If you don’t know what else to visit in Ubud and have already checked out all the items on your bucket list, it is time to embark on a journey to find all the hidden gems.
Just a few kilometres from Ubud, you will find Ulu Petanu Waterfall. How to get there and what you can do once at the waterfall – in our complete guide to this natural beauty.
Ulu Petanu Waterfall: What It’s Like?
Ulu Petanu Waterfall or Air Terjun Ulu Petanu is a natural beauty and a spiritual destination. It has formed where two rivers, Tukad Payang and Tukad Dapdap, meet.
Just by walking to the waterfall you pass through dense lush green scenery, massive tree roots, and big rock formations and there is a lovely wooden bridge to watch the waterfall without getting wet. The bridge is also the best spot for photos.
The waterfall drop is relatively tall, surrounded by rainforests and cliffs, and it forms a clear emerald pool at the bottom where some people are lucky to spot colourful orange and white koi fish.
When you visit during any big religious festival, the waterfall temple will be decorated with colourful offerings and textile umbrellas.
Spiritual Meaning Of Ulu Petanu Waterfall
According to the elders and historians, this waterfall was one of the meditation places for Balinese king Maya Denawa in the 10th-11th centuries.
The location of the waterfall is in the middle of the triangle formed by the 3 rivers Pakerisan River, Petanu River, and Woos River. The Hindu Balinese believe that it had the symbolism of Purusa – “pure consciousness”.
When the king died, the legend says his blood went into the river nearby and the locals had to purify the waters. The ritual helped them have good crops. Since that moment, the villagers bring offerings and organize ceremonies in the waterfall temple.
Things To Know Before Visiting Ulu Petanu Waterfall
Bring comfy shoes for walking over rocks, especially if you plan on swimming (water shoes work too). The trail is super easy, so you don’t have to bring heavy-duty trekking boots. Of course, bring your swimsuit for a plunge (there is a changing room).
It is ok to take photos and videos but ask about drones.
The toilets are clean but only located by the parking area. There are no other bathrooms along the trek.
Sometimes you can get free coffee after your visit by the ticket counter.
The waterfall is open from 6.30 AM till 6 PM but last visitors can come in around 5 PM at the latest.
If planning to visit the cave, bring a pocket flashlight, it is very dark.
Where Is The Ulu Petanu Waterfall?
Ulu Petanu Waterfall is located in Gianyar, Bali, not far from Ubud, which makes it a perfect half-day trip for anyone staying around.
The waterfall is close to many famous attractions in Ubud like Tegalalang rice paddies and Bali Swing, Tirta Empul water temple, Gunung Kawi Tampaksiring, Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu, and other temples and waterfalls that should be on your list.
Address: manik sawang, Jl. Raya Bayad, Kedisan, Tegallalang, Gianyar Regency, Bali 80561
Online: Instagram
How To Get To Ulu Petanu Waterfall?
You can rent a scooter, or a car, hire a private driver, or order an online taxi to get to the waterfall from any other area in Bali. If you’re not a confident bike driver, opt for a car, as the road to the waterfall gets a bit tricky at the end.
The best option is to visit this waterfall when you’re staying in Ubud and planning to visit Tegalalang, as the Ulu Petanu Waterfall is only 3 km from the rice terraces, making it an easy addition to your tour.
It is only 20 minutes by motorbike from Ubud and about a 2-hour drive from the airport or Canggu.
There is plenty of parking space. From the parking, you go down about 90 steps and you are in the Ulu Petanu Waterfall area.
The waterfall is easy to access, and it is a short 5-minute non-steep walk. Plus, at the beginning of the walk, you will find a big poster with a map of the complex.
Is There Any Entrance Fee At Ulu Petanu Waterfall
The fees are subject to change based on the village policy, but the last time we visited the tickets to Ulu Petanu Waterfall were 30,000 IDR (3 AUD) per person for foreigners and 20,000 IDR (2 AUD) for domestic visitors.
What To Do At Ulu Petanu Waterfall
Trek & Chill
The serene beauty and the tranquillity of the spot make it perfect to relax, unwind, and disconnect from the busy world. This waterfall has a more relaxing ambience than many popular waterfalls, for sure.
You can simply walk and enjoy the place, or dip in the refreshing natural pool. There is also a pond with koi fish before the waterfall, you can buy special food (10,000 IDR or 1 AUD) and feed them. If coming with kids, they will absolutely love that.
If you swim in the natural pool, you can easily spend around an hour here.
Healing Rituals
Historically a site for meditation, the waterfall compound today has a few sacred healing features highly valued by the community.
You can drink Holy Water from the source nearby (you will find a pipe, it is safe to drink) or you can dip in the Tirta Waledan – a warm healing pool with water rich in sulphur. Great for people with skin issues.
This waterfall can be an alternative to Tirta Empul as you can take part in melukat (water purification ceremony) here too.
Venture Off The Beaten Path
If you go further along the right side of the trail you will discover the hidden waterfalls Pelepasan Batu, which is often used for water purification rituals, and triple waterfall Pangkung Patas, and the 12-13th-century cave Situs Gua Muntig Petanu and Muntig Cave. Both are not easily accessible otherwise.
For this, you need a local guide with all the information on how to get there.
Make sure to ask the guide to tell you the story and legends of the waterfall and show you the carved relief carving of a fish with the head of an elephant – a reminder of human obligations in life according to Weda teachings.
There are so many little elements on the waterfall territory that hold so much history!
ATV & Rafting Tour
If you love adventures, you can pre-book (through a travel agency) an ATV and rafting tour in the river nearby, and it will include a visit to this waterfall and a lunch break.
There are dozens of tours in Ubud, make sure to double-check the itinerary.
Where To Eat Around Ulu Petanu Waterfall?
There are not many dining options around the waterfall, so your best bet is to have breakfast and lunch in Ubud or around Tegalalang rice fields if you don’t mind tourist prices.
In Ubud, Try These Cafes:
- Seniman coffee for very good coffee and breakfast. It is probably one of the most popular coffee shops in Ubud.
- Bali Buda for vegans and vegetarians, this restaurant offers a full menu from breakfast to dinner and desserts.
- Bebek Bengil Ubud – a Balinese delicacy is fried duck and this is the best place to try it. Plus, the cafe has a nice garden.
- Casa Luna makes fusion dishes with Balinese and Western influences. Delicious desserts.
Where to Stay Around Ulu Petanu Waterfall?
The area around Ulu Petanu Waterfall is stunning and it is no wonder there are many luxury resorts tucked away in the rainforest.
There is always an option to stay in Ubud and simply include this waterfall in one of the day trips.
Accommodation Options:
Bobocabin Ubud is a comfortable 3-star hotel near Ulu Petanu Waterfall with a unique concept of private cabins in the rice fields.
Sebatu Sanctuary Eco-resort will submerge you into nature and a calm ambience. Perfect spot for a romantic escape. Each bamboo house is like from a fairy tale and the views are stunning.
- Komaneka – is one of the best jungle hotels in Ubud, right next to Monkey Forest and all the restaurants and shops.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Ulu Petanu Waterfall?
To avoid crowds, come early in the morning between 6.30 and 9 AM or on weekdays. After 9.30 AM it gets busy really fast.
During the rainy season (November to April) waterfalls in Bali are more plentiful due to the abundant rains but if it rains heavily, you may not be able to see all the waterfalls as the path can be flooded.
This site has ponds, natural beauty, gazebos to relax, and some other attractions, so you can visit it year-round.
Final Thoughts On Ulu Petanu Waterfall
The fact that Ulu Petanu Waterfall stays hidden yet all the facilities and the road to it are in mint condition makes it well worth the journey.
If you get a chance to explore Ubud and have time after visiting Tegalalang rice terraces, you should visit this stunning waterfall with its ponds and caves too!
