Tegenungan Waterfall

Tegenungan Waterfall, in the village of Kemenuh close to Ubud and north of Denpasar, is one of the highest waterfalls in the Ubud area. It drops more than 40 metres through thick green surroundings and is fed by the Petanu River, one of the longest rivers in Bali at around 47 km. The river rises in the highlands around Mount Batur at Kintamani and flows south past Tampaksiring, Ubud and Blahbatuh before reaching the falls.

Unlike many of the island's waterfalls, Tegenungan is not in the mountains, which is why it is reachable on a short trip from Ubud rather than a long drive into the highlands. The volume and clarity of the water depend on recent rainfall, so the falls can be a gentle curtain in the dry months and a roaring torrent in the wet season. The local community regards the Petanu as sacred, and parts of the river are used for meditation and prayer.

From the main entrance a viewing point looks out over the jungle and the falls, and this is where many visitors stop for photos. A set of stairs leads down to the bottom of the gorge and the pool at the base of the falls. The climb back up is the hardest part of the visit, so allow time and bring water. The falls have several levels of different heights that visitors can climb, so take care on wet rock.

The dry season, from about April to October, is the best time for swimming, as the water is cleaner and the paths are easier. During the rainy season, from about November to March, the paths can become slippery and less accessible, and since the volume and clarity of the water depend on rainfall, conditions after heavy rain are less suited to swimming.

Allow one to two hours including the stairs. The waterfall suits active visitors and families with older children who are comfortable on steps. As metered taxis and ride-hailing pickups are not permitted in Ubud itself, most people visit with a driver arranged through their hotel or agree a fare with the local taxi cooperative.