Manuaba Waterfall Ubud: the hidden gem in Bali
Manuaba Waterfall Ubud is a sacred waterfall & a total hidden gem that’s still relatively unknown to tourists and missed by most of the backpacker trail, although it is popular with the local Balinese who use it as a hangout joint on the weekend. The sacred water is said to have the divine blessing of Lake Batur’s sovereign, as whispered among the village folk. This waterfall is only a 23 minute drive from Ubud, so get going!
Consider reading my complete guide on the 21 waterfalls near Ubud you must visit for other ideas of places you should visit!
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! |
Manuaba Waterfall Gianyar Regency Bali
Manuaba Waterfall (Air Terjun Manuaba) has a certain, subtle allure thanks to it’s sacred shrine and location being tucked away, hidden in the local rainforest. It is a beautiful waterfall, particularly just after it has rained as the torrent gets fairly powerful. It’s tucked away in a local Balinese village: Kenderan village, known for its eleven natural springs (holy water). The waterfall is surrounded by thick green vegetation and is a haven for wildlife. What’s cool is that Manuaba Waterfall actually has two separate waterfalls to admire and you can spot both of them on your walk down to the site.
Whilst Manuaba waterfall isn’t that popular with tourists, it is a local hangout for the Balinese thanks to it being a special sacred site, or one of the 11 holy springs in the area. Expect to see local Balinese hanging out here on the weekends, and it will of course be busy on any holy occasions.
Remember to be respectful around the shrine; there are signs up asking people not to take selfies with the shrine, and not to walk around in a swimsuit next to the shrine, which is fair enough for the sacred site that is Manuaba Waterfall.
Manuaba Waterfall Hike
The hike to Manuaba waterfall is a relatively short and easy one, lasting only a few minutes. Head over to Kenderan village located east of Tegallalang and not far from Ceking Rice Terrace (aka Tegallalang Rice Terrace). You might also want to consider popping across to Leke Leke Waterfall which is just over 20 minutes away.
TIP: If you want to stay in a hotel nearby, have a look at the Best Eco Lodges in Bali.
Manuaba Waterfall is open to tourists all year. But be wary of the water levels during the rainy season or monsoon season: it is safer to visit Manuaba Waterfall during the dry season. The dry season in Indonesia is usually from May to October.
A lot of Balinese waterfalls 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.
Looking for the best waterfalls Ubud other than Manuaba Waterfall? Consider reading my full guide on the 21 waterfalls near Ubud you must visit for other ideas of places you should visit! Below is a shot of Waterfall Kanto Lampo – famous for having the Balinese guides!
If you’re brave… get in!
Go swimming at Manuaba Waterfall! Ever heard of a waterfall massage? Head to the edge of the waterfall and gently ease yourself under the cascade for a pressure massage – not unlike the spas you’ll encounter all across Europe. We love it – we’re doing it every day!
Be careful though, the centre of Manuaba Waterfall can had torrents of water falling down so you don’t want to jump in too quickly! Whilst I’m sure it won’t leave a mark, just be sure to look after yourself.
Manuaba Waterfall Entrance Fee & Tickets
The entrance fee for Manuaba Waterfall is IDR 10,000 per person (50p or 60 cents USD), which is meant to help maintain the site
Consider reading my full guide on the 21 waterfalls near Ubud you must visit for other ideas of places you should visit! Interesting waterfalls include:
Manuaba Waterfall Opening Hours
Manuaba Waterfall is generally open from 6am-6pm every day. Don’t hike back in the dark at Manuaba Waterfall after the sun has set as it can get a little treacherous – not at all recommended. For this reason, I have included sunrise and sunset time in the ‘Weather’ section below.
Visiting Manuaba Waterfall location
Make sure you save the location for Manuaba Waterfall to your google maps so you know where to go!
Manuaba Waterfall to Ubud: 27 minutes drive
The drive from Ubud is not that far but it does depend on traffic, so bear this in mind. Still, either way, it’s less than an hour’s drive!
Manuaba Waterfall Map:
How to get to Manuaba Waterfall Bali
Manuaba waterfall is located just 23 minutes form Ubud Bali, so it’s less than an hour drive or taxi ride away.
Ubud to Manuaba Waterfall: 23 minutes drive
You can either rent a scooter, hire a private car or book onto one of the famous waterfall tours on a day trip (have a look below) to see Manuaba Waterfall.
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.
Consider reading my full guide on the 21 waterfalls near Ubud you must visit for other ideas of places you should 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.
Manuaba Waterfall Restaurant & Bar
There are two sites nearby where you can stop for a bit of refreshment; firstly, there is the JP Warung which is right next door. A warung is usually a ‘local eatery‘ which serves Indonesian food; usually rice and chicken. I love the peanut sauce there!
Another place you might want to consider visiting for the views alone is Manuaba Ricefieds Drinks & Chill! It has great service, a great view of the rice terraces and is the perfect place to stop and hydrate.
Best Ubud hotels & Eco Lodges
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 local tour guide told us about when exploring these stunning Balinese waterfalls. Apparently it helps the local Balinese achieve 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! 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 & Indonesia travel guides:
Lahangan Sweet: Epic East Bali viewpoint of Mount Agung
Jungle trekking with Sumatra Orangutans
Best tours to the epic Manuaba 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, Tegallalang Rice Terrace Walk, water rafting or even 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.
Have a look at my other Bali & Indonesia travel 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:
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 & Indonesia travel guides:
Lahangan Sweet: Epic East Bali viewpoint of Mount Agung
Jungle trekking with Sumatra Orangutans
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 Bali?
The best time to visit Bali is during the dry season, from April to October, when the weather is sunny and dry, ideal for outdoor activities and beach visits. However, for those looking to avoid crowds and enjoy lower prices, the shoulder months of April and September offer a great balance of good weather and fewer tourists.
Weather in 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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