Tukad Cepung Waterfall (Tembuku, Bali): 6 Things to Know Before Visiting
In order to avoid the mobs in Ubud city center, consider adding a day trip to your holiday itinerary. An excellent day trip to add to your Bali bucket list is Tukad Cepung Waterfall.
Although there are many waterfalls within a 30-mile radius of Ubud, Tukad Cepung Waterfall is special for many reasons.
Many locals still consider this waterfall a hidden gem.
When we visited, we were the only people there for at least an hour. Enjoying the canyon walk, grotto, and epic waterfall without any other tourists around was magical.
Here are 6 things you should know before visiting Tukad Cepung Waterfall:
1. What Is The Best Time To Go To Tukad Cepung Waterfall?
The absolute best time to visit Tukad Cepung Waterfall is early in the morning. We’re talking 8am early!
Peel yourself out of bed at 6:45am and get on the road from Ubud to Tukad Cepung Waterfall by 7:15am at the latest. I know it isn’t always easy to get up early, but having this entire waterfall to yourself is worth the wake-up call.
2. Do I Need A Tour Guide For Tukad Cepung Waterfall?
I wouldn’t recommend hiring a tour guide for this day trip. It is very easily accessible and can be done for free (apart from the parking and entrance fee) on your own. Follow the tips below and create your own itinerary.
3. How Do I Get To Tukad Cepung Waterfall?
The trip from Ubud to Tukad Cepung Waterfall will take approximately 45-50 minutes depending on the time of day. As you leave Ubud city center, traffic becomes congested.
Motorbike To Tukad Cepung
An easy way to maneuver around traffic is by renting a motorbike. Since Ubud is a major tourist destination, finding a motorbike to rent will be very easy.
Another option is to ask your Airbnb or guesthouse host to arrange a motorbike rental for you.
Renting a motorbike shouldn’t cost more than $5/day. Be sure to get a helmet with your rental.
Pro-tip: Staying in an Airbnb while visiting Bali is the best bang for your buck. Finding a quality home with a beautiful pool under $30 a night is simple.
Hire A Taxi To Tukad Cepung
If you are uncomfortable driving a motorbike, I highly suggest hiring a taxi driver to bring you to the waterfall.
Motorbiking in Bali can be very dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing. Take the safe route and hire a driver. This can be set up through your Airbnb host or you can use the Grab app to hail a ride.
4. Where Is Tukad Cepung: Map & Location
Once you have transportation set up, you’ll begin your journey to Tukad Cepung.
We used Google Maps and it brought us straight to the entrance for Tukad Cepung Waterfall; I suggest that you use Google Maps as well.
If you don’t have service on your phone in Bali, you can download the map and directions from the Google Maps app before you leave your guesthouse.
5. Where Do I Park?
Upon arrival to Tukad Cepung Waterfall, you’ll find a small parking lot near the entrance of the waterfall. Bring cash because there is a small fee for parking.
We arrived at the waterfall early (around 8:30am) and the parking lot attendant wasn’t there yet. Therefore, we didn’t have to pay a parking fee. I assume this would happen for others showing up early, too.
6. What’s The Entrance Fee And Trekking Route?
The entrance fee for Tukad Cepung Waterfall is 15,000 rupiah per person, which is approximately $1 USD. You’ll find the ticket station at the trailhead.
After purchasing your ticket, make your way down the stairs.
Pro-tip: For those unsteady on their feet, take caution; the trail down to the falls can be sketchy in some areas.
Once you reach the end of the stairs, follow the canyon to the left. There will be a picture of Tukad Cepung on the canyon wall that will point you in the right direction.
Walking through the canyon is one of the best parts about visiting Tukad Cepung. The moss-covered walls and filtered sunlight will make you feel like you’re in Narnia.
Wear shoes that you don’t mind getting wet, you will be walking through water for the duration of your short canyon trek.
Toward the end of the trail, there are several large boulders blocking the way. I stupidly climbed up and over to reach the other side. With a little investigation, I could have avoided the climb and walked around the left side (see picture below).. It is a much safer route!
At the end, you’ll find the unique Tukad Cepung Waterfall. Take time to enjoy this hidden gem, have some snacks, and take pictures.
Not only is the waterfall absolutely magical, but the entire canyon is filled with incredible sights. I felt so far away from the Ubud crowds when we were deep in this canyon, which was exactly what we were looking for.
Other Activities Near Tukad Cepung Waterfall
Luckily, the fun doesn’t stop here! There are many waterfalls within a reasonable distance to Ubud. If you plan to visit Tukad Cepung, make a day out of visiting the other waterfalls in the area, too. A few of our favorite stops nearby included:
1. Goa Rang Reng Waterfall
Goa Rang Reng is one of the best waterfalls in proximity to Ubud.
You are sure to be the only visitors there because this waterfall is unknown to many. We found this waterfall on our way to Tukad Cepung. After seeing signs for it, we decided to make an impromptu stop.
Our favorite part of Goa Rang Reng Waterfall was being able to climb up to the top of the falls. There is a secure rope on the left side to tow yourself up the slippery slope.
2. Tibumana Waterfall
Located just minutes from Goa Rang Reng, Tibumana is another great stop to add to your Ubud waterfall extravaganza.
Since this is a popular waterfall in the area, there will likely be other visitors. However, arriving early will cut down the possibility of crowds.
Watch Our Tukad Cepung Waterfall Youtube Video
Want to know more?
Check out our Youtube video where we visit Tukad Cepung Waterfall! Our video covers our first weekend in Ubud, where to get smoothie bowls (cliche, I know), and how to find this magnificent waterfall.
The Wrap-Up: Tukad Cepung Waterfall
Take a break from the heaps of tourists in Ubud and get off the beaten path. Add Tukad Cepung Waterfall to your itinerary and explore the most unique waterfall in Bali.
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