Goa Raja Waterfall is an off-the-beaten-path waterfall in Bali. It’s set in a beautiful forest and though it’s a bit of a walk to get there, we think you’ll find it’s very much worth the effort.
If you’ve always wanted a waterfall in a tropical paradise all to yourself, this is the place to enjoy it. It’s a location of real natural beauty that is unmarred by crowds of tourists unlike some of the more popular waterfall locations on the island.
Where Is Goa Raja Waterfall?
Goa Raja Waterfall is in the village of Jehem which is in the Bangli Regency in East Bali.
It’s not one of the famous waterfalls in Bali and if you’ve visited other waterfall trails on the island, you’ll be pleased to learn that it’s almost never crowded at this hidden gem.
Address: Jehem, Tembuku, Bangli Regency, Bali, Indonesia
How To Get To Goa Raja Waterfall?
There is no public transport to Goa Raja Waterfall and because this small waterfall isn’t top of the tourist lists of waterfalls (for now, at least), it’s not the easiest place to get to using Grab or Gojek.
That’s because while you can get there easily enough, there are no drivers around when you emerge from the trail and you might be waiting for a very long time to get home.
The best option is to hire a private driver (with a car) and they can then help you get around the area and enjoy more of the natural beauty of this part of Bali.
Don’t worry, this isn’t expensive. You can hire a driver with a car for 500,000 IDR per day (that’s $35 USD or $50 AUD)
The Trail To Goa Raja Waterfall
From the car parking lot, you will want to follow the sign to Goa Raja which makes the official trail head. Make sure you have water shoes or something else that grips well as even in the dry season, the trail can be slippery.
Once you reach the stairs down to the waterfall area, the going gets less slippery and you can easily follow your way down the rock face. You will probably notice as you walk that this isn’t the best-maintained path in Bali and it’s not always easy to follow.
When you reach the bridge, cross over and follow down the right-hand side of the temple. Once you reach the creek, follow it and cross when it seems convenient. Your shoes are unlikely to stay dry here.
Eventually, you run out of path and that means you need to wade through the creek on the last stretch. We’d recommend keeping your shoes on here as the rocks can be sharp and you don’t want to cut your feet.
It’s worth it, though, when you reach the end of the walk you will find the waterfall that awaits you is impressive and one of the most Instagrammable locations in Bali.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Goa Raja Waterfall?
We always recommend visiting waterfalls in Bali towards the end of the rainy season as that’s when the water flow is strongest and you get the best photographs.
However, you can also visit in the dry season and it’s easier to negotiate the route in the dry season because the water in the creek tends to be at a lower level.
So, overall, there’s no bad time to visit this waterfall and because it’s quite far off the usual tourist trail, you don’t need to get there particularly early to ensure that you have the place all to yourself – it’s almost never busy.
Is There An Entrance Fee For Goa Raja Waterfall?
Yes, the entrance fee for Goa Raja Waterfall is 50,000 IDR per person. This is quite steep for a waterfall in Bali but we think it’s worth it.
An entry fee is usually charged here to ensure that the local community can maintain and clean the site to ensure its continued beauty for future guests.
Goa Raja Waterfall Opening Hours
According to the sign at the waterfall, the site is open from 7 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. which means it’s open during daylight hours.
Just remember that it takes about 30 minutes to get from the car park to the waterfall and then another 30 minutes to get back, so don’t head off 5 minutes before sunset – you won’t see anything in the dark.
What To Expect At Goa Raja Waterfall
This waterfall is in a huge cave and it’s an incredible sight in the early part of the day as the sun comes over the ridge line and the light breaks through the water cascading down from the rocks above.
There is a small pool at the base of the falls, but it’s not deep enough to dive into and not big enough for swimming but ideal for taking a quick cold dip.
There are a couple of small warungs in the car park which sell very basic Balinese food and some drinks. You may find it handy to bring some drinks and snacks if you’re a fussy eater.
Also, it’s a long walk in the sun to get to the waterfall and back, we’d recommend that you load up on sunscreen before you go too.
Where To Stay Near Goa Raja Waterfall
There are plenty of nice places to stay near Goa Raja Waterfall though they tend to err on the simple and homely and there are no 5-star brand-name resorts close by. Our top picks of the local accommodation include:
Kost Soka Asri – this is a clean comfortable, basic boarding house that offers decent views over nearby rice fields and the river. There is a nearby supermarket for food, drink, etc.
De Umah Bali Tradi Home – this is a very attractive resort at first glance, but it’s a little run down and there’s no hot water. The pool area is gorgeous though.
De Klumpu Bali Eco Tradi Stay -this is our favourite place in the area with small huts linked by a wooden boardwalk. The view is fabulous here of the local countryside and the onsite restaurant is amazing!
Rindu Homestay – if you don’t mind minimalism taken to extremes, the rooms at this guesthouse are clean and comfortable and the family that runs the place is lovely.
Villa Pudaksari – another basic but hospitable location with some very pleasant views of nature from each room.
Where To Eat Near Goa Raja Waterfall
You can’t walk to any of these restaurants which are the nearest eateries to Goa Raja Waterfall but are still a few kilometers away:
Dijumah Cafe Bali – this budget-friendly cafe has a charming garden area and an indoor air-conditioned dining room. The coffee and juices are amazing and the nasi goreng is excellent.
Babi Guling Pande Bangli – if you love babi guling, then you’re in for a treat at this super popular local warung, their babi guling is amazing and it’s ridiculously cheap too!
Warung Makan Penglipuran – this warung is in a very quiet location where you can enjoy a cheap and good meal while relaxing and letting the world go by.
UUMA – they have a pool, a fenced-off outdoor area and some decent live music most evenings at UUMA. Unfortunately, the food is kind of forgettable, not bad or unpleasant just not great.
Mujair Nyat-Nyat Pak Bagong – the most popular place in the area because its Mujair Nyat-Nyat is said to be the best version of this spicy dish on the island today.
Things To Do Near Goa Raja Waterfall
Goa Raja Waterfall is quite isolated but there are a few things to do within a short drive and they include:
Yeh Bulan Waterfall – an easy-to-reach waterfall with a pleasant natural pool to swim in at the base of the falls with a changing room and WC onsite!
Krisik Waterfall – a lovely waterfall that is quite challenging to get to over some slippery rocks and downriver. We recommend taking the offered bamboo stick to ensure you can gauge the depth of the river properly if you visit.
Grudugan Waterfall – entry to this waterfall has only recently been made available and it’s a very attractive place that sees relatively few visitors, for now.
- Penglipuran Village – a traditional Balinese village that allows tourists to explore to help preserve its culture and traditions.
De Brokong Bali Adventure – a neat outdoor activity centre for the kids in the heart of the rice fields. It’s a lovely place and they also have an onsite restaurant offering cooking classes.
FAQs
What Is The Biggest Waterfall In Bali?
Sekumpul Waterfall (which is a twin waterfall) is the tallest waterfall on the island. It’s about 80 meters tall and it’s at its most impressive during the rainy season when the water falls with the heaviest flow.
What’s The Most Peaceful Major Waterfall In Bali?
The Banyumala Waterfall (in fact, the Banyumala Waterfall is a pair of twin waterfalls) is a very peaceful spot that is just far enough away from the tourist towns to keep the crowds at bay and it’s a great spot that’s very much worth visiting if you long to throw yourself into a plunge pool.
It’s pretty easy to get there and these dramatic falls are reached by a short path through the jungle.
Which Country Is The Bali Waterfall In?
There is no Bali Waterfall, though Bali has many waterfalls that you can visit. Bali is part of the Indonesian archipelago and is in the country of Indonesia.
How To Book A Bali Holiday To See Goa Raja Waterfall
We always recommend that you book a holiday in Bali through the Bali Res Centre, a local travel specialist which can ensure you get the best deals on flights, hotels, transport, tours, etc.
Final Thoughts On Visiting Goa Raja Waterfall
Goa Raja Waterfall is that genuine rarity in Bali – a hidden gem that hasn’t been overwhelmed by visitors. That’s because you really have to carefully explore the local countryside to find it located deep in the cave there.
We think it’s one of the most dramatic sights on the island and if you’re looking to visit somewhere genuinely unique – you can do much worse than Goa Raja Waterfall.
