Serene Tropical Escape: Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfall in North Bali Forest Charms Off-the-Grid Visitors
Most travelers to Bali come for the sandy shores of Kuta and Nusa Dua, but about two hours north of Denpasar, a different paradise lies hidden amid lush greenery. Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfall sits in Wanagiri Village in the Sukasada District of Buleleng Regency. It greets visitors with a canopy of tropical forest and streams that gleam in filtered light. Far from crowded beach scenes, the spot feels untouched and surprisingly serene.
The name itself combines local terms banyu (water), wana (forest) and amertha (water of life or blessing). It hints at more than a scenic backdrop. This spot feels like a natural sanctuary where each drop seems to renew body and mind. Lush foliage frames the falls as birds call overhead. Many say the mood here feels almost sacred, as if the forest has preserved a timeless space for rest.
Reaching Banyu Wana Amertha requires a drive of about two hours from Denpasar. From the main road in Wanagiri Village, a signposted entrance leads to a parking area set close to the forest edge. Drivers will pass small farms and local homes along narrow lanes carved through hills. Once the vehicle is parked, the real adventure begins on foot, where a ranger or guide may check tickets before pointing travelers toward the trail head.
The trail takes about 15 to 20 minutes through plantations and dense jungle. Fresh breezes carry the scent of wet earth as sunlight filters through palms overhead. In the distance, a steady roar hints at the falls. Moss-covered rocks mark the way over small streams, and wooden steps help tackle steeper sections. When the waterfall comes into view, the forest feels alive with vibrant color and cool shade.
Even though it sits in a quiet forest, Banyu Wana Amertha is ready to receive visitors. At the forest’s edge, staff maintain a parking zone and a cluster of gazebos that offer shade and seating for those who want to pause before or after the walk. Restrooms sit nearby, plus a handful of warungs selling cold drinks and snacks. Each spot stays simple in design so the surrounding jungle remains the star.
This cascade stands at roughly 40 meters in height, but it flows in wide bands that stretch across rocky tiers. Visitors describe it as a giant veil of white, with water spilling over cliff edges onto layered stone formations below. A fine mist drifts outward, offering relief on humid days. The waterway divides into several channels, so every view from the base reveals a new pattern of streams and rivulets that sparkle in daylight.
Around the waterfall’s foot, natural pools form in rock basins carved over time. The water runs so clear and cool that many can’t resist wading in or dipping below the surface. Those who enter note how the flow massages tense muscles, and how the forest hush falls like a balm when the sun beams through gaps overhead. It feels like a hidden bath tucked deep in green surroundings, perfect for unwinding after a hot trek.
Low stone walls guide travelers beside small plots of coffee, clove and cocoa planted by local families. On the route, villagers often pause their farm work to wave and offer a quick smile or a greeting in Bahasa. Conversations flow about daily life, and some hosts share tales of the waterfall’s history and its place in community rituals. These brief encounters give a personal angle to the visit, blending nature’s wonder with genuine neighborly warmth.
Early mornings through midday prove ideal for this outing. Cooler air and soft light offer better visibility along the forest trail, and shafts of sun make the falls gleam even brighter. Traction becomes vital once the ground grows slick, so sturdy footwear—such as sports shoes or trekking sandals—helps steady every step. A light backpack with water, insect repellent and a towel completes basic preparation for anyone ready to explore these shaded paths.
Visitors bear responsibility for keeping this area free of trash and respecting local customs that treat the forest and land with care. Littering, loud noises or off-trail wandering can disturb wildlife and the peaceful vibe that defines the spot. By treating each trail marker, seating area or warung with courtesy, visitors help ensure the falls remain in pristine condition. Many return year after year since the forest feels unchanged and offers a rare chance to disconnect.
Access to Banyu Wana Amertha comes with an entry fee that locals describe as modest: around IDR 20,000 for Indonesian nationals and between IDR 30,000 and 40,000 for overseas visitors. Gates open at 7:00 AM and close at 5:00 PM. This schedule gives ample time for photos, dips in the pools and a leisurely return walk. For those aiming to balance beach days with forest time, this waterfall provides a quiet complement far from the island’s crowds.
