Gembleng Waterfall 2026: Everything You Need to Know

Gembleng Waterfall hides away in Sidemen Valley, a spot in East Bali that doesn't show up on most tourist radars. What brings people here? That infinity pool right at the cliff's edge, where you can actually float while rice fields and jungle spread out endlessly below you. The walk up takes just 10-15 minutes on paved steps, short enough that you won't regret it.

Most travelers usually add this to their Bali Tour Packages along with other East Bali stops. Visit between April and October for calm swimming conditions and cooperative skies for your Instagram shots. During the rainy months, the water crashes down harder, everything turns super green, and hotels don't charge as much.

The infinity pool gets all the attention, but honestly, the whole hike up offers views worth the trip. It feels different from those packed waterfalls everyone else visits.

Gembleng Waterfall Bali - Visitor Info 2026

• Location: Tri Eka Buana, Sidemen, Karangasem, Bali 80864
• Gembleng Waterfall Entrance Fee: Free; donations (20,000-50,000 IDR) are accepted
• Timings: 7 am - 5 pm
• Height: 15-25 metres approx
• Trekking Duration: 10-15 minutes one way
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Facilities: Restaurant, Jacuzzi Pool, Photo Spots, & Parking (limited space)

How to Reach Gembleng Waterfall in Bali

Below are the best ways to reach the Gembleng Waterfall location:

How to Reach Gembleng Waterfall by Flight:

• Fly into Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar.
• From the airport, Gembleng Waterfall is situated about 2.5 hours away by road through South and East Bali.
• The drive from Gembleng Waterfall to Ubud takes roughly 1.5 hours, while beach areas like Kuta or Seminyak need around 2.5 hours of travel time.

How to Reach Gembleng Waterfall by Renting a Private Car:

• Hiring a cab with driver is among the best ways to commute to remote waterfalls in Bali.
• Approximate Cost: ₹3,150-4,725 (IDR 600,000-900,000) for a full day, including fuel and parking

How to Reach Gembleng Waterfall by Opting for a Private Tour:

• Opting for a guided private tour like the Exciting Bali Tour Package 5 Days 4 Nights with Bali Swing is the perfect choice, especially if you are a first-time traveler.
• These packages usually handle accommodation, entry fees, and sometimes meals.
• On the way or return, you can also explore other best places to visit in Bali.

WanderOn’s Cost: Starts from 42,999 per person

How to Reach Gembleng Waterfall by Renting a Car/Bike:

• Renting a bike gives complete freedom to explore at your own pace.
• Anyone comfortable and experienced with renting a bike and navigating winding roads will find this a great option.
• You'll need an International Driving Permit and your country’s driving license.

Approximate Cost: ₹315-525 per day for scooter rental (IDR 60,000-100,000)

Why Ride-Hailing Apps & Buses Aren’t the Best Bet?

Are you curious about how to travel in Bali using Grab, Gojek, or buses? Here’s the reality:

Ride-Hailing Apps—Grab/Gojek

• Apps like Gojek and Grab work in Bali's main areas but become unreliable once you reach East Bali's countryside.
• Getting a driver to accept the long trip to Gembleng and finding one for the return journey becomes nearly impossible.
• This option works better for shorter urban trips rather than rural attractions.

Approximate Cost: ₹1,575-2,625 one way (IDR 300,000-500,000), though return rides aren't guaranteed.

Buses

• Bali's limited public transport network (like the Teman Bus) operates mainly in South Bali's urban corridors.
• Buses simply cannot access remote waterfalls in East Bali.

The Gembleng Waterfall Hike

1. The Trail: The path begins at the base and climbs upward through 60-90 paved steps. It covers roughly 250 meters in about 10 minutes. Rain doesn't make it too slippery since the steps are properly paved.
2. Along the Way: Smaller paths split off along the way, taking you to little pools and places where the waterfall comes into view. Lush greenery surrounds the path on both sides while butterflies move around.
3. Getting to the Top: As you approach the summit, the path requires going barefoot. The Gembleng Waterfall Hike brings you to two pools here; the one sitting right at the cliff's edge is where you get those infinity views. Watch your step, though, because these rocks get slick.
4. At the Waterfall's Summit: Reaching the actual top reveals panoramic views of jungle and rice terraces sprawling below. Right at the source, before the water drops, sits a shallow pool that's surprisingly blue.

Suggested Read: Treks In Bali: 11 Must-Try Trekking Trails 2026 | Adventures

Best Things to Do in Gembleng Waterfall Bali

Below are the best things to do at Gembleng Waterfall, Bali:

1. Cross the hanging wooden Suspension Bridge: Walking across this bridge gives you an adrenaline rush. The planks shift under your feet while water rushes below, and yes, it's slippery, but once you're halfway across carefully, it's all worthy.
2. Capture stunning photographs: The Gembleng Waterfall gives you plenty of different spots to shoot from. So, don’t forget to bring your camera.
3. Dine at the Restaurant: There's food available once you need a break from wandering around. Sit down, order something local, and listen to the water while you eat.
4. Swim in the infinity-style Stone Pool: The water here is cold and clear, perfect after walking around in the heat. You can relax and just soak for a while. If the weather's favorable, the view stretches out to rice fields that look almost unreal. It is also one of the best Gembleng Waterfall nearby attractions.

Suggested Read: Jatiluwih Rice Terraces Bali – UNESCO World Heritage Site

Best Time to Visit Gembleng Waterfall, Bali

Explore the best time to visit Gembleng Waterfall Bali, with a season-wise breakdown:

Dry Season (April - October)

Crowds

• Weekends bring more people, but it's never packed like the main tourist spots.
• Come on a weekday, and you'll probably have the place mostly to yourself.

Experience

• Water levels stay consistent, so getting into those infinity pools feels safer. The paths don't turn into slip-and-slides either.
• Morning light cuts through the trees, making it perfect for taking pictures.
• This period is often considered the best time to visit Gembleng Waterfall for first-timers.

Prices

• Hotels around Sidemen and Ubud charge more during July and August when everyone visits.

Monsoon Season (November - March)

Crowds

• Way quieter overall. January and February barely see any visitors.
• December picks up a bit because of the holidays.

Experience

• The falls come alive with heavy water flow, which looks amazing, but the paths get treacherous.
• Everything turns incredibly green, making your photos pop.
• Those rock pools might be too dangerous when the water's rushing hard, so ask locals first.

Prices

• This is when you can save money.
• Hotels drop prices sometimes by 30–40%.

Best Time of The Day

Early Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM)

• The light's perfect, the temperature's bearable, and you'll basically have the infinity pool to yourself.
• You might catch a scent of incense from morning rituals happening nearby.
• Gembleng Waterfall opening hours start around 7:00 AM, so arriving early gives you maximum time.

Late Afternoon (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM)

• That golden hour makes everything look beautiful. Most people have left by then.
• Watch out for rain if it's the wet season; the waterfall can be powerful.

Tips for Visiting Gembleng Waterfall

Planning ahead makes your visit smoother and more enjoyable. Here are some practical travel tips to help you get the most out of your trip to this stunning spot.

1. Clothing: Keep your swimming clothes if you want to have the best experience around the waterfall.
2. Footwear: Get yourself proper water sandals or grippy shoes.
3. Essentials: Pack towels, sunscreen, and something to keep bugs away, too.
4. Camera/Phone: Bring a protective waterproof cover for your phone.
5. Cash: Keep 20,000-50,000 IDR in your pocket for the donation and snacks they're selling up top.
6. Hydration: Bring your water bottle. It's a quick climb, but you'll definitely sweat.
7. Timing: Show up when the sun's just coming up or starting to set; photos turn out way better, and there are fewer tourists around.
8. Safety: Don't assume that the pool at the top is deep everywhere. Some spots barely cover your ankles, so watch your footing on the rocks.
9. Crowds: Only a few people fit in that infinity pool at once. When it's packed, you'll stand around waiting for your turn to take pictures.

Why You Shouldn't Skip Gembleng Waterfall

Gembleng Waterfall won't show up on every Bali guide, and that's partly why it works. The infinity pool delivers on the hype without the chaos you'd find at bigger spots. Yes, the hike's short and the paths are maintained, but what really sticks with you is floating in that pool with nothing but green stretching out below.

If you're already planning a stop in East Bali, please consider including this one. It's the kind of place that photographs well but feels even better when you're actually there. Arrive early, carry some cash, and refrain from skipping the experience, even if you believe you have already seen sufficient waterfalls.