Bali’s Most Scenic Waterfalls for Photos

Bali’s Most Scenic Waterfalls for Photos: A Visual & Cultural Journey

Ah, Bali—the island where lush jungles flirt with volcanic peaks, where the scent of frangipani mingles with incense, and where every corner seems designed for your next Instagram story. But if you’ve come searching for more than just rice terraces and infinity pools, let me guide you to Bali’s liquid jewels: her breathtaking waterfalls. Here, tumbling water carves through emerald canyons, creating not just epic photo ops but soulful moments that echo the wild Adriatic back home in Croatia—if you traded pine forests for palms and swapped pebble beaches for jungle vines.

So, fasten your sarong, dust off your camera, and let’s chase some waterfalls—Zvjezdan-style.

1. Sekumpul Waterfall: The Jungle’s Roar

Picture this: Seven streams crashing through a cathedral of green, their mist rising like incense in a temple. That’s Sekumpul, the undisputed king of Bali’s waterfalls and a test of both your calves and your camera skills. The trek down is an adventure—narrow stairways, river crossings, and the occasional monkey overhead. But, oh, the reward! The falls thunder down, splitting sunlight into rainbows, while the jungle hums with life.

Zvjezdan’s Tip: Arrive early to catch the morning light filtering through the foliage. Don’t be shy—get wet, scramble over rocks, and frame the falls with the giant ferns for that “lost world” vibe.

2. Tukad Cepung: Sunbeams in a Stone Cathedral

If you believe waterfalls should come with a touch of magic, Tukad Cepung will steal your heart. Hidden inside a cave-like canyon, the waterfall tumbles through a slit in the rock, creating shafts of sunlight that dance in the mist—a scene straight from an epic Balinese legend.

Getting there requires a short jungle stroll and a little spelunking down slippery steps. But as you round the final bend, camera poised, you’ll understand why this spot is beloved by photographers and Instagrammers alike.

Zvjezdan’s Tip: Visit mid-morning when the sunbeams are strongest. Just be patient—it can get busy, but if you linger, you might have the place (almost) to yourself, accompanied by the echo of water and the distant laughter of village children.

3. Leke Leke: The Hidden Thread

If you’re after something off the beaten path (and who isn’t, really?), Leke Leke is your secret garden. Tucked away north of Ubud, the waterfall is a slender white ribbon cascading into a turquoise pool, walled by mossy cliffs and draped in vines. The short trek in is a treat—think bamboo bridges and butterflies galore.

Zvjezdan’s Tip: Wear something bright (Croatian red, perhaps?) to pop against the deep greens in your photos. And don’t forget to sip a coconut at the quirky warung near the entrance—the owner’s stories are as refreshing as the drink.

4. Gitgit: The Classic Cascade

Ah, Gitgit—the grand dame of Balinese waterfalls. She’s easy to reach, which means you’ll share her beauty with a few more admirers, but her charm is undeniable. Water tumbles in twin streams, framed by thick jungle and the occasional monkey acrobatics. The path in is lined with stalls selling sarongs and wooden frogs—perfect for stocking up on souvenirs or practicing your bargaining skills.

Zvjezdan’s Tip: Embrace the kitsch. Buy a frog, strike a pose with your new amphibian friend, and let the cool spray wash away your worries. If you squint, the lush valley might remind you of the green hills of Istria—just with more banana trees and fewer truffles.

5. Banyumala Twin Waterfalls: Double the Beauty, Half the Crowds

Somewhere between a secret and a sensation, Banyumala is that sweet spot for nature lovers and photographers alike. Two ribbons of water cascade side by side into a glassy pool, surrounded by wild ginger and bird song. It’s a bit out of the way (north of Lake Buyan), but the drive is a joy—think winding roads, mountain views, and the occasional roadside warung serving kopi Bali that’ll make you forget about espresso for a while.

Zvjezdan’s Tip: Pack a picnic and linger. The pool is perfect for a swim, and the light after noon is golden. If you listen closely, you might hear the spirit of the Adriatic whispering through the leaves—reminding you that beauty, whether in Croatia or Bali, is best savored slowly.

Practical Guidance for the Waterfall Adventurer

• Footwear: Bali’s trails are muddy and mossy—think “jungle chic,” not “beach flip-flops.”
• Timing: Early mornings mean fewer crowds and softer light. The waterfalls are at their most photogenic after the rainy season (April-June).
• Etiquette: Many waterfalls are considered sacred. Dress modestly, and respect local customs—leave only footprints, take only photos (and maybe a frog or two).
• Gear: Bring a waterproof bag for your camera, and don’t forget a towel. Drone pilots—check local regulations before you fly.

Closing Thoughts: Chasing Waterfalls, Chasing Wonder

In Bali, waterfalls are more than backdrops for your next viral post—they’re living temples, wild playgrounds, and reminders that nature’s artistry outshines any filter. Whether you’re craving the cinematic grandeur of Sekumpul or the hidden intimacy of Leke Leke, let your lens capture not just the falling water, but the heartbeat of the island itself.

And as a Croatian far from the Adriatic, I promise you: the spirit of adventure—and the joy of discovering the world’s secret corners—flows as freely in Bali as it does on the sun-dappled shores of Dalmatia.

Happy waterfall chasing, dragi prijatelji!

—Zvjezdan