If there’s one thing nearly everyone wants to do when they come to Bali, it’s to visit Tukad Cepung Waterfall.
It is among the most beautiful of Bali waterfalls and the way the sun rays illuminate the ravine makes for awesome Instagram shots.
The good news is that visiting Tukad Cepung Waterfall is a manageable challenge and this is everything you need to know before you go.
Where Is Tukad Cepung Waterfall?
The Tukad Cepung waterfall is in Jalan Tembuku. This is in the eastern part of Bali and it’s about a 1-2 hour drive from most of the major tourist areas, including the international airport. So, it’s a half-day trip to get there and back.
This waterfall has a website, but it’s only in Bahasa, not English.
How Should I Get There?
We recommend hiring a guide from our friends at the Bali Res Center or booking a private car through them if you don’t need a tour guide.
However, you could also rent a car or motorbike and drive there. However, please ensure you have an international driving permit, or you won’t be insured and could be fined for driving illegally. Motorbike rental companies rarely mention this when you’re signing the paperwork.
The official address is Central Parkir Waterfall Tukad Cepung, Jl. Tembuku, Tembuku, Kec. Tembuku, Kabupaten Bangli, Bali 80671, Indonesia
Please note you can’t drive straight up the waterfall. You will need to hike to the waterfall from this location.
How Should I Prepare For A Trip To Tukad Cepung Waterfall?
The waterfall is safe and you don’t need to bring too many things.
However, you might want to bring:
- A change of clothing. Most people get wet at Tukad Cepung Waterfall and sitting around all day in sodden clothing is no fun.
- Decent sandals or shoes. Thongs/flip-flops are not a good choice for this hike. The rocks can get very slippery and you want something that will grip the surface. You want to avoid spending your Bali holiday getting treated in a hospital for falling down Tukad Cepung Waterfall.
- A sun hat. It can get sunny around the Tukad Cepung area and it’s best to try and keep heatstroke at bay.
- Drinks and snacks. These are optional, there are plenty of places to buy them from at Tukad Cepung and they’re reasonably priced. But it can be good to bring something with you, in case you’re not keen on what’s available when you get there.
- A camera or smartphone. This is an epic waterfall and people come to Tukad Cepung to take pictures of the light as it permeates the ravine. It’s such an enchanting view. For that reason, it’s a popular Instagram location, and you might be kicking yourself if you leave your camera at home. However, even if you forget your camera, it has a cool atmosphere and a unique waterfall.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Tukad Cepung Waterfall?
Most people aim to get to Tukad Cepung Waterfall as it opens. We get this as it’s the time to get the best light for photos. However, it also means that 7 a.m. is the busiest time of day.
If you’d prefer a more relaxed experience with fewer tourists, visit the Tukad Cepung Waterfall at 9 a.m. or later.
Besides that, as with most Bali waterfalls, it looks great all year round. However, if you don’t want to get drenched, you might opt for a dry season visit over a rainy season.
What’s The Tukad Cepung Waterfall entrance fee?
The official entrance fee for the Tukad Cepung Waterfall is 15,000 IND. As entrance fees go, this is a small entrance fee.
The grounds are open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day and you definitely would want to avoid wandering around in the dark between the car park and the waterfall.
How Much Is The Parking Fee?
There is no parking fee at Tukad Cepung and you can leave your car or bike as long as you like without paying. Your vehicle should be reasonably safe during opening hours, as it’s too busy for any nefarious activity to occur unnoticed.
What’s The Hike To Tukad Cepung Waterfall Like?
It’s a short hike, about 15 minutes to get to the waterfall at Tukad Cepung. However, it’s not the easiest of walks, either.
You start by descending a steep stairway made of concrete. Then, you follow a relatively level path for a short while before you hit another steep stairway that takes you to the riverbed.
Unfortunately, the final stairs are both uneven and have been built for extremely tall people.
There is a handrail, but you may find that older people, particularly if they have mobility challenges, need help navigating these stairs.
You then take a right when you reach the riverbed. You’ll pass a small waterfall with an appropriately “jungle” feel as you find the oath to the Tukad Cepung Waterfall.
What Will I See At Tukad Cepung Waterfall in Bali?
If the sun’s rays are with you, you will see spectacular displays of light in front of the rocks and Tukad Cepung Waterfall.
You may also be bumping into a who’s who of Instagram influencers. You can see many of them posing here on Instagram.
Unfortunately, if you come at the busiest time of day, you may also meet dozens or even hundreds of tourists and have to stand in a line to get close to the waterfall proper.
We know that many tourists expect this hidden waterfall to be something of a secret and that they will have it all to themselves.
Sadly, the Tukad Cepung Waterfall entrance fee guarantees no such thing. And because it’s the best virgin waterfall in Bali for photographers, it’s super popular.
Some travellers say they’d rather visit other waterfalls in Bali because they’re not happy with the crowds, but if you arrive a little later in the day, it’s much less busy.
Then you can enjoy the rock formations and the water coming down the canyon wall with far less competition.
Sadly, the later you get to Tukad Cepung Waterfall, the less likely you will get those lovely natural beams of light permeating the ravine, even on a very sunny day.
FAQs
Is Tukad Cepung Waterfall Accessible To People With Mobility Issues?
We wouldn’t recommend visiting Tukad Cepung Waterfall if you’re a wheelchair user. There needs to be a way to get down to the riverbed.
Even those with less severe mobility issues may struggle to complete going down the stairs on this hike.
Do You Need To Be Physically Fit To Visit Tukad Cepung?
You don’t need to be in the shape of your life, but it’s not a cakewalk to do this hike. In particular, you should be able to climb up and down steep stairs without any major issues.
You will also be walking on a riverbed, which can be a little slippery. If you have balance issues, this could be problematic.
How Long Is The Hike To Tukad Cepung Waterfall?
It’s only a 15-minute (or so) walk from the car park to the waterfall. And then, it will take another 15 minutes to step back. Most people who are out to explore Bali won’t find that this is too much effort.
If you want to try some more challenging hikes, why not try one of the best hikes in Bali?
What Is The Meaning Of Tukad Cepung?
The word “tukad” means “river” and “cepung” means “flow”. So, Tukad Cepung means “river flow”.
Is It Worth Renting A Private Car To Visit This Waterfall?
Yes, Tukad Cepung is commonly thought to be one of the best waterfalls in Bali and if you’re visiting Bali, it makes sense to visit this hidden gem. It also means it’s to get there in the early morning when the light is best.
What’s The Best Way To See Tukad Cepung Waterfall?
The best way to see Tukad Cepung is as the sun’s rays permeate the circular cliffs nearby early in the day. But the Tukad Cepung waterfall is still pretty amazing to visit at any time of the day.
Do You Need To Book In Advance To See Tukad Cepung Waterfall?
No, Tukad Cepung is open all day long and if you’re there before closing time, you will be allowed in and it’s only really busy in the early morning. After that, you can have the place practically to yourself.
Is Tukad Cepung Waterfall Worth It?
Yes! Emphatically so. Some people might complain about the crowds or haggle over the best time to visit Tukad Cepung, but it’s always worth visiting this waterfall.
It’s a lovely place surrounded by attractive canyon walls and you won’t find another waterfall quite like it in Bali. It’s a unique waterfall.
What Other Bali Waterfalls Are Worth Seeing?
Bali has a positive wealth of waterfalls and you can find many great places to visit. Goa Raja Waterfall at Goa Rang Reng is popular with those who prefer to duck the crowds at Tukad Cepung.
But there’s also Tibumana Waterfall, Kanto Lampo Waterfall, Munduk Waterfall (Bali’s Niagra Falls), Banyumala Waterfall, Tegenungan Waterfall, Leke Leke Waterfall and dozens of others to choose from!
Final Thoughts On Visiting Tukad Cepung Waterfall, Bali
A vacation in Bali would only be a vacation in Bali with a visit to a waterfall or two. And though there are many waterfalls to choose from, Tukag Cepung stands out from the crowd and offers one of the most Instragramable experiences on the island.
We say ignore the people complaining that it gets busy and go and see for yourself what an exquisite place it is. After that, you can always visit more waterfalls to find your favourite waterfall.
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