Tukad Cepung also known locally as Air Terjun Tukad Cepung is a gorgeous waterfall located in Bangli, Bali. This serene spot has been featured on Instagram countless times as it’s one of the most picturesque waterfalls in all of Bali.
If you love chasing waterfalls then Tukad Cepung should definitely be at the top of your list. Here’s our guide to visiting this breathtaking gem.
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About Tukad Cepung
Often called ‘Cepung’ for short by the locals, Tukad Cepung means ‘river flow’ in the native Balinese language.
Considered to be one of Bali’s best-hidden gems, Tukad Cepung Waterfall is a stunning natural wonder that will have you questioning reality.
The misty water gushes perfectly down into a slot canyon, shaded by towering limestone cliffs and lush jungle foliage.
If your timing is just right you’ll witness magnificent shafts of light piercing through the mist and highlighting the enchanting beauty of this place. It’s truly a magical experience!
How To Get to Get There
Like most waterfalls in Bali, getting to Tukad Cepung is an adventure in itself. There are 4 ways to get there.
1. Hire a Car With a Driver
The easiest way to get there and probably the most popular is to hire a private car with a driver, who can take you from your hotel directly to the entrance.
The cost is surprisingly affordable. You can book a full day (8-10 hours) for around 35-40 USD.
Book a Private Car With Driver
2. Take a Tour
But, if you really want to push the ‘easy button’ then book this Tukad Cepung Waterfall Tour which also includes Tibumana and Tegenungan Waterfalls. This waterfall tour is top-notch and they will take care of everything for you. Just bring your camera!
3. Rent a Self Drive Car
For the more adventurous souls, you can go DIY and rent a self-drive car and drive yourself there. Make sure that if you rent a car to check out our post covering everything you need to know about renting a car in Bali.
4. Rent a Scooter
Renting a scooter is fairly straightforward and can be done through your hotel or Airbnb host. The cost is about 5 to 10 USD per day and that should include a helmet as well.
Not for the faint of heart, it’s best to have some experience riding scooters in Asia.
Directions to Tukad Cepung Waterfall
If you decide not to do a tour then the easiest way to get up-to-date driving directions is through Google. We searched google maps for ‘Tukad Cepung Waterfall’ and got accurate directions to the waterfalls parking area. Click here to see the location on Google Maps.
Note: To get to Tukad Cepung Waterfall from Ubud it will take about 1 hour to get there, 1 hour 45 minutes from Canggu, and 40 minutes from Sidemen. All depending on Bali traffic of course 🙂
Tukad Cepung Waterfall Entrance Fee
Entrance Fee: Admission to the waterfall is 20k IDR per person which is roughly about 1.35 USD.
Parking Fee: There is also an additional fee for parking which runs 5k IDR (50 cents) for a car and 2k IDR for a scooter.
Pro Tip: To avoid paying more than you need to always bring cash and preferably small bills since they sometimes run out of small stuff to give you change.
Tukad Cepung Waterfall Opening Times
- Opens: 7 am daily
- Closes: 6 pm daily
Do You Need a Guide for Tukad Cepung?
You don’t need a guide for this waterfall. The trail is well-marked from the parking area and easy to follow.
The walk down into the canyon takes about 20 minutes and you will likely pass other travelers along the way who can help answer any questions you might have.
However, if you are not comfortable with the do-it-yourself options then hiring a guide can take the stress away and enhance the experience by sharing interesting information along the way.
This Tukad Cepung Waterfall Tour is the best one.
Tukad Cepung Waterfall Photos
Tukad Cepung is still considered to be a hidden gem on the island of the Gods. It is without a doubt one of the most unique waterfall attractions in Bali.
Here are some photos of the waterfalls and slot canyon at Tukad Cepung.
How Long Does it Take?
The hike down to the waterfall only takes about 20-30 minutes from the parking area depending on your pace. You should budget about 2-3 hours for this waterfall if you plan to take photos and enjoy the scenery.
If you are in a hurry you can be out and back in 1 hour if you spend about 20 minutes down at the two falls.
Can You Swim in Tukad Cepung Waterfall?
No, the water below the falls does not pool up enough to be able to swim. But, there is ample opportunity to get wet as the falls spill over the rock ledges creating mist and draining down the ravine into a small river.
It is possible to get your feet wet and even take photos underneath the falls. However, we recommend being very careful when it comes to going near or under the falls because they can be quite powerful-especially during the rainy season.
Best Time to Visit Tukad Cepung Waterfall
April through October (during the dry season) is the best time to see Tukad Cepung since there is less chance of flooding and the water flow will be steady.
We recommend going early about 7 am to avoid the crowds which are generally not too bad here unlike some Bali waterfalls.
To get those superb rays of light shining down into the canyon though go between 9-11 am when the sun is at the perfect angle. Just know that you will have others with the same goal.
Is Tukad Cepung Waterfall Kid-Friendly?
Yes and no. The hike is short and the path is well maintained but the steps are steep and sometimes slippery as you drop down into the canyon.
We brought our 8-year-old and our 5-year-old and they did fine with a little help and some good grippy hiking sandals.
Younger than 5 years old would probably be best carried in a backpack carrier since the steps are steep and tall.
The entire experience is pretty well-shaded so there is little worry about sun exposure.
Tukad Cepung Waterfall Tips
- Wear shoes that can get wet with good traction.
- Arrive early to avoid the crowds.
- Don’t forget that there are two waterfalls the main upstream and the other downstream.
- Bring some water and some snacks.
- Take your time and be careful on the steep stairs going in and out of the canyon.
How Does Tukad Cepung Waterfall Rank on the List of Best Waterfalls in Bali?
Tukad Cepung is one of our favorites and certainly the most unique waterfall in Bali.
It is ranked in the top 10 of our list of best waterfalls in Bali and it’s definitely worth a visit if you are looking for something different and off the beaten track.
The experience alone makes it one of our highest recommended spots to explore while you are in Bali.
What to Bring to Tukad Cepung Waterfall
- Water (Reusable bottles help keep Bali beautiful)
- Snacks
- Lightweight towel
- Swimmers
- Water shoes or sandals (flip flops are ok for the sure-footed)
- Cash for the entrance, parking, local vendors, and warungs
Other Attractions Near Tukad Cepung Waterfall
Tibumana Waterfall
About a 30-minute drive from Tukad Cepung is Tibumana Waterfall, a 65-foot picturesque waterfall with a nice pool of water below.
Tegenungan Waterfall
About 45 minutes from Tukad Cepung Waterfall is Tegenungan Waterfall, a very popular waterfall among tourists with easy access and solid food options.
Sidemen Rice Terraces
Just 35 minutes from Tukad Cepung lies the Sidemen Rice Terraces, a UNESCO site with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Telaga Waja River Rafting
If you’re up for some adventure then head 35 minutes east to the popular Telaga Waja River for some whitewater rafting. We recommend going with this whitewater rafting tour.
Wrapping It Up – Tukad Cepung Waterfall
Tukad Cepung Waterfall is a stunning and unique attraction in Bali that should not be missed. With its beautiful cave-like canyon, two waterfalls, and misty atmosphere it will have you questioning reality. Not to mention there are plenty of other attractions nearby such as Tibumana Waterfall, Tegenungan Waterfall, Sideman Rice Terraces, and Telaga Waja River Rafting. So come prepared with your swimmers, good shoes, and snacks so you can make the most out of this incredible Tukad Cepung experience!