How To Visit The Unmissable Leke Leke Waterfall in Bali
Uncover Leke Leke Waterfall in Bali, a hidden gem that requires a short but steep hike through lush jungle, but rewards visitors with a stunning sight: a blade-like waterfall cascading through a patchwork of jungle greens. Learn everything you need to plan your visit in our comprehensive guide.
If Bali is ‘the Island of the Gods’, then Leke Leke Waterfall is some of God’s finest work.
At first, you’ll hear nature’s gentle symphony, the faint hush of water gushing in the distance. As you edge closer to the muddy path, you’ll feel the mist falling gently on your skin.
And then, Leke Leke appears, cascading heavily to the rockpool below.
Like Da Vinci’s ‘Mona Lisa’, the beauty of Leke Leke is in the detail, a delicate patchwork of jungle greens, punctuated by a blade-like waterfall that slices directly through the middle of the frame. The gush of water and gusts of mist create a unique cacophony of sensations, which can sometimes overwhelm - it’s just so bloody wonderful to be immersed in nature sometimes.
It’s astonishingly beautiful, and the type of waterfall that could only exist in Bali. It’s also a type of beauty that needs to be photographed (and filmed coz TikTok) from every angle.
Hidden deep amongst the lush jungles of Bali’s northern hills, far enough away from Ubud and Canggu to dissuade only the most intrepid explorers, the waterfall feels somewhat untouched, like a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered.
The uncover the treasure, one must hike for 15 minutes through a lush jungle, over rickety bamboo bridges, and into one of Bali’s soul-nourishing realms. It’s easy, if not a little slippery, but the views are worth it. They always are in Bali.
We’ve visited Leke Leke twice now, so have become somewhat experts in this serene waterfall. And as one of Bali’s must-visit waterfalls, we’ve written this short guide to help you enjoy Leke Leke as much as us. Our guide shares everything need to perfectly plan your visit, including how to get there, entrance fees, opening hours and facilities.
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LEKE LEKE WATERFALL
OVERVIEW
WHERE | Tabanan Regency, Northern Bali
HOW TO GET THERE | By scooter, car or private tour
ENTRANCE FEE | IDR 50k
THINGS TO KNOW | 15 min walk to falls, path can be slippery
GUIDED TOUR | Want to visit by guided tour? Book here
WHERE IS LEKE LEKE WATERFALL?
Leke Leke Waterfall is located in the breathtaking northern region of Bali, specifically in the Tabanan Regency of the island.
A convenient day trip option for those staying in Ubud, Leke Leke Waterfall is around 30 km away. For those coming from further south, it’s a simple, easy waterfall to visit, especially if you’re planning on exploring the northern reaches of Bali.
HOW TO GET TO LEKE LEKE WATERFALL
Although Leke Leke waterfall is one of the best waterfalls in Bali, it’s a little off the beaten track and quite hard to get to.
Therefore, we recommend hiring a scooter and riding to Leke Leke yourself, hiring a driver (a driver and car can be arranged for around $50 for the day, through your accommodation), or visiting as part of an organised tour LIKE THIS ONE.
Our directions below are based on hiring a scooter and riding to Leke Leke yourself. Not only is the ride through the hills in this part of Bali picturesque, but it's also by far the quickest way to get to Leke Leke waterfall.
Scooters can be hired from any of the main tourist hubs in Bali and cost around IDR 80,000 per day as of 2023 (USD $5).
//FROM UBUD
Getting to Leke Leke waterfall from Ubud takes around 1 hour, and is fairly straightforward. From Ubud, head west through many villages and rice fields until you hit jl. Raya Denpasar Rd.
From here, follow the road north for about 30 mins until you arrive in the village of Mekarsari, where you’ll see signs on your right for Leke Leke waterfall. From here, it’s a short journey east to the waterfall.
All up, the journey is just over 30km / 1 hr.
//FROM CANGGU, SEMINYAK, KUTA
The drive to Leke Leke from Canggu, Seminyak or Kuta is around 35 - 40 km, or just over an hour. Head north towards the village of Mengwi, before joining the jl. Raya Denpasar Rd (Denpasar - Singaraja Rd).
Similar to the drive from Ubud, follow the road north for about 30 mins until you arrive in the village of Mekarsari, where you’ll see signs on your right for Leke Leke waterfall. From here, it’s a short journey east to the waterfall.
Once you arrive at Leke Leke, you can park a scooter in the parking lot next to the ticket office.
DAY TOUR
If you’d prefer to explore Leke Leke waterfall, as well as the best of Ubud and Bali, we suggest this highly-rated day tour. Exploring Leke Leke, as well as Ubud town, the Monkey Forest, and Tegallalang Rice terraces, this tour is designed to showcase some of the most beautiful parts of Bali in a perfect day adventure.
BOOK | Leke Leke waterfall & Ubud tour
READ MORE | How to get around Bali
LEKE LEKE WATERFALL ENTRANCE FEE, OPENING TIMES & FACILITIES
On our latest visit to Leke Leke waterfall in 2023, the entrance fee was IDR 50,000 per person for foreign tourists. While expensive, part of the entrance fee is used to maintain the path and surrounding facilities, so we’re absolutely happy to support it. And so should you.
The falls are ‘open’ 24/7 however we’ve found the ticket booth near the entrance is manned from 8 am onwards. If you arrive earlier, be sure to pay the entrance fee when you exit.
At the entrance to the falls, there’s a small warung serving a range of Indonesian and Eastern dishes for affordable prices. Or juices and coconuts if you’re keen on some hydration post-hike.
There are also toilets attached to the restaurant in case nature calls. At the falls themselves, the ‘facilities’ that previously existed (a bamboo change room, shoe storage) are in disrepair, so don’t bank on using them. We suggest arriving in your swimming gear if you intend on dunking yourself or getting changed before hiking down.
TO KNOW | The entrance fee for Leke Leke Waterfall is IDR 50,000 per person for foreign tourists
THE BEST TIME TO VISIT LEKE LEKE WATERFALL
We've visited Leke Leke waterfall twice - once at the end of March when we were able to get a true understanding of the beauty and power of this natural phenomenon, and during June, when the falls were still gushing, but not with the ferocity of March.
If you want to witness the Leke Leke waterfall at its most powerful, we suggest visiting during March - April, at the end of the monsoon season, when the rivers are full and the falls are most impressive.
However, if you wish to visit Leke Leke when it's a little calmer, with better weather, then May - June is a perfect time.
Arriving before 10 am will ensure you miss the day trippers and have the falls (mostly) to yourselves. The light at this time is great, so is perfect for photographers looking to get the perfect shot.
It’s important to note that during the wet season, the area is extremely wet and makes exploring and photography quite difficult, especially at the base of the falls. If you do visit during this time, be careful on the slippery rocks and muddy paths, and take a dry bag and wipes for any camera gear - your lens will get completely soaked, trust us!
TO KNOW | March - June is the perfect time to visit Leke Leke Waterfall
THE HIKE TO LEKE LEKE WATERFALL
The hike down to Leke Leke waterfall is rather steep and slippery, however, it’s short and totally manageable for most levels of fitness and shoe types. Starting in the car park, the hike commences through a picturesque gate before the path slowly winds its way through the jungle. After 10 minutes of hiking, you’ll arrive at a small bamboo bridge.
After passing the bridge, the jungle becomes more lush and the path damp, so be careful as it can be slippery. After around 5 minutes, you’ll begin to hear the rush of the waterfall, before opening out into the small, muddy viewing platform.
It’s from here all the best photos are taken from, however, feel free to head to the base of the falls for a quick natural shower. At the base of the falls, there are some natural rocky platforms that make a fun place to admire the towering waterfall from below.
All up, the hike takes around 30 mins return, while we recommend spending 30 mins at the actual falls.
PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS FOR LEKE LEKE WATERFALL
For the photographers out there, Leke Leke is a dream backdrop to get some incredible photos.
From the muddy viewing platforms, you can view the sheer beauty of the falls. From below, it’s powerful and raw. And on the way, it’s green and breathtaking.
We believe the best photos are taken from the platforms, using the mist-covered leaves as a wonderful foreground element. If you have a subject (partner, model, animal), placing them on the rocks below the falls provides a great human element to show the scale of the falls.
For lovers of long exposure, an early arrival will allow you to slow the shutter and get some milky water (unless you have an ND filter of course). Otherwise, to capture the pure energy of the falls, a shutter of 250 + is recommended. Due to the lack of light, you might need to bump that ISO a little.
As always, arrive early for the best light and the least crowds.
Be warned though, there’s a LOT of spray from the falls, meaning your lens (and camera) will likely take a soaking. Keep a lens cloth handy to wash the spray away (always keep this in your camera kit! Check out our photography kit here).
READ MORE | Read our travel photography tips guide here
IS LEKE LEKE WATERFALL WORTH IT?
In a word? Yes. Absolutely yes.
Leke Leke is one of the most picturesque waterfalls in Bali, and that’s saying a lot for an island blessed with an abundance of gorgeous falls.
Thankfully, it’s not too hard to reach either, for those exploring Bali by scooter, or by tour. While the entry fee may be a little high, we’re convinced you’ll love it as much as we do.
TRAVEL INSURANCE | STAY SAFE IN BALI
If you can't afford travel insurance, you really can't afford to travel. As the current global situation has taught many people, things can go wrong anywhere in the world - and insurance is often the only way of mitigating any issues with minimal expense or stress for you.
Here are our recommendations, based on 8+ years of full-time travel:
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FOR DIGITAL NOMADS | SafetyWing - COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel & medical, and policies can be purchased while already abroad.
CAR INSURANCE | Insurance4CarHire - a great annual car insurance policy
EXPERIENCE THE BEST OF BALI
Check out these essential posts to help you have the best trip ever:
UBUD | The best things to do in Ubud, Where to eat and drink in Ubud, Where to stay in Ubud, How to visit Tegalalang Rice Terraces
ULUWATU | The best things to do in Uluwatu, A guide to Bingin Beach, How to visit Padang Padang Beach, Where to stay in Uluwatu
CANGGU | Our guide to bustling Canggu, Where to eat and drink in Canggu, Where to stay in Canggu
BALI’S BEST WATERFALLS | How to visit Leke Leke Waterfall, A guide to Nungnung Waterfall, Our guide to the stunning Sekumpul Waterfall, Discover Tibumana Waterfall
THE BEST OF BALI | The best Bali 7-day itinerary, Our complete Bali Guide, How to get around Bali
PHOTOGRAPHY | Love our photography? Read our detailed photography gear guide, as well as our top travel photography tips!
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL | Responsible travel is important. REALLY IMPORTANT. Learn our top responsible travel tips to help you, your family and your friends travel more consciously around the globe
ECO-FRIENDLY PACKING ESSENTIALS | Don’t leave home without our favourite eco-friendly travel essentials
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO BALI WITH THESE POSTS!
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That, and you're officially a legend.
