Babahan Crystal Water is a hidden gem in the middle of untouched, lush rice fields of central Bali. Locals absolutely love this place and come with friends and families!
This calm “lazy river” offers a perfect refreshing dip on a hot day in Bali and will be a great stop during your day trip to Jatiluwih rice terraces or the North of Bali.
What to expect from your visit to Babahan Crystal Water – in our complete guide to this natural beauty.
Where Is Babahan Crystal Water?
Babahan crystal water is a tourist attraction situated on the hills of Batukaru mountains in Bali, in Penebel village, just a few minutes’ drive from iconic Jatiluwih rice terraces.
Babahan crystal water is a part of the Babahan rice terraces.
It is, technically, a wider portion of the rice fields irrigation system, sourcing water from nearby rivers and waterfalls, going through the rice terraces. It opens up to amazing views of mountains, hills, jungles, and rice paddies.
How To Get To Babahan Crystal Water
The best way to get to Babahan crystal water is by car.
You can either hire a local driver and combine it with visiting other sites around Jatiluwih, or rent a car beforehand and drive yourself, if you have an international driver’s license from your country.
We’d say the best option is a private driver – the dirt roads to Babahan Crystal Water can be pretty narrow and challenging for those driving first time in Bali, plus there are still no proper signs leading the way.
Taxis are not an option in this part of the island, it will be hard to get one to go from Canggu or even Ubud to Babahan Crystal Water and even harder, if possible at all, to get back. And the spot is not on the main road to hope for a car passing by to stop.
In any case, do not follow the Google Maps pin. Go to Bendungan Yeh Aya Hulu – it is just after the entry point to Jatiluwih (where you pay the fee).
The alternative way is to drive to Villa Togog Terrace Resort, where you will be greeted, pay the fee, and be escorted to the destination among the fields.
Is There An Entrance Fee To Babahan Crystal Water?
The entrance fee can change, but currently it is around 80,000 IDR (8 AUD) and includes parking and entry.
You will also pay an extra 10,000 IDR (1 AUD) to rent a tube (it is a good old black tire!), if you want.
Note that if you are coming through the Jatiluwih rice terraces checkpoint, you will also pay the entrance fee for the village, which is around 50,000 IDR (5 AUD).
When Is The Best Time To Visit Babahan Crystal Water?
As of now, Babahan crystal water is still a very little-known spot, so you won’t see crowds see no matter what day or time you come.
However, we do recommend coming in the first half of the day or after 2 PM to beat the heat – Bali sun is no joke!
The end of the rainy season (April and May) will offer the best views around the Babahan Crystal Water and Jatiluwih rice terraces.
River Tubing At Babahan Crystal Water
If you’re not into rafting and rivers in Bali feel a bit too intimidating, tubing is a fun adventure for you! At Babahan Crystal Water, it is a family-friendly scenic activity, as the water flow is really slow and the surface is quiet, with no rapids!
You simply lie back and float, enjoying rice fields on one side, jungle on the other and surrounding mountains. The water is super clean and refreshing! Kids can splash in the water or try swimming, too.
This water journey is not very long, though – about 20 minutes only. Afterwards, you can walk down the river to find another spot for tubing (about a 20-30 minute float), or return to the starting point and relax in the warung (local eatery).
Don’t panic, you won’t miss the “finish” line – there will be bamboo blocking the river, it is your signal to get out.
Don’t forget to bring sunscreen and a towel. There are well-maintained toilets, a changing area, but no proper shade or store to get sunblock.
What To Do Near Babahan Crystal Water
The area offers so many things to do in nature: walking treks or cycling trails, popular and hidden waterfalls, birdwatching, coffee and cacao plants, and much more!
Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
Explore the endless rice fields, a UNESCO-protected water irrigation system called subak and amazing panoramic views of the valley and Mount Agung.
There are a few routes you can pick depending on your readiness to walk in the sun. The longest route features lots of greenery, stalls selling local rice and snacks, a lovely lady who can show you how cacao grows and give you some samples, and a magnificent temple.
Where Is It? Jl. Jatiluwih Kawan, Jatiluwih, Kec. Penebel, Kabupaten Tabanan, Bali 82152, Indonesia
Sekumpul Waterfalls
One of the tallest waterfalls in Bali, or, to be fair, a magnificent wall of 3 waterfalls with natural pools underneath.
The scenery is postcard-worthy, but the waterfalls get rather crowded, so come early in the morning.
The waterfalls are about 1 hour from the Babahan crystal water, but it will be worth a trip if you add a few more waterfalls to visit.
Where Is It? Bebetin, Sawan, Buleleng Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Leke Leke Waterfall
A much closer waterfall to explore – Leke Leke is towering tall over the jungle and is submerged into a volcanic cliff – the photos will be stunning!
Come at around 8 AM to witness nature at its finest – birds, peaceful jungles, and no tourists. There are quite a few stairs you will have to go down (about 800)and a bamboo bridge, but the views are worth it.
Where Is It? Kerobokan, Jl. Swadaya, Mekarsari, Kec. Baturiti, Kabupaten Tabanan, Bali 82191, Indonesia
This hidden gem of a waterfall is just 600 meters from the entrance to the Babahan crystal water (Bendungan Yeh Aya).
It is a beautiful small waterfall you can easily reach from the parking lot by just walking down a few stairs. The area is in shade and will be perfect for a refreshing dip.
The entrance fee is about 10,000 IDR (1 AUD).
Where Is It? Senganan, Penebel, Tabanan Regency, Bali 82152, Indonesia
Natural Hot Springs
Angseri hot springs are locals’ favourite spot to soak and bathe. The spot has a few public shared pools with warm water rich in sulphur, a small waterfall, and a river.
If you want to beat the crowds, come before noon! The entrance fee is very affordable, and you can pay a little extra for a private pool.
Where Is It? Angseri, Bangli, Kec. Baturiti, Kabupaten Tabanan, Bali 82191, Indonesia
Hike Batukaru Mountain
It takes experienced hikers about 10 hours to go up and down, so this activity is more for well-prepared nature lovers.
But it is very rewarding, as very few people hike Batukaru vs Batur, the nature is simply astonishing. We suggest using a local guide as there are a few starting points and routes to the summit.
Hidden Garden Coffee Plantation
From the Babahan Crystal Water, it is only 30 minutes to go and watch the whole coffee-making process. Of course, you can do some tasting here, too!
Northern areas of Bali are known for good coffee, so you will get to try freshly roasted beans directly from the source! Here, you can also try luwak coffee – a distinct type of coffee produced in Indonesia that’s been digested and pooped by little animals – luwak (civet).
The area has some chilling zones and a swing for Instagram photos.
Where Is It? Jl. Baturiti – Mekarsari, Mekarsari, Kec. Baturiti, Kabupaten Tabanan, Bali 82191, Indonesia
Where To Stay Near Babahan Crystal Water
Jatiluwih area is one of the best regions in Bali for a glamping experience – you will be completely surrounded by mountains, jungle, rice fields, and serenity.
Glamping
There are a few glamping options to choose from:
Puku Pods – very simple, under 50 AUD tents just 5 minutes from Jatiluwih rice terraces and Babahan crystal water. Inside the tents are cozy, small hotel-style rooms, each with a little sitting area in front.
Bara Mountain Cabins sit on the hill and have amazing views of the valley. You can either rent a tent or a modern cabin with an indoor shower – both are comfy and very stylish.
Sang Giri Mountain Glamping Bali – a luxury option for couples with mountain views and large glamping tents with a balcony, a shower, and even a jacuzzi.
Padi Bali Cottages
If you prefer standard accommodation, Padi Bali Cottages have very nice A-frame wooden houses for under 40 AUD right on the rice fields!
Where Is It? J4QP+RHP, Jalan Gunungsari Umakayu, Jatiluwih, Senganan, Kec. Penebel, Kabupaten Tabanan, Bali 82152, Indonesia
Where To Eat Near Babahan Crystal Water
There is a small local restaurant with bamboo huts at the Babahan Crystal Water location.
They serve simple dishes like mie goreng (fried noodles), a cup of coffee, local fresh bananas, and snacks – enough to grab a quick lunch before heading back to town.
Batu Karu Kopi Coffee Shop
Batu Karu Kopi is a great spot to sit down and have a cup of Kintamani coffee and a grilled cheese sandwich. And it is right around the corner from the starting point.
Jatiluwih Resto
Jatiluwih Resto is the most popular cafe with views of the Jatiluwih rice terraces. It is a buffet-style restaurant with Balinese and Indonesian delicacies, drinks, and desserts.
CataVaca Jatiluwih
CataVaca Jatiluwih is a secret spot in the middle of the rice fields with a large garden, fish pond, and kids’ playground. Make sure to try the snails!
Final Thoughts on Babahan Crystal Water
Visiting Bali, don’t just stay on the beaches, the island has so many water activities you can enjoy, from lakes to rafting!
And some of them, like Babahan crystal water, are pretty hidden and will add lots of fun moments to your trip.
Read more:
Tabanan: Your Ultimate Guide To Bali’s Hidden Gem
17 Best Hotels Tabanan: Eco Resorts & Luxury Hotels Amidst Tabanan Nature
34 Best Waterfalls in Bali – Your Guide to the Island’s Hidden Gems
