The incredible Gembleng Waterfall in East Bali
Balinese waterfalls are amongst some of the best, and Gembleng Waterfall surely has to be one. Gembleng Waterfall is an incredible hidden gem that’s fairly unbothered by tour crowds and is only 1 hour away from Ubud in East Bali.
Gembleng Waterfall is extremely picturesque, perfect at any time of day and you’ll always have an excellent backdrop of the lush green nature and jungle forest that surrounds you. Expect to see palm trees, ferns as old as time, trees and twining vines. But obviously, what makes this place really special, is the natural infinity pool or ‘hot tub’ that makes it famous. There’s actually 3 tiers to this lovely waterfall, and the site is fairly small, so it’s best to come here on a weekday. Here’s all the top Bali travel tips you need for visiting Gembleng Waterfall.
If you’re looking for waterfalls, have a look at my complete guide on the 21 waterfalls near Ubud you must visit or browse my other Bali guides!
Best tours in Ubud:
| Don’t miss some of the best tours in Ubud, whether you’re after some adventure or a serene escape, there’s something for you. Ubud waterfall tours – for insta famous waterfalls or serene retreats, have a look here! Quad biking in Ubud – if you’re after adrenaline adventure, this is for you! Ubud Hot Air balloons – for scenic, stunning views, have a look at this experience White water rafting – a lot of fun for thrill seekers! Rice Terraces tour – for a serene escape, have a look at this tour. |
Quick links
| Here’s everything I use when I travel abroad: Tours – Compare tour prices on Viator and Get Your Guide Hotels – I always use Booking as the more hotels I book, I get a higher Genius discount. I also compare prices on Expedia. E-Sims – purchase an e-sim with Airalo on your phone so you can make calls and have mobile data abroad! There’s no need to remove your current sim card! Travel insurance – don’t ever go on vacation without travel insurance, you never know when you might need it! Travel essentials – have a look at a full list of travel essentials that I use, including the best power bank! |
Gembleng Waterfall Bali
Amongst the plentiful number of Bali’s waterfalls, Gembleng Waterfall is not exactly a secret, but it is often missed by the hordes of tourists that pass by, meaning it’s missed by a lot of the backpacker trial. It’s definitely one of the best locations thanks to having one of the best infinity pools that overlooks the stunning scenery nearby of luscious jungle, thick dangling vines, beautiful backdrops and huge tropical palm trees.
Because it’s a little off the beaten track in East Bali, Gembleng Waterfall not too crowded, so hopefully you’ll be able to enjoy this place without having huge crowds visiting the site either. You will feel like you’re in the ultimate Balinese tropical paradise, what with the hanging vines dangling over the water and fresh mountain waters. Hike up, sit back and relax in the rock pools.
TIP: If you want to stay in a hotel nearby, have a look at the Best Eco Lodges in Bali.
There are some lovely wooden walkways (boardwalks) and some steps to help you reach the infinity pools.
The waterfall is open to tourists all year. But be wary of the rainy monsoon season: it is safer to visit Gembleng waterfall during the dry season. The dry season in Indonesia is usually from May to October.
A lot of waterfalls in Bali are sacred sites, for various reasons. Sometimes this is because the water has the divine blessing of a sovereign ruler, or for the tradition of Melukat, which is about the sacred act of cleansing and purifying yourself. You can read more about Melukat below.
Gembling Waterfall (Air Terjun Gembleng) is one of the unique waterfalls in Bali thanks to its stunning pools that overlook the forest and jungle below. Even though it’s a little Insta famous, it’s still one of the less visited ones as East Bali is a little less popular. It’s a total hidden gem of a waterfall This one is still pretty untouched by tourism, meaning it’s one of the quieter waterfalls to visit. There’s this awesome natural pool for sitting back and relaxing as if you’re in a private outdoor jacuzzi.
Gembleng Waterfall Restaurant
Don’t miss the restaurant at the top of Gembleng Waterfall, it’s called Gembleng Restaurant rated 4.9 / 5 on Google reviews. We didn’t stop here because we were running out of time before sunset but we met other travellers that told us it was great!
Gembleng Waterfall Entrance Fee
There is no entrance fee to Gembleng waterfall: suggest a donation of IDR 15,000 per person (75p or $1.15 USD) in the donation box. This Bali waterfall is an absolute gem and worth donating a little to help keep pathways of Gembleng Waterfall and the area clean.
Gembleng Waterfall Opening Hours
Gembleng Waterfall is generally open from 7-5pm every day. It’s not recommended you hike back in the dark after the sun has set as it can get a little trecherous.
Gembleng Waterfall location & map
Make sure you save Gembleng Waterfall location to your google maps so you know where to go!
Gembling Waterfall to Ubud: 60 minutes drive
How to get to Gembleng Waterfall Sidemen
Gembleng waterfall is located in the Karangasem regency in East Bali near the village of the village of Sidemen.
Ubud to Gembling Waterfall: 60 minutes drive
You can either rent a scooter or moped, hire a private car or book onto one of the famous waterfall tours (have a look below).
Make sure you have insurance for the moped (ensure your rental company covers this), and make sure you have general travel insurance well. Better safe than sorry!
When it comes to Bali tours, I always compare prices on Viator and Get Your Guide.
Best Ubud Eco Lodges and Hotels
Looking for unique and interesting hotels? Have a look at my posts on eco lodges in Bali!
Sacred Cleansing: Melukat
Melukat, in Bahasa Indonesian is known as “melukat” or “melukatan,” is a traditional cleansing ritual that our tour guide told us about when exploring these waterfalls. Apparently it helps the local Balinese attain physical, mental, and spiritual purity. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned about Bali, is how spiritual the locals are, with their daily blessings and incense sticks, it’s very lovely to see and watch little old ladies on the street prepare blessings for others to buy by folding banana leaves and adding flowers. The word “melukat” is broken down into “lukat” meaning “to cleanse” or “to purify.”
If you want to book onto a Ubud Waterfalls tour, have a look here, I always compare prices on Viator and Get Your Guide.
The tradition of Melukat:
- Purpose: Melukat is meant to cleanse from physical impurities and also purify the soul. Our guide also told us it gets rid of negative energies / spirits, and restores balance and harmony in life. You would typically do it at any big life events, illnesses, or after attending funerals.
- Process: Usually the melukat is done at a sacred water source, such as a river, a natural spring, a temple pond, or yes, you guessed it, a waterfall. I am told they tend to choose sites which are spiritually charged and are believed to have the power to purify and cleanse.
- Offerings: Offerings are a normal part of the melukat ceremony and used daily in Balinese culture; it’s wonderful to see people leaving offerings at different points throughout their homes, on the roads, outside your hotel rooms. The offerings often include flowers, rice, fruit, and almost always, incense. The offerings are a symbolic way of showing gratitude and they also hope to appease the deities and spirits that oversee the ceremony.
- Prayers and Chanting: It is typical that a priest or a knowledgeable elder prays or chants during the ceremony. Chanting is meant to amplify the prayers, who knew?
- Symbolism: A little bit similar to baptism, immsersing yourself in water is meant to cleanse you of both physical and spiritual impurities; it is thought that water absorbs negative energy.
- Traditional Attire: It is traditional to wear ceremonial clothing, which I got to wear once myself; it is usually white but it can be any colour! I was dressed in a sarong, a lace top and a sash to keep it all together.
- Blessings and Protection: After the melukat, participants are blessed by whoever is hosting the ceremony (usually the priest or elder) and this is meant to give the individual protection and positive energy.
- Community involvement: Melukat ceremonies are often very sociable, and you are like to have your family members, friends, and neighbours coming together.
- Continuation of Tradition: Melukat is a deeply rooted Balinese tradition that continues to be practiced alongside other rituals and ceremonies in Balinese Hinduism. The Balinese people have very rich religious lifestyles and welcoming communities.
Have a look at my other Bali and Indonesia guides:
21 Ubud waterfalls you must visit
Lahangan Sweet: Epic East Bali viewpoint of Mount Agung
Jungle trekking with Sumatra Orangutans
Best tours to the epic Sumampan Waterfall
There are plenty of companies that will take you on an Ubud Waterfall Tour, or a Waterfall Tour in East Bali. A lot of the waterfalls tours will take you to other destinations and activities in the area on a full day tour, such as Lahangan Sweet: Epic East Bali viewpoint, Tirta Gangga, and Mount Agung, although often trips can be customised, especially if it’s a personalised tour.
There are a tonne of attractions you could visit and things to see. You might want to visit local villages & parks, or spots such as:
- Ceking Rice Terrace (aka Tegallalang Rice Terrace)
- Tukad Cepung Waterfall
- Nungnung Waterfall
- Banjar Mancingan Rice trekking
- Water rafting
- Banjar Mancingan Rice Trekking
- Tibumana Waterfall
Don’t forget to watch (or get on) some of the famous Bali swings for a fun afternoon out in Bali. There are also tours a little further out, like Nusa Penida if you’re interested, it is highly recommended!
Keep an eye out, you’ll likely spot tonnes of rice fields and luscious palm trees. It’s a great ride through the less touristy, and perhaps more authentic, Balinese countryside, an experience you should do at least once when you’re in Bali.
When it comes to Bali tours, I always compare prices on Viator and Get Your Guide.
Read more about Ceking Rice Terrace near Ubud, pictured below.
Have a look at my other Bali and Indonesia guides:
Lahangan Sweet: Epic East Bali viewpoint of Mount Agung
Jungle trekking with Sumatra Orangutans
Have a look at my full guide on the 21 other waterfalls near Ubud you must visit:
If you want to book onto a Ubud Waterfalls tour, have a look here, I always compare prices on Viator and Get Your Guide.
When to visit Ubud?
Ubud Weather in January:
- Average Temperature (Celsius): 27°C (80.6°F)
- Rainy Days: 16
- Daylight Hours: Approximately 12 hours
- Sunrise Time: Around 6:30 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 6:45 PM
Ubud Weather in February:
- Average Temperature (Celsius): 27°C (80.6°F)
- Rainy Days: 14
- Daylight Hours: Approximately 12 hours
- Sunrise Time: Around 6:30 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 6:45 PM
Ubud Weather in March:
- Average Temperature (Celsius): 27°C (80.6°F)
- Rainy Days: 13
- Daylight Hours: Approximately 12 hours
- Sunrise Time: Around 6:15 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 6:45 PM
Ubud Weather in April:
- Average Temperature (Celsius): 27°C (80.6°F)
- Rainy Days: 10
- Daylight Hours: Approximately 12 hours
- Sunrise Time: Around 6:15 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 6:30 PM
Ubud Weather in May:
- Average Temperature (Celsius): 28°C (82.4°F)
- Rainy Days: 7
- Daylight Hours: Approximately 12 hours
- Sunrise Time: Around 6:15 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 6:15 PM
Ubud Weather in June:
- Average Temperature (Celsius): 28°C (82.4°F)
- Rainy Days: 4
- Daylight Hours: Approximately 12 hours
- Sunrise Time: Around 6:15 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 6:15 PM
Ubud Weather in July:
- Average Temperature (Celsius): 27°C (80.6°F)
- Rainy Days: 3
- Daylight Hours: Approximately 12 hours
- Sunrise Time: Around 6:15 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 6:15 PM
Ubud Weather in August:
- Average Temperature (Celsius): 27°C (80.6°F)
- Rainy Days: 4
- Daylight Hours: Approximately 12 hours
- Sunrise Time: Around 6:15 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 6:15 PM
Ubud Weather in September:
- Average Temperature (Celsius): 27°C (80.6°F)
- Rainy Days: 6
- Daylight Hours: Approximately 12 hours
- Sunrise Time: Around 6:15 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 6:30 PM
Ubud Weather in October:
- Average Temperature (Celsius): 27°C (80.6°F)
- Rainy Days: 11
- Daylight Hours: Approximately 12 hours
- Sunrise Time: Around 6:30 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 6:30 PM
Ubud Weather in November:
- Average Temperature (Celsius): 27°C (80.6°F)
- Rainy Days: 16
- Daylight Hours: Approximately 12 hours
- Sunrise Time: Around 6:30 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 6:30 PM
Ubud Weather in December:
- Average Temperature (Celsius): 27°C (80.6°F)
- Rainy Days: 18
- Daylight Hours: Approximately 12 hours
- Sunrise Time: Around 6:30 AM
- Sunset Time: Around 6:45 PM
Travel resources for your trip that are actually really handy!
If you want to book onto a Ubud Waterfalls tour, have a look here, I always compare prices on Viator and Get Your Guide.
That’s it! I hope you found it useful and let me know how you get on! If you want to see more video content, have a look at my post on Instagram.
Have a look at my other Bali & Indonesia travel guides:
Banjar Mancingan Rice trekking
Jungle trekking with Sumatra Orangutans
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