Tukad Cepung Waterfall

Useful Information

Location:	Jl. Tembuku, Tembuku, Bangli Regency, Bali 80671. 15 minutes walk. (-8.441017, 115.386808)
Open:	All year daily 8-17. [2022]
Fee:	Adults IDR 10,000. [2022]
Classification:	Gorge
Light:	n/a
Dimension:	VR=50 m. Waterfall: H=15 m.
Guided tours:	self guided
Photography:	allowed
Accessibility:	no
Bibliography:
Address:	Tukad Cepung Waterfall, Jl. Tembuku, Tembuku, Bangli Regency, Bali 80671, Tel: +62-819-3703-7946.
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then. Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

Description

In Bali, emphasis is always on bathing, if you visit a cave the question is, does it offer a bath, if you visit a gorge, the question is, how about bathing in the river? This is a rather spectacular gorge with great erosional forms, dolly tubs, a huge waterfall, and a narrow cavern-like section. Most likely it was once a cave and the roof has collapsed forming the gorge. And yes, it's a popular bathing spot named Tukad Cepung Waterfall.

"The sunlight falls on the glistening waterfall creating a rainbow, which feels as though it is projected right up to you."
"On sunny days light rays stream into the cave, illuminating the waterfall in an almost magical fashion."

It seems, bloggers get watery eyes when they write about this place, and currently it is said to the best virgin waterfall in Bali. It was free to enter the area until a few years ago, the locals maintain the place and the trail because they use it themselves. Obviously dozens of well written blog entries, with fantastic pictures and turgid phrases changed this. Next it became an Instagram hotspot. But the fee is still low, the price of a small coke, and parking is free. The fee is obviously only a small contribution to the maintenance of the paths, and the gorge is worth every Rupiah.

From the parking lot there is a 15-minute walk through jungle and then alsong the river upstrem through the gorge. On the way there are always sun rays shining through the steep cliffs into the gorge. This eerie effect is best around noon, obviously. The trail ends one turn from the waterfall, and you have to wade through the water to see the waterfall. As we said, the main attraction is not the gorge, not the sun rays, and not the waterfall, its the possibility to bath. So bring swimsuit, water shoes for wading through the water, and a towel.

During the rainy season between December and February there is always the possibility of heavy rain. As a result the river rises and finally floods the gorge. That not only stops tranquil bathing, it can also be quite dangerous and the site is closed.