Up in the chilly hills of North Bali, there are many incredible waterfalls. In fact, this region of the island is home to some of the most impressive waterfalls in Bali. One of those you have to visit is Banyumala Waterfall. This incredibly picturesque, photogenic and swimmable waterfall will leave your jaw on the floor. There are some steep steps to navigate (just 10 minutes), but the physical exertion is definitely worth the reward of the lush greenery, twin waterfall and refreshingly cool water.
Is Banyumala Waterfall Worth It?
Let’s get the big question out of the way first. Yes! Banyumala Twin Waterfall is definitely worth it. It’s one of the most impressive waterfalls we visited in Bali, and we would happily go back again and again. 50,000 IDR is a little more expensive than other waterfalls in Bali, but we think it’s value for money.
Top Tips and Important Info for Visiting Banyumala Twin Waterfalls
- Visit before 9 am or after 3 pm. It can get busy here, particularly as it’s a popular stop on combined tours from Ubud, so try to avoid the peak hours during the day.
- Opening hours are 8 am – 6 pm.
- Entry to Banyumana Twin Waterfall is 50,000 IDR per person.
- It costs 2,000 to park a scooter.
- The walk/hike down is 20 minutes in total – half on a path and half down some steep and occasionally muddy stairs.
- You can pay 25,000 IDR (each way) for a scooter taxi for the first half of the journey.
- There are restaurants, shops and toilets at the start of the hike.
- There are multiple waterfalls, two of which are great for swimming.
- The steps can get slippery and the hike back up is challenging but worth it.
- You pay for parking and entrance separately – some people report being asked to pay more to the parking attendant or before the ticket booth. Don’t do this.
Where is Banyumala Waterfall?
Banyumala Twin Waterfall is in the Buleleng Regency of northern Bali. It is near the village of Wanagiri, which is known for its picturesque views of the surrounding mountains and lakes.
The waterfall is around:
💦 If you love waterfalls, this best waterfalls in North Bali tour takes you to 3 amazing falls – Banyumala, Banyu Wana Amertha and the Instagram-famous Leke Leke Waterfall. The tour includes pick up and drop off, the entrance fees and a walk through a local village.
🎒 Or, on this 5-star day trip, you can combine a visit to Banyumala Waterfall with the floating temple and the UNESCO Jatiluwih Rice Terraces.
Getting to Banyumala Waterfall
The drive to Banyumala Waterfall is relatively easy until you turn off the main road, around 2 km from the parking area. This road is paved, but some of it gets a bit sketchy in places, with parts of the road being washed away and plenty of deep potholes. However, if you take it steady it’s fairly easy to navigate.
The roads out here are quiet, so depending on where you’re coming from, making the journey yourself isn’t a problem, but if you don’t feel confident, then it’s always best to veer on the edge of caution and book a driver for the day.
🌾 This waterfall trekking tour is perfect if want to tie in Banyumala Waterfall with trekking through Munduk’s rice fields and visiting Bali’s tallest waterfall, Sekumpul. Pick up and drop off is included as well as a stop at Munduk’s twin lake viewpoint.
What to Expect at Banyumala Twin Waterfalls
Banyumala Waterfall is one of the most picturesque waterfalls in Bali. The main waterfall has two waterfalls cascading down the same cliff face. The rocks are steep and covered in trees, plants and lush greenery. Because of the shape of the rock face and the way the water cascades down them, it actually looks like lots of little waterfalls – it’s incredibly impressive.
There are two bridges looking towards the waterfall, which are great for getting photos. In front, you’ll find a more traditional bamboo bridge, and behind this, there is a steel and concrete bridge. This is where most people get the iconic Banyumala Twin Waterfall picture from – stand on the bamboo bridge and take pictures from the second bridge.
Having read lots of articles about Banyumala Waterfall, we haven’t seen anyone else mention the second waterfall, which is probably better for swimming than the main waterfall. As you arrive and come down the stairs, you’ll see the main waterfall on the cliff to your left. Turn right and walk straight ahead, after 30 seconds you’ll come to a large pool below another impressive waterfall.
Be warned, because of the shade provided by the surrounding trees and the elevation of the hills, the water here is chilly, to say the least! But on a hot day, there is nothing more refreshing than taking a dip here.
🎒 Take a look at combined tours to Banyumala.
Amenities at Banyumala Twin Waterfalls
There isn’t much in terms of amenities at the waterfall itself. However, near the parking area, there are restaurants, cafes and shops with amenities. They’re a great place to stop for refreshments either before or after visiting Banyumala Waterfall. Or, if you’re as unfortunate as us, it’s a good place to dry off and hide from the rain. The heavens opened on our climb back up the stairs!
🍴 This 5-star day tour gives you the option to get lunch at a local restaurant after Banyumala Waterfall and you also visit Ulun Danu Temple (the floating temple) and the UNESCO-recognised Jatiluwih Rice Terraces – two of the best things to do in Northern Bali.
How Long Does it Take to Walk to Banyumala Waterfall?
In total, it takes around 20 minutes to walk from the parking lot down to Banyumala Twin Waterfalls. You can cut this walking time down by getting a motorbike taxi with a local driver for 25,000 IDR. They’ll take you to the ticket booth, which is the halfway point of the hike. From here, you’ll have to walk down some steep steps for about 10 minutes. It can get muddy and slippery in places, even during dry season, so be prepared with some grippy shoes.
Can You Swim in Banyumala Waterfall?
Yes! Banyumala Waterfall is one of the best in Bali for swimming. There are two main swimming areas, one in the main waterfall and another in the second waterfall. To get to the second waterfall, face Banyumala Twin Waterfalls from beside the bridge, turn 180 degrees, and you’ll see the top of the second waterfall above the trees. If you’re looking to swim here, just know that the water is super cold! The area is hidden from the sun for most of the day, so it isn’t pleasant at first, but it can also be super refreshing.
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How Deep is Banyumala Waterfall?
The pools at Banyumala Waterfall vary in depth. The main pool directly beneath the twin cascades is about 1.5 to 2 meters (5 to 6.5 feet) deep, perfect for a cooling off after the hike down. The second pool, slightly off the main path, is around 1 meter (3.3 feet) deep, ideal for a more relaxed swim or if you prefer not to swim in deeper waters.
More Things to Do Near Banyumala Twin Waterfall
Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfall
Around 20 minutes from Banyumala Waterfall, you’ll find the less visited but equally impressive Banyu Wana Ametha Waterfall. There are three waterfalls here that are simply majestic. We’d suggest getting to Banyumala first (early in the morning) and then heading to Banyu Wana Amertha. That way, you should avoid the crowds.
💎 On this tour to 3 hidden gem waterfalls, you visit Banyumala as well as Banyu Wana Amertha and Pucak Manik Hidden Waterfall (not visited by tourists and surrounded by beautiful rainforest). Hotel pick up (which starts as early as 7 am) and drop off, entrance fees and tour guide is included.
Twin Lakes View
One of the best things to do in Munduk is to head up to the Twin Lakes View for stunning views over Buyan Lake and Lake Tamblingan. Just 15 minutes from Banyumala Waterfall (on the main road), it’s the perfect stop off before or after visiting the waterfall.
Along this road, you’ll also find plenty of warungs with seating that overlooks the lakes and classic Bali photo spots with swings and sculptures, like Wanagiri Hidden Hill Bali and Twin Lake.
Note: On Google Maps, Twin Lakes View is a free concrete platform on the side of the road, and Wanagiri and Twin Lake are paid-for photo spots.
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