Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfall: North Bali’s Best Hidden Gem
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Honestly, I do not know how Banyu Wana Amertha waterfall has managed to stay off the radar as the top Bali destination. While the insta-famous Bali waterfalls such as Tukad Cepung waterfall, Git Git waterfall, and Sekumpul waterfall have gone viral on social media, very few have even heard of Banyu Wana Amertha.
As you will see in this post, Banyu Wana Amertha waterfall is a pure hidden gem that is equally spectacular as the other popular waterfalls, only without the crowds. When I visited Banyu Wana Amertha in the morning, I crossed paths with just one other family the entire 3.5 hours I spent there.
Another reason why Banyu Wana Amertha waterfall should be on your Bali bucket list is that there is not just one waterfall here, but three! If you happen to visit in the rainy season, there is even a fourth waterfall. You can easily spend a few hours at this one attraction alone, being blown away by the dramatic waterfalls.
Read on to find out more about this majestic place, including how to get there, when to go, what to expect, and how to best prepare for your trip!
Where is Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfall
Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfall is located in Buleleng Regency, about a 3-hour drive from the Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) and 2 hours north of Ubud. The waterfall is nestled in a jungle about 1000 meters (30 feet) above sea level, near the mountain lakes of Tamblingan and Buyan.
You can easily locate Banyu Wana Amertha using Google Maps, and the sign off the main road Jalan Raya Wanagiri will lead you straight to the parking lot.
Check the Bali Waterfalls Map in the next section to see the exact location of Banyu Wana Amertha, along with a few other noteworthy waterfalls in Bali!
Related Post: Budget Travel Options at Bali Airport
Bali Waterfalls Map
In this interactive map, I located some of the most stunning waterfalls in North Bali that you can do in a day trip. Banyu Wana Amertha is located on a few minutes down the road from Banyumala Twin Waterfall, which is definitely worth checking out as well!
Best Ways to Explore Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfall
1. Customize a tour with your private driver
With so many breathtaking waterfalls in the north Bali region, why not create your waterfall-tour including some of the best spots like Gitgit waterfall, Aling Aling waterfall, Sekumpul waterfall, and Banyumala waterfall! Customizing a tour allows for flexibility in your schedule, as well as making additional stops like local markets, coffee plantations, and nearby rice terraces.
2. Rent a Motorbike
Due to the distance and windy and narrow mountain roads, I wouldn’t recommend taking a rented motorbike if you are either a new driver or traveling a long distance from south Bali. However, if you are spending a few days in north Bali, having your own transportation may be a great way to explore some of the hot spots in the area.
Related Post: 7 Ways to Get Around Bali on a Budget
How to Reach the Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfall
Once you park your car/motorbike in the lot, you will find an easy trail made of dirt and wooden steps. The hike is not too strenuous, and manageable as long as you take your time.
Note, however, that you are about 1,000 meters above sea level so you will notice that you may get out of breath more easily than you otherwise would. Take rest, drink water, and go at your own pace especially when going back uphill.
The 4 Waterfalls at Banyu Wana Amertha
#1: Bhunanasari Waterfall
This was perhaps my favorite waterfall at Banyu Wana Amertha. The breathtaking view of multiple water streams cascading down a boulder just left me speechless. Bhunanasari was my first stop after trekking downhill for 20 minutes, and I’m sure my jaw hit the ground when I first laid my eyes on it.
No words can ever do justice to the beauty of this waterfall.
You just need to go and check it out for yourself.
#2: Available during the rainy season
Unfortunately, I did not have an opportunity to see this waterfall when I visited in September. The only thing that remained here was a murky pool.
I was told that the waterfall appears after heavy rainfall, and more consistently during the rainy season between January to March.
This second waterfall is located just 180 degrees opposite of Bhunanasari (waterfall #1).
#3: Spray Waterfall
About a 7-minute walk from Bhunanasari is the Spray waterfall.
As the name indicates, this waterfall is so powerful that the water sprays just about everywhere, leaving the entire area wet and muddy. But the waterfall, about 40m tall, was magnificent! The sound of the water crashing onto the boulder and into the pool below was so captivating,
I just stood there for 30 minutes just being mesmerized.
There is a collection of the pool where you can go for a dip or a swim, but there is not a bit of dry area at this location. So I’d recommend that you bring a waterproof bag for your towels and camera equipment if you plan to spend some time at the Spray Waterfall.
#4: Twin Waterfall
Located another 7-minute walk from waterfall #3 is the Twin Waterfall.
Admittedly, this is a name I made up since no official name was given – but I found it appropriate, as there are two identical falls side by side, cascading down about 15m forming a stream down to the creek below.
While this last waterfall was not quite as impressive as Bhunanasari or Spray waterfall, it was a peaceful location to enjoy the last stop while you dry yourself off, have a picnic of snacks and refreshments, and prepare for the hike back uphill to the car lot.
Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfall Entrance Fee
Entrance fee: IDR 20,000/person
Parking: IDR 5,000/car; 2,000/motorbike
Helpful Tips to Know about Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfall
- There are toilets and changing rooms throughout the grounds. However, I did not notice any trash bins when I visited. Please be sure not to leave litter behind. Remember, leave only footprints 🙂
- There was a small stand that sold drinks along the path to the waterfalls, but there was no food for sale. You may want to bring your own supply of drinks and snacks, especially if you plan to stay for a few hours, as I did!
- Arrange your trip in the morning if possible. Not only is the sunlight perfect for photography, but the weather often gets cloudy after 12 pm in this region in the mountains. Due to the altitude, the air can feel chilly without the sunshine.
- No special gear is required for the hike to the waterfalls. The hike is easy enough to manage in a pair of sandals.
Where to Stay Around Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfall
Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfall is located about 2 hours from the nearest tourist hub of Ubud. While the views of the waterfalls certainly make the trip worthwhile, I would highly recommend that you spend a minimum of one night and explore some of the hidden gems of North Bali.
Northern regions of Bali are still relatively quiet compared to the South where large resorts, villas, and tourist traps are visible every way you turn.
If you want to escape the crowds and retreat to a peaceful oasis, North Bali is definitely worth exploring!
Here are some of my favorite hotels in North Bali:
Budget
starting at $35/night for a Garden room with an extra charge for breakfast
Located in the mountains of Bedugul, this resort is ideally situated for all your north Bali excursions and adventures. The resort is located on a massive land with a horizon of endless mountain views – a perfect destination for those seeking peace surrounded in nature.
Mid-Range
starting at $55/night for a deluxe room including breakfast for 2
Located right on the lake Beratan, this villa is an excellent selection if you want to catch the sunrise shot of the beautiful Ulun Danu Temple without the crowd.
All the rooms face the lake including the infinity pool and provides a peaceful and restful retreat if you are looking to enjoy the countryside and explore the nearby natural wonders.
Luxury
starting at $130/night for a deluxe suite including breakfast for 2
If you are even remotely active on Instagram, you have undoubtedly come across a breathtaking view of a girl in flowy dress dancing at the edge of an infinity pool overlooking a misty mountaintop.
This spectacular eco-lodge is not only known for the insta-famous infinity pool and the jaw-dropping views but also for its gorgeous, spacious, and modern rooms, bathroom and balcony that looks into the lush green rainforest and the mountain hills. Resort amenities include hot Jacuzzi, pool table, exercise room, a spa, and onsite restaurant. This resort provides world-class service to match the views and will have you wanting to return for sure!
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4 Comments
Yana
Wow this waterfall is incredible. I live in Bali and still haven’t had a chance to go there! I’m definitely heading there soon. Thanks for the tips
Mo
Hey Yana! I’m glad you found the post helpful 🙂 You should definitely check it out before everybody else discovers this awesome waterfall!
Keri | Ladies What Travel
Ah these look so beautiful – wish I’d known about them when I visited Bali!
Mo
I hope you get to visit Bali again! I didn’t realize there were SO many waterfalls here until I got here 🙂