5 Most Beautiful Waterfalls in Indonesia

Indonesia contains some of the world's most spectacular waterfalls. Nearly each of the country's most popular islands has a waterfall worth visiting, and it can be hard to know which ones are worth your time! To make it a little easier for you, here is everything you need to know about visiting the 10 most beautiful Indonesia waterfalls.

1. KANTO LAMPO, BALI

Bali has many gorgeous and popular waterfalls, and the majority of them can be found in the northern region of Buleleng. Kanto Lampo, however, is located in the Denpasar region, making it a little easier to access from the island's most popular towns. This waterfall is actually brand new because it was created in 2015 when a dam was built at the waterfall's hilt, making visiting Kanto Lampo one of the top things to do in Bali.

HOW TO GET THERE: Kanto Lampo is located just next to Gianyar, a small town about 12 km from Ubud Palace. You can reach it in less than an hour's drive from Ubud or Denpasar. It is easy to reach the waterfall from the village, and the terrain is gentle enough for even novice hikers. 

ENTRANCE FEE*: IDR 5,000 per person (less than USD 1)

THINGS TO DO

• Right next to the waterfall, on the left-hand side, is a set of stairs that you can follow down to the riverbank. The river here is full of eels and fish and you'll often find locals fishing there.
• As you leave the village and head towards the waterfall, keep your eyes peeled for a small bat cave.
• In case you are interested in hiking in Ubud then Mount Batur hike is an excellent choice.

2. NUNGNUNG, BALI

Nungnung is often called the most picturesque waterfall in Bali. Tumbling from a height of 900m and nestled deep in the Indonesian countryside, this waterfall is still somewhat undiscovered and is perfect if you want a peaceful, secluded experience. You will have to hike for about 35 km through the Balinese mountains to reach these falls! From the top of the falls, you then have to climb down 500 steps to reach the gorge at the bottom.

HOW TO GET THERE: The Nungnung waterfall is located in Sangeh, about a 1.5-hour drive from Denpasar or just over an hour's drive from Ubud. 

ENTRANCE FEE*: 10,000 IDR per person (less than USD 1) plus an additional 5,000 IDR per car (about USD 0.36)

TIP: The gorge at the bottom of Nungnung waterfall is perfect for swimming - just remember that you have to climb back up to the top! 

3. TEGENUNGAN, BALI

Tegenungan is by far the most popular waterfall in Ubud and most visitors to the area include it on their to-do list. If you've seen a photo of someone at a waterfall in Indonesia, chances are it is Tegenungan! Conveniently located, this waterfall is easily accessible via a short, well-marked path and makes for an easy day trip.

HOW TO GET THERE: Tegenungan is less than a 30-minute drive from Ubud, or about 40 minutes from Denpasar. No matter which route you take, the drive to this waterfall is a pleasant one, passing small villages and lush rice terraces along the way.

ENTRANCE FEE*: 10,000 IDR per person (less than USD 1)

TIP: There are many shops and restaurants in the parking area for the falls, making this the perfect all-day trip. Be sure to visit Bebek Tamarind restaurant for some delicious fried duck.

Check out this day-tour in Bali and dip into the cool waters of Tegenungang and Munduk among other waterfalls in Bali. 

4. MADAKARIPURA, EAST JAVA

Local legend has it that Mahapatih Gajah Mada, the ancient ruler of the Majapahit Empire, once lived in this stunning waterfall. Madakaripura is actually a series of seven waterfalls, the biggest of which falls from an incredible height of 200m, making it the highest waterfall in East Java. Visiting Madakaripura is an incredible experience as the trail forces you to walk under some of the smaller waterfalls in order to see it in all its splendour. You might get wet, but trust us - it's worth it.

HOW TO GET THERE: Madakaripura waterfall is located in Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, one of the most popular parks in East Java. The main entrance to the park is in Cemoro Lawang village, about a 2.75-hour drive from the Surabaya International Airport. Once inside the park, it cannot be reached by public transportation, but the falls are often part of tours for the Bromo volcano, which is one of the active volcanos in Indonesia.

ENTRANCE FEE*: 5,000 IDR per person (less than USD 0.50) - though note the nearest parking lot is 4km away, so you'll also have to budget for an ojek ride (about 10,000 IDR per person each way, or less than USD 1).

5. COBAN SEWU, JAVA

Once a secret waterfall, Coban Sewu is becoming increasingly popular with tourists - even though the hike to access is it far from easy! The "thousand waterfalls" (as it is translated from the local dialect) is located in a deep ravine, accessible only by a thin path cut through the thick jungle surrounding it. It will take you about 20 minutes (and several ladders) to climb to its base in the canyon below, but it will be the most refreshing swim of your life.

HOW TO GET THERE: Coban Sewu waterfall is just outside Sidorenggo village in the Lumajang Regency of East Java - about a two-hour drive from Malang. There should be a signpost just on the village's outskirts, which you follow for about 200m before reaching the car park.

ENTRANCE FEE*: 5,000 IDR (less than USD 0.50)

There are so many beautiful waterfalls to visit in Indonesia, spread across the country's many islands. From the tall and mighty to the simple and sweet, they perfectly represent Indonesia's great diversity. How many will you be able to visit?

*Please note that the prices listed are as of March 2018

source: bookmundi

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