Banyumala is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in North Bali, tucked away in the cool highlands near Munduk and Lake Buyan. A short walk followed by a twin stream of water creates a scene that feels calm and untouched.
Bali has no shortage of waterfalls, but Banyumala has a unique feel to it, a serene escape in the highlands. If you fancy a peaceful escape that’s a bit off the beaten path, this is a must-visit destination.
TL;DR, Summary Of Banyumala Twin Waterfall
- One of the most beautiful twin waterfalls in Bali, with a scenic 10 to 15-minute walk through the forest to reach it and a refreshing pool to cool you down.
- Best visited in the morning, it can get busy later. It’s also a bit cooler this time of day,
- Around 2 to 3.5 hours with popular places in the south, so best included as part of a North Bali tour or at least an overnight stay.
- If you’re planning to visit Bali and want to explore the island beyond the south, this is a great waterfall to add to your itinerary.
Where Is The Banyumala Twin Waterfall?
Banyumala Twin Waterfall is located in the Buleleng Regency in North Bali, in the hills above Wanagiri Village.
It’s one of the more remote parts of the island, and as such, it takes some travelling to get to.
Address: Wanagiri, Sukasada, Buleleng Regency, Bali 81161, Indonesia
Distance From Major Tourist Areas:
From Canggu on the West Coast or Ubud in the Central Highlands, the journey takes about two hours, and about two and a half if you’re staying in the Kuta area. That makes it possible as a day trip, if not a long one.
From Uluwatu, it’s almost 100km, around three and a half hours on the road. That means if you intend to return to Uluwatu and not explore the region further, then you’ll need an overnight stay.
Of course, if you’re already staying in the north, then it’s not too far, for instance, Lovina is only about an hour away.
How To Get To Banyumala Twin Waterfall
Because of the distance, people tend to include it as part of their itinerary in a North Bali tour, be it a day tour or spending several days overnight. As with most destinations in Bali, there are several travel options to consider:
Private Driver – This is by far the safest and most comfortable way to visit Banyumala and the surrounding areas.
If you’re coming from Lovina, Munduk or the lake areas, you can hire a private car and driver from your hotel, and plan a full day out; the driver will know their way around and can maybe suggest places to visit, they can take care of your belongings in the parking area while you explore, and you have no worries about getting back to your hotel.
If you’re coming from further afield, as long as your driver has agreed, then they won’t mind the late journey back or leaving you at your final destination. If you plan to return the next day, just book a new driver home.
Group Tour – A group tour is a great way to see Banyumala and the surrounding sights, especially if you’re travelling alone.
There are several advantages. The tour is pre-planned, so there’s little decision-making to be done. You can meet new people and make new friends or travel buddies, and often a lunch stop is planned and included in the price.
For some, this option lacks flexibility, but for others, the ease of travel outweighs this.
Motorbike or Scooter Rental – This one sounds like a great option: hire a scooter from a shop near your hotel, ride free through the winding roads and beautiful rice terraces, the freedom of travel, the wind blowing through your hair. But it comes with several risks, and we generally advise against it.
It’s highly unlikely that you’ll have the correct license to ride legally in Bali, and unlikely that you’ll have the correct insurance to cover you. Bali’s roads can be testing for even the most experienced of riders, and one mistake could ruin your holiday; think hospital bills and angry rental companies.
Unless you’re a serious biker, don’t take the risk; just sit back and enjoy the ride in a car or minivan.
Entrance Fee And Opening Times
There’s a small entrance fee to the waterfalls, which at the time of writing was 30,000 IDR each. It’s less than the price of a beer, yet this money is vital in maintaining the trail, facilities and general area. Cash only is accepted, so be sure to bring some small change with you.
If you have a private driver and car, then there’s a small fee also for the car park, which was 2,000 IDR when we visited.
The opening times are around 8 am to 6 pm, of course, as with many things in Bali, the times can be inconsistent, so be patient.
When Is The Best Time To Visit?
The best time to visit Banyumala Twin Waterfall is early in the morning. Arriving early before the group tours show up means you can enjoy the falls with a more peaceful atmosphere, and of course, it’ll be easier to take photos.
As far as the weather is concerned, the early morning and the afternoon are much cooler than the midday heat, and the lighting is best for photography.
As for the time of year, the waterfalls flow year-round. The rainy season brings more powerful waterfalls and lush greenery along the trail, but the path can be slippery, and there’s the risk of a sudden downpour.
During Bali’s dry season, the path is less slippery, and the air is less humid, although there might be less water.
The Trail To Banyumala Twin Waterfall
There’s a trail running down from the parking lot; it’s not bad, think of it as a short trek rather than a long walk. It leads down through dense forest and lush surroundings, with sections of dirt trail and some stone steps along the way.
It usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes to reach the end, depending on your pace. It’s a nice scenic trek, very enjoyable, and it’s all part of the experience. As you near the end, you can hear the sound of the water getting louder and louder, which is quite exciting.
It’s generally a fairly straightforward trail, but those who’re unsteady on their feet may struggle in places, so be warned. It can also be slippery in places, particularly during the rainy season, so take care of your footing, especially if you’re only wearing flip flops.
What To Expect At Banyumala Twin Waterfall
When you reach the bottom of the trail, the forest opens up to reveal Banyumala’s twin falls spilling down a wide rock wall into a clear natural pool below. The two streams of water run side by side, which is of course how it gets its name, surrounded by dense greenery and rocks. The whole place has a very natural, untouched feel to it.
The pool is big enough for a swim, and many visitors take the opportunity for a refreshing dip after the journey there. The water is nice and cool thanks to the movement, elevation and the shade from the surrounding forest. Add in the cool mountain air, and it’s a great place to kick back and relax for a while.
In the last few years, a handful of small bridges have been placed around the falls for different viewing and photography angles.
There’s a small changing room on-site if you do plan to swim, and plenty of rocks around the edge to sit, take photos, enjoy a snack, or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings before heading back up the trail.
A few things to remember:
- Watch your footing; there may be sharp rocks in the pool, and the mossy rocks surrounding it can be slippery.
- Never dive headfirst into the pool.
- Respect other visitors, keep the noise down.
- You may want to bring a waterproof bag, quick-drying clothes, and comfortable shoes, especially during the rainy season.
- Bring a snack and a drink.
- Respect the environment and always take any rubbish away with you.
What To Eat Near Banyumala Twin Waterfall
If you’re hungry or want a drink, there are a handful of local places right by the waterfall. Most of the cafes and restaurants are down on the lake, though.
- Palm Resto Bali – A relaxed, no-frills spot with friendly staff and nice surroundings, perfect for a quick stop after visiting the waterfall. They serve simple local dishes at good prices, along with fresh juices and cold beer.
- De Koffie Wanagiri – Feels more like eating at someone’s home than a typical cafe, with a small, clean setup and a focus on local food. There’s no set menu, they just kind of ask what you like! The coffee is excellent, and it’s a good stop, about halfway between the lakes and the waterfall.
- Golden Top Cafe – A tidy Western spot, a bit further away, down on the roadside by Lake Buyan. Nice coffee and pastries.
Where To Stay Near Banyumala Twin Waterfall
There are plenty of places to stay in nearby Munduk and Lovina, but if you decide to stay overnight closer to the waterfalls, then there are a few villas, hotels and homestays nearby.
- Air Ilir Grand Villa – A beautiful, family-run villa set in peaceful surroundings. One of the standout touches here is the free ATV rides, which add something a bit different to the experience.
- Querencia Farm & Cabin -A lovely cabin stay down near the lakeside, set on a working farm with plenty of greenery around. It’s quiet and feels more like staying in the countryside than at a hotel.
- Giriwood Hotel & Villa – A modern 4-star hotel with all the facilities, including an amazing pool -almost an infinity pool – with stunning views of the surrounding area.
Things To See And Do Near Banyumala Waterfall
If you’re making a day trip or even staying for a few days, there are endless other attractions and scenic stops in this part of the island, too many to list, but here are a few of the more obvious ones.
Lake Buyan & Lake Tamblingan
Not far from Banyumala are the twin Buyan and Tamblingan Lakes, one of the most scenic spots in Bali.
There are several viewpoints along the main road where you can stop, take in the views, and of course get some great photos of the lakes, forest and mountain.
Beyond viewpoints, this is a popular area for outdoor activities and exploring. Small cafes and warungs are scattered along the roadside, so you can stop for some food or a drink while enjoying the scenery, and the roads around the lake are popular for cycling, with several cycling tour companies dotted around.
On the lake itself, traditional wooden boats and paddle canoes can be hired, and the surrounding forest is popular for trekking routes.
Explore Wanagiri Village
Wanagiri Village sits in the hills above the lakes and is well worth a stop if you’re exploring the area around Banyumala Waterfalls. It has a slightly off-the-beaten-path feel, though it’s seen a lot more visitors in the last few years.
The area is best known for its panoramic viewpoints overlooking Lake Buyan. One of the more famous stops is Wanagiri Hidden Hills, with platforms and photo spots set up to make the most of the scenery.
A great area to seek out the perfect picture.
Other Waterfalls
There are many waterfalls in this area, some right near Banyumala and some a little bit further away. Here are a couple that are well worth visiting while you’re in the area.
- Gitgit Waterfall – One of the more popular waterfalls in North Bali, Gitgit is another twin waterfall, with a powerful stream splitting in two as it hits the rock face. It’s fairly easy to access, with just a short path that takes about 10 minutes.
- Munduk Waterfall – Located in the highlands around Munduk village, this is part of a wider network of waterfalls connected by forest trails and plantation paths. Like most waterfalls in North Bali, it involves a bit of a walk to reach, but it’s a good option if you want something beyond a quick roadside stop. If you’re feeling up to it, there’s a wider trek around these falls that takes about 5 hours.
FAQs
Are The Banyumala Twin Waterfalls Worth Visiting?
Yes, definitely. If you can find the time to visit the northern regions, or if you’re already up that way, it’s worth a visit to one of the most stunning waterfalls on the island and well worth the visit.
Is Bali Botanic Garden Near Banyumala Waterfall?
Hmm, no. It’s in the same region of Bali, but the exact location is southeast, just off the western shores of Lake Beratan, in a village called Candikuning.
What Is The Best Waterfall In Bali?
That’s subjective, of course, as Bali has many fantastic waterfalls to choose from. Banyumala is, however, one of our favourites, for both its uniqueness and the beautiful surroundings.
Final Thoughts on Banyumala Twin Waterfall
Banyumala Twin Waterfall is an unforgettable experience, whether you’re a nature lover, seeking a peaceful retreat, or just chasing waterfalls around the island.
The twim streams falling into the refreshing pool below create a beautiful spot to relax and take it all in, and though it sees more visitors in recent years, it’s still fairly quiet. It’s easy to see why many still consider this a hidden gem.
If you want to enjoy Bali’s natural beauty, this is one place that definitely deserves a spot on your itinerary.