NungNung Waterfall Guide – Location and how to get there. Bali, one of the most popular tourist destinations nowadays, has some of the most amazing beaches and spectacular waterfalls. However, most of the attractions are packed with tourists, leaving some of the natural wonders to be less enjoyable.
Some of the waterfalls such as the Aling Aaling Waterfall and the Tegenungan Waterfall, though magnificent in their own way, are just way too overcrowded with tourists.
Though there are some waterfalls in northern Bali such as skumpul Waterfall that are less crowded, reaching them is a pain.
Located only a little over an hour from the touristy town of Ubud, is still a hidden gem in Bali waiting to be discovered. It is one of the best waterfalls near Ubud.
This Nungnung waterfall guide will tell you everything you need to know from how to get there to what you need to bring for your Nungnung adventure!
What To Expect At Nungnung Waterfall
This is a very strong waterfall. Keep a healthy distance or your electronics will get wet.
The rocks near the waterfall can be slippery too, so keep that in mind. You can swim in the pool below the falls, but don’t get too close to the thundering falls or it could be dangerous.
Read also : 20 Places of Interest in Jembrana Bali | Thing to Do West Bali
The first time I visited this waterfall was in 2017, and it was still a hidden secret. I was completely alone except for a local Indonesian couple that was also there doing the hike.
Nowadays, the waterfall is a popular Instagram spot in Bali, so you will definitely have company unless you get here very early.
If you have a drone and you’re feeling brave, you can get some great shots flying over this waterfall in tripod mode!
Nungnung Waterfall Entrance Fee
The entrance fee is only 20k Rupiah (a little over $1 USD) per person, as of 2020.
If you’re approached by someone telling you to hire a guide for this hike, just tell them no thanks. A guide is not required or needed at all.
Why Should You Go to Nungnung Waterfall?
I don’t recommend Nungnung Waterfall for everyone because it’s not for everyone. If you are the type of tourist that likes everything nice and easy and doesn’t like to make an extra effort to get the icing on the cake, then you should reconsider visiting Nungnung waterfall.
But if you are adventurous and like taking the extra effort to discover a hidden gem, then Nungnung is the waterfall for you. Cascading 165 ft (50 meters), Nungnung waterfall is one of the tallest waterfalls in Bali.
However, Nungnung Waterfall shouldn’t be measured by a number. From the journey into the lush Balinese jungle to standing face-to-face with the mighty beast, the entire experience is rewarding and deserves a spot on any Bali itinerary.
A little more difficult to access than the other touristy waterfalls such as Tukad Barong Waterfall, Nungnung waterfall is not popular at all. In my 2-hour stay there, we saw no more than ten people visiting. That is how a natural wonder such as Nungnung Waterfall should be enjoyed, without tourists shoving selfie sticks in your face.
As of late, weddings have started to become quite popular at Nungnung Waterfall,
The entrance fee to Nungnung Waterfall is cheap at 10k IDR per person for locals and 20k IDR for foreigners so even people traveling on a budget in Bali can visit. You’ll also need to pay for parking, which is 2k IDR.
At the entrance of the waterfall, there is also one of Bali’s most famous attractions, the Bali swing, for anyone interested in a bit of an adrenaline rush before hiking down to the waterfall.
Best Time To Visit
Nungnung Waterfall is open 24/7 and year round.
Don’t worry about the flow, because this one is spectacular in all seasons, unlike some other waterfalls in Bali that start to dry up during the dry season.
However, the best time to visit is generally in the morning, because there are less crowds and the lighting is better for pictures.
How to Get to Nungnung Waterfall?
Nungnung Waterfall is located in Badung Regency, about 1 hour away from the touristy city of Ubud. It is possible to reach Nungnung waterfall from other main touristy cities such as Canggu, Seminyak, or Kuta, but just beware that the journey will be a little longer.
Nungnung Waterfall is located halfway between Ubud and Singaraja, Bali. It takes about 1 hour of driving to reach it from either of these areas, or you can easily do a Nungnung Waterfall tour from other parts of the island as well.
The best way to get there is to rent a scooter or hire a private car and driver it’s can be booked online
Keep in mind that Nungnung Waterfall opening hours are between 7 AM to 5 PM daily, and it is best to visit as early as possible to maximize the chances of having the waterfall to yourself.
3 ways to get to Nungnung waterfall
1. Rent a scooter and driving yourself there
Perhaps the most economical option to visit Nungnung Waterfall is renting a motorbike, but it is also the riskiest. If you know how to drive a motorbike, you can rent one for an extremely affordable price in any of the major cities. Just follow the directions on Google maps and you will get to Nungnung Waterfall easily.
2. Rent a car with a driver for full day charter
This option is definitely a little more expensive than the first, but still quite affordable for a tourist. If you prefer comfort and not having the time restrictions of a tour, then this option is for you.
It is quite common to rent a car and a driver in Bali due to how difficult to access some of these locations are.
If you are traveling to Bali as a group, this option might be the best alternative.
3. Use the tour company
The last option is not as reliable because tours might not happen if there are not enough people signed up. This option is usually cheaper than renting a car if you are traveling solo. Simply go to the travel agencies in Ubud and ask if they have tours to Nungnung waterfall!
What to Bring With You to Nungnung Waterfall?
There are some specific things that you might want to bring on your trip to Nungnung waterfall.
Besides the usual water and snacks, you might want to consider bringing a rain poncho. Not only is it going to be useful when the mist of the waterfall engulfs you, but it is also extremely handy if you are coming to this waterfall on a motorbike. Bali gets a lot of rain all year round!
Because of the unavoidable mist at the bottom of the falls, we recommend bringing an ultralight dry bag to keep your things dry. It is also an all-around useful item to have when traveling in Southeast Asia.
Read also : 10 Things to do in Ubud Bali – A Guide for Wanderers
Bring a change of clothes just in case your clothes get wet! Nungnung Waterfall is extremely powerful! Don’t be surprised if you get wet even if you don’t get close to the waterfall because of the mist.
Don’t forget to bring your bathing suit! It can be extremely relaxing to dip in the refreshingly cold water of the Nungnung waterfall after a hot exhausting hike. Be careful if you do decide to go in, the water current can be strong at times!
Make sure to pack that camera! Nungnung waterfall is extremely beautiful in-person and in-photo. You will want something more than a phone camera to capture its marvel.
Bali Private Driver & Motorbike Rental
If you want to explore Bali in the comfort and safety of a private car with an English speaking driver, my top recommendation would be Kuta Transport.
Their price is 550k Rupiah ($36 USD) for a full day of driving and sightseeing in Bali (up to 10 hours) for 1-5 passengers. That’s the total price for the whole car + driver + petrol! It’s a great deal. They also offer affordable hotel transfers from the airport.
If you’d rather travel by motorbike, they have that too. Their scooter rentals start at 120k Rupiah (~$8) and include a helmet, rain coat, and free delivery in the south Bali area.
