If you are an adventurous soul you might be wondering whether there are still any places left in Bali that aren’t overflowing with tourists. Have all the waterfalls and beaches been discovered? The answer is – not yet! There is one particular place in Nusa Penida where the way to go down and up from the waterfall is so dangerous that most people don’t even attempt the climb. This exhilarating hike leads to Seganing Waterfall on the western coast of Nusa Penida.
Seganing Waterfall is a gently flowing spring that flows directly into the ocean in Nusa Penida. The spring has two pools next to the cliff where it falls down into the water. The hike to the spring is incredibly exciting and dangerous at the same time. Only the most experienced of trekkers and daredevils should make their way to this spring.
I would also like to make clear that dangerous is a relative term. There is a holy pool at the waterfall which means locals have been regularly visiting the place using the same path as the hike. They obviously when asked did not term walking down the cliff ‘dangerous’ by any means. It’s dangerous to us tourists that are not used to walking such paths.
Where is Seganing Waterfall?
Seganing Waterfall is located on the west coast of Nusa Penida. Nusa Penida is a small island that is part of Bali. The island is to the east of Bali. Ferries from Bali take 1.5 hours to reach Nusa Penida and fast boats take around 30 minutes. You can find the exact location of Seganing Waterfall on Google Maps.
How to Get to Nusa Penida
From Sanur Beach Harbor in Bali, a fast boat is available to take you to Nusa Penida. There are two other ports in Bali from where you can take a boat or ferry. The fast boats take 45 minutes and the slower ones take 1 hour to reach the Toka Pakeh harbor in Nusa Penida. There are two other ports in Nusa Penida but they are even further away towards the north east of the island.
How to Get to Tembeling Beach
Scooter
If you’re comfortable riding a scooter, this can be a fun and affordable way to get around the island. You can rent a scooter from various rental shops in Bali for around IDR 60,000 – IDR 80,000 per day (approximately USD 4 – USD 6). Be sure to wear a helmet, and make sure your scooter is in good condition before you hit the road.
When you get off the ferry there are scooter shops right across from the port where you can rent a scooter for the day or as long as you want. Make sure to read the guide so you don’t get scammed out of any money.
Local taxi
Taxis are available everywhere in Nusa Penida, and you can easily hire one to take you to the waterfall from the harbor.
Rent a car
Renting a car is a great solution if you are traveling in a group and prefer to be together. You can rent a car for around IDR 800,000 – IDR 1,200,000 (approximately USD 55 – USD 85) for a full day with a driver included. This will include pick up and drop off at your hotel or the harbor.
Best Time to Visit Seganing Waterfall
The best time to visit Seganing Waterfall is during the dry months from April to October. I would really not recommend doing this hike any time it rains or you see clouds in the distance because that could get dangerous very quickly and you don’t want to get stuck down on the cliff.
Entry Fee and Timings
There is currently no entry fee or timings for Seganing Waterfall. The waterfall is barely known to any tourists and you have no chance of encountering a single other person while you are there. Thus it doesn’t make sense for the locals to set up a ticketing booth. Since the way down is so adventurous and there are no concrete paths here the waterfall never became famous.
Experience at Seganing Waterfall
When you get to the top of the cliff there is just a patch of dirt where you can park your scooter. From here you can walk to the edge of the cliff and see the view all around the coast. It’s a pretty beautiful place to watch the sunset I would imagine. There is a lady with a shop here where you can get some drinks and snacks. If you are tired after the long drive you can just relax on one of the chairs and tables they have set up at the cliff.
Once you are ready to begin the climb you can start on the path that takes you down to the waterfall. The board with the name of the waterfall should guide you if there is no one else around there. The path is ok for a little while before you get onto the part of the path where there is a steep cliff on one side and a flimsy bamboo railing preventing you from falling on the other side. The path is uneven and made by cutting out muddy parts of the cliff so it does tend to get rocky at times as well. At some points you will have to climb down extremely steep bamboo ladders.
When you get to the bottom of the cliff you will be approximately 10-15 meters up from the ocean level. Be really careful not to get too close to the ocean because Nusa Penida is known for having freak waves that can sweep you off the cliff and into the ocean. At the bottom there are 4 holy stone sculptures which the locals worship. There are two pools here. One of the pool you can swim and sit in but the other pool is holy so you cannot enter it.
A couple years ago the spring water used to flow directly from the ground into the pool and then the ocean. But now there is a water retainer that has been installed. It’s a big blue machine in front of the stone statues. The water first flows into it and then into the pools. Be warned that there is no huge waterfall here like the ones in Ubud. Seganing Waterfall is a small spring that flows over multiple steps of rocks which is why it has been named a waterfall. The views from this place are spectacular though and there is a good chance that you will be the only person here.
Make sure to get back up the cliff with plenty of sunset left. If you see clouds in the distance that is also a good time to start heading back. I would not want to get caught trying to get back up in the dark or when it’s raining or cloudy. The bamboo steps look sturdy enough and I have seen worse ones in India but better not to take any chances. This place is definitely not at all appropriate for kids or elderly people.
Things to Carry to Seganing Waterfall
- Water: I would not want to make the climb down the cliff and up without water. It is a long and arduous hike and water will be your best friend.
- Sunscreen: As always, Bali sun is extremely hot and you get sun burnt before you realize it. Carry plants of sunscreen and a hat if you have one.
- Snacks: You are sure to get tired and hungry after climbing down. It’s best to have some nuts and crackers with you.
- Camera: The views from the place are unbelievable and make for amazing photos.
- Sturdy Shoes: This is the one place in Bali where I would recommend wearing good shoes. If you wear flip flops don’t be surprised if you see them slipping off and flying down the face of the cliff.
Things To Do Near Seganing Waterfall
Kelingking Beach
Another extremely adventurous hike is the one to get down to Kelingking Beach. This is the beach with the dinosaur shaped cliff next to it. The beach has crazy waves so no one swims in it but the beach is very pretty and the hike down has amazing views of the surrounding cliff. This beach is also included in most Nusa Penida tours from Bali so it’s an easy way to see the highlights of Nusa Penida.
Broken Beach
One of the most interesting natural formations in Nusa Penida is a beach that can be seen within a huge crater in the cliff. The ocean flows to the beach through an arch in the cliff. Everyone that visits Nusa Penida definitely visits this place because of its unique natural formations. There are some restaurants right next to the ocean here so you can enjoy lunch with an amazing view of the ocean.
Manta Ray Snorkeling
If you love the ocean like I do then snorkeling with Manta Rays must be on top of your list. Nusa Penida has a year-round Manta population so you can see them in the water all throughout the year. The majestic creatures are very curious and come right next to you when you are snorkeling. The best place to go snorkeling with Manta Rays is Manta Bay.
If you are in Bali you can do the manta ray tour from Bali on a speedboat or you can do the manta rays tour from Nusa Penida if you are already on the island.
Conclusion
Of all the places to visit in Nusa Penida, you won’t find one more adventurous and daring than Seganing Waterfall. Hidden from the crowds by a treacherous bamboo hike, this is one place where the throngs of people won’t be able to follow you.
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