Review: Tukad Cepung Waterfall

Let’s start big picture here. Tukad Cepung, located in East Bali, is one of the island’s most photogenic falls, a small site leaving a major impression on travelers willing to scale the numerous steps and crossings to see it. While there are prettier, larger, and less touristy waterfalls up in northern Bali, Tukad Cepung is one of the closest to Ubud and the popular beach towns.

Any standout features or must-sees? Everyone’s come for the plunging attraction they’ve likely seen on social media: a trickling, wide-bodied curtain of water inside a dark circular canyon wall. The waterfall is at its most magical in the morning and midday hours, as sun rays illuminate the scene creating prisms of light.

Was it easy to get around? After paying a small entrance fee, it’s a 20-minute trek down a couple hundred steps—some of them steep, slippery and uneven—some ankle-deep stream crossings, and a squeeze through narrow gorge walls before arriving at the falls. It’ll be challenging for most with mobility issues; wear sturdy sandals or shoes to protect feet from prickly pebble stones.

All said and done, what—and who—is this best for? Tukad Cepung’s trump card is the natural light show which occurs in the earlier portion of the day. Arrive mid- to late morning for less crowded encounters, as snap-happy tourists start to flood the area by noon.