The amazing Sumampan Waterfall in Ubud Bali
Sumampan Waterfall is one of those luscious jungle retreats you’ll be wanting to visit again and again. It’s wonderful! Think of thick, dangling vines, huge palm trees towering above you, trees with thick tropical leaves and sculpted ruins scattered in the water. This waterfall is definitely a hidden gem in Bali, and definitely less well known, but worth the visit! This Bali waterfall is definitely one of my favourites thanks to it’s stunning beautiful waters and serene paradise.
This is fairly close to Ubud, with it being only a 21 minute drive from Ubud, depending on the traffic. Here is the complete travel guide to Sumampan Waterfall with my top tips.
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! |
Sumampan Waterfall Ubud
Ubud to Sumampan Waterfall: 21 minutes drive
In the realm of Bali’s waterfalls, Sumampan Waterfall remains a total hidden treasure and stands out as one of the finest spots, being a quick 21 minutes away from the heart of Ubud. This is in Kemenuh, a charming village on the outskirts of Ubud, it often escapes the notice of many tourists, allowing you to relax in these pristine tropical waters in serene solitude. Instead, you’ll be rubbing shoulders with the locals who frequently swim and shower here.
Sumampan Waterfall Parking Area
You’ll probably have to pay for parking but it isn’t usually very expensive; around 10,000 IDR. It’s better to pay, than to get blocked in by other mopeds/vehicles.
Sumampan Waterfall Hike
From the parking area, a brief trek through the jungle leads you to Sumampan waterfall, which includes around 50 steps, making it a relatively easy hike.
It’s also near Tegenungan Waterfall and Uma Anyar Watefall, so if you’re in the area, you should consider visiting both.
While there is no official entrance fee, a donation box is available, and the recommended minimum contribution should be 10 000 IDR or more (approximately 50p or 60 cents). However, rounding it up to at least a pound or a dollar per person is a kind gesture. A local family takes care of Sumampan waterfall and ensures the pathways remain tidy.
Yes, Sumampan Waterfall is still a hidden gem. But, thanks to Instagram and some incredible videography, it has cast a spotlight on this waterfall, attracting an increasing number of tourists every day. This hidden gem of a cascade, transcends the typical tourist attraction; it’s a hidden oasis of serenity. You’ll find yourself transported to a bona fide tropical paradise, complete with thick vines draping over the water, refreshing mountain springs, and, of course, ornate statues dotting the waters and the banks.
TIP: If you want to stay in a hotel nearby to Sumampan Waterfall, have a look at the Best Eco Lodges in Bali.
The waterfall is open to tourists all year. But be wary of the water levels during the rainy monsoon season: it is safer to visit Sumampan 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.
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!
Swim in the cascade!
Go swimming at Sumampan 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 the 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.
Consider reading my full guide on the 21 waterfalls near Ubud you must visit for other ideas of places you should visit!
Sumampan Waterfall Entrance Fee & Tickets
There is no entrance fee at Sumampan Waterfall: suggest a donation of IDR 15,000 per person (75p or $1.15 USD).
A local family maintains Sumampan waterfall, so it’s important to leave a donation. Some also say it’s good karma!
Consider reading my full guide on the 21 waterfalls near Ubud you must visit for other ideas of places you should visit!
Sumampan Waterfall Opening Hours
Sumampan Waterfall is generally open from 6am-6pm every day. Don’t hike back in the dark 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 Sumampan Waterfall location & map
Make sure you save the location to your google maps so you know where to go!
Sumampan Waterfall to Ubud: 21 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!
Sumampan Waterfall Map:
How to get to Sumampan Waterfall Bali
Sumampan waterfall is located just 21 minutes form Ubud Bali, so it’s less than an hour drive or taxi ride away.
Ubud to Sumampan Waterfall: 21 minutes drive
You can either rent a scooter or moped, hire a private car or book onto one of the famous waterfall tours on a day trip (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.
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.
Sumampan Waterfall Restaurant
Don’t miss the Sumampan restaurant! We only stopped here to grab a few drinks and some ice cream and it was so refreshing on those hot summer days!
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:
Jungle trekking with Sumatra Orangutans
Full disclosure! Some of the links here are affiliate links, meaning I get a small commission from every booking made. This is at no extra cost to you. It helps keep me writing and sharing my travel guides free of charge to you 🙂 Thank you for your support! Read our affiliate disclaimer here.
