The epic Waterfall Kanto Lampo in Bali
The epic Watefall Kanto Lampo is arguably one of the most famous waterfalls in Bali; this is thanks to its incredible, vast and towering cascade, but hugely, in part, to the Balinese guides that take instagrammable pictures. The Balinese guides are pretty insta famous themselves! The site itself is pretty well developed and frankly, stunning!
The cascades here are some of the most impressive in Bali and of course all areas of Waterfall Kanto Lampo. There’s tonnes of places where you can take pictures, but if you want to take pictures in the iconic spot, then you might need to queue for a bit! We certainly had to! But honestly, my videos did look incredible and a few of my videos on the Bali guides were pretty popular on social media too.
This is fairly close to Ubud, with it being only a 22-30 minute drive, depending on the traffic. Here is the complete guide to Waterfall Kanto Lampo.
Consider reading my full 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! |
The Waterfall Kanto Lampo Bali
Ubud to Waterfall Kanto Lampo: 22 minutes drive
Waterfall Kanto Lampo is one of those ‘Insta famous‘ waterfalls, and it’s not hard to see why. The waterfalls have plenty of places for people to take photos, and this is where you can find the famous Bali guides that help people take pictures. The Bali guides are the ones that help you take incredible photos by giving you tips for poses! If you’re looking for a quiet waterfall, then this is not it. It does get fairly busy during the day, and if you want to get one of the famous photos in the waterfall, then expect to queue up for 30 minutes to an hour or more!
You’ll be expected to give the local guides a tip if you ask them to help you with taking photos at the Waterfall Kanto Lampo; they do an excellent job photographing, videoing and generally giving the best posing tips! When asked what is a normal amount to tip, they just said however much you want! They are honestly so lovely and go to a lot of effort, so I would totally recommend spreading the wealth!
TIP: If you want to stay in a hotel nearby, have a look at the Best Eco Lodges in Bali.
There are some steps to help you reach the stunning cascades so you can avoid stepping on the slippery rocks in the water at Waterfall Kanto Lampo.
The Waterfall Kanto Lampo is open to tourists all year. But be wary of the water levels during the rainy monsoon season: it is safer to visit Waterfall Kanto Lampo 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.
Consider reading my full guide on the 21 waterfalls near Ubud you must visit for other ideas of places you should visit!
Kanto Lampo waterfall Bali
It’s not hard to see why Waterfall Kanto Lampo is the ultimate instagrammable Bali waterfall. It’s beautiful, big, impressive, and of course, it comes with the Balinese guides.
After visiting Waterfall Kanto Lampo, Bayad Waterfall was an absolute dream. Kanto Lampo has more facilities, yes, but it also had a huge amount of tourists queueing up for a spot with the balinese guides. Bayad waterfall, on the other hand, was exceptionally serene, calm and quiet.
With it being only 20-30 minutes from the centre of Ubud, this is a real hidden Gem.
The Famous Balinese Guides at Kanto Lampon
You’ve all seen the instagrammable pictures and videos, which are all thanks to these Balinese guides. They go out of their way to ensure you get your best photos and videos, and as they are working for tips, they work hard! They go all out, and you should definitely ensure you tip!
And yes, my reel about these Balinese guides went mega viral on Instagram, twice. So if Instagramming is your thing, then yes, make sure you head to Kanto Lampo!
You just need to turn up to the waterfall, the guides hang around the bottom, right by the cascade. There’s usually around 5-6 of them who take it in turns to help tourists.n
How much should I tip the Balinese guides?
That’s a hard one. As much as you feel comfortable, I would say. The balinese guides help you out for about 5 minutes at a time, but they do excellent work.
When I asked them how much we should tip, they just said whatever you feel comfortable with.
I think we tipped them somewhere between 5-10 pounds because I told them I would be making a video out of the experience and hoped they wouldn’t mind me including some footage, to which they were totally fine with.
Bear in mind, there’s an hour long queue of people tipping these guides, so just feel free to tip them whatever you think you can afford, but I suspect they make a killing.n
They will give you all the tips of everything you need to know, from how to pose and where to stand. It’s quite fun, really!
Consider reading my full guide on the 21 waterfalls near Ubud you must visit for other ideas of places you should visit!
Picture Spots around the Waterfall Kanto Lampo
There are also some pretty picture spots around the area of Waterfall Kanto Lampo. Make sure you stop and admire the view fro these spots!
From the stairs
There are plenty of cute photo spots around Waterfall Kanto Lampo. Start off on the stairs on the way down, you’ll get a view of the whole areas on the left and right.
To the right of the main Waterfall
This is a free spot where you can usually get a picture without having to wait an hour, and frankly, the picture is not that much different to the famous spot where everyone queues for at Waterfall Kanto Lampo.
The most Instagrammable Waterfall
This is only for people willing to get a little wet! This is also where the Balinese guides hang out and help out. It’s clearly the most spectacular viewpoint and for good reason! It’s super impressive!n
In the natural water pool
If you’re brave enough, make sure you climb down into the Water pool which is on the left of the entrance! It’s somewhere that’s not got hour long queues and very easy to chill and people watch. It’s quite fun!
If you’re brave… get in!
Go swimming at Waterfall Kanto Lampo! 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.
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!
Kanto Lampo Waterfall Entrance Fee & Tickets
The entrance fee is 10 000 IDR per person (50p or 60 cents USD). It’s well worth the price if you ask me! It help keeps the site clean and supports the local community, spread the wealth!
Consider reading my full guide on the 21 waterfalls near Ubud you must visit for other ideas of places you should visit!
Kanto Lampo Waterfall Opening Hours
Waterfall Kanto Lampo 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 treacherous. For this reason, I have included sunrise and sunset time in the ‘Weather’ section below.
Visiting Kanto Lampo Waterfall location & map
Make sure you save the location to your google maps so you know where to go!
Kanto Lampo Waterfall to Ubud: 22-30 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!
Waterfall Kanto Lampo Map:
How to get to Waterfall Kanto Lampo
Waterfall Kanto Lampo (Air Terjun Kento Lampo) is located just 22 minutes form Ubud Bali, so it’s less than an hour drive or taxi ride away.
Ubud to Kanto Lampo Waterfall: 22 minutes drive
You can either rent a scooter or moped to Waterfall Kanto Lampo, 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!
Is Waterfall Kanto Lampo Open or Closed?
Waterfall Kanto Lampo is now open to the public. It was closed temporarily because of a landslide until October 15, 2023.
If you want to book onto a Ubud Waterfalls tour, have a look here, I always compare prices on Viator and Get Your Guide.
Waterfall Kanto Lampo Restaurant
Don’t miss the restaurants and stalls that line the top of Waterfall Kanto Lampo ( Air Terjun Kanto Lampo ) just by the parking lot. 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! 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 Watefall Kanto Lampo
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!
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
When to visit Bali?
Any time is a good time, but just bear in mind the wet season vs the dry season. The wet season can mean heavy waterfalls and slippery steps and torrential water. So bear in mind when you’re visiting Waterfall Kanto Lampo.
Weather in Ubud
Have a look at the weather around Waterfall Kanto Lampo below.
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 for Waterfall Kanto Lampo! 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 on Waterfall Kanto Lampo.
Have a look at my other Bali & Indonesia travel guides:
Jungle trekking with Sumatra Orangutans
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