Unveiling Bali's Lesser-Known Waterfalls - Perfect for Photography Lovers
Bali is widely known for its iconic beaches, terraced rice paddies, and majestic temples, but there's a hidden side of the island that often gets overlooked – its stunning waterfalls. While famous spots like Gitgit Waterfall and Tegenungan Waterfall attract thousands of visitors, there’s a world of lesser-known, secret waterfalls waiting to be explored. For photography lovers, these secluded gems offer the perfect opportunity to capture Bali’s natural beauty in all its serene and raw glory.
In this guide, we’ll take you on a journey through some of Bali’s best-hidden waterfalls that are perfect for photographers looking for unique, off-the-beaten-path spots. Whether you're an experienced photographer or a beginner looking to capture the perfect shot, these waterfalls will provide the perfect backdrop for your next adventure.
Discovering Bali’s Hidden Waterfalls – Why These Spots Are Worth the Effort
Bali is home to over 100 waterfalls, many of which remain untouched by large crowds. These less-visited waterfalls offer a quieter and more intimate experience, allowing photographers to capture stunning images without the distractions of other tourists. For those willing to venture off the main roads, Bali’s secret waterfalls are a treasure trove of natural beauty, from towering cascades to tranquil pools surrounded by lush vegetation.
Unlike the popular tourist spots, the hidden waterfalls in Bali often require a bit of effort to find, but that’s part of their charm. Many are tucked away deep in the jungle or nestled in remote valleys, giving them a sense of exclusivity and untouched beauty. The reward for your efforts? Stunning, serene waterfalls that will make for some of the most beautiful photos you’ve ever taken.
Waterfalls in Bali offer a variety of photography opportunities. From long-exposure shots of cascading water to capturing the interplay of light filtering through dense forest, each waterfall provides its own unique angle for creativity. Many of these spots are surrounded by lush green landscapes, giving your photos a tropical, tranquil vibe. Additionally, Bali’s waterfalls tend to have an ethereal quality, with mist rising from the water and creating a soft, dreamlike atmosphere in your photos.
1. Sekumpul Waterfall – Bali’s Hidden Gem
Often regarded as Bali’s most beautiful waterfall, Sekumpul Waterfall is a photographer’s dream. Located in the northern part of Bali, Sekumpul is a collection of six waterfalls that cascade down lush cliffs surrounded by dense jungle. The sight of the water tumbling down in multiple streams against the backdrop of the forest makes for a dramatic and breathtaking photo.
The hike to Sekumpul is a bit challenging, with a steep descent and several crossings over small streams, but the view upon arrival is worth every step. The waterfall is less crowded than other tourist hotspots, making it easier to capture photos without other visitors in the frame. The best time to visit is early in the morning when the light is soft, and the waterfall is bathed in golden sunlight, creating a stunning contrast against the green landscape.
Sekumpul Waterfall is ideal for long-exposure shots that capture the motion of the water, or for wide-angle photos that showcase the grandeur of the multi-tiered cascade.
2. Nungnung Waterfall – A Hidden Paradise
Tucked away in the lush highlands of Bali, Nungnung Waterfall is a hidden gem that few people know about. Located in the Badung regency, this majestic waterfall is 50 meters tall and surrounded by dense rainforest. The waterfall’s remote location ensures that it remains relatively untouched, and the peaceful environment makes it a great spot for photographers looking to capture the raw beauty of Bali’s landscapes.
To reach Nungnung, visitors must descend over 500 steps, but once at the base, they are greeted by the sight of water crashing into a large pool, creating a mist that adds a mystical effect to your photos. The surrounding greenery enhances the scene, and the waterfalls can be captured from various angles, including a viewpoint that offers a wide panoramic shot of the entire cascade.
Nungnung Waterfall offers incredible opportunities for both wide-angle shots and close-up shots that highlight the details of the water as it crashes against the rocks. The mist rising from the base of the waterfall also creates the perfect conditions for some dramatic, ethereal photos.
3. Banyumala Twin Waterfalls – A Tranquil Oasis
Located in the north of Bali, Banyumala Twin Waterfalls are a serene oasis that’s perfect for photographers seeking peaceful, natural settings. These two waterfalls flow side by side into a natural pool surrounded by lush jungle, creating a tranquil environment that is perfect for capturing Bali’s serene beauty.
Unlike some of Bali’s more popular waterfalls, Banyumala offers a calm, quiet setting, making it the perfect place for those looking to take long-exposure shots or capture the beauty of the surrounding flora. The waterfall is surrounded by dense vegetation, and the light filters through the trees in a way that creates dramatic shadows and highlights, perfect for photographers who enjoy playing with light and contrast.
To get to the waterfall, you’ll need to walk along a scenic path through the jungle, but the hike is short and easy, making it a great option for those seeking a peaceful, hidden spot. The crystal-clear water that flows into the pool below the falls makes it an ideal place for reflection shots as well.
4. Tibumana Waterfall – A Quiet Escape
Located in Ubud, Tibumana Waterfall is a small yet stunning waterfall that’s perfect for photographers looking for a more peaceful and intimate setting. This waterfall is less crowded compared to other Ubud waterfalls, making it an ideal place to capture Bali’s beauty in solitude.
The waterfall flows into a natural pool where visitors can swim or simply admire the beauty of the cascading water. The surrounding trees and rocks create a magical, secluded feel, and the sunlight filtering through the canopy adds an ethereal glow to the entire scene. Tibumana Waterfall is an excellent choice for both close-up shots of the water and wider landscape shots.
5. Aling-Aling Waterfall – A Thrilling Adventure
Located in the northern part of Bali, Aling-Aling Waterfall offers both adventure and beauty. This waterfall is unique in that visitors can take part in a thrilling activity – waterfall jumping. The waterfall is surrounded by steep cliffs and has a series of natural pools, making it perfect for those who enjoy a bit of adrenaline along with their photography.
The waterfall itself is stunning, with water cascading over the rocky surface and into a series of pools below. The surrounding landscape is lush and green, providing a beautiful backdrop for any photo. For photographers, Aling-Aling Waterfall offers the opportunity to capture the motion of the water, as well as the excitement of the waterfall jumps, making for action-packed shots.
Photography Tips for Bali’s Waterfalls
When photographing waterfalls, timing and lighting are everything. For the best results, it’s ideal to visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon when the light is soft and golden. During these hours, you can capture the water in its most beautiful state, with reflections and a soft glow that enhances the overall shot.
Another key photography tip is using a tripod and a ND filter for long-exposure shots. This will help you capture the motion of the water as it cascades down, creating that soft, milky effect that makes waterfalls so captivating in photographs. Be sure to also bring extra equipment, such as lenses with wide focal lengths, to capture the grandeur of these natural wonders.
Bali’s Hidden Waterfalls Are Waiting for You
Whether you’re an experienced photographer or just a lover of nature, Bali’s hidden waterfalls offer some of the most beautiful and unique photography opportunities on the island. From the stunning multi-tiered Sekumpul Waterfall to the serene and tranquil Banyumala Twin Waterfalls, these hidden gems provide a chance to capture Bali’s natural beauty in a way that few people ever get to experience. By venturing off the beaten path, you’ll be rewarded with some of the most stunning landscapes and secret spots Bali has to offer.
