Tibumana Waterfall in Bali: The Complete Guide (2024)

Tibumana Waterfall has to be one of the most photogenic waterfalls in Bali. Tucked away at the end of a jaw-dropping canyon, this single-tier, symmetrical waterfall doesn’t look real, but it most certainly is – and it’s definitely worth adding to your Bali itinerary.

As you might expect, a waterfall that looks like Tibumana gets quite busy in Bali. Even though it’s only recently gained popularity, you still need to plan your visit to avoid a disappointing experience. We’ve put together our top tips for visiting Tibumana Waterfall, so you can turn up, enjoy the nature and have a refreshing swim without stressing out.

5 Top Tips for Visiting Tibumana Waterfall

1. Arrive Early Morning or Late Afternoon

It can get pretty busy at Tibumana, it’s one of the most Instagrammable waterfalls in Bali, so plenty of people come here. Opening times are 7 am – 6 pm, so try to arrive close before 8:00 am or 3:30 pm onwards. It will be much quieter. The entry cost for Tibumana Waterfall is 20,000 IDR per person.

💦 Visit 3 of Bali’s best waterfalls on this waterfall day trip to Tibumana, Tegenungan and Tukad Cepung Waterfalls. Transport is included as well as the option to add on lunch, a jungle swing and a visit to the famous Tegalalang rice fields.

2. Bring Your Swimwear

Tibumana Waterfall is one of the best waterfalls for swimming. The pool is large and deep in the centre. However, the waterfall is quite powerful (particularly during the rainy season), so stay in the shallow waters if you’re not a confident swimmer.

3. Make Time to Stop On the Road Before the Parking Lot

Thanks to Instagram, the road before the Tibumana Waterfall is incredibly famous, maybe even more famous than the waterfall itself! Lined on either side by towering palm trees, it forms the backdrop to many Instagram posts and reels. We stopped here before going to Tibumana Waterfall and no one else was around, except locals walking to work.

4. You’ll Be Fine in Sandals or Flip Flops

The walk from the parking lot to Tibumana Waterfall is a gentle downhill followed by some steps. It is all paved, and when we visited in May 2024, they had just laid new paths. 

5. Don’t Get Too Close to the Waterfall

It would be fun to go behind or under the waterfall, but it isn’t allowed. There is someone with a whistle and a flag who will give you a telling-off if you get too close – it’s for your own safety.

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Getting to Tibumana Waterfall

The Drive

Getting to Tibumana waterfall is relatively easy. It’s just 30 minutes from Ubud, with all the roads being easy to navigate (especially on a scooter). As with most places in Bali, a scooter is the easiest way to get here, but there is a large parking lot with spaces for plenty of cars, so hiring a driver for the day or going as part of an organised tour is also a great option. As we mentioned, make sure you stop on the road about 500m before the parking lot!

💦 On this highly-rated waterfalls tour, transport is included as you explore three of Bali’s most stunning waterfalls: Tibumana, Tukad Cepung and Tegenungan, in addition to visiting the famous Tegalalang Rice Terraces, a jungle swing and having lunch at an Indonesian restaurant. Pick up and drop off is included.

The Walk

It’s a gentle stroll of around 10 minutes down to Tibumana Waterfall, it’s one of the easier waterfalls in Bali to get to. From the parking lot, you walk down a gentle slope, through an area with some shops selling fresh fruit, drinks, snacks and ice cream. You’ll then take a set of stairs down towards the river bed. 

When you make it to the bottom, you’ll be in a beautiful canyon, just a few feet above the water. There are two bamboo bridges to cross (these are incredibly sturdy, well-made and look incredible). Even though there might be other people around, it’s such a calming walk, especially down in the canyon.

Amenities at Tibumana Waterfall

At the waterfall itself, there are some changing rooms and toilets, but they don’t look the most hygienic, so I wouldn’t plan on using them. However, by the parking lot, and for almost the entire walk down, there are plenty of restaurants with toilets and shops with snacks, drinks and fresh fruit. 

We can highly recommend D’Carik Tibumana, we had breakfast and a matcha here after arriving at the waterfall super early. It’s probably the most tranquil place we’ve ever eaten, set in a beautiful garden and overlooking a rice padi.

Also, if you want to go full Bali, there is a giant swing on the walk to Tibumana waterfall. The guy working there was super friendly and spoke to us for a while when we stopped at one of the shops opposite.

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The Best Time to Visit Tibumana Waterfall

You should get to Tibumana Waterfall between 7:30 am and 8:30 am or after 3:30 pm to avoid the crowds. We’ve been told that it’s only recently that Tibumana Waterfall gained popularity, but after visiting, you can tell it’s going to get more popular. The new walkways, bridges and abundance of shops and restaurants suggest it’s going to get even more popular. When we arrived at around 8:00 am, there were only a few other people there, but when we left an hour or so later, it was already getting busy with tour groups.

🚗 Hire a driver for the day and have the flexibility to plan your own itinerary to visit Bali’s best waterfalls, restaurants and sites. For example, you could tie in Tibumana Waterfall with Taman Sari Waterfall and Goa Rang Reng (nearby) or experience Bali’s water purification ritual at Tirta Empul.

Is Tibumana Waterfall Worth It?

Yes! We’d come here again just for the canyon, never mind the waterfall. We’ve experienced it quiet and busy, and can safely say it is worth getting up early to avoid the crowds. You’ll feel at one with nature as you walk through the canyon, seeing the sunlight beaming through, and butterflies floating around, then you’ll be rewarded with a refreshing dip in the natural pool with a view of Tibumana Waterfall.

Is it Safe to Swim in Bali Waterfalls?

Yes, it’s generally safe to swim in Bali’s waterfalls, but you should always be cautious. Conditions can vary, with strong currents and changing water levels, especially during Bali’s rainy season. Make sure to assess the water before jumping in – if you’re a confident swimmer and the water looks calm, it’s usually fine, but always put safety first.

Read more: Bali Travel Guides

Can you Swim in Tibumana?

Absolutely, you can swim at Tibumana Waterfall, and it’s actually one of the best waterfalls for swimming in Bali, with a spacious and deep pool beneath the falls. However, just be cautious as the waterfall can be quite strong, especially after heavy rainfall. If you’re not a strong swimmer, it’s safest to stick to the shallow sections.

More Things to Do Near Tibumana Waterfall

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Chase More Waterfalls

There are two more waterfalls close to Tibumana Waterfall that you should definitely plan on visiting. In this area of Bali, there are hundreds of waterfalls, with more being found all the time, but we think these are worth visiting on the same day as Tibumana Waterfall.

• Taman Sari Waterfall and Natural Pool: 6 minutes from Tibumana Waterfall
• Goa Rang Reng Waterfall: 11 minutes from Tibumana Waterfall

💦 Visit all 3 waterfalls on this Ubud waterfalls tour, the only tour that includes Goa Rang Reng (it’s quite the hidden gem in Bali!)

Tirta Empul Water Purification Ceremony

Around 30 minutes away from Tibumana Waterfall, you can take part in one of the most sacred Balinese ceremonies. At Tirta Empul in Bali, the water purification ceremony is a deeply spiritual experience. You immerse yourself in the sacred spring water to cleanse your body and soul. As you move from one spout to another, you follow a ritual that has been practised for centuries, believed to wash away negative energy and bring peace. You’ll take part in this alongside local Balinese people and visitors too.

👘 Use a professional guide on a tour like this one to have the ultimate experience at the holy spring temple. They’ll talk you through local traditions and spiritual rituals for an unforgettable visit.

🎒 On this combination tour, you can tie in Tirta Empul with Tibumana Waterfall, as well as the Monkey Forest, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, photo spots and coffee tasting. Pick up and drop off is included.