Cozy amidst the hills of the Ubud region of Bali lies a sleepy waterfall that is yet to be discovered by the masses. Tibumana Waterfall is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Bali. It has a beautiful straight fall that looks like it was painted by hand. It used to be very well hidden until recently when it began to get more popular. Still it is far better than the crowded waterfalls like Kanto Lampo. Tibumana Waterfall is one of those gems of nature you have to visit yourself to admire.
This blog has all the details you need to visit Tibumana Waterfall including timings, entry fees, how to get there and best time to visit.
Where is Tibumana Waterfall?
Tibumana Waterfall is in the Gianyar region of Bali right next to Ubud. It is one of the closest waterfalls to Ubud. It only takes 30 minutes to get here from Ubud. You can find the exact location on Google Maps.
How to Get to Tibumana Waterfall
Tibumana Waterfall is not too far from Ubud and only the traffic and narrow roads account for the long time. It takes 45 minutes to get here from Ubud and 1.5 hours to get here from Canggu. Since the best time to visit the waterfall is in the morning, I would recommend you spend at least one night in Ubud, visit the waterfall and then do some of the other attractions like the Ubud Monkey Forest and rice terraces near Ubud before leaving for Canggu.
Bali roads are very hectic and I have noticed it takes me at least 1.5 times the time that Google Maps shows for scooters when I am driving alone.
You can use any of the following ways to get to Tibumana Waterfall.
Scooter
Renting a scooter is a popular and cheap way to explore Bali. You can rent a scooter for a day, which typically costs around IDR 60,000 – IDR 80,000. I usually found that if you rented for a longer time the price tended to be lower.
Local taxi
Private taxis are widely available in Bali, and you can easily hire one to take you to Tibumana Waterfall but you really don’t need it because it’s so close. You should instead use Gojek or Grab. These are Ubers in Indonesia. You can choose to ride on a scooter behind the driver. I am sure the drivers accept rides on scooters from Ubud to Tibumana Waterfall.
Rent a car and driver
Renting a car can be a comfortable and convenient option, especially if you’re traveling with a group. You can rent a car for around IDR 800,000 – IDR 1,200,000 (approximately USD 55 – USD 85) for a full day. This will include drop off and pick up for your car at your hotel and they include the cost for the drivers.
Joining a Tour
Joining a tour is a hassle-free option, especially if you prefer a guided experience. Many tour operators offer organized trips to Tibumana Waterfall, which often include transportation, a guide, and sometimes additional stops at other attractions.
Directions to Tibumana Waterfall
From Ubud
- Start in central Ubud.
- Head south on Jalan Raya Ubud (also known as Monkey Forest Road).
- Continue on this road until you reach the T-junction with Jalan Raya Andong.
- Turn left onto Jalan Raya Andong and continue for about 5 kilometers.
- Look for signs or ask locals for directions to Tibumana Waterfall.
- The waterfall is located off a small road on the right side of Jalan Raya Andong.
From Canggu, Kuta, Seminyak
- Begin in central Canggu.
- Take Jalan Pantai Batu Bolong (also known as Batu Bolong Beach Road) heading east.
- Continue on this road until you reach the intersection with Jalan Raya Canggu.
- Turn right onto Jalan Raya Canggu and continue for about 3 kilometers.
- At the roundabout, take the second exit to stay on Jalan Raya Canggu.
- Continue on this road for another 10 kilometers, passing through the town of Lodtunduh.
- Look for signs or ask locals for directions to Tibumana Waterfall.
- The waterfall is located off a small road on the left side of Jalan Raya Andong.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Tibumana Waterfall is during the dry season from May to September. Since the waterfall is not a huge one, going during the wet season is also fine. You will definitely find no one there during that time. Going in March and April is the best option because the waterfall still has a huge flow of water and there is much less chance of rain.
Entry Fee and Timings
The waterfall is open from morning till late afternoon everyday. The best time to arrive is during the morning so you have the waterfall all to yourself. It is still a very hidden waterfall so there is a good chance you will be alone if you go early in the morning.
The entrance fee is IDR 15,000 and you can get lockers for extra IDR 5000.
Experience at Tibumana Waterfall
Drive to Tibumana Waterfall
As you get out of Ubud and go a little ways you will find yourself surrounded by rice fields and small villages. Ten minutes before you reach the parking lot for the waterfall you will find that road lined up with palm trees on Bali that everyone seems to be posting about. The road is actually very picturesque and surrounded by nature all around. You will only see some locals working their fields in the distance.
Hike to waterfall from parking lot
Once I got to the parking lot I got down to walk the small path to the waterfall. This was one of the easiest paths I have ever taken to a waterfall. There were just a few steps and then some bamboo paths that led you through the jungle to Tibumana waterfall.
Exploring the waterfall
All the waterfalls in Bali are so hardcore that I wanted to find a quiet one where I could just sit and have a picnic. When I reached Tibumana Waterfall, this is exactly what I found. A calm stream of water with the most symmetric cascade I had ever seen.
I took a dip in the pool which wasn’t more than waist deep in the deepest end. The cave behind the waterfall looked a bit scary but it was fun to go in and take a peek around. I loved it because there was just one other couple and they looked like the good types.
All in all I loved this pretty hidden gem and hope that not many people find out about it so I can visit it again soon.
Things to Carry
- Backpack: I packed a sturdy backpack to carry all my essentials for the day like sunscreen etc.
- Water bottle: I made sure to bring a reusable water bottle. I filled it up before leaving and added some electrolytes as well.
- Snacks: I had some nuts in my bag cause it’s always fun to eat those.
- Swimwear: Since swimming was allowed at the waterfall, I wore my bikini underneath my clothes.
- Towel: To dry off after swimming and to sit on while enjoying the mesmerizing views, I was carrying my quick-drying travel towel.
- Insect repellent: To ward off any mosquitoes or bugs, I was wearing a little bit of mosquito repellant.
- Sunscreen: Definitely put on SPF 50 before leaving the hotel.
- Water shoes: I wore my water shoes for the trek. I love these because they are great for walking on slippery rocks, in the water and even on dry land.
- Camera: This is a great place to get some amazing shots and you should definitely carry your camera with you. 📸
Can You Swim at Tibumana Waterfall?
Yes, you can swim at the waterfall. It is also very safe for children to swim because there are two locals there for safety and the water is only waist deep at the deepest end.
Is Tibumana Waterfall Appropriate For Small Kids?
Yes. This is one of the best waterfalls for kids in Bali. The strength of the cascade is gentle, the water is only waist deep in the pool and there is only an easy 10 minute walk to the waterfall from the parking lot.
Places to Stay in Ubud
Luxury Hotel: Alila Ubud
Alila is one of the top rated resorts in Bali. It is made with a luxurious and peaceful experience in mind. Nestled amidst the rice fields of Ubud, this property has everything you could desire. It has delicious cuisine, a long infinity pool, a spa with a long menu of treatments and tastefully decorated rooms.
- Price: From $180.
- Booking.com link
Mid-Level Hotel: Merak Village by Prasi
The infinity pool and gardens at Merak Village are great for relaxing. Their rooms are beautifully decorated and their food is equally delicious. They even do floating breakfasts if you ask!
- Price: From $60.
- Booking.com link
Budget Hotel: Joglo Organik Guesthouse
A conveniently located property that has comfortable and clean rooms. All Ubud attractions are very close by and can be reached easily within 10 minutes on a scooter. They have great views, a pretty pool and good breakfast.
- Price: From $40.
- Booking.com link
Things To Do Near Tibumana Waterfall
Ubud Monkey Forest
The Ubud Monkey Forest is filled with cheeky monkeys and their cute babies. You can walk through the forest and visit the beautiful temples inside it. THe monkeys are everywhere – playing in the water, eating bananas or even trying to steal from you!
Immerse yourself in Ubud’s vibrant arts and crafts scene by visiting the Ubud Art Market. You can look at all the traditional handicrafts, textiles, paintings, and souvenirs. Be sure to bargain and get a good price for your stuff.
Ubud Palace
This historical palace near Ubud where the royal family lived at one time is one of the finest examples of Balinese architecture. They also have captivating dance performances in the evening!
Campuhan Ridge Walk
If you can’t find time to go all the way to Tegallalang rice terraces then make your way to the hike along the Campuhan Ridge. It has rice fields all around, palm trees growing in the distance and the gentle Ayung River flowing by it. There are a couple really good restaurants here too.
Goa Gajah Temple
Discover the mystical Goa Gajah cave temple with unique rock carvings and a beautiful bathing pool. The temple architecture is wonderful and you can spend some time really exploring the temple grounds.
Waterfalls Near Tibumana Waterfall
I had been very excited to visit Tukad Cepung because it is a very famous waterfall after all. Tukad Cepung is inside a cave which is why it’s so famous. The waterfall cascades through a narrow opening in the cave, creating a breathtaking sight. The sunlight dances on the water. It felt like stepping into a Ghibli movie.
A short journey from Tibumana Waterfall led me to Kanto Lampo, and I immediately loved it. The water falls over an impressive rock formation, with lots of levels. You will immediately get drenched by the mist coming from the force of the water falling on the rocks. The gren jungle and the chirping of birds makes it all the more unique.
Pengibul Waterfall
In my quest to explore the waterfalls near Tibumana, I stumbled upon Pengibul without meaning to go to it. It’s an undiscovered quiet waterfall. The pool is also very enticing and the water is so cool that I immediately wanted to take a dip. The untouched beauty of Pengibul hopefully remains for a long time.
Tour Options in Ubud
Ubud Waterfall, Rice Terraces & Monkey Forest Private Tour
This tour is perfect for all the nature enthusiasts out there. You will be taken to the stunning Tegenungan Waterfall, where you can admire its breathtaking beauty and take a refreshing dip. After that, you’ll visit the UNESCO-listed Tegalalang Rice Terraces and see how rice is grown the traditional way in Bali. The final stop is the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, where you can interact with friendly monkeys up close.
Ubud ATV Quad Biking Adventure Guided Tour
If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, then this tour is perfect for you. You’ll ride through the picturesque Balinese landscapes on an ATV and explore the beauty of Bali’s countryside in a unique way. The tour takes you through rice fields, traditional villages and lets you witness stunning sights that you might not have otherwise seen.
Ubud All-Inclusive Tour with Optional Lunch
This is a full-day tour, which takes you to some of Bali’s most popular attractions in and around Ubud. The tour is designed to give you a holistic experience of Bali’s culture and its people. You will explore the famous Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, visit Taman Ayun Temple, see stunning rice terraces, and visit a local market to experience Balinese culture up close.
Ubud Quad Bike Jungles, Rivers, Waterfalls, Caves
Another ATV adventure tour for enthusiasts that takes you through Bali’s jungles, rice fields, rivers and caves on board an ATV. You’ll get to explore some of the most beautiful and remote parts of Bali. The tour includes a pick-up from your hotel, some refreshments and lunch.
Ubud Full-Day Instagram Highlights Tour
This tour is exactly what it says – an Instagram Highlights Tour. If you’re an avid social media user and love to capture beautiful moments to feed your Instagram, this tour is perfect for you. You will visit some of Bali’s most famous and scenic spots that are perfect for photoshoots and selfies. Some of the highlights include the Bali Swing, Tegalalang Rice Terraces, Pura Tirta Empul, and the famous Handara Gate.
Conclusion
Tibumana Waterfall is one of the last undiscovered waterfalls of Bali. With waterfalls being commercialized so quickly, Tibumana is a breath of fresh air. If you are an explorer with a taste for the undiscovered then this waterfall is for you!
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