8 Wonderful Waterfalls in Indonesia That You Should Visit

Indonesia is a wonderful country I want to visit soon. This country has much more to offer and this is one of them. Indonesia has many wonderful waterfalls that are simply majestic on its own.

I hope this list will entice you to visit Indonesia.

If you are planning to visit Indonesia for 2 weeks, this itinerary is the best for first timers!

Gitgit Waterfall in Bali, Indonesia

When it comes to waterfalls in Bali, there are a few famous names that come to mind and Gitgit Waterfall is one of them.

It is a tall waterfall which is surrounded by lush greenery and rice paddies. The actual waterfall comes crashing down into a pool surrounded by rocks. It is so beautiful and gives a jungle atmosphere which you can appreciate being in and amongst nature.

Swimming is permitted and safe as long as you are sensible. You will be grateful for its refreshing temperature as you dive in to take a break from the Indonesian heat.

Gitgit Waterfall is probably on everyone’s list chasing waterfalls in Bali. Located in North Bali, it is mostly seen by tourist making their own way there via scooter or hiring a driver and being part of a waterfall tour.

From other popular destinations such as Ubud, Seminyak and Canggu it would take you around 1.5 –2.5h drive.

The hike there is fairly easy and family-friendly. It will only take around 15 min to reach the waterfall from the start of the walk.

There can be locals selling their wares from stalls on the way if you are interested in purchasing something to remember your time at one of Bali’s most stunning waterfalls.

– Kerrie & Woody, justgotravelling.com

Planning to stay in Canggu? Here is a list of cheap places you can stay in Canggu!

Tegenungan Waterfall in Bali Indonesia

Tegenungan waterfall is one of the must visit waterfalls in Bali. Located only 30 minutes away from Ubud, it’s quite popular among tourists who are visiting Bali for the first time. Since public transportation is basically non-existent in Bali, you either need to rent a scooter or hire a private driver to be able to visit the waterfall.

After arriving at the waterfall, you need to pay 15,000 IDR per person to access it (if you arrived by car, the parking fee is 5,000 IDR). The waterfall is open between 6.30am and 6pm and if you want to have it all to yourself, go there for opening time! Since it’s a very popular waterfall, usually it gets really crowded during the day so early morning is the only option to avoid the crowds.

To reach the waterfall, you need to take around 100 stairs down but don’t worry, it only takes 5 minutes or so. You can even swim in the waterfall so don’t forget to take your bathing suit with you if you want to take a dip! At the bottom you will find a few stalls selling food and drink and there is also a toilet where you can change after a swim.

– Krisztina, shewandersabroad.com

Nungnung Waterfall in Bali Indonesia

When it comes to stunning waterfalls, Bali is the home to many of them. However, because of Bali’s popularity, many of these waterfalls are crowded, diminishing their natural beauty. Nungnung Waterfall is one of the hidden gems in Bali that has not been overcrowded yet, partly because of its inaccessibility.

Located 75 minutes away from the touristy city of Ubud, the Nungnung Waterfall is a great addition to any Bali itinerary. The only way to get to Nungung Waterfall is by renting a motorbike, car, and/or a driver. Because of its lack of visitors, tours to Nungnung Waterfall are rarely found. After your 75-minute journey, you will have successfully arrived at the top of the waterfall, where you have to pay a 10,000 IDR  (<1 USD) entrance fee.

This is where the fun begins. To reach the bottom of one of the tallest waterfalls in Bali, you have to embark on a ~500-step path. It s not so difficult on the way down, except for some parts that can be slippery. Getting up is where you will be tested physically, as the steps are taller than average. If all of this (fun) adventure hasn’t stopped you on your tracks, then you are rewarded with nature’s beauty at its rawest form, a mesmerizing waterfall that will take your breath away!

– Sean, livingoutlau.com

Sekumpul waterfall, Bali, Indonesia

Rolling rice terraces, brightly-hued smoothie bowls and waterfalls at every turn – these are the hallmarks of Bali, Indonesia, and what have put the island firmly on the international travel map. But, even on an island globally renowned for its waterfalls, there is one that has to be crowned king of them all: Sekumpul Waterfall.

Meaning ‘collection of waterfalls’, Sekumpul is just that – seven different waterfalls although it’s the two main falls that capture the eye. About 80 metres (260 feet) tall, this waterfall is hugely powerful as water gushes down from an almost dizzying height, falling into the rock pool below. Flanked by lush greenery and actually only a stone’s throw from another magnificent waterfall, Fiji Waterfall, you’re surrounded by beauty.

That said, reaching Sekumpul isn’t the easiest trail on the island.  It’s a two hour drive from popular Canggu or Ubud and anyone attempting it on a moped will find themselves challenged by the undulating hills and a few tricky dirt roads to reach it. Then, once you’ve parked up, you’ve still got about an hour’s worth of walking, swapping dirt tracks for rickety bamboo bridges and almost endless steps to get there; all fine for the descent but a killer on the way back up!

The best advice is, like anything that’s mildly Instagram famous (and Sekumpul is definitely up there on the ‘grammable list), to get there early. Sekumpul, while difficult to reach, can get pretty busy so head there bright and early, to capture one of the most breath-taking waterfalls in Asia.

– James, thetravelscribes.com

Tumpak Sewu Waterfall in Easy Java, Indonesia

My favourite waterfall in Asia (so far!) is undoubtedly Tumpak Sewu waterfall in East Java, which roughly translates to ‘a thousand waterfalls’ due to its vast size. From the incredible panoramic view from the top to the (literally!) breathtaking jungle trek down to the bottom, this is one to remember.

The best way to get to Tumpak Sewu is usually by taking a share car or driver from nearby Malang. I booked mine cheaply from Malang Mador Hostel, but there are also many pricier tour options available, usually combined with nearby Kipas Biru waterfall, which is also incredible in its own right! Malang is a great base to stay as you can also visit it’s colourful rainbow villages before moving on to the famous Mt Bromo and Ijen Volcano. 

Since some of the hike down to the bottom of Tumpak Sewu consists of clambering down half-rotten ladders and slippery rocks with only ropes tied on for support, make sure you take good shoes, a reusable water bottle and ideally a friend. I went with a couple from my hostel, but you could also book a local guide at the entry point.

Though the hike was a bit scary if you’re scared of heights, it’s doable for anyone of moderate fitness and well worth it! Tumpak Sewu is a mindblowing, hidden paradise. The water gushes with a monstrous roar, cooling those who dare to trek through the lush green landscape.

– Cass, cassiethehag.com

Tiu Kelep Waterfall in Senaru, Lombok, Indonesia

Tiu Kelep is one of the mesmerizing waterfalls found in the town of Senaru in the north of Lombok. Senaru is regarded as the gateway village to Mount Rinjani, the second largest active volcano in Indonesia. Trekking up Rinjani is a popular backpacker activity and what brings most people to Senaru, but there is more to this town than just a stepping stone to the volcano.

How to get to Senaru / Tiu Kelep?

If you book to do the Rinjani trek with a travel company this will likely include your transportation to and from Senaru. Otherwise, you will be able to book a taxi in any of the nearby towns and ports, or through your hostel. Once you’re in Senaru, you can simply walk from wherever you’re staying to reach the waterfall. From where I was based in Senaru it was around 1-hour walk.

Top Tips for Exploring Tiu Kelep

When you approach the entry to the waterfall you will be asked to pay an entry fee of 10,000 IDR. This is only around $0.70 and is a legitimate and compulsory fee. Of course you are also going to be bombarded with suggestions of paying for a guide. This is really unnecessary and not worth the extra money, so just pay the small entry fee and explore the area on your own!

The route to get to Tiu Kelep is a bit ‘sketchy’. There are a few climbs and some uneven terrain so make sure you are wearing good shoes! Once you get close you may find you need to walk through shallow water so maybe pack a pair of flip flops with you.

There’s also the opportunity to swim in the small pool at the foot of the waterfall so wear a swimming costume and take a dip in the refreshing water.

Looking for more?

Tiu Kelep is truly a majestic waterfall and a must see if you’re exploring the island of Lombok, but it doesn’t stop there! There are other waterfalls to check out in the area including Tumpasan Senaru Waterfall, Betara Lenjang, and Sedang Gile, which is in close proximity to Tiu Kelep. It is really worth making the most of your time in north Lombok / Senaru by checking out all of these fantastic spots.

– Emma,  theworldbyemstagram.com

Sipisopiso Waterfall in North Sumatra, Indonesia

Indonesia’s largest island, Sumatra, has more waterfalls than tigers; the land of rainforests and orangutans is full of pristine rivers and cascades, but none is more famous than that of Sipisopiso in North Sumatra.

This 120-foot-high torrent gushes out of a hole in the rugged cliff face and thunders to the valley floor, sending cooling mists out to reward the tourists who made it down to the base via hundreds of steps.

Sipisopiso is one of the tallest waterfalls in Indonesia. Unlike many of Sumatra’s natural wonders, it’s relatively easy to reach. If you’re travelling to the highlands of Berastagi or spectacular Lake Toba, you’ll definitely want to pop it onto your itinerary – or even make a day trip from Medan, as it’s only around an hour or two drive (depending on your mode of transport!)

Because it is a tourist hotspot, it’s easy to find, as every driver or guide knows it. You’ll pay a small entry fee of 5000 IDR per person (at the time of writing), and about the same for parking.

There are souvenir shops and local warungs to eat at, and you can get stunning views from the scenic lookouts at the top of falls (including panoramas of Lake Toba itself.)

If you have time (allow at least one hour), it’s worth the hike to the base of the falls to really appreciate the intensity of the crashing water and take some awe-inspiring photos.

However, we’re not kidding when we say there are hundreds of steps. Sumatra is usually hot and humid, so the walk back up can be a bit brutal! Bring water and take it slowly by stopping to gawp at the lush greenery surrounding the area.

– Agung and Carly, wearesumatra.com

Sungai Pinang Waterfalls, Ulu Aie, Sumatra, Indonesia

If you’re looking to visit a truly adventurous area that doesn’t receive a huge amount of travellers, head to Sumatra, Indonesia’s largest, western island and make your way down to Ricky’s Beach House in the small and incredibly remote village location of Sungai Pinang.  The nearest big airport is Padang but you still have at least a 2-hour drive after that to reach this beautiful part of the world. 

Aside from visiting the idyllic Pulau Merak Island, helping clean the rescued baby turtles and visiting a local school, you can also head on up to the luscious and enormous falls of Ulu Aie. In order to get there, you’ll need to take a boat as far up the river as you can, hike through rice paddies, walk deep into the rainforest until you find the crystal clear waters of the river. 

The size of the rocks and the water flow is impressive enough until you realise there’s a 10m rock jump you can do too. There are a number of cascading falls which lead to pools deep enough to swim and jump into and it’s such a relief from the sweltering heat of the jungle. 

This breathtaking waterfall should be on every adventurous traveller’s list because not only is it a phenomenal site to see deep in the rainforest of Sumatra but the people from Sungai Pinang are friendly and welcoming and this remote little village is a dream. 

– Emma, journeyofanomadicfamily.com

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Have you visited one of these waterfalls? Let me know if you have more recommendations!