Bali is famous for being home to some incredible waterfalls, particularly the huge powerful ones like Sekumpul Waterfall. However, amidst the hundreds of waterfalls (with more constantly being discovered), you’ll find plenty of smaller but equally impressive ones. Tukad Cepung Waterfall is one of those that has the potential to truly take your breath away (if you visit at the right time).
This gem is formed when the river meets the top of a cave, and the water comes cascading down with sunlight bouncing around the cave walls – it truly is something special. This blog gives you the lowdown on visiting Tukad Cepung Waterfall, from the best times to go and what to wear, to what to expect on the short walk there. We also cover things to do near Tukad Cepung so you can plan your Bali itinerary around this beautiful spot.
Top Tips for Visiting Tukad Cepung Waterfall
- Entrance cost at the time of writing is 30,000 IDR.
- It takes around 10 – 15 minutes to walk to the waterfall.
- Most of the journey is down steep but well-maintained steps.
- You don’t need hiking boots or trainers – but you might want water shoes or sandals/flip-flops for wading through the ankle-height river.
- There are two waterfalls here – turn left at the bottom of the stairs for Tukad Cepung Waterfall.
- Arrive around 9 am or before to avoid the crowds and give yourself time to get to the waterfall before the sunlight comes through the cave.
- The best lighting is around 10 am, but this will change depending on the time of year.
- The cave is small, which means one person or group at a time will be taking photos.
Where is Tukad Cepung Waterfall?
Tukad Cepung Waterfall is in east Bali, near the village of Tembuku. It’s around 40 minutes from Sidemen and one of the best waterfalls near Ubud since it’s only 50 minutes away. We visited the waterfall when we were staying in Sidemen, and it was an easy and picturesque ride on our scooter, alternatively you can easily visit as part of a combined tour or book a private driver.
When is the Best Time to Visit Tukad Cepung Waterfall?
Although this is one of the lesser-known waterfalls in Bali, it is gaining in popularity (thanks to the incredible lighting and photo opportunities), so it’s best to visit early. Tukad Cepung Waterfall opens at 7 am every day, and the light starts filling up the cave and canyon around 9 am. However, the best lighting at Tukad Cepung is often around 10 am – it changes depending on the time of the year, but 10 am is usually the best bet.
When we arrived at around 8:30 am, we had the waterfall almost to ourselves and by the time we were leaving at around 11:30 am, numerous large tour groups were arriving. So, as with most waterfalls and attractions in Bali, get here early to avoid the crowds.
📸 If you’re looking to get the best photos while in Bali, this full-day Instagram highlights tour takes you to Tukad Cepung Waterfall, as well as other quintessential Bali spots like Tirta Gangga, Gate of Heaven, a jungle swing and the most Instagrammable rice terraces in Bali, Tegallalang rice fields.
How Long is the Hike to Tukad Cepung Waterfall?
Tukad Cepung is one of the easier waterfalls to access in Bali. It is a 10 – 15 minute walk to the waterfall, down some relatively steep staircases. But, the steps are well maintained and there are handrails most of the way down. Also, 5 minutes or so of the journey is a flat path alongside an irrigation canal – so it’s not all steep steps.
When you reach the bottom of the stairs you’ll step into a very shallow river/stream. So be prepared to get your feet wet (it comes up to your ankles). The river bed is stoney, so you might want to wear water shoes or sandals.
Turning left at the bottom of the stairs will take you towards Tukad Cepung Waterfall (there is another small waterfall if you turn right too). You’ll make a left in the riverbed, before turning back right. At that point, you’ll see the cave open up and sunlight beaming in – this isn’t the waterfall, but the cavern is pretty impressive.
You have two options here, go right past the giant boulder, and you’ll have to scramble up some rocks, or go left, crouch and squeeze in the gap, and you’ll be able to climb a metal staircase and avoid the scrambling.
Can You Swim at Tukad Cepung Waterfall?
Although there is an impressive pool at Tukad Cepung, you can’t actually swim. The water is shallow and will probably come up the knee or thigh height. Although, it is nice to just take a seat in the water for a little while, watch the water flow over the rocks above and enjoy the refreshing mist floating around the cave.
💦 Make the most of your visit by doing a fun waterfall day trip that includes Tukad Cepung, Tibumana and Tegenungan Waterfalls. The trip comes with pick-up and drop-off, and you can also add lunch, a jungle swing, and a visit to the famous Tegalalang rice terraces.
Amenities at Tukad Cepung
On the walk down to Tukad Cepung Waterfall, we were incredibly surprised to see a number of Warungs and small shops beside the stairs at the top. Often, these places can be a little overpriced because they’re near tourist attractions, but we stopped at The Cepung Restaurant because the setting is so beautiful looking out to the rainforest, and the prices were fair. We didn’t eat here, but we did chill on the beanbags and swinging chairs/tables while sipping a coconut and some watermelon juice.
You Might Like: 17 Best Non-touristy Things to Do in Ubud, Bali
🎒 Take a look at Tukad Cepung combined tours.
The Second Waterfall at Tukad Cepung
After you’ve visited Tukad Cepung, we recommend making a quick stop at the second small waterfall downstream. Make your way back past the staircase (where you’d go to leave) and instead, go straight ahead and you’ll see the second waterfall after a minute or so. It is small, but it will be quiet and a nice refreshing shower before climbing the stairs again.
Also, if you turn and face back towards Tukad Cepung, you might get some more beautiful sunlight engulfing the river and canyon – it’s another great photo spot that not many people have found.
You Might Love: Gembleng Waterfall, Bali: All You Need To Know
Is Tukad Cepung Waterfall Worth It?
Yes! Visiting Tukad Cepung is definitely worth the trip, especially if you visit on a clear, sunny day. The way the sunlight beams into the canyon and caves makes this one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Bali. Even if you aren’t able to capture those dreamy Instagram photos, appreciating this phenomenon with your eyes is pretty incredible too.
More Things to Do Near Tukad Cepung
Sidemen Village
If you aren’t staying in Sidemen, you should take time out to visit while you’re close by. Located 45 minutes from Tukad Cepung, this incredible picturesque rural area is lush, green and untouched by mass tourism – yet. Basking in the shadow of the impressive Mount Agung, there are incredible views at every turn in Sidemen, and you’ll be able to see real, rural, local Balinese life.
We’ve written guides on the best things to do in Sidemen, which will show you a bit more what this beautiful area of Bali has to offer, and the best restaurants that you won’t want to miss.
Penglipuran Village
Penglipuran Village is a traditional village located in the Bangli Regency that has been awarded the cleanest village in the world, which is pretty cool! Known for its well-preserved traditional Balinese architecture and a unique layout where homes and community buildings line a central stone-paved street. If you’re into history or just want to experience something unique, Penglipuran is definitely worth a stop. It’s a great way to see a side of Bali that’s different from the beaches and waterfalls.
The residents here still follow traditional Balinese culture in their daily lives with the way they maintain their properties and land.
⭐️ Explore Penglipuran Village on this hidden temples unique tour. You get to visit the historic Kerta Gosa Pavilion, the bat-filled Goa Lawah Temple, and see the views at Bukit Jambul before having lunch with a view of Mount Agung and exploring the ancient Besakih Temple, Kehen Temple and Penglipuran Village.
More Waterfalls
You could make it a day of chasing waterfalls around Sidemen by visiting Gembleng Waterfall and Air Terjun Jagasatru on the same day as Tukad Cepung. For the best experience, you should visit Gembleng first (as early as possible), followed by Tukad Cepung at 9:30 am and finish your day with Jagasatru (it’s less touristy and will be quiet).
🚘 Book a private driver for a 5-star customisable tour and visit more waterfalls alongside Tukad Cepung. With flexible pick-up times (starting as early as 4 am), you can tailor your itinerary to explore these nearby waterfalls at your own pace.
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