Tukad Cepung Waterfall Trek: Canyon Walk, River Path & Stunning Views

Hello, fellow travelers!
Today I want to share about Tukad Cepung Waterfall, one of Bali’s most unique and magical waterfalls. Although many people think it is located close to central Ubud, Tukad Cepung is actually about 70 minutes east of Ubud, situated in Tembuku Village, Tembuku District, Bangli Regency. Don’t worry once you pass Ubud or Gianyar town, the road becomes wider, smoother, and free from traffic.

Arrival & Facilities

When you arrive, you will find a spacious parking area for both cars and motorbikes. A short walk from the parking lot, there are clean toilets, comfortable changing rooms, and several souvenir shops and small cafés where you can relax before or after your visit.

A few meters along the paved footpath, you will reach the ticket counter.
The entrance fee is IDR 30,000 (around USD 1.82) its very affordable, and the funds are used for village income, maintenance of the walking paths, and overall cleanliness of the waterfall area.

The Journey to the Waterfall

From the ticket booth, you will start walking on a paved trail and soon pass a small irrigation ditch. Continue descending for about 100 meters until you reach the main irrigation canal, then turn right. Along this path, you will find several local cafés selling drinks and snacks it perfect for a break after exploring the waterfall.

After turning right, the path continues for about 200 meters along the irrigation canal. The walkway is fully paved, so no worries. Here you’ll pass through lush green vegetation typical of Southeast Asia, with tropical fruit trees such as jackfruit, durian, and bananas. A sign will show where you need to turn left, heading down toward the main river.

This section requires more caution because the descent is quite steep with a narrow trail, but it is safe, as concrete steps and a sturdy handrail have been built for visitors.

After about 7 minutes of descending, you will reach the main river. Turning right will lead you to a small extra waterfall and a man-made pool where visitors can relax for free. However, to reach the main Tukad Cepung Waterfall, you should turn left.

The main waterfall is not far, around 80 meters from the bottom of the stairs, but you will need to walk through shallow river water or along the uneven, sandy, rocky riverside.

About 30 meters before the main waterfall, you will encounter a big rock in the middle of the river. You can take either the left or the right side, squeezing between the rock walls. Carefully climb up onto the rock, this is where most visitors stand to admire the waterfall directly.

It may sound challenging, but trust me it’s doable for everyone. I’ve accompanied many guests, young and old, male and female, and they all managed just fine. Even before you see the waterfall itself, the scenery is already breathtaking: you are standing inside an ancient river canyon, surrounded by towering cliffs more than 50 meters high, covered in lush greenery. It’s a truly unforgettable sight.

The View of Tukad Cepung Waterfall

From the rock, as you step down toward the waterfall, you’ll witness one of Bali’s most magical natural scenes. Tukad Cepung Waterfall cascades beautifully through an open gap at the top of the canyon, creating dramatic beams of sunlight that shine like “God rays.”
When the sunlight enters at the right angle, the waterfall glows with golden light, creating a surreal, almost heavenly atmosphere. The water falls gracefully into the shallow river below, and the echo of the canyon makes the sound even more mesmerizing. This is why Tukad Cepung has become famous as one of the most photogenic waterfalls in Bali.

After enjoying the view and taking amazing photos, you can return via the same path and stop by the smaller waterfall on the south side if you wish.

Important Notes

• Avoid visiting during rainy weather, as the water level can rise.

• Wear water shoes or strapped sandals suitable for river trekking.

• Bring a change of clothes and towel, as you will get wet from the waterfall spray.

• Arrange a private car or motorbike. Online taxis like Gojek or Grab are not available in this area because it is far from the main town.