Bali is a wondrous place, and finding a beautiful waterfall with a mix of exciting activities is not difficult. In fact, just 10 kilometres from South Ubud, you’ll find Tegenungan Waterfall. You can swim at its base, reach it conveniently, enjoy scenic views, breathe in the fresh air and spend a few worthwhile hours here.
The name of this waterfall tells you a little about this place. “Tegenungan” is believed to come from the local word “nenung”, meaning to meditate or contemplate. You can also witness Balinese Hindu rituals here, including melukat, a traditional water-cleansing ceremony. So while some visitors are busy taking photos, others may be quietly praying by the river.
Tegenungan Waterfall Bali is a tourist attraction and a spiritual place at the same time, and it brings both experiences together naturally.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know before visiting, including how to get there, the best time to visit, swimming conditions, nearby attractions and practical tips.
What Are Tegenungan Waterfall’s Entrance Fee and Opening Hours?
Entry is easy on travellers’ pockets, but the cost varies for adults and children. Here’s the breakdown as of 2026:
Detail | Info |
Adult entry | 20,000 IDR (~$1.50 USD / ~INR 105) |
Children | 10,000-15,000 IDR (varies) |
Parking | Free at the main lot; 5,000-10,000 IDR at smaller lots |
Lockers | 10,000 IDR |
Changing rooms/showers | 5,000 IDR |
Opening hours | 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM, daily |
- Payment is cash only at the gate. No cards accepted. Bring small notes.
- The Tegenungan Waterfall entrance fee covers the waterfall area, viewpoints, and walking paths.
- The natural photo ledge halfway up the cliff costs an extra 20,000 IDR.
- The Bali Glass Bridge is a separate ticket entirely.
How to Get to Tegenungan Waterfall From Ubud?
The waterfall is situated almost 10 km south of Ubud, so reaching it is easy and takes a short drive.
- Take a scooter: It takes around 15 to 20 minutes and gives you the most flexibility. Parking is available near the entrance.
- Use Grab or Gojek: Both are convenient options for getting there. Finding a ride back from the waterfall area can take longer than expected, since it's a bit remote, so keep that in mind.
- Hire a private driver: A full-day driver usually costs around IDR 600,000 to 900,000. This is a good option if you plan to combine the waterfall with stops like Goa Gajah, Tegalalang or Sukawati Market.
- From Seminyak or Canggu: Expect roughly an hour's drive, depending on traffic.
- From the airport: The journey takes around an hour, although traffic can make it longer.
How Many Entrances Are There for Tegenungan Waterfall?
You can enter Tegenungan Waterfall Bali from two entrances on opposite sides of the gorge.
- Kemenuh side: This is the main entrance and the more popular choice. You get the classic viewpoint from the top, well-maintained stairs with around 150 to 170 concrete steps, and more cafes and shops along the way.
- Blangsinga side: This side is generally quieter and offers closer views of the waterfall from above. It also leads to different riverside spots and the D'Tukad River Club.
What to Do at Tegenungan Waterfall Bali?
Swim at the Base
Swimming is allowed at the base of Tegenungan Waterfall during the dry season and when the water conditions are clear. However, the pool can become muddy and slippery after rain. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Stay in the designated swimming zone: The current can be strong near the waterfall, so avoid getting too close to the falls.
- Watch your footing: The rocks around the pool can be sharp and slippery. Water shoes or sandals with good grip are a better choice.
- Be careful during the wet season: From November to March, heavy rain can make the Petanu River muddy and fast. Lifeguards may close the swimming area when conditions become unsafe.
- Best time to swim: April to October generally offers clearer and calmer water, making it a better time for swimming.
Walk the Bali Glass Bridge
About 1 km from Tegenungan Waterfall by road, the Bali Glass Bridge gives you a completely different view of the Petanu River valley. You’ll walk 188 metres across the valley with the ground 66 metres below your feet, roughly the height of a 20-storey building.
The real attraction is the glass floor, which lets you look straight down into the valley as you cross. It opened in 2022, making it a relatively new attraction to add to your waterfall visit.
- Ticket: 250,000 IDR for foreign visitors (2026)
- Hours: 8 AM to 7 PM daily
Tribe Travel Tip: Visit the waterfall first thing in the morning, then do the glass bridge after. The bridge works at any time of day; the waterfall doesn't
Catch a Purification Ceremony
At the base of Tegenungan Waterfall, you’ll find Beji Temple, a small sacred site with a holy spring used by Balinese Hindus for melukat, a traditional water-cleansing ritual. You may see locals praying and making offerings of flowers and incense along the river. There is also a small shrine where locals leave offerings to the spirits believed to inhabit the river.
Even if you are visiting the waterfall mainly for sightseeing, this temple gives you a glimpse into the spiritual traditions connected to the area.
- If you come across a ceremony, observe from a respectful distance
- Wear a sarong and sash if you're entering any cordoned-off sacred area
- Access to the holy spring area is restricted during active ceremonies
Explore the Nearby Stops
One of the best things about Tegenungan Waterfall Bali is how many other attractions sit within a short drive.
Attraction | Distance | What to Expect |
Kemenuh Butterfly Park | 500 m | Tropical butterfly conservatory, family-friendly |
Uma Anyar Waterfall | 2.5 km | Quieter alternative waterfall, far fewer crowds |
Sukawati Art Market | 4 km | One of Bali's oldest craft and souvenir markets |
Batuan Temple | 4.5 km | 11th-century Hindu temple with detailed stone carvings |
Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave) | ~15 min | 9th-century archaeological site and bathing temple |
Tegalalang Rice Terraces | ~30 min | The most photographed rice terraces in Bali |
A private driver for the day lets you fit in Tegenungan Waterfall, a temple, rice terraces, and a market all in one day.
What Is the Best Time to Visit Tegenungan Waterfall?
The best time to visit Tegenungan Waterfall depends on two things: what season you're in and what time you show up.
By season:
Season | Months | Conditions |
Dry season | April to October | Clear water, safe swimming, best overall window |
Shoulder months | April, May, September, October | Good weather with fewer tourists than peak |
Wet season | November to March | Powerful flow but murky water, slippery paths, pool closures possible |
By time of day:
- Before 8 AM: Fewer people, cooler temperature, best natural light for photos. Tour buses haven't arrived yet
- 8 AM to 11 AM: Crowds build fast. The 150+ steps down to the base get congested
- After 3 PM: Crowds thin slightly. Light shifts, but it gets darker in the gorge earlier than you'd expect
Travel Tips for Visiting Tegenungan Waterfall, Ubud
- Carry small cash: Ticket booths, warungs and locker rentals may not accept cards, so keep smaller notes such as IDR 20,000 and 50,000 handy.
- Wear proper footwear: The stairs are concrete, but rocks around the river can be wet, sharp and slippery. Sandals with good grip or water shoes are a better choice than flip-flops.
- Bring a dry bag: Planning to swim? A dry bag gives you a convenient place to keep your phone, wallet and other valuables while you are in the water.
- Visit on a weekday: Weekends tend to be busier, while weekday mornings are usually a better choice for a quieter experience.
- Carry water: The climb back up includes 150+ steps and can feel tiring in Bali’s tropical heat. Buy water at the base before starting the return climb.
- Allow 1.5–2 hours: You do not need an entire day here. Most visitors can see the waterfall, spend some time around the pool and explore the area within a couple of hours, leaving time for other nearby attractions.
- Check photography rules: Casual photos are fine, but professional photography may require a separate permit.
Your Bali Holiday, Sorted with Holiday Tribe
Visiting Tegenungan Waterfall helps you understand why it has become such a popular attraction in Bali. Spending a few hours here feels worthwhile because getting here is convenient, the views are spectacular, and you can cool off with a swim at the base of the waterfall.
Whether you are a couple looking for a relaxing time together or a family looking for a fun and worthwhile experience, Tegenungan Waterfall has something to offer everyone.
The tricky part isn't the waterfall. It's figuring out how to fit it into a wider Bali itinerary alongside Ubud, the rice terraces, temples, and beach days without backtracking or wasting half your holiday in traffic.
That's where Holiday Tribe comes in. We build Tegenungan Waterfall Ubud into structured Bali packages that cover Ubud's cultural zone, the Gianyar area, and your beach time in the south. All land-based: hotels, transfers, sightseeing, experiences. If you'd rather go custom, our holiday advisors will build a day-by-day plan around your pace, group size, and what you actually want to see. Flights are added only if you need them.
