Tibumana. If you start early you can arrive before breakfast wraps up.

Picture yourself sipping coffee as soft sunlight filters through the leaves. Pure bliss. Your own private Bali morning awaits.

Essential Guide to Finding Hidden Waterfalls Near Ubud

There’s a hush around Ubud’s tucked-away falls. You won’t hear the roar of Tegenungan here. Instead, there’s cool mist, clear pools, and the soft murmur of water shaking off the midday heat. Ever wanted to dip your toes without bumping into selfie seekers?

The trails wind through rice terraces (stepped fields that glow emerald at sunrise) and coconut groves (tall palms swaying in warm trade-wind breezes). You’ll follow faint paths, hop over little streams, and feel birdsong rise as you near each cascade. Oops, did I say cascade? I mean pure magic.

For more tips on greener trails and fewer people, check out best hidden waterfalls in Ubud.

Meet your new favorite spots:

• Tukad Cepung Waterfall
  Coordinates: -8.482, 115.284 | 30 min from Ubud | IDR 15,000 entrance fee
  A cave-hopping stroll leads you under a curtain of rock. Wear sturdy shoes and bring a waterproof bag for your camera.

• Melanting Waterfall
  Coordinates: -8.441, 115.263 | 20 km north of Ubud | small local donation
  This remote trail hops over rice terraces and jungle roots. You’ll cross a narrow plank bridge, go slow so you don’t slip.

• Nungnung Waterfall
  Coordinates: -8.591, 115.171 | 40 km from Ubud | IDR 20,000
  A stairway of 500+ steps opens to a thundering plunge. Visit April–October when the stairs aren’t slick.

• Tibumana Waterfall
  Coordinates: -8.406, 115.403 | 30 min drive | IDR 10,000
  An easy jungle path leads to a calm pool. Morning light filters through ferns, perfect for a quiet swim.

Start early to beat the sun and the traffic. I guess you could hit three falls before lunch. Begin with Tukad Cepung’s soft beams. Then wander terraces at Melanting. And finish at Tibumana’s peaceful pool. Pure bliss.

Planning Your Ubud Waterfall Trek: Maps, Gear, and Seasonal Tips

Ever dreamed of stumbling on a secret cascade deep in the jungle (lush tropical forest)? A trail map, either a detailed PDF you download or a trekking GPS app, becomes your best friend. With your own “Ubud hidden waterfalls map” you’ll skip the wild guesses and follow those faint jungle paths straight to cool, quiet pools. Right here you’ll feel the soft murmur of water and see dappled sunlight on ancient stones.

From April through October the falls flow gently and the ground feels firmer. But from November to March the water thunders louder, each drop sparkling like scattered gems, just watch for slippery paths. Picking your season really comes down to your vibe: do you crave an easy stroll or a roaring waterfall adventure? And mornings, any time you go, unfold in soft light, fresh air, and nearly empty clearings by the water. Mornings are magic.

Think of your gear as a trusty travel buddy. Slip into closed-toe hiking shoes that hug wet rocks, wear swimwear under quick-dry shorts, and tuck a compact microfiber towel into your daypack. Carry water in a sturdy reusable bottle, stash your phone and camera in a waterproof case or dry bag, and don’t forget insect repellent for the humid hush of the jungle. That’s your easy waterfall hiking checklist, ready for every splash and scramble.

Choosing Between Solo Scooter Trips and Guided Tours to Ubud’s Hidden Falls

Renting a scooter is pure freedom. At about IDR 60,000–80,000 a day (around $4–5), you pick your own timing and route. Gojek rides drop you at the main trailhead, but a scooter’s best for that last bumpy stretch on gravel and jungle tracks. Feel the wind on your face, follow the roar of each cascade, and park wherever a narrow path lures you deeper into the jungle.

Hiring a local guide is like gaining a jungle-savvy friend. For about IDR 500,000 a day (roughly $35), they’ll lead you to hidden waterfalls, Tegalalang Rice Terrace (stepped fields glowing emerald at sunrise), and the Ubud Swing (that bucket-list photo op above the canopy). They know the secret trails, the safest spots to hop over slippery rocks, and the quietest pools for a private splash. Group tours cover permits, maps, and parking so you can just relax and listen to the gentle drip of water. Pure bliss.

Safety, Etiquette, and Conservation at Ubud’s Hidden Waterfalls

Good shoes are a must. Choose water shoes or sneakers with non-slip soles that grip wet stones. Bring at least a liter of water in a reusable bottle. Hydration, you know?

Next, tell someone your plan, maybe a friend or your villa concierge (your personal helper). Let them know your trail and what time you’ll be back.

Imagine the soft mist on your skin and the gentle roar of the falls as you hike. Watch your step. Rain can make roots slick and hide rocks in muddy patches. Move slowly.

Before you wade in, test how deep the water is. Step in gently. Currents can surprise you even in calm spots. Only swim where the water stays mild and you can see clearly under the surface.

Waterfall swimming etiquette is simple. Wade in, no diving. Drift slowly in deep pools. Rinse off any lotions before you slip under the falls. Your skin, and the water, will thank you.

By the way, cover your shoulders and knees when you pass through villages or temple grounds. It’s a sign of respect. If you want a photo of a local or private land, just ask first. Most folks will beam a smile.

Pack it in, pack it out. Carry every snack wrapper and bottle home with you. Please don’t carve into tree bark or stack stones. Zero-waste waterfall visits aren’t just a trend, they’re our promise to protect mossy ledges, trees, and crystal-clear pools. Your care today means tomorrow’s quiet morning swims in these hidden cascades.

Capturing Ubud’s Hidden Waterfalls: Photography and Experience Tips

Ever wanted to freeze flowing water into silky strands? Early mornings at Tukad Cepung (a riverside cave waterfall) reveal sunbeams dancing through droplets. I still remember that first time I set up my tripod, low to the ground, shutter slowed to around 0.25 to 1 second, and felt like I was painting with light. Pure bliss.

And don’t forget a waterproof camera or a protective case. That way you can lean in close and chase those sparkles without worry. Trust me, getting a little wet is part of the fun.

Next, wander behind the falls at Tukad Cepung or Tibumana (a gentle cascade with a calm plunge pool) and listen. Your clicks will echo like whispers in a secret chamber. Tranquility. Oops, let me rephrase that, pure calm as the water wraps around you.

Late afternoon at Nungnung (a tall, misty waterfall) bathes the spray in a warm, copper glow. It’s the golden hour for waterfall lovers. Frame your shot with a frangipani blossom (tropical flower with sweet fragrance) or a moss-draped stone. A slight tilt, a sliver of sunlight, and bam, your photo feels like pure Balinese magic.

Offbeat Ubud Waterfall Gems: Pengibul, Manuaba, Sumampan, and Goa Rang Reng

Pssst, ever dreamed of slipping behind a secret waterfall? These four gentle cascades lie just beyond the usual paths. Perfect if you crave soft mist and green hush. You’ll wander under carved stone statues, climb ropes over slick rock ledges, and find tucked-away plunge pools all to yourself.

Pengibul Waterfall

Just a 10-minute stroll from Tibumana, Pengibul feels like a private hideaway. Small, multi-tier cascades trickle into tucked-away pools. Ideal for a quiet swim. The trail stays flat and shaded by tall coconut palms, so you can easily pair it with a morning dip at Tibumana. Pure peace.

Manuaba Waterfall

Near Tegalalang, Manuaba plunges into a wild jungle. The descent is steep and slick (grippy sandals are a must), so take it slow. You’ll hear the water’s roar echo off moss-covered cliffs. Sure feels like nature’s own concert.

Sumampan Waterfall

About 20 minutes south of Ubud, Sumampan hides behind rice paddies (emerald stepped fields). A gentle path winds past carved stone statues to a curtain of water that swells into a dreamy gush after rain. It’s a perfect spot for snapping envy-inducing photos. You won’t mind a bit of mud on your shoes.

Goa Rang Reng Waterfall

A short ride from Tibumana, Goa Rang Reng perches on a black-rock apron. A sturdy rope guides you up to upper pools where the water’s so clear you can count every stone beneath your feet. Entrance is just IDR 15,000. Quiet bliss.

Final Words

From GPS coordinates at Tukad Cepung to planning for dry-season simplicity, you’ve got all the insider tips for a quieter plunge. You’ve weighed scooter freedom against guided peace of mind, packed the right shoes and camera gear, and learned to respect local paths.

Offbeat gems like Pengibul or Goa Rang Reng offer that extra thrill, and safety pointers keep adventures worry-free.

Happy exploring and remember, this guide is your go-to for how to find hidden waterfalls in Ubud with ease.

FAQ

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