On a quest to find the lesser known waterfalls in Bali I stumbled upon Goa Raja Waterfall. The waterfall is really close to Tukad Cepung Waterfall but it’s like it’s in a different world. You have to walk through a beautiful forest and then you come upon this beautiful waterfall. Since the famous waterfalls in Bali are all overrun by tourists now, finding a place like this which almost no one visits is a dream come true.
Where is Goa Raja Waterfall?
Goa Raja Waterfall is to the north of Sidemen. The closest place to the waterfall is Bangli village. It’s between the towns of Ubud and Sidemen. It takes approximately 45 minutes to get here from both towns. You can find the exact location on Google Maps.
How to Get to Goa Raja Waterfall
By Scooter
Scooters are the cheapest and quickest way to get around Bali. They are small so traffic is easily avoided. Scooter rentals cost around IDR 60,000 to IDR 80,000 (approximately USD 3.50 to USD 5.50) per day in Canggu and Ubud. I’ve found that longer term rentals are usually cheaper. Checkout my guide to renting a scooter in Bali so you don’t get scammed like I did.
Local taxi
If you prefer getting a taxi then Gojek and Grab are two good apps to use. These are Ubers for Bali. You can ask for a scooter or car depending on what you prefer. Hop onto the back of the scooter and they will drop you off at the parking lot of the waterfall. You can find people driving scooter taxis to take you back from the parking lot to the towns.
Private car charter
If you prefer a more luxurious and convenient option, renting a car with a private driver is a fantastic choice. This is a great choice for people who are traveling in bigger groups. Prices for a full day rental range from IDR 800,000 to IDR 1,200,000 (approximately USD 55 – USD 85).
Tour Options in Sidemen
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit any waterfalls in Bali is usually during the dry season when the flow of water is not too strong and you can swim in the waters. If the waterfall is smaller than the wet season is better because the falls look more impressive and it’s a great time for photography. Goa Raja can be visited in both seasons. It’s a small waterfall so even in the wet season it would be ok to go there.
Entry Fee and Timings
A lot of blogs say that the waterfall doesn’t have an entrance fee but as of 2023 it has an entrance fee of IDR 50,000. The waterfall is open from 7am to 6:30pm.
Experience at Goa Raja Waterfall
When you get to Goa Raja Waterfall you will find a small parking lot with a couple warungs where you can park your car and buy the entrance ticket. Then grab your things and start the hike to the waterfall.
The hike to the waterfall is a bit longer than other waterfalls. The parking lot is 1.5km away from the waterfall and you have to hike through the valley to get to the waterfall. There is a 56m elevation from the parking lot to the waterfall. The path to the waterfall is paved but it’s covered with moss and it’s very slippery in the wet season. The trail goes up for 10 minutes before it comes to a pretty temple in the middle of the forest. The temple honors the gods Shiva, Parvati and Ganesh.
After the temple is when the interesting bit starts. You have to get down and walk alongside the creek because there is no path. I wore my water shoes for this part because I wanted to avoid any sharp rocks. You can wear sandals too. The creek is very shallow and calm so there is no danger walking through it.
After 10 minutes of walking through the creek you will finally come to a big hole in the cliffs on the right and see the waterfall falling down it. If you go during the time when the sun is high up the sunlight streams through the hole and makes Goa Raja Waterfall look very dramatic. On the left is a long very small waterfall that runs into a mad made pool. The pool is very refreshing and great for adults to swim in.
There is a tiny pool in front of the bigger waterfall. It is deep enough that you can wade up to your thighs. The waterfall looks incredible because nobody visits it so it’s clean and quiet.
When you get back to the parking lot of Goa Raja Waterfall you can get something to eat and drink from the 2 warungs there. These are basic warungs so don’t expect anything too fancy. You can get some local food and drinks for your ride back to town. Tukad Cepung Waterfall is also right next to here so you should definitely make a stop there even though it might not compare to how awesome Goa Raja Waterfall is.
Things to Carry
- Water Shoes: These are very important because you have to wade through the creek and your shoes will get wet. I always recommend wearing water shoes wherever you cannot see the bottom of the water.
- Snacks and Water: The trail is a long one and takes more time than other waterfalls that you ight have visited in Bali. Taking water and snacks is a good idea.
- Sunscreen: The sun in Bali is no joke and you will get fried before you even know it. Wear lots of sunscreen on the scooter ride and the trek to the waterfall.
Can You Swim at Goa Raja Waterfall?
The pool isn’t deep enough to swim but you can wade into the pool up to your thighs. This is a great waterfall for kids to play in. The pool is very shallow so it’s safe for kids to enjoy it.
Is Goa Raja Waterfall Appropriate for Small Kids?
Yes! It’s one of the best waterfalls to take your kids to because the waterfall is very gentle and the pool below the falls is shallow and safe for kids to swim in. There are also less people around so it’s easier to keep an eye on your kids.
Places to Stay in Sidemen
Luxury : Wapa Di Ume Resort
This resort is called the hidden gem in east Bali. It has a two tiered infinity pool where you can have a floating breakfast. They also have private pools which they will fill with flowers on your request. Their service, cuisine and rooms are exemplary. Their spa treatments are wonderful with the best trained masseuse.
- Price: From $350.
- Booking.com link
Mid-Level : Patal Kikian
Patal Kikian has beautiful rooms that overlook Mt Agung and the beautiful fields in Sidemen. The rooms come with a gorgeous bath and beautiful furnishing. The outdoor swimming is a area of tranquility where you can relax after a day sightseeing. Romantic dinners next to the pool can be arranged on request.
- Price: From $110.
- Booking.com link
Budget : Bukit Luah
A comfortable and clean property for the budget conscious travel whose main purpose is to see the attractions in Sidemen. They have a bicycle service and free private parking. It’s a great place to make your base in Sidemen.
- Price: From $30.
- Booking.com link
Things To Do Near Goa Raja Waterfall
Penglipuran is one of the traditional Balinese towns near Bangli. You have to pay a fee to enter the village and then you can explore the village as long as you like. You can see traditional bamboo houses here as well as Balinese decorations inside and outside the houses. The village also has 3 temples that are worth visiting.
This is one of the most famous waterfalls in Bali and everyone who comes to Ubud goes here. Depending on whether you are okay with crowds you might want to visit here. The waterfall is inside a beautiful cave and looks majestic when the sun rays fall through the hole in the cliffs.
Telaga Waja River
Telaga Waja is a powerful river near Sidemen where people visit to enjoy white water river rafting. The river is surrounded by a beautiful forest and it’s a thrill to do some river rafting here. There are lots of companies that run river rafting tours to Telaga Waja River from all big towns like Canggu, Ubud and Sidemen.
Conclusion
Goa Raja Waterfall is one of the hidden waterfalls of Bali and one of the last places with no people. The waterfall is beautiful and falls through a hole in the cliffs. You have to walk 1.5km through the forest and wade through the creek to get to the cave where the water falls down. It’s quite an adventure to get to the waterfall and it makes getting to the pool that much better. If you want a day where you can hike through the forest without being disturbed by tourists and spend it in nature then this is the place for you.
