Exploring the unknown is both an exciting and fulfilling experience. Here in Bali, waterfalls are amongst the most sought after destinations for the self-proclaimed ‘explorers’. Hidden deep in jungles, searching for these impressive sights make for the perfect adventure.
Tibumana waterfall is one of the must visit waterfalls for the explorers. Located in Bangli region, just an hour drive from Ubud and two hours from Kuta, this waterfall is a serene spot for all those who want to enjoy the forest atmosphere. To get there, it is recommended to bring someone who knows the area pretty well. A tour operator in downtown Kuta charges around IDR 400,000 for this single trip, including a car and an advanced driver. Optionally, you can always hire a scooter and navigate your own way with a map, as this can be far more exciting. Bangli is host to mountain lakes and streams that make Bali so fertile. Numerous villages are scatted across a landscape of rice terraces, lush valleys and forests. These settings will treat you well along the way until you reach your destination.
At the car park, you will find a tiny shack where you need to pay IDR 10,000 as a contribution fee. You then need to follow a winding path with stairs for around 15 minutes until you arrive at the waterfall. The pathway is refreshingly beautiful. There are vines creeping down the cliffs and small, colourful butterflies flying around. The lush, green jungle is filled with the sweet chirping of birds. The air is crisp and clear surrounded by a sense of purity in all directions.
As you approach the waterfall, the rumbling sound it creates becomes more evident and you feel the place getting cooler and breezier. The waterfall is a single column in the dry season, while in the monsoon season you will find twin columns of water cascading down from the hill. The waterfall creates an unrealistic prismatic formation of sun rays, giving the place a fairy tale like ambiance. The entire place is encased in a green fortress of green ferns, mosses, vines, which makes you feel that you have entered a secret world away from the world you live in. Because of the enclosure, there is a pond at the foot of the waterfall. The shades of the water are mesmerizing. Turquoise and sapphire are the shades of the chilled mountain water that will just take your breath away.
Do pack your swimsuit and extra clothes and take a refreshing swim in the waterfall and reinvigorate your senses. The water is no more than 6 feet deep, so diving is not an option. You can stand right underneath the waterfall and let the hydro pressure do wonders for your body pains and stress relief. The tranquillity is what draws people here, to idle for long hours of relaxation in solitude. It is one of those places where you want to come just to laze around to sit and marvel at nature’s beauty in isolation.
The entire area is very photogenic. Everything lends an artistic beauty to the waterfall. Be sure not to forget to bring your camera to capture all these beautiful moments. The fact that the place is not crowded means you can strike numerous wonderful poses undisturbed. Since a temple is situated nearby, you may see some billowing smoke from previous offerings that were made to the waterfall for all the life it brings. Make sure not to litter the place with food and drinks.
Explore, relax and meditate. Isn’t that all that is needed for the soul, once in a while ?
Tibumana Waterfall
A : Village Apuan, District Susut, Bangli Regency Bali 80661
About Bangli:
The Bangli regency holds great natural vistas of the island, with scenic roads of rugged hillocks, woody ravines and giant bamboo forests. And for this reason, while you are in Tibumana, you may want to explore around to check on some places. You can pay a visit to Apuan Falls and the famous Penglipuran village. The trees here are so enormous that they block out most of the sunlight during the day, adding to its mystical atmosphere.
