I have encountered my first ever waterfall 8 yeas ago in India. The view of the powerful surge falling from the high rock fascinated me at first glance. I would hear an increasing roar of water as we got closer and feel its power. When I dove in it's fresh (and piercing cold) waters, I felt one with nature like never before.

That was the moment I fell in love with waterfalling once and forever

Waterfalling is a great way to explore the world in general and the island of Bali in particular. This island harbours quite a few of these fresh water gems and up to this day new waterfalls keep unveiling themselves as if The Island of Gods is presenting them to me one beauty at the time.

The waterfalls are scattered around the island, usually surrounded by lush greenery and accessible only by foot through tracks of various difficulty, so by building your travel around these destinations you open yourself to the opportunity to see different parts of the scenic Bali land, appreciate its nature and make your traveling experience active and truly memorable.
Here I would like to introduce you to the ones I had the pleasure of visiting so far.

GIANYAR WATERFALLS

TEGENUNGAN

Let us start with the one waterfall that is the closest to usual tourist destinations and one of the easiest to access. It will take you about 45-60 min from Seminyak to get there and the stairs leading to the waterfall itself are not that steep and not so many of them. You will get your first Instagram worthy view right at the top of the stairs, only 10 min walk from the parking lot.

 View of Tegenungan Waterfall from the top 

The downside of such an easy accessibility is that Tegenungan is pretty touristy comparing to other waterfalls, but it is picturesque nonetheless. This waterfall is not that high, but it is definitely the widest of them all. There is a little cave behind the powerful stream of the crushing water, so you can stand behind (I personally always consider such feature as an advantage – something magical about it and a very romantic spot for kissing too). Tegenungan flows in Gyanyar area and you can combine a trip there with a visit to a Mask Museum in Mas (one of my favorites) or a delicious lunch in some healthy Ubudian café.

Location: Jalan Ir. Sutami, Kemenuh, Sukawati, Kemenuh, Sukawati, Kabupaten Gianyar

KANTO LAMPO

Air Terjun Kanto Lampo was opened to the public as a tourist attraction only in 2015. Before that the villagers would use the area around waterfall for gathering 'Tirta' or holy water. Some sources claim that though the rocks over which the waterfall is cascading were always there, the water started flowing down on them only after big prayers and ceremony in 2015 (which is probably due to clearing up the water pass from the big rocks, but maybe it was a pure natural magic - who knows?).

Most of the waterfalls flow in the jungle or hilled areas, but Kanto Lampo springs in lowlands, very close to the local residential area of Beng Village in Gianyar. Park your motorbike and take a short (very short!) walk down the stairs. Natural surroundings combined with classical Balinese decorations, like tedungs or pagangs - Balinese ceremonial umbrellas - make for a beautiful scenery.

There is a designated changing room at the bottom of the stairs on the left side if you need it. And to get to the waterfall itself you will have to walk right from the stairs, stepping on the flat black rocks. I always recommend to access waterfalls barefoot – due to moist microclimate in the area of every air terjun the soil, rocks and steps tend to get slippery, so walking barefoot will give you more grip.

 Kanto Lampo Waterfall 

Kanto Lampo is about 15 m high and the water comes from a few streams above it. The entire surface of the wall of the waterfall consists of big black flat rocks that form a kind of stepped area. Sitting on those rocks you can enjoy natural shower and the beautiful view of river valley.

When the weather has been sunny and it wasn’t raining for days, the water in the river below will be very clear and the flow won’t be so strong. In this case you can cross the river to another bank and view the beauty of Kanto Lampo from another angle. There is also a small cave there – long time ago locals used it for meditation purposes. During WWII, Dutch soldiers used it as a location for secret meetings and hiding place; now it’s a home for a small colony of bats.

 View of Kanto Lampo from the opposite river bank 

Overall, I would name Kanto Lampo as the easiest waterfall to access, one of the few that you can visit with kids. It's by far, one of the most photogenic waterfalls, just make sure your camera or phone is waterproof.

Location: Br. Kelod Kangin, Desa Beng, Beng, Kec. Gianyar, Kabupaten Gianyar

MELUKAT

Now this one is very special. It is not about getting an awe effect from the way it presents itself visually, as it is a small two-three meter tall waterfall cascading down the rock. But never-mind the humble appearance, Melukat is maybe the most important air terjun on the island. It’s waters are believed to have healing properties, purifying both your body and soul, particularly your karma.

If you would like to experience this holy place to the fullest, go there during the full moon. The waters considered to be most powerful during this time. You will see a lot of locals heading there with the offerings to perform a ritual. Make sure to wear proper attire, meaning sarong to cover your body, and buy offerings and incense in the little shops at the top of the stairs. You can either ask some locals to instruct you on the proper way to perform the ceremony or if you happen to have a Balinese Hindu friend maybe he/she can come along on this tour to help you.

You will first pray at the little shrine right at the bottom of the stairs and then walk down the slippery steps into freezing cold waters. Just splashing your face will not be enough – lean back at the rock and let the water run through your whole body. Sometimes the water coming off people changes colour and becomes murky, which indicated the impurities and negativity leaving your being.

 Purifying waters of Melukat Waterfall 

Regulars like to fill up the bottles and canisters with the holy water, and bring some magic back home with them. This place has great energy and it is truly a cultural adventure. On the way back take different stairs up - not the ones you used to come down. On the top of these stairs there is an lovely warung with delicious food, nice view and low prices. Same family that is looking after the waterfall operates this warung.

Melukat is located in Sebatu village, just half an hour away from Ubud towards Kintamani

Location: Jl. Raya Bilukan No.25, Sebatu, Tegallalang, Kabupaten Gianyar