Bali’s Cascading Beauties

If Bali has only been a quick getaway vacation spot during a long weekend, it might be time to book another flight to explore the island beyond the comforts of your resort. The Indonesian island may be famous for its majestic sea temples, like Uluwatu Temple and Tanah Lot, as well as its rice paddy fields but an oft-overlooked attraction are its waterfalls.

There are numerous gorgeous waterfalls in Bali, especially in the central-northern highlands. Most tourists tend to stay away from waterfalls due to their hard-to-access nature but each and every trip is worth the effort to come face to face with one of the most stunning phenomena of nature.

The easiest to access and the most visited is Gitgit, twin waterfalls accessible from the main roads of Bedugul to Singaraja. Getting to Gitgit from the main road just requires a comfortable 20-minute walk through a shady forest on a wooden boardwalk.

What greets you at the end of the path is rushing waters cascading from a height of 40 metres into a rocky pool. Cool off from the heat and humidity of Bali by taking a dip and then continue the trek to the falls of Mekalongan, a continuation of Gitgit’s watercourse.

Another waterfall to check out is Sekumpul Waterfall. It takes a three-hour trek that requires crossing over streams and hiking up about 100 steps.

Sekumpul Waterfall is actually a cluster of a few narrow cascades centred in a lush bamboo valley. The best views are accessible through durian and coffee plantations for a vantage point that gives you a full view of the 80-metre high falls.

There are many other falls to look into during a weekend trip to Bali. Lake Tamblingan has two: Munduk Waterfall and Melanting Waterfall, set between orange groves, coffee plantations and fields of hydrangea and bougainvillea. Then there’re the twin falls of Banyumala that flow into clear, shallow soaking pool and are surrounded by some exotic birds. Also not to be missed is Blahmantung Waterfall, located near the farming village of Pupuan. In the rainy season, the waters gush from a drop of 100 metres, making it Bali’s highest and most impressive waterfall.

MAKE IT HAPPEN

• National carrier, Garuda Indonesia, flies from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur to Bali’s Denpasar Airport multiple times a week. If staying at a hotel or resort, make prior arrangements with the concierge for an airport pick up.

• For a comprehensive tour of Bali’s waterfalls and other places of interest, book a tour with InterContinental Bali Resort. Their ‘In the Know’ insider guide customises personal tours centred on visitors’ interest to the Indonesian island. Prices vary per tour.

• Stay at InterContinental Bali Resort, which is located on a sandy stretch of Jimbaran Bay. The 417-room hotel caters to couples, families and large groups on its expansive tropical land filled with six swimming pools, a children’s resort, and other recreational activities (from US$258 per night for Resort Classic Room).