Tibumana Waterfall Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Tibumana Waterfall is definitely not some secret waterfall in Bali. Go in the middle of the day and you’ll be sharing it with plenty of other people.

But don’t let the crowds put you off. It’s still very much a beautiful waterfall and an easy one to add to your Bali itinerary.

I’ll cover everything you need to know before you visit, including 2026 entrance fees, swimming, the hike, getting there, and what to do after.

Tibumana Waterfall: Quick Look

Tibumana Waterfall is one of the best waterfalls in Bali. where you can do more than walk down, take a photo and head straight back up.

There’s a big natural pool at the bottom, so bring your swimmers because you can usually get in the water and hang around for a while (and take some photos of course!).

Here’s a quick overview of Tibumana:

  • Location: Apuan Village, Bangli
  • Opening Hours: 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily
  • Entrance Fee: IDR 25,000 per person
  • Parking: Available near the entrance
  • Waterfall Height: Around 20 metres
  • Time Needed: 1 to 2 hours
  • Hike Difficulty: Easy
  • Swimming: Yes, conditions permitting
  • Facilities: Parking, toilets, changing rooms

The other good thing about Tibumana is that you don’t have to work too hard for it. The hike isn’t difficult, there are changing rooms and toilets, and you can grab something to eat or drink near the entrance. Give yourself an hour or two and definitely bring a towel.


Tibumana Waterfall Location

official map of tibumana waterfall in bali

Tibumana Waterfall is located in Apuan Village (Desa Apuan), Susut District, Bangli Regency.

If you’re searching for it on Google Maps, punch in “Tibumana Waterfall” and it will take you to the main visitor parking area.

For a better idea of where that actually puts you, Tibumana is:

Tibumana is also close to several places worth adding to the same trip. Kanto Lampo Waterfall is around 20 minutes away, while Tukad Cepung Waterfall and Penglipuran Village are further north-east and work well if you’re making a full day of it.



Getting to Tibumana Waterfall

driving through the road leading to tibumana waterfall

There’s no public transport that will get you to Tibumana Waterfall, so realistically you’ll be getting there by scooter, private driver, taxi, and Gojek or Grab.

The roads are paved all the way to the waterfall parking area, although the final village roads are narrower than the main roads.

It’s pretty straightforward in 2026. These are your best options:

  • Private driver: The easiest option if you want to combine Tibumana with other places around Bangli. Kanto Lampo, Tukad Cepung and Penglipuran are all easy additions to the same day.
  • Scooter: A good option if you’re comfortable riding in Bali. Google Maps will take you directly to the Tibumana Waterfall parking area, with scooter parking available when you arrive.
  • Gojek or Grab: Getting a ride to Tibumana is possible, but getting one back can be harder. There aren’t anywhere near as many drivers around Apuan as you’ll find in Ubud and the main tourist areas.
  • Taxi: Fine if you arrange the trip beforehand, but organise your return as well. Don’t expect to walk out of Tibumana and find taxis waiting around.

If you’re just visiting Tibumana then heading back, a scooter will do the job if you’re travelling light. If you’re with a group and have plans to visit more waterfalls, you’re better off booking a private car and driver for the day.


Tibumana Waterfall Entrance Fee

As of 2026, the entrance fee for Tibumana Waterfall is IDR 25,000 per person for international visitors. You pay at the ticket counter before walking down to the waterfall.

  • Entrance ticket: IDR 25,000 per person
  • Parking: Free
  • Toilets and changing rooms: Available near the waterfall
  • Food and drinks: Bring some extra cash if you want to stop at one of the warungs

Bring Indonesian rupiah in cash, preferably smaller notes. Don’t turn up expecting to tap your Visa for a 25k waterfall ticket.

Your entrance ticket gives you access to the walking trail and waterfall area, and there’s no separate fee for swimming or taking photos at Tibumana.


Opening Hours & When to Visit

crowds visiting tibumana waterfall on a clear day

Tibumana Waterfall is open every day from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. If you can get there early, do it. You’ll have a much better chance of seeing the waterfall before the bigger groups start arriving.

That said, don’t expect to have Tibumana to yourself. This is one of Bali’s most popular waterfalls, especially for photos, and it usually starts getting noticeably busier just before lunchtime.

If you’re visiting late morning or early afternoon, expect other people swimming, taking photos and waiting for their turn in the best spots.

The rainy season brings a much stronger flow, so Tibumana can look pretty impressive after regular rainfall. The trade-off is higher humidity and a wetter, more slippery walk down.

Most of the waterfall area is shaded by the forest canopy, which is nice for escaping the sun but does make the humidity feel a bit heavier.

💡 Keep in Mind: Yes, Tibumana gets crowded. No, that doesn’t suddenly make it “overrated” or not worth visiting. It’s a beautiful waterfall, and plenty of other people want to see it for exactly the same reason you do. Go early if you want it quieter, but don’t write it off just because it’s popular.


The Hike Down to Tibumana

Like with many Bali waterfalls, expect to tackle a few stairs before you get your reward.

You have to earn the view a little, but the hike down to Tibumana Waterfall is pretty easy and takes around 12 minutes (I timed it. This includes stops to catch my breath).

Here’s what to expect on the way down:

  • You’ll pass a few restaurants at the top: This is the main area to grab some food or a drink before or after visiting the waterfall.
  • Follow the stairs down: Keep going until you see a small “Tibumana” sign pointing left. Pay attention to this one because if you walk straight past it, you’ll probably spend the next few minutes wondering where the hell the waterfall went.
  • Continue along the dirt paths and bamboo bridges: This is the nicest part of the walk. During the rainy season, expect some mud and slippery sections, so decent footwear helps.
  • Stop for a few photos on the bridge: It’s a great little photo spot and worth stopping at before continuing down.
  • You’ll pass the toilets and changing rooms: These are the only toilets and changing facilities at Tibumana, so use them here if you need to.
  • Continue down to the waterfall: After the changing rooms, the path leads down to the dry platform and seating area beside the natural pool.
  • From there, you’re in: Leave your things in the dry area, head down to the water and jump in.

The walk back is obviously a little less fun because those stairs are now going the wrong direction, but it’s still a fairly easy hike compared to Banyu Wana Amertha. Take your time if it’s humid or the steps are wet.


Swimming at Tibumana Waterfall

crowds swimming at tibumana waterfall bali

This is the part you’re really here for. Well, this and getting enough photos to prove you were here. The natural pool at the bottom of Tibumana Waterfall is great for swimming.

The current is generally pretty easy, although the water can be surprisingly cold. Not Finland cold, but definitely enough to catch you off guard when you first get in.

A few things to know before jumping in:

  • The pool isn’t especially deep: Don’t come here expecting to practice your Olympic diving. Just walk in and swim.
  • Stay away from directly beneath the waterfall: The force of the falling water can be much stronger than it looks, especially after heavy rain.
  • The water temperature varies: On a hot day it feels brilliant. Early in the morning or after rain, that first step in can be a bit of a shock.
  • Watch the rocks: Some areas around the edge can be slippery, so take it easy getting in and out.
  • Conditions change during the rainy season: More rain means more water coming over the falls and a stronger flow through the pool.

The pool eventually narrows and continues downstream as a small river, so you’re not swimming in a completely enclosed lagoon. Most people stick around the main pool where you get the best view of Tibumana and easy access back to the dry area.

💡 My Advice: Bring your swimmers and a towel. It would be a shame to walk all the way down to Tibumana just to stand on the edge like someone’s dad guarding everyone’s bags.



Tibumana Photography & Drone Tips

drone photography at tibumana waterfall

You won’t struggle to find a good photo at Tibumana. The waterfall, pool, rock walls and greenery pretty much do the work for you.

The harder part is getting the shot without 14 other people accidentally joining your holiday album.

A few tips that will help in 2026:

  • Go early for cleaner shots: Once the late-morning crowds arrive, getting a photo of the waterfall without people in the background becomes much harder.
  • Use the bamboo bridge on the hike down: Don’t rush past it. The bridge and surrounding greenery make for some of the best photos away from the actual waterfall.
  • Shoot from further back: You can fit the pool, waterfall and surrounding cliffs into the frame rather than ending up with another close-up waterfall photo that could have been taken anywhere.
  • Get in the pool: Photos looking back towards the waterfall from the water are much better than every shot being taken from the dry area.
  • Watch your phone near the water: The rocks can be slippery and phones are famously poor swimmers. A waterproof case or wrist strap isn’t a bad idea.
  • Rainy season gives you more water: Tibumana generally looks more powerful after plenty of rain, although spray, cloud and lower light can make photography trickier.
  • The entrance road makes for a great shot: On the way to the ticket booth, you’ll ride through a road lined with coconut trees on both sides. It’s a beautiful shot!

Flying a Drone at Tibumana

I flew my drone at Tibumana Waterfall with no problems, and it’s definitely worth bringing one if you have it.

The waterfall looks completely different from above, especially when you pull back enough to capture the pool, surrounding forest and river.

If you want a clean aerial shot, get the drone up before Tibumana gets busy. Fewer people makes for a great waterfall shot, although a busier pool can actually look pretty good too if you want more of a travel-style photo.

Keep in mind, some reviews mention being asked to pay more for bringing a professional camera with them. Easy fix: drone and camera stays in the bag until you’re at the bottom.

⚠️ Drone Tip: Be careful because there isn’t much room to work with. You’re flying between steep walls and a lot of tall trees, and you will likely lose satellite signal. If you have a smaller drone, don’t rely on your RTH feature.


What to Pack for Tibumana

You don’t need to bring half your suitcase to Tibumana, but there are a few things worth throwing in your bag, especially if you’re planning to swim.

  • Swimmers: Wear them underneath your clothes if you can. There are changing rooms, but it’s easier to arrive ready to go.
  • Towel: There aren’t towels waiting for you at the bottom, so bring your own.
  • Good footwear: You don’t need hiking boots, but shoes or sandals with decent grip are useful. The stairs and dirt paths can get slippery after rain.
  • Water: Bring a bottle for the walk. You can also buy drinks from the warungs near the entrance.
  • Cash: You’ll need Indonesian rupiah for your entrance ticket, parking and anything you buy from the local warungs.
  • Waterproof phone case: Handy if you want photos from inside the pool without spending the rest of your holiday shopping for a new phone.
  • Dry bag: Not essential, but useful for keeping your phone, wallet and clothes dry while you’re swimming.
  • Sunscreen: You won’t get much direct sun around the waterfall itself, but you’ll probably need it for the rest of your day.
  • Drone or camera: Tibumana is ridiculously photogenic, and there are plenty of good shots along the hike as well as at the waterfall.

You can leave the serious hiking gear at the hotel. The walk to Tibumana is short and relatively easy, so pack for swimming and getting wet, not an expedition.

👉 First time visiting Bali? Grab my free Bali Packing List before you start packing. It covers what you actually need to bring and what you can leave at home.


Restaurants at Tibumana Waterfall

local restaurant at tibumana waterfall parking area

You won’t have a hard time finding food around Tibumana Waterfall. There are several small warungs and restaurants around the entrance and parking area, so grabbing lunch or a cold drink is easy.

Just keep in mind that there are no cafes or restaurants down at the waterfall itself. If you suddenly decide you want a nasi goreng halfway through your swim, you’re hiking all the way back up for it.

Here are a few spots near Tibumana worth checking out in 2026:

  • D’Carik Tibumana Pool Bar & Resto: The most popular option here and definitely worth a look if you have some time. It’s basically a little pool club overlooking the rice fields, with a swimming pool, food and drinks.
  • Warung Nova: A small local warung along the path with basic Indonesian favourites like nasi goreng and mie goreng, plus fruit juices and cold drinks.
  • Warung Cuung Cacank Melentik Nadi: Right near the scooter parking area. Nothing fancy, but good for the basics, including simple Indonesian food, drinks and fresh coconuts.
  • Uma Sari D’Warung: Another easy option near the parking area for snacks, drinks and basic Indonesian meals.

As with most popular tourist attractions in Bali, expect to pay a little more for food and drinks here. It’s not “central Ubud expensive”, but prices are definitely a bit inflated compared with a local warung you’d stumble across elsewhere in Bangli.



Things to Do Near Tibumana

Tibumana is surrounded by waterfalls, temples and villages, so it’s an easy place to build into a bigger day out.

If you’ve already made the trip into this part of Bali, I definitely recommend adding at least two or three nearby stops rather than driving straight back afterwards.

Immediately Nearby

These are all roughly 15 to 20 minutes from Tibumana Waterfall, making them the easiest places to combine with your visit.

  • Taman Sari Waterfall & Natural Pool (1.5 km away): A nice one for swimming, with several natural pools rather than just a single waterfall viewpoint.
  • Bangkiang Djaran Waterfall (2.6 km away): A lesser-known waterfall nearby that’s worth considering if you’re trying to get away from the usual tourist circuit.
  • Goa Rang Reng Waterfall (3 km away): A wide waterfall flowing down a sloping rock face, with several pools and sections to explore.
  • Titi Waterfall (3.5 km away): A smaller waterfall and a good option if you want somewhere less busy than Tibumana.
  • Ulu Cangkir Waterfall (3.5 km away): A quieter local waterfall that doesn’t see anywhere near the same crowds as Tibumana or Kanto Lampo.
  • Kanto Lampo Waterfall (5.5 km away): One of the most popular waterfalls around Ubud, known for its tiered rock face and those photos standing directly in the flowing water.
  • Temesi Waterfall 9 km away): Another local waterfall you can add if you’re deliberately putting together a waterfall-heavy day.
  • Suwat Waterfall (11 km away): Another easy waterfall to visit, with a large swimming area and bamboo raft at the bottom.
  • Pura Kehen (11 km away): One of Bangli’s most important temples and one of my favourites if you want a beautiful temple without the crowds you’ll find at Bali’s biggest attractions.
  • Goa Garba (11.5 km away): An ancient temple and archaeological site built around a spring, and a good change of pace if you’ve already seen enough waterfalls for one day.

A Little Further Away

If you’re making a full day of it, these are roughly 30 to 45 minutes from Tibumana.

  • Pura Tirta Sudamala (13 km away): A calm Balinese water temple known for its sacred springs and purification pools.
  • Goa Raja Waterfall (14 km away): Also known as the King Cave Waterfall due to being located inside of a tall cave. It’s an easy trek for visitors.
  • Penglipuran Village (14.5 km away): One of Bali’s best-known traditional villages, with its distinctive rows of Balinese compounds and beautifully maintained main street.
  • Bali Safari & Marine Park (15 km away): Further towards Gianyar and better treated as a major stop rather than something you quickly squeeze in between waterfalls.
  • Krisik Waterfall (16.5 km away): A smaller waterfall surrounded by dense greenery and considerably quieter than the big-name waterfalls.
  • Goa Giri Campuhan Waterfall (17 km away): A much quieter waterfall reached through a forested river valley.
  • Tukad Cepung Waterfall (17.5 km away): Famous for the waterfall dropping into a narrow canyon, especially when sunlight comes through from above.
  • Grudugan Waterfall (17.5 km away): Another lesser-known waterfall that works well if you’re exploring deeper into Bangli.
  • Pura Mengening (18 km away): A peaceful Balinese temple where you can participate in the Melukat (water purification) ritual.
  • Bali Zoo (19 km away): A good option if you’re travelling with kids and want to break up the temples and waterfalls.
  • Bukit Jambul (23 km away): A roadside viewpoint overlooking rice terraces, valleys and the coast in the distance.

You definitely don’t need to visit six waterfalls in one day just because they’re there. Tibumana + one other waterfall + Penglipuran or a temple makes for a much better-paced day and gives you some variety.


Best Day Tours to Tibumana Waterfall

You don’t need to visit Tibumana Waterfall on its own. It’s easy to work into a full day around Ubud and Bangli, especially if you want to knock over a few waterfalls while you’re in this part of Bali.

  • Waterfalls Near Seminyak Tour: A good option if you’re staying around Seminyak and want a full day chasing waterfalls, with Tibumana included as one of the main stops.
  • Ubud Waterfall Tour with Photographer: Visit Tibumana and other waterfalls around Ubud with a photographer along for the day. Handy if you want the photos without constantly handing your phone to strangers and hoping for the best.
  • Ubud Day Tour: Choose from three different itineraries, with options that combine waterfalls with temples, rice terraces and other Ubud attractions.
  • Private Car and Driver: The flexible option. Book one of my drivers for the day and build your own itinerary, whether that’s Tibumana plus three other waterfalls or a mix of waterfalls, temples and villages.

All of these are private tours, so you’re not getting bundled onto a bus with 20 other people. You can spend more time at Tibumana if you’re enjoying it and move on when you’re ready.


Tibumana vs Tegenungan Waterfall

A lot of people ask me whether they should visit Tibumana or Tegenungan Waterfall, and it’s understandable.

You’re basically comparing two of the most popular waterfalls around Ubud, but the experience at each one is quite different.

FeatureTibumanaTegenungan
WaterfallTall single dropLarger, more powerful falls
CrowdsBusyBusier
SwimmingYes, large natural poolYes, when conditions allow
Walk12 mins15 mins
DifficultyEasyEasy
Best forSwimming, photos, relaxed visitBig waterfall views, facilities
RestaurantsSmall warungs and restaurantsLots of cafes and restaurants
FacilitiesBasicMuch more developed
Time neededAround 1–2 hoursAround 1–2 hours
Overall feelSmaller and more naturalBigger and much more commercial

If swimming is high on your list, I’d give Tibumana the edge. The natural pool is a big part of the experience, and the whole place feels a little more relaxed once you’re down at the waterfall.

Tegenungan wins if you want a bigger waterfall with more facilities nearby. It’s much more developed, with plenty of places to eat and drink around the entrance, but that also means it feels considerably more touristy.

👉 Read my complete Tegenungan Waterfall Guide for everything you need to know before visiting.

💡 My Advice: You don’t really have to pick between them. Tibumana and Tegenungan are easy to visit on the same trip, so if waterfalls are high on your Bali list, there’s no reason you can’t see both.


Tibumana Waterfall Reviews

Tibumana Waterfall reviews are mostly positive about the setting and the walk down, although there are a few complaints worth knowing about.

Looking through recent visitor reviews, these are the points that come up most often.

What People Like

  • The walk down is part of the experience: Several visitors actually rate the walk to Tibumana as one of the highlights, with rice fields, forest, bridges and smaller waterfalls along the way.
  • Beautiful surroundings: The forest around Tibumana gets plenty of praise. The shaded path, greenery and scenery make the area feel much more than just a quick waterfall stop.
  • The hike is manageable: Proper stairs and railings make the descent relatively straightforward, including for families and older visitors. The climb back up takes more effort, but it isn’t a difficult hike for most people.
  • Good places to stop for food and drinks: Visitors mention the cafe overlooking the rice fields near the top, along with smaller stalls selling snacks and drinks along the way.
  • Great for photography: Even some of the more critical reviews still agree that Tibumana and the walk leading to it are beautiful places to take photos.

Common Complaints

  • The water can be muddy: This is the biggest complaint in the reviews. Several visitors found the pool murky or noticed leaves and other natural debris in the water, with some deciding not to swim because of it.
  • It doesn’t always look like the photos: Water conditions can make a huge difference to how Tibumana looks. Some visitors arrived expecting clear water based on photos online and were disappointed by what they found.
  • The climb back up can be tiring: Going down is the easy part. The stairs on the way back can get sweaty, especially in the heat, so bring some water and take your time.
  • Some visitors don’t like the entrance fee: A few reviewers felt that paying to enter the waterfall wasn’t justified, although this is obviously pretty subjective.
  • Camera charges have caused complaints: Some reviewers claim they were asked to pay way more because they were carrying larger or professional-looking cameras, even when photography was only a hobby.

💡 Muddy Water Complaints: I noticed some reviews complaining about the (sometimes) muddy water, which is an odd thing to be negative about. This is out of anyone’s control and usually comes down to recent rainfall and how much water is flowing through the area. You’re visiting a natural waterfall in Bali, not a swimming pool, so don’t expect crystal-clear water every day of the year.



FAQs About Tibumana Waterfall

Here are all your questions answered about visiting Tibumana in 2026. If you have more questions, feel free to leave them in the comment box below.

Where is Tibumana Waterfall?

Tibumana Waterfall is in Apuan Village, Susut District, Bangli Regency. The official Google maps plus code is F8VM+76 Apuan, Bangli Regency, Bali, Indonesia

Is Tibumana Waterfall worth visiting?

Yes. Tibumana is one of the better waterfalls in Bali if you want somewhere you can swim as well as take photos. The walk down is also relatively easy, and there are several other waterfalls nearby that you can combine with it.

Can you swim at Tibumana Waterfall?

Yes, you can swim at Tibumana Waterfall. There’s a large natural pool at the bottom and the current is generally quite easy, although conditions can change after heavy rain.

What is the Tibumana Waterfall entrance fee?

The Tibumana Waterfall entrance fee is IDR 25,000 per person. Bring some Indonesian rupiah in cash for your ticket and anything you want to buy from the warungs near the entrance.

How do you get to Tibumana Waterfall?

You can get to Tibumana Waterfall by scooter, private driver, Gojek, Grab or taxi. The road takes you to the visitor parking area, and you’ll walk the rest of the way down to the waterfall. There isn’t a useful public transport option for tourists visiting Tibumana.

When is the best time to visit Tibumana Waterfall?

Early morning is the best time to visit Tibumana Waterfall, ideally not long after it opens at 7:00 AM. It usually gets busier towards late morning and around lunchtime.

How long is the hike to Tibumana Waterfall?

The hike down to Tibumana Waterfall takes around 12 minutes. You’ll follow stairs, dirt paths and bamboo bridges before reaching the changing rooms and the pool at the bottom.

How long should you spend at Tibumana Waterfall?

Allow around 1 to 2 hours at Tibumana Waterfall. That’s plenty of time for the walk down, a swim, photos and the hike back up.

Is the walk down to Tibumana Waterfall slippery?

It can be, especially during the rainy season or after recent rain. Most of the route is straightforward, but some of the dirt paths, stairs and bridges can get wet and slippery.

How deep is the water at Tibumana Waterfall?

The pool isn’t deep around most of the swimming area, but depth can vary depending on where you’re standing and current water conditions. It is usually waist deep.

Is Tibumana Waterfall suitable for toddlers and young children?

Yes, Tibumana can be visited with young children, but you’ll need to supervise them closely around the stairs, slippery paths and natural pool.

Is there somewhere to leave luggage and bags at Tibumana Waterfall?

There isn’t a proper luggage storage facility at the waterfall itself. If you’re travelling with suitcases or larger bags, leave them securely in your car with your driver rather than carrying them down.

Which is better: Tibumana or Tegenungan Waterfall?

Choose Tibumana for swimming and a more natural setting, while Tegenungan is better if you want a bigger waterfall with more tourist facilities around it.

Do you need a permit to fly a drone at Tibumana Waterfall?

I flew my drone at Tibumana without any problems. There was no official separate drone fee or permit requested during my visit. Just remember that rules and local procedures can change, so what I experienced isn’t a guarantee that you’ll never be asked about your drone.


Michael Turner - Bali Holiday Secrets

Michael

Bali Travel Expert

After more than 15 years living in Bali, I’ve explored the island inside and out, from famous temples to hidden local gems. I’m fluent in Indonesian and created this website to help travelers discover the real Bali with trustworthy, practical advice.

2 Comments

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  1. this looks beautiful! I will be in Bali in october and plan to visit Tibumana waterfall alone on a scooter. How is the road getting there? is it safe to drive? thanks!

    • Hey Brennan,

      The road Tibumana is actually safe quite nice. It’s not the usual “dirt path that isn’t even on Google Maps.”
      The drive to Tibumana Waterfall is actually part of the experience! Have fun!

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