Nungnung Waterfall feels like it could be something out of Tarzan: a wild and powerful waterfall that pours out the dense jungle and huge cliffs! As it is not particularly near Ubud or Kuta, it remains pretty quiet, this adds to the "into the wilds" feeling.
In terms of sheer scale, this is one of the biggest and most impressive in Bali. You’ll struggle to find many bigger and it makes for some pretty incredible photos. Nungnung is a must-see for anyone visiting Bali. If you don't mind cool water it is also a great place to take a dip!
The ultimate guide to Nungnung Waterfall
Getting to Nungnung waterfall feels like an adventure and you’ll find yourself going a long way from Ubud or Munduk to get there. Once at the car park, the hike begins. Whilst it isn’t a lengthy trek, you’ll realise that Nungnung Waterfall is situated at the bottom of a lot of steps (we heard it was over 500). Your legs feel it, even when walking down!
The stairs are in pretty good condition, but there is no let up or flat section. it is quite exhausting on the way back up in the heat!
However, once there you will be blown away by your first sight of the falls. Those steps are well worth it.
The water cascades down in torrents and if you get within a few metres of it, the spray will soak you within seconds.
It's so powerful that the path and everything around it is permanently wet from the vapour. It feels wild, untamed and stunningly beautiful.
There is quite a lot of room at the falls and plenty of places to take it all in. There’s a small bridge as well as two large, rocky areas. The rocks can be a little slick, but otherwise it is pretty simple and straight-forward to get to.
Swimming at Nungnung waterfall
Whilst you can swim at Nungnung, we wouldn’t recommend it. The falls are so powerful that it doesn’t make for the most relaxing experience. We paddled and took in the view, but full blown swimming would have been hard!
Essential information about Nungnung Waterfall
Best time to visit Nungnung Waterfall
We visited mid morning and it wasn't too busy. At points we had it to ourselves and then a few people would arrive, take a few photos and move on.
Whether it is the hundreds of steps or the distance from Ubud that make it less popular than some of Bali's other waterfalls, we don't know. If you came early morning you would very likely have it completely to yourself.
Getting to Nungnung Waterfall
Nung Nung is over an hour north of Ubud and 45 minutes south of Bedugul (the town near Pura Ulun Danu Bratan and the waterfalls near Munduk. We recommend stopping here if you are travelling between Ubud and Munduk as it is a great way to break up the journey.
Private driver - The easiest way to do this is by taxi and most drivers won’t charge extra for the stop if you are going between Ubud and Munduk. It’s also the safest way to visit the falls.
Motorbike - You could hire a motorbike and drive yourself, but we wouldn’t recommend this unless you were confident on a motorbike. Nungnung Waterfall is tucked away down a lot of windy, unmarked country roads, making it a tricky journey. There were also quite a few crazy drivers who don’t mind pushing motorbikes around!
Nungnung Waterfall Entrance Fee
Nung Nung was a little more expensive than those near Ubud, costing 20k to enter (just over $1 USD). You won’t have to pay for parking at the top though.
Nungnung Waterfall opening times
Nungnung Waterfall is open between 9am and 4pm. You’ll find someone to buy a ticket off at the top of the steps as well as the usual drinks seller. We recommend taking water with you as you’ll need a drink after all those steps!
Attractions near Nungnung Waterfall
Leke Leke Waterfall
When we visited Leke Leke hardly anyone went. Nowadays, Leke Leke is quickly becoming an Instagrammers favourite. This one of the best waterfalls in Bali with a jungle feel just like Nungnung Waterfall. It takes a little hike to get here, but the landscape is spectacular. It is only a 30 minute drive and isn’t much of a detour from Ubud or Bedugul.
Banyumala Waterfall
Banyumala Waterfall is one of those places which fewer people go to and we have no idea why (well, it’s probably the really rough road!). These falls are spectacular and so picturesque. They are based near Munduk and about one hour away from Nungnung Waterfall.
The coffee plantation at Nungnung Waterfall
If you fancy a cup of tea or coffee after your trip to the falls there was a cute little farm next door to the car park for Nungnung.
The surroundings are really lush and you can pick from a huge array of different teas and coffees, or try them all in a tasting extravaganza.
There were so many we hadn't heard of that we decided to try them all. Most were delish, our favourites being the coconut coffee and lemongrass tea. The tasting was free but we bought separate cups of coffee too, which I guess would be expected.
It's a new venture and the staff were really friendly so we wish them well and recommend a stop off if you have the time.
Nungnung Waterfall Swing
They also have a swing (of course!) and as there was no one else around on our visit, I imagine you could spend as long as you like setting up those perfect Instagram shots!
The swing overlooks a pretty stunning valley and unlike most of the others in Bali, this one isn’t too crowded, so you won’t feel awkward about all the other people queuing up watching you!
Jatiluwih Rice Terrace
The UNESCO world heritage Jatiluwih Rice Terraces are only an hour away from Nungnung Waterfall and are simply incredible. These rice terraces go on for miles in all directions and are a dazzling green! Fringed by the huge volcano, Bratan, it is a more picturesque place than Tegalalang, and you probably won’t have the crowds either.
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Are you planning a trip to Bali? Would you venture out to Nungnung Waterfall? Let us know in the comments below!