How To Visit The Impressive Nungnung Waterfall (including Tips + Map)
Nungnung Waterfall in Bali, hidden deep within the lush landscapes of northern Bali, is a must visit. Our comprehensive guide provides everything you need to plan your visit, including tips on how to prepare for the hike and what to expect once you arrive at the falls.
Choosing Bali’s best waterfall is like choosing between mie goreng and nasi goreng - it’s just not possible. But If pushed, we definitely have Nungnung waterfall sitting right at the top of our favourite Bali waterfalls. And it may even be our number #1.
Hidden deep within the verdant heart of Bali, far from the maddening crowds of the south, this elegant waterfall is a must-visit on any Bali itinerary.
A place where time seems to stand still, where your senses are engulfed by the symphony of cascading water and tropical serenity. A realm of pure wonder where nature's majesty takes centre stage amidst the lush landscapes of northern Bali.
Plunging down from 50 metres above, Nungnung waterfall's majestic curtain of water creates a symphony of splendour, painting the air with a fine mist that kisses your cheeks and awakens your senses.
It’s spell bounding.
The somewhat tough journey (more on that below) to Nungnung Waterfall unfolds through jungle canopies, guiding you deeper into a world of emerald hues and ethereal mist. The symphony of birdsong and the distant roar of cascading water announce your arrival, and as the final bend reveals the waterfall, prepare to have your breath taken away.
Nungnung Waterfall is not for everyone. It's not on the popular tourist trail, and the 500-step hike to and from the waterfall is arduous, but that's what makes it all the more wonderful.
In this blog post, we dive (pun intended) into Nungnung Waterfall, guiding you through everything you need to know before visiting this majestic waterfall, including entrance fees, when-to-visit, tips and photography advice.
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NUNG NUNG WATERFALL
OVERVIEW
WHERE | Badung Regency, Northern Bali
HOW TO GET THERE | By scooter, car or private tour
ENTRANCE FEE | IDR 20k + 5k parking fee
THINGS TO KNOW | 15 min walk to falls, 45 min walk return. Stairs are steep
WHERE IS NUNGNUNG WATERFALL?
Nungnung waterfall (also known as Air Terjun Nungnung) is located in the breathtaking northern region of Bali, surrounded by forests and endless rice fields in the Badung Regency of the island.
A convenient day trip option for those staying in Ubud, Nungnung 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.
Alternatively, it’s the perfect stop-off for those wanting to see an incredible waterfall before exploring further north on Bali.
HOW TO GET TO NUNGNUNG WATERFALL
Despite its burgeoning popularity, Nungnung Waterfall is a little off the beaten track and quite hard to get to, requiring either your own scooter or a private driver to visit.
For ease of travel, we recommend hiring a scooter and riding to Nungnung yourself. The road is paved and safe, and if you’re travelling in the morning, quiet and manageable to navigate.
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), however, only ride a scooter if you are confident, and always (ALWAYS) wear a helmet.
Alternatively, you can hire a driver for around $50 a day (book through your accommodation), and create your own itinerary to see as many sights as possible.
The directions below are based on hiring a scooter and riding to Nungnung yourself. Not only is the ride through the hills and canyons in this part of Bali picturesque, but it's also by far the quickest way to get to Nungnung waterfall.
// FROM UBUD
Getting to Nungnung waterfall from Ubud takes around 1 hour, and is fairly straightforward. From Ubud, head west through the main city, through many villages and rice fields until you hit jl. Nugurah Rai Rd.
From here, follow the road north for about 30 mins until you arrive in the village of Petang, where you’ll see signs for Nungnung waterfall on your right. From here, it’s a short journey (15 mins) north through some outrageously picturesque rice fields to the waterfall.
All up, the journey is just over 30km / 1 hr.
// FROM CANGGU, SEMINYAK, KUTA
The drive to Nungnung from Canggu, Seminyak or Kuta is around 45 km, or 1.15 hrs. To get there, head north past Mengwi towards the village of Sangeh, before joining jl. Nugurah Rai road towards Nungnung.
Similar to the drive from Ubud, follow the road north for about 30 mins until you arrive in the village of Petang, where you’ll see signs on your right for Nungnung waterfall. From here, follow the windy, picturesque road north for another 15 mins before you arrive at the waterfall.
Once you arrive at Nungnung, you can park in the large parking lot next to the ticket office (parking fee of IDR 5,000). This parking area is also home to a few warungs and toilets.
READ MORE | How to get around Bali
NUNGNUNG WATERFALL ENTRANCE FEE
The entrance fee Nungnung waterfall is IDR 20,000 per person for foreign tourists, as of 2023, with a parking fee of IDR 5,000.
Officially, the opening hours of Nungnung are between 9 AM to 4 PM daily (at least, that’s the opening hours for the ticket booth), however with no gates, we suspect the falls are ‘open’ 24/7. If you arrive earlier in the morning, be sure to pay the entrance fee when you exit.
THE BEST TIME TO VISIT NUNGNUNG WATERFALL
We visited Nungnung waterfall at the start of the dry season in June, despite some initial apprehension as to how much water would be flowing. However, to our delight, the falls were flowing heavily, providing an incredible and unforgettable experience.
We highly recommend visiting Nungnung waterfall during the start of the dry season, between April to July. The drier weather during this time ensures clearer paths and safer conditions for exploring the waterfall, while still providing a great flow of water.
But if you're looking for a more powerful and impressive sight, the wet season - usually occurring from October to March - is a great time to visit. While Bali experiences more rainfall during this time, creating a more powerful waterfall, it also means excessive spray (not great for cameras) and muddier/slippery trails. Just be prepared for the conditions.
The best time of day to visit Nungnung Waterfall in Bali is in the morning, between 9 am - 10:30 am. Arriving early allows you to avoid crowds and enjoy the tranquil ambience of the waterfall at its most serene. Additionally, the morning sunlight filtering through the trees and mist creates a magical atmosphere and enhances the beauty of the cascading water.
THE HIKE TO NUNGNUNG WATERFALL
Now, we feel like we need to be upfront here and say, while the falls are absolutely incredible, the hike back up is not. It’s literal, thigh-burning, lung-busting hell.
That’s because to get down to Nungnung waterfall, you must hike over 500 steep stairs into a canyon. And that might not sound like much, but you’ll be crying on the way back up.
The path starts at the traditional entrance gate to the falls and slowly descends down two initial flights of around 200 stairs each. The stairs are concrete, and slippery in parts (especially after rain), but overall, the walk down is manageable for just about anyone and takes around 15 minutes.
It’s super picturesque, flanked by thick jungle and the ever-present sound of water rushing in the distance. After about 10 mins, you’ll be in the heart of the canyon, where you’ll cross a bridge and follow and more manageable, albeit slippery path towards the falls.
Once you arrive at the falls, you’ll be able to cross a bridge to gain closer access to the falls, and get that insta-banger from right under the falls (or some epic TikTok /Reels content). We warned though, it’s hectic around here - an overwhelming amount of spray, slippery rocks, and a generally wet environment.
You can also follow a small path to the right to gain another vantage point of the falls, which allows easier access into the rockpools below the falls if you feel like a shower. If you plan on going swimming, we'd recommend wearing water shoes.
The hike back follows the same path, with the lung-busting stairs starting after around 10 minutes. Prepare to walk up slowly for about 30 minutes, stopping a few times to regain your breath.
Thankfully, there’s a small warung at the top selling chilled coconuts (IDR 25k), which are the most wonderful reward to replenish all those lost electrolytes.
PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS FOR NUNGNUNG WATERFALL
For the photographers out there, Nungnung is a dream backdrop to take some incredible photos.
From the viewing area, you can view the sheer beauty of the falls as the water gushes from above. And from below, feel the waterfall’s raw power.
The best photos are taken from the viewing area during the mid-morning, when the sunlight peers through the above jungle and swirling mist to create a breathtaking scene.
If you have a subject (partner, model, animal), cross the bridge and place them on the rocks below the falls to juxtapose against the rushing falls behind.
Although it’s tight, you can also fly your drone here, getting some cool perspectives - although we recommend filming in portrait mode (if possible).
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.
NUNGNUNG WATERFALL FAQ’S
HOW DO I GET TO NUNGNUNG WATERFALL?
Nungnung Waterfall is in the north of Bali, about 30 km northwest of Ubud. You can reach it by scooter, private car, or taxi. We suggest a scooter. It takes 1-2 hours from popular tourist areas like Ubud, Canggu or Kuta, depending on traffic.
IS THERE AN ENTRANCE FEE TO VISIT NUNGNUNG WATERFALL?
There is an entrance fee of around IDR 20,000 per person for foreign tourists to access Nungnung Waterfall. Prices may change, so check for updates before visiting.
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME OF DAY TO VISIT NUNGNUNG WATERFALL?
For a serene experience at Nungnung Waterfall, visit in the morning, preferably early to avoid crowds. It's best to visit during the dry season (April to September) when the paths are clearer and safer due to lower rainfall.
IS IT SAFE TO SWIM IN THE NUNGNUNG WATERFALL?
Swimming at Nungnung Waterfall is possible but be cautious due to the power of the falls. Assess the conditions on the day of your visit and prioritise safety.
ARE THERE FACILITIES AVAILABLE AT NUNGNUNG WATERFALL?
Nungnung Waterfall is a natural attraction with limited facilities, however, features basic amenities like parking, toilets and small stalls selling drinks and snacks available near the entrance. We suggest carrying your own water for your visit.
HOW MANY STEPS ARE THERE TO NUNGNUNG WATERFALL
There are over 500 steep stairs to climb down and up to reach Nungnung waterfall. The return hike is extremely tough.
TRAVEL INSURANCE | STAY SAFE IN BALI
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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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