I went back again to Banyumala Waterfall, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of North Bali. It’s about a two-hour drive from Denpasar, the capital city of Bali. This time, I was with two clients who wanted to visit a waterfall. After thinking it through—considering the distance, the natural beauty, and the fact that it's still relatively quiet due to its challenging trail—we decided Banyumala was the perfect choice.
The waterfall is located in Wanagiri Village, about 1,300 meters above sea level. It’s known as a coffee village because most of the locals are coffee farmers. Besides coffee, the area is rich with other plantations like clove, cacao, and hydrangeas—flowers often harvested and used as offerings in Balinese ceremonies.
We drove through the lush farmlands, then carefully descended along a steep road until we reached the starting point of the trek. From there, we began walking along a narrow trail. Some tourists chose to take a motorbike taxi along the bumpy road until the last stop, where the walking path begins. The trail included a long flight of stairs—maybe around 300 steps down. It was exhausting, especially for someone like me who doesn’t hike here every day!
On the way down, I saw a tourist who couldn’t walk any further. He had slipped on the steps and injured his leg. Later, a few people helped him back up and took him on a motorbike to the parking area—unfortunately, without ever reaching the waterfall.
Finally, we arrived at the waterfall, greeted by its crystal-clear waters. Banyumala isn't just one waterfall—it’s a collection of cascades flowing together into a serene natural pool. Some tourists were already there, swimming or enjoying the view while others took photos in front of the cascading water.
I couldn’t help but pause and take it all in—the sound of rushing water, the cool mist in the air, and the scent of fresh greenery. I let myself fully soak in the moment before starting the long journey back to the top.
