Waterfalls In Indonesia: Explore The Beauty Of Nature’s Jewel

View of a waterfall cascading down on big rocks and bright sun rays shining in the forest.

Indonesia is a gorgeous place filled with abundant tropical forests, huge mountains, and crystal-clear rivers. The waterfalls in Indonesia are also widely famous all over the world. From the tropical rainforest of Bali to the hidden gems of Lombok and Java, Indonesia has everything. There are also multiple stunning waterfalls that you’ll definitely love. So whether you are an adventure geek, a nature lover, or someone looking for a relaxing and calm environment, Indonesia’s waterfall has everything you need. On top of that, the waterfalls hold cultural significance in many areas, which adds a unique touch to your visit.

Top 10 Waterfalls In Indonesia

Indonesia is home to some beautiful waterfalls. Here are the top waterfalls in Indonesia you should definitely visit.

1. Tegenungan Waterfall

A view of Tegenungan Waterfall with water cascading down a cliff, surrounded by green jungle.

Photo: Yousef salah / Pexels

Tegenungan Waterfall flows throughout the year, making it a perfect destination at any time. Around a 30-minute drive from central Ubud, the beautiful waterfall drops from a height of 15 meters into a pool, making it a beautiful and peaceful waterfall to visit. Not only that, it has become a popular spot for nature lovers and photographers due to its beautiful ambience. You can easily reach the Tegenungan Waterfall from the parking area; you have to go through a well-maintained but steep stairway of around 150 steps. But it’s worth it for the view and experience.

Location: Ubud, Gianyar, Bali
Major Attractions: Beautiful waterfall with a natural pool for swimming, riverside paths for relaxing and scenic walks and dense jungle surroundings for photography
Best Time To Visit: April to October

2. Sekumpul Waterfall

A waterfall surrounded by lush greenery, with a peaceful yet adventurous natural setting.

Photo: Aleksandra Dementeva / Unsplash

Sekumpul Waterfall, located in the northern part of Bali, is often described as one of Indonesia’s most stunning waterfalls by many tourists and locals. This waterfall is actually a collection of seven distinct cascades with water flowing down from lush green cliffs. Each cascade originated from different sources. Also, the area is surrounded by tropical forests, bamboo groves, and terraced rice paddies. So altogether, the destination is simply breathtaking. Now, to reach Sekumpul requires a trek through dense forests, crossing small rivers, and climbing steep staircases, which is actually very adventurous.

Location: Singaraja, Bali
Major Attractions: Multi-tiered waterfalls with crystal-clear pools, scenic trekking through forests and rice terraces and traditional Balinese village visits for cultural experiences
Best Time To Visit: April to October

3. Tiu Kelep

A waterfall with a powerful cascade amidst a lush forest offers a breathtaking sight.

Photo: Jordy Meow / Wikimedia Commons

Tiu Kelep Waterfall, located in Lombok’s Senaru village, is one of the island’s most beautiful natural attractions. This waterfall is famous for its dramatic cascade. Standing approximately 45 meters tall, the waterfall drops into a clear pool surrounded by dense tropical rainforest. To reach the trek’s destination, Tiu Kelep is an amazing and very adventurous experience. Before reaching the waterfall, the trek will take you through bamboo forests, rocky paths, and river crossings. Along the way, you’ll also witness Sendang Gile Waterfall.

Location: Senaru, Lombok
Major Attractions: Stunning cascade with a natural swimming pool, adventurous trek through tropical forests and rivers and scenic views of Mount Rinjani in the background
Best Time To Visit: April to October (dry season for safe trekking, clear water, and beautiful weather)

4. Tumpak Sewa

Tumpak Sewa, a tiered waterfall located in East Java, known for its stunning natural beauty.

Photo: Ana Benet / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Tumpak Sewu, also known as the “Waterfall of a Thousand Waterfalls,” is an incredible natural wonder in East Java, Indonesia. This beautiful waterfall in Indonesia cascades down from a height of about 120 meters. Not only that, its unique horseshoe-shaped cascade creates a mesmerising curtain of waterfalls, enclosed by lush green jungle. The waterfall is fed by the Glidik River, which originates from Mount Semeru, which is the tallest volcano in Java. The view of the Tumpak Sewa waterfall from the viewpoint is just breathtaking, but the adventure trek involves steep paths, a bamboo ladder, and a river crossing.

Location: Lumajang, East Java
Major Attractions: Multi-tiered waterfall with curtain-like flow, scenic trekking paths through lush jungle and nearby rivers and rocky landscapes
Best Time To Visit: April to October

5. Piala Waterfall

Beautiful cascading waterfall flowing over rocks into a turquoise pool surrounded by trees.

Photo: Shravan Yelburgi / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Piala Waterfall is a hidden gem in Indonesia, known for its bowl-shaped cascade that gives it a unique appearance. The waterfall has a height of about 20-25 meters, where water cascades down into a natural pool. On top of the unique appearance, the waterfall is framed by lush jungle, creating a beautiful yet dramatic atmosphere. The journey to Piala Waterfall involves trekking through lush forests and trails that can be challenging but fun at the same time. Along the hike, you will enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The path is well-marked, but it can be slippery during the rainy season.

Location: Banggai, Central Sulawesi
Major Attractions: Peaceful waterfall with a natural pool for swimming, rich flora and fauna in the surrounding rainforest, and it is Ideal for nature walks and photography
Best Time To Visit: May to September

6. Mursala Waterfall

An image of a waterfall plunging from a great height of a scenic cliff with greenery.

Photo: Diliffv / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Mursala Waterfall in North Sumatra is one of Indonesia’s tallest, with water falling from over 100 meters directly into the sea. This waterfall is located on Mursala Island and is surrounded by beautiful rainforests. To reach the waterfall, you’ll need to take a boat ride from the mainland; you will definitely enjoy the scenic journey across the crystal-clear waters. The waterfall’s powerful flow creates a roaring sound, and the mist often forms rainbows in the sunlight. Like any other beautiful waterfall in Indonesia, the Mursala waterfall’s surrounding area is rich in biodiversity. It has dense forests and exotic wildlife, making it a paradise for nature lovers.

Location: Mursala Island, North Sumatra
Major Attractions: A towering waterfall cascading into the ocean, boat rides through clear waters and rainforests with diverse flora and fauna
Best Time To Visit: March to October

7. Banyumala Twin Waterfalls

Twin waterfalls cascade down a lush green cliff into a pool, creating a picturesque scene.

Photo: Lawrence Onv / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Banyumala Twin Waterfalls is located in the north-central part of Bali, in the Singaraja region, near the village of Wanagiri. The surroundings of the Banyumala Twin Waterfalls are a tropical forest that creates a relaxing atmosphere, making it perfect for those seeking peace and natural beauty. The trek to the Banyumala Twin Waterfalls involves walking through bamboo forests and through narrow paths, adding fun experiences to your adventure list. The falls are about an hour and a half drive from popular areas like Ubud or Lovina. Twin Falls is surrounded by lush greenery, making this place an incredible destination for beautiful photos.

Location: Wanagiri, Bali
Major Attractions: Two parallel waterfalls falling into a natural pool, lush jungle surroundings perfect for photography and clear, calm water is ideal for swimming
Best Time To Visit: April to October

8. Air Terjun Leuwi Hejo

Two parallel streams of water cascade side by side through rocks into a clear pool.

Photo: AGUS SUPRATMAN / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Air Terjun Leuwi Hejo is a hidden gem known for its striking emerald-green waterfall cascading into a natural pool. The name “Leuwi Hejo” roughly translates to “Green Pool” in Sundanese. This meaning is used as the vibrant, clear shade of the water combines with dense jungle surroundings. It takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to drive from Jakarta to reach Air Terjun Leuwi Hejo waterfall, depending on traffic. The hike to the waterfall is quite easy; it is about 500 meters one way, and it takes around 15 to 30 minutes, making it perfect for both adventure lovers and casual travellers.

Location: Ciampea, West Java
Major Attractions: Beautiful emerald-green water and a natural pool, a peaceful atmosphere for relaxation and a moderate trek through forest paths
Best Time To Visit: April to October

9. Kabut Pelangi Waterfall

View of Kabut Pelangi Waterfall, where water flows with a mist that creates a rainbow effect.

Photo: Moh. Aripin / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Kabut Pelangi Waterfall, located in East Java, is a gorgeous waterfall known for its mist that creates rainbow effects under the sunlight. The sunlight hits the mist from the waterfalls at the right angle; this way, the gorgeous rainbow can be seen. The name “Kabut Pelangi” means “Rainbow Mist,” perfectly describing the magical sight. Surrounded by dense forests, the waterfall’s beauty offers a magical experience for the visitors, as well as making it a favourite among photographers. Then, to reach Kabut Pelangi, the trek to the waterfall can take around 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the pace and trail conditions.

Location: Bedugul, Bali
Major Attractions: A mist that forms beautiful rainbows in the sunlight, scenic views and lush jungle surroundings, and a clear pool perfect for swimming
Best Time To Visit: April to October

10. Ponot Waterfall

The Ponot waterfall in a tropical area, with crystal-clear water flowing over rocky cliffs.

Photo: Mykhailo Petrushchak / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

The Ponot Waterfall is considered a hidden gem surrounded by untouched rainforest. It is a beautiful waterfall where clear water cascades over rocky cliffs into a pool below. This majestic waterfall features a unique three-tiered structure and is about 30 meters in height, with water flowing over large natural rocks at each level. Not only that, but the powerful flow creates a refreshing mist, enhancing the cool and relaxing atmosphere. Ponot Waterfall is about a 3-4 hour drive from the city of Padang, and the trek to the waterfall is about 500 meters one way, making it a relatively short hike.

Location: Aceh, Sumatra
Major Attractions: Waterfall with clear, cool water, rainforest with diverse wildlife, and scenic hiking trails for nature exploration
Best Time To Visit: June to September

Waterfalls in Indonesia offer tourists breathtaking natural landscapes, and what makes it more special is that each has its own unique beauty. These waterfalls are not only stunning but also provide you with the scope for adventure, photography, and experiencing Indonesia’s rich biodiversity. As a traveller, depending on your plans, you can enjoy the trip to Indonesia as a peaceful or an adventurous trip. So, plan a trip with TripXL to discover the breathtaking waterfalls.

Cover Photo: jonathan emili / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Frequently Asked Questions

Near Indonesia's waterfalls, you can enjoy activities like trekking, swimming, and capturing stunning photos. Then, if you want, you can visit nearby villages and temples to experience local culture. Some waterfalls also offer spots for picnics and sightseeing. There are even water activities for adventure seekers.
For well-known waterfalls, if you want, you can visit the waterfalls independently. However, for remote waterfalls, hiring a local guide or using a guided tour is recommended for safety and a better trip experience.
While visiting a waterfall, you should wear lightweight, waterproof clothing and sturdy hiking shoes. Don't forget to bring a raincoat or poncho, if you don't want your clothes to get wet.
Yes, most waterfalls in Indonesia require entrance fees, usually, it's something around Rp 5,000 to Rp 50,000, which is ₹26 to ₹260 in Indian currency. The fee is mainly charged for conservation and maintenance
Yes, you can visit multiple waterfalls in one trip, especially in places like Bali, Lombok, or East Java, as there are many waterfalls within a short driving distance. So, you can easily explore several beautiful waterfalls in Indonesia without rushing, if you plan a multi-day itinerary.

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