Banyumala Waterfall: Bali’s Best Waterfall?
Exploring Banyumala Waterfalls – My Full Experience
Are you wondering if Banyumala Waterfalls is worth your time in Bali?
Curious about the entrance fees, location, and best time to visit this gem? After swimming beneath these strong waters multiple times – both in peaceful solitude and amid crowds of tourists – I can confidently say this: Banyumala is among Bali’s finest natural attractions, but timing is everything.
During my visit, diving under the waterfall’s powerful stream while early morning sunlight filtered through the jungle canopy, I had one of those perfect Bali moments that make all the travel planning worthwhile.
That’s exactly the experience I want for you, whether you’re exploring as a couple seeking romance or a solo traveller in search of natural beauty.
With limited time on the island, you need to know if Banyumala deserves a spot on your itinerary (spoiler: it does), how much it costs (affordable), and the easiest way to get there without wasting precious vacation hours.
This guide answers all those questions while helping you avoid the crowds that can transform this serene experience into a disappointing one.
Planning a trip to Ubud? Check out my 3-Day Ubud Itinerary, which includes some of Bali’s best waterfalls.
Disclosure: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means that if you make a booking through them, I may earn a commission. See my Privacy Policy.
Where Is Banyumala Waterfall?
You can find Banyumala waterfall in northern Bali, about 12.5 kilometres from the small town of Munduk.
Even closer is Danau Buyan, the incredible lake that offers perfect peace and quiet.
This part of Bali is mountainous and very beautiful. If you’re travelling up from the south (which is typical), don’t expect it to be similar. Ubud and Denpasar feel worlds apart from this region.
At 1,200 meters above sea level, you can expect peaceful surroundings such as loads of rice fields and lush forests.
Find out the Best Things To Do In Ubud Indonesia.
Looking for more Balinese waterfall inspiration? Read about the insane Tibumana Waterfall.
How To Get To Banyumala Twin Waterfalls
You can get to the twin waterfalls in a few different ways.
The most popular options are renting a scooter or hiring a private driver, either through Grab or as a car for the day. During our Bali trip, we tried both methods.
Some of our best experiences were when we hired a driver for the day to take us around exploring the best of Bali, whether in the north or south.
Right beside Warung Chandra, there is a car park where you can leave your car, driver, or bike while you explore the area.
Do note – you will have to pay 2,000 IDR to leave your bike or car there.
Pro Tip: Download the Grab app and add your card so you can travel freely through many of Bali’s towns seamlessly without having to exchange cash.
Check out another epic waterfall in Bali called Taman Sari Waterfall.
Opening Time
You can visit Banyumala waterfall from 07.00 AM until 06.00 PM.
From my experience visiting Bali’s waterfalls, the closing times are strictly enforced.
Make sure you allow enough time for taking pictures and exploring the rest of the grounds before they close.
Want to know if Bali is worth visiting? Find out all you need to know.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Banyumala Twin Waterfall
The best time to visit Banyumala Twin Waterfalls (or any waterfall in Bali) is first thing in the morning.
This timing helps you avoid the crowds. When we visited, I noticed that many travellers tend to be “bed hungry” – a fancy way of saying they’re reluctant to get out of bed early.
Not everyone, of course, but the site usually starts to get busy about an hour after opening time.
For the most peaceful experience (and photos without strangers in the background), arrive right when it opens.
When we visited, we spent just over an hour at the waterfall. We could have stayed a couple of hours to fully appreciate it, but we had other plans for the day. Consider your schedule accordingly when planning your visit.
Additionally, the dry season runs from April to October. The wet season runs from November to March.
Is There An Entrance Fee For Banyumala Twin Waterfall
Yes, the entrance fee for Banyumala Waterfalls is 50,000 IDR (€1.64/$1.91/£1.43).
The trail to the waterfall can be slightly challenging.
It can take between 6- 10 minutes, depending on your speed and fitness level. It was full of steps in the steep area, but overall felt very safe and had good grip.
During our visit, we saw a visitor hire a motorbike to transport her up a steep section for an additional 25,000 IDR.
If you’re feeling tired, this option could help conserve your energy.
If not, the walk is beautiful and feels like you’re earning the experience you’re about to have.
What To Expect At Banyumala Twin Waterfall
Expect breathtaking scenic beauty.
The setting resembles a movie backdrop, with water elegantly falling down the 30-40 meter tall cliff face.
I was fortunate enough to fly my drone above the falls, gaining a crazy perspective that yielded decent results.
Although it was hard to find a comfortable seat at the edge of the pool beneath the waterfall due to the crowds, we didn’t mind sitting in a slightly awkward position for a while.
Right in front of the waterfall is a wooden bridge where you can cross over the river. This spot also offers excellent selfie opportunities with the twin waterfalls in the background.
Don’t leave without capturing a photographic memory
Tropical plants are visible throughout the falls. Lush greens blend with deep greys and blues. Together, all of this made a scene of pure natural splendour that, in my opinion, rivals the most beautiful landscapes of Thailand.
Tropical plants are visible throughout the falls. Lush greens blend with deep greys and blues.
Together, all of this made a scene of pure natural splendour that, in my opinion, rivals the most beautiful landscapes of Thailand.
If you are comparing Indonesia vs Thailand, I made an in-depth comparison guide.
What To Bring To The Waterfall
To ensure a hassle-free visit, I recommend bringing these essential items to the waterfall:
- GoPro – we brought both models 12 and 13 with us, and they were exceptional for capturing underwater and waterfall moments.
- Swimwear – essential for enjoying the refreshing waters
- Water shoes – essential for navigating the slippery rocks safely
- Bottled water – stay hydrated during your adventure
- Microfiber travel towel – compact and dries quickly after your swim
- Sunscreen – protect your skin even in the shaded jungle environment
- IDR cash to purchase an entry ticket
- Sun hat
Book A Tour To Banyumala Waterfalls
Below are some highly rated and in-demand tours.
Make sure you book one of these for a great experience exploring North Bali and its waterfalls:
North Bali: Sekumpul and Banyumala Waterfalls & Rice Terrace
Bali: Water Temple, Waterfalls and Unesco Rice Terrace Tour
North Bali: Full-day Highlights Instagram Tour
Where To Stay Near Banyumala Twin Waterfalls
While most people visit Banyumala Falls on a day trip from Ubud or Amed (read about the best things to do in Amed), there are some accommodations close by to consider.
For example, some highly rated guesthouses and hotels include:
Safety Wing Travel Insurance
I promise you, travelling without insurance is a BAD idea.
Find out about our far-from-ideal story in Kazakhstan. I recommend Safety Wing.
Final Thoughts – Banyumala Waterfalls Are A True Gem In Bali
Banyumala Twin Waterfall is honestly a stunning natural wonder and one of Bali’s best attractions.
Watching the water cascade elegantly onto delighted travellers below created both a joyful and awe-inspiring moment. The lush green foliage growing through the waterfall partially obscures the flowing water, adding to its mystique.
All these elements combine to make it a scenic and worthwhile destination when visiting Bali.
Make sure you pack all the right items for your Bali trip. I’ve created a full packing list for Southeast Asia. Check it out to see if you’ve forgotten to include anything on your list. Who knows – you may even drop a few things you don’t actually need.
Any questions? Just drop me a message.
Thanks for reading,
James
FAQs
Is Banyumala Waterfall Worth Visiting?
Absolutely. Banyumala waterfall is worth every second. The scenic trail to get there is a little challenging, but the rewards are great. Arriving feels like stepping onto a different planet or travelling to a time when dinosaurs roamed the lands. I urge every traveller to Bali to add Banyumala twin waterfalls to their itinerary.
Can You Swim In Banyumala Waterfall?
Yes, you can swim right in front of Banyumala waterfalls. I had the privilege of doing this, and while there were loads of other people around doing the same thing, I loved every second. The water crashes down on your head and is refreshingly cold, making it heaps of fun. Bring water shoes to protect your feet, as there are many large rocks that are not visible underneath.
- Hoa Lu Ancient Capital: Vietnam’s Best-Kept Secret
- Where To Stay In Ninh Binh: All You Need To Know
- Trang An Boat Tour: My Experience
- Is Ninh Binh Worth Visiting: My Honest Thoughts
- 15 Things To Do In Ninh Binh
