Banyumala Waterfall—just thinking about it makes me smile! It’s one of those spots in Bali island that feels like a hidden gem, even though it’s starting to become more known. If you’re like me, you probably crave those nature spots that aren’t super crowded, where you can truly feel connected to the world around you. Banyumala delivers that and more. But before I get all poetic about it, let me take you through my experience there, which wasn’t all smooth sailing, by the way.
So, I’m one of those people who loves to research everything before I travel, especially when it comes to waterfalls. You know how you see these dreamy photos online, and you’re like, “Oh, I NEED to go there!” Well, that’s how Banyumala waterfall looked to me—serene, crystal-clear water, surrounded by lush greenery. The kind of place that makes you feel like you’re in one of those tranquil scenes on a postcard. But getting there? Hah! Let me tell you, that’s where the real adventure begins.
The Journey There: A Bit of a Bumpy Ride
First off, I should warn you—getting to Banyumala waterfall isn’t exactly easy. It’s not like those tourist spots where you just hop out of a cab and bam, you’re right at the entrance. No, no, this is one of those places that makes you work for it, and honestly, that’s part of what makes it so special. It’s located in the Buleleng Regency in North Bali, which is a bit off the beaten path compared to the southern part of the island where most tourists stay.
So, here’s the thing: I’m no stranger to long drives, but the roads leading up to Banyumala waterfall? They’re… let’s just say, they have “character.” Imagine narrow, winding paths where at certain points you’re gripping your seat, hoping your Bali private driver knows what they’re doing. (Pro tip: rent a scooter if you’re comfortable with it—it’ll give you more control, and parking is easier at the trailhead.) The road is rough in some areas, with potholes big enough to swallow a tire. And, depending on the weather, the path can get muddy. If it’s rained recently, expect some slipping and sliding, which brings me to another pro tip—wear shoes with good traction. I made the mistake of wearing sandals, thinking, “It’s Bali, I’m fine,” and I regretted it as soon as I hit the muddy parts of the trek.
The Hike: Nature’s Obstacle Course
Once you park your ride at the makeshift parking area, you’ve got a bit of a hike ahead of you. The trek down to the waterfall is steep in parts, with uneven ground, so it’s definitely not for someone expecting a leisurely stroll. It’s about a 20 to 30-minute walk, and while it’s beautiful (I mean, you’re literally hiking through a jungle), it can be tricky if you’re not used to hiking.
For me, though, that’s part of the appeal. The fact that it’s not super accessible keeps the crowds down, and by the time you actually get to the falls, you feel like you’ve earned that view. I remember thinking halfway through the hike, “Is this really worth it?” But once I heard the roar of the falls in the distance, that doubt vanished. Plus, along the way, you’re surrounded by ferns, tropical plants, and the occasional monkey if you’re lucky.
If you’re like me and love taking photos, make sure your camera or phone is safely tucked away for the hike. Trust me, you don’t want to risk dropping it on the slippery path. I almost lost mine when I tried to snap a quick pic while navigating a particularly rocky section. Lesson learned!
The Payoff: Absolutely Worth It
Okay, so let’s talk about that moment when you finally get there. The first thing you notice is the sound—it’s louder than you expect, and it kind of hits you before you even see the waterfall. Then, you step into this clearing, and boom, there it is—Banyumala waterfall in all its glory. It’s this stunning twin waterfall, the water cascading down over rocks covered in moss and vines, and a pool at the bottom that’s so clear you can see right through it. The water is cool, not freezing, but refreshing after the sweaty hike.
Honestly, it’s one of those moments where you just have to stop and take it all in. I sat down on one of the rocks, kicked off my muddy sandals, and just soaked it all up—the mist in the air, the birds chirping in the distance, the way the light filters through the trees. It was like stepping into a different world, far away from the hustle and bustle of Bali’s busier spots.
And if you’re wondering—yes, you can swim there. I mean, how could you resist? After the hike, the water feels amazing. I waded in slowly, half-expecting it to be icy cold, but it was perfect. I’m not going to lie, though—I’m one of those people who always takes a minute to get all the way in. I think I did the slow-walk-into-the-water thing for a good five minutes before finally dunking under. But once I did, man, it was heaven.
Practical Tips for Your Trip
Now, if you’re planning to visit Banyumala waterfall, I’ve got a few tips that’ll make your trip easier, and trust me, they’re all from experience (and a few missteps).
- Go early: I got there mid-morning, and it was already starting to get busy. If you want that quiet, almost spiritual experience, get there as early as possible. The earlier you go, the more likely you are to have the place to yourself.
- Bring water and snacks: There aren’t any shops or vendors once you start the hike, so bring a bottle of water and maybe a snack or two. I forgot this, and by the time I got back to the parking area, I was STARVING. Lesson learned!
- Wear sturdy shoes: I cannot stress this enough. The trail can be slippery, and the last thing you want is to be sliding all over the place because you wore flip-flops. Trust me, hiking in sandals is not fun.
- Respect the space: Banyumala waterfall still has that untouched, natural beauty, and I hope it stays that way. Be mindful of your trash (take it with you!), and try to keep the noise down. It’s one of those places where you’ll want to be quiet anyway, just to soak in the peacefulness.
My Biggest Takeaway: A Deeper Appreciation for Nature
I think the biggest thing I took away from my trip to Banyumala Waterfall was a renewed sense of appreciation for the beauty of nature. It’s easy to get caught up in the idea of traveling to the most Instagram-worthy spots, but Banyumala waterfall reminded me that some of the best experiences are the ones that take a bit of effort. It’s not just about the destination—it’s the journey, the hike, the sweat, the feeling of accomplishment when you finally arrive.
And honestly, that’s a lesson I think we can apply to so much in life. Sometimes the things worth having are the things you have to work for. That’s what Banyumala waterfall taught me. It wasn’t the easiest spot to get to, but it was absolutely worth every muddy step.
Unexpected Challenges: Nature’s Surprises
As much as I loved Banyumala waterfall, I’d be lying if I said everything went off without a hitch. Nature always has a way of surprising you, doesn’t it? And not always in the ways you’d expect. So, picture this: I’m sitting there, enjoying my swim, taking in the beauty, when out of nowhere, the sky starts to cloud over. Now, I don’t know about you, but when I’m deep in nature, a sudden change in the weather can go from peaceful to panic mode in seconds.
I had heard that Bali’s weather can be unpredictable, especially in the mountains, but I figured I had more time before the rain hit. Well, I was wrong. Within minutes, it started to drizzle. At first, it was fine. I was already in the water, and a little rain never hurt anyone, right? But then it quickly turned into one of those tropical downpours—you know, the kind where you’re soaked through in seconds.
At this point, I was torn. Do I hunker down and wait it out or attempt the hike back in the rain? Spoiler alert: I decided to go for it. And let me tell you, hiking back up the muddy trail with water gushing down wasn’t exactly how I imagined wrapping up my trip to Banyumala waterfall. I nearly slipped a couple of times (again, sandals were a BAD choice). By the time I made it to the top, I was drenched, covered in mud, and half-laughing at the ridiculousness of it all. But here’s the thing—sometimes, those unexpected moments make the best memories.
Why Banyumala Stands Out from Other Bali Waterfalls
Now, if you’ve ever been to Bali or even just looked into it, you know that there are tons of waterfalls to choose from. So, why Banyumala waterfall? What makes it different from the more famous ones like Tegenungan or Gitgit?
For one, Banyumala feels a lot more secluded and untouched. While some of the other waterfalls have become super touristy, with shops and restaurants popping up around the entrance, Banyumala waterfall has stayed relatively low-key. When I was there, the only thing resembling a “shop” was a little shack where you could buy water or a snack before starting your hike. There’s something special about a place that hasn’t been overdeveloped, don’t you think? It lets you experience the beauty of Bali in its natural state.
Another thing that makes Banyumala waterfall stand out is the twin waterfall. Unlike many of Bali’s single-drop waterfalls, Banyumala waterfall has two streams cascading down the rocks. It creates this beautiful, symmetrical effect, and if you’re into photography, it’s a dream to capture. I spent way too much time trying to get that perfect shot. In fact, one of my favorite things about this spot is that it doesn’t just look stunning from a distance—it’s just as mesmerizing up close. The detail of the water tumbling over mossy rocks, the plants growing out of cracks, and the way the sunlight filters through—it’s the kind of place that reveals more beauty the longer you stay.
And let’s not forget the swimming experience. Not every waterfall in Bali lets you swim at the base, either because the current is too strong or the water isn’t safe. But Banyumala’s pool is calm and shallow enough to wade in without worrying. Just be mindful if you’re traveling with kids or if you’re not a strong swimmer. While the water is calm near the edges, the middle can get a bit deeper.
The Other Side of Popularity: Will Banyumala Waterfall Stay a Hidden Gem?
As much as I loved Banyumala’s peaceful vibe, there’s always that lingering question in the back of my mind—how long will it stay this way? Over the years, I’ve seen so many places lose their charm once they become too popular. It’s a delicate balance, right? On the one hand, I want to shout from the rooftops about how amazing Banyumala waterfall is. But on the other hand, I kind of want to keep it secret, so it doesn’t get overrun by tourists.
I remember talking to one of the locals near the parking area (side note: chatting with locals always adds so much to the experience!). He told me that while the number of visitors has increased, especially in the past couple of years, it’s still manageable. But he did mention that during high season, it can get crowded, and that tranquil vibe can get lost. He wasn’t thrilled about the idea of Banyumala waterfall becoming another tourist hotspot, and honestly, I get it. That’s part of why I was so grateful to have gone early in the day and beat the crowds.
But at the same time, I think it’s possible for places like Banyumala waterfall to gain popularity while still maintaining their natural beauty—if visitors are responsible. I know that sounds cliché, but it’s true. It’s all about how we as travelers treat these places. If you pack out what you pack in, stay on the designated paths, and respect the environment, there’s no reason why Banyumala waterfall can’t stay the magical spot that it is.
Finding Solitude in a Busy World
One of the biggest things I took away from my trip to Banyumala waterfall is the importance of solitude. We live in such a fast-paced, always-connected world, and it’s easy to forget what it feels like to just be. Banyumala waterfall was a reminder of that for me. There was no Wi-Fi signal, no distractions, just me and the waterfall. For those couple of hours, I wasn’t thinking about work or the dozens of notifications on my phone. I was just present.
I think that’s why I’m so drawn to places like Banyumala waterfall. Sure, it’s beautiful, but it’s more than that—it’s a place that forces you to slow down. There’s something about the sound of water falling, the feel of cool mist on your skin, and the quiet hum of the jungle that resets your mind in a way nothing else can.
If you’re someone who’s always on the go or constantly connected, I highly recommend seeking out places like this. It doesn’t have to be a waterfall—it could be a forest, a quiet beach, or even a park. Just somewhere that lets you breathe and disconnect for a bit. It’s like hitting the reset button on life.
Why You Should Visit Banyumala Waterfall
So, in case it wasn’t obvious, I’m a little bit in love with Banyumala waterfall. It’s not just a waterfall; it’s an experience. From the challenging hike to the refreshing swim, from the moments of solitude to the unpredictable weather, it’s the kind of place that stays with you long after you’ve left. If you’re planning a trip to Bali, make the trek to Banyumala waterfall. It might not be the most famous waterfall on the island, but that’s part of its charm. It’s a little off the beaten path, a little harder to get to, but so, so worth it.
Just remember: bring good shoes, go early, pack some snacks, and be ready for whatever nature throws your way. Whether it’s a sudden downpour or a muddy trail, embrace it all. Because at the end of the day, those little challenges are what make the adventure so memorable.
And who knows? Maybe one day you’ll be sitting by the waterfall, looking around, and thinking to yourself, “Yeah, this was worth it.”
Banyumala Waterfall location:
Check also: Wanagiri Hidden Hill
