Private Tukad Cepung, Tibumana & Kanto Lampo Waterfalls Tour Ubud Bali

Tukad Cepung Waterfall

Tukad Cepung lies in the village of Tembuku in Bangli regency, about 40 minutes east of Ubud, and is unlike any other waterfall in Bali. From the car park a path and stairs lead down into a river gorge, then you wade along the shallow stream and squeeze between rock walls until you reach a cave-like chamber where the water falls through an opening in the rock above.

The best time to visit Tukad Cepung is mid-morning in the dry season, when the sun shines through the gap and creates the famous beams of light across the spray. In the rainy months the water is stronger and the view more dramatic, but the rocks are slippery, so wear sandals or water shoes with grip. Allow around an hour for the walk and photos; the stairs back up are the most tiring part of the day.

Tibumana Waterfall

Tibumana Waterfall is in the village of Apuan, also in Bangli, and is reached on an easy path of about ten minutes through rice fields, palm trees and bamboo, crossing a small wooden bridge on the way. At the end, a single wide curtain of water drops into a deep green pool surrounded by moss-covered cliffs and jungle plants.

This is the best swimming stop of the tour. The water comes from mountain springs and is refreshingly cool, and there is a small beach of stones where you can leave your things and change. Many travellers ask how to get to Tibumana from Ubud: it is about 30 minutes by car, with no public transport, which is why a private driver is the easiest way to include it. Plan about an hour here, more if you love to swim.

Kanto Lampo Waterfall

Kanto Lampo is in Beng village near Gianyar, only a few minutes' walk down steps from the road. Here the river spreads out and tumbles over a wide, stepped rock face, so the water flows down in many small streams like a natural staircase. Visitors climb carefully onto the lower rocks to stand in the spray, which makes it one of the most photographed waterfalls around Ubud.

Is Kanto Lampo worth visiting? Yes, especially for photos: the stepped rocks give a unique background, and your driver-guide knows the best angles. Go early to avoid queues for the main photo spot, and take care on the wet rocks, especially after heavy rain when the current is stronger. About 45 minutes to an hour is enough for photos and a dip at the base.

Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple

Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu is a peaceful water temple in the village of Sebatu, north of Ubud, set in a green valley with clear springs flowing into lotus ponds, koi pools and carved bathing places. It is dedicated to Vishnu, the Hindu god associated with water, and local people still come here to pray and to purify themselves in the spring-fed pools.

Compared with the better-known Tirta Empul, Gunung Kawi Sebatu is far less crowded, so it is a calm place to see Balinese temple architecture, thatched shrines and stone carvings without hurry. Modest clothing is required, and sarongs are available at the entrance. Your guide explains the offerings and the meaning of the holy water during a visit of about an hour. It is a welcome change of rhythm after the waterfalls.

Tegallalang Rice Terrace

The final stop is the Tegallalang Rice Terrace, about 20 minutes north of Ubud, where emerald paddies step down both sides of a deep valley shaded by coconut palms. The fields are watered by the traditional subak system, a cooperative irrigation network shared by farmers through canals and water temples that UNESCO recognises as part of Bali's cultural landscape.

You can walk the narrow paths between the terraces, take photos from the viewpoints or rest at a café overlooking the valley; some path sections ask for a small donation to the farmers. The terraces are open every day from early morning to evening, and late afternoon light is especially beautiful. Allow about an hour before the drive back to your hotel in Ubud or Kuta.