Tukad Cepung Waterfall: Discover the Most Breathtaking Gem in Bali
Without a doubt, there are many beautiful waterfalls in Bali worth visiting. But very few leave lifelong impressions from its mesmerizing beauty – and Tukad Cepung Waterfall is one of those rare beauties that is hard to forget.
The stunning view of Tukad Cepung is like no other. When you step into a small “cave” at Tukad Cepung, you can’t help but be in awe of the ray of sunlight that shines through in unison with the waterfall about 30 meters above ground.
Tukad Cepung Waterfall is one you don’t want to miss – be sure to put it on your Bali itinerary!
Read on to get all the tips you need to plan your trip to this magical destination, such as how to get there, when to go, what to expect, and where to stay!
Why Visit Tukad Cepung Waterfall
Just a year ago, Tukad Cepung was referred to as one of Bali hidden gems. But Tukad Cepung Waterfall is quickly making its way to the top of “things to do in Bali,” thanks to the popularity of sister waterfalls in Bali such as Sekumpul waterfall, Tibumana waterfall, and Tegenungan waterfall.
All the recent attention on social media has even caused inception of a widely popular Instagrammable Spots Package Tour which highlights the best waterfalls on the island.
Despite waterfalls becoming a popular Bali attraction, Tukad Cepung’s unique landscape and backdrop make it one-of-a-kind. No Bali waterfall compares to the breathtaking beams of light entering a cave opening, shining on the streams of a cascading waterfall.
Check out this clip to get a glimpse of the waterfall, as well as the path to get there!
How to Get to Tukad Cepung Waterfall
You can easily locate Tukad Cepung Bali using Google Maps.
Tukad Cepung Waterfall is one of the most accessible waterfalls near Ubud, along with Nungnung Waterfall, within an hour drive.
A drive through local villages and rice fields to Tukad Cepung Waterfall from Ubud is so scenic too!
If you are based further south on the island, Tukad Cepung Waterfall from Kuta or Seminyak can take about a 1.5-hour drive.
There are a couple of ways you can visit the incredible Tukad Cepung Waterfall, including getting there on your own or hiring a driver.
1. On your own
If you are comfortable riding a scooter and plan to rent one during your stay in Bali. The price of a scooter rental varies by how long you rent. The longer you rent the scooter, the less you will pay for per-day-rate.
If you rent by the month, for example, you can expect to pay about IDR 600,000.
But if you want the convenience of having a scooter delivered to your hotel or accommodation, you can also rent one online!
If you have a scooter, driving through the mountains, breathing in the scent of the jungle and feeling the cool, crisp air on your skin is an exhilarating experience.
But as I mentioned in my Bali Transportation Guide, I don’t recommend a scooter if you are a new/beginner driver. The traffic can be congested and dangerous in some parts of the island, particularly in many of the tourist hot spots such as Canggu, Ubud, and Seminyak.
Instead, I recommend that you either book a tour package inclusive of transportation (see my recommendation below), or hire a driver for the day and create a customized Tukad Cepung Waterfall tour (see next section)!
2. Bali Day Trip
Another option of exploring the Tukad Cepung Waterfall is to customize a tour including Bali’s top attractions such as rice terrace, temples, or coffee plantations (you must try the “poop” coffee while in Bali ;-)).
If you are a nature lover like me and want to escape to some of Bali’s authentic and breathtaking sceneries, I highly recommend Sidemen Valley.
The vast horizon of green rice field will take your breath away!
Sidemen is only a short 40-minute ride away from Tukad Cepung, making it a perfect destination to add to your private itinerary.
If you are more of a beach person, you must visit Bias Tugel Beach in Padangbai! The pure, fine white sand beach and the gorgeous turquoise waters are some of the best on the island. Believe me, you will thank me for this one ;-))
If you are planning a trip to Bali but want to avoid the crowds, don’t miss this post on the 6 Hidden Gems of Bali!
Best Time to Visit Tukad Cepung Waterfall
I recommend getting to Tukad Cepung early to avoid the crowd. Tukad Cepung Waterfall opening hours are from 08:00 to 17:00, and I suggest that you plan to arrive when the ticket booth opens.
When I arrived at 08:00, there was only one other couple there. We took turns taking photos of the epic waterfall, but around 10 am more people started to show up. The “cave” where you look up to take a picture of the waterfall is a small area – so if you arrive along with everybody else, you will undoubtedly cue for a turn to take your photos.
I would say 15-20 people can fit comfortably inside. Any more than that would feel cramped, not to mention you wouldn’t be able to take any pictures without strangers in it.
Although you will get more sun rays coming through the cave closer to 09:00 (in case this is a concern for you as a photographer), the later you arrive, the more likely that you will need to share the waterfall with other people. Worse, with a big enough crowd, you will have to cue in line for that perfect shot.
Things to Know Before You Go to Tukad Cepung Waterfall
- Tukad Cepung Waterfall entrance fee is IDR 10,000 per person. But there is no parking fee.
- From the parking lot, the waterfall is a 20-minute hike down some steps and trails. The hike is not too strenuous, but as you get closer to the waterfall, the steps get steep. Take your time and be cautious with the steep steps.
- Wear sandals or flipflops, as you will need to walk through a shallow river to reach Tukad Cepung once you reach the bottom of the steps.
- Along the short hike to the waterfall, there are a couple of “snack stands” that sell drinks, coconut water, and quick food (g., instant noodle). I didn’t buy anything there as I went prepared with a bottle of water.
- The depth of water inside the cave is quite shallow, about a foot (.3m) deep. The water is just about knee high, maybe a bit higher during the rainy season. The cave is not ideal for swimming, although wearing your bathing suit is not a bad idea as you will get wet!
- Speaking of getting wet, the waterfall mist can get you pretty wet depending on the duration of your stay inside the cave. Be careful with your electronics and go prepared with waterproof bags, towels or camera housings.
Love chasing waterfalls?
Be sure to check out these posts on other hidden Bali waterfalls!
Where to Stay Around Tukad Cepung Waterfall
Budget
starting ~$15/night including breakfast
Conveniently located just 3 minutes away from Tagallalang Rice Terrace, 30 minutes from Ubud center and an hour from Tukad Cepung waterfall, the huts at Bali Jungle are a perfect oasis to disconnect and immerse yourself in the many shades of Bali’s green jungle.
Mid-Range
starting at $62/night including breakfast
This villa’s special feature is its location, which is nestled inside the Tegallalang rice terraces. The view from the infinity pool overlooking the jungle and the rice terrace is priceless. And this place comes with a reasonable price of $62/night! If that wasn’t enticing enough, it also comes with an amazing outside shower (I mean, who doesn’t love taking a shower while looking up at the stars?!)
The villa is only a 30-minute ride into Ubud center, and an hour drive to Tukad Cepung waterfall.
Luxury
$106/night including breakfast
Don’t let the word “resort” fool you, as this property offers only three rooms (more like tent villas) in the middle of the jungle and rice fields, leaving you completely immersed in nature. Even though the resort is located in a serene, tranquil setting, it is only a 30-minute ride to Tukad Cepung and Ubud center.
From the gorgeous infinity pool, the outside bathroom, to the friendly and accommodating owners, there is nothing to fault at this resort. If you’re looking to splurge on your trip to Bali, look no further than this Eco-Resort!
Summary
If you are the kind of traveler who prefers to avoid the massive tourist crowds and explore quieter destinations, make sure you visit Tukad Cepung Waterfall and some other hidden gems of Bali before it’s too late. I imagine that these off-the-beaten-path spots will not stay off the radar for too much longer.
Inspired? PIN it!
This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you make a purchase using the link in this post, I get paid a small commission at absolutely no cost to you (yay for you and me!).
6 Comments
Michelle
Wonderful post! I also had the chance to visit Tukad Cepung and absolutely loved it. Definitely a must-see spot in Bali.
Mo
Thank you Michelle! I’m so glad that you enjoyed your visit to Tukad Cepung. I agree, it’s definitely one of the most magical waterfalls in Bali 🙂
Yana
Great guide. I didn’t know you could get light rays so early in the morning. I will definitely go early to check this one out. If it ever stops raining haha.
Mo
Thanks Yana! I hope you get some amazing shots! There were plenty of sun rays at 8am already 😉
Aireona
I LOVE the look of the hike to the falls. Trekking through streams has always seemed so fin to me and I don’t often have the opportunity (I live in Arizona). This is definitely a place that I would love to visit.
Mo
Oh, with the dry heat and desert land, I would say Arizona is quite the opposite of Bali 😉 I hope you get to visit Bali and enjoy its gorgeous views!