Bali is an island of many hidden gems, but the Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfalls are amongst the best ones. These picturesque waterfalls were made accessible in 2018. But unlike the other nearby waterfalls of Bali, Banyu Wana Amertha, Bhuna Sari, and the other two have escaped attention.
And that is an incredible thing as it means that the four waterfalls are not overrun like so many other waterfalls in Bali. Here you can enjoy a peaceful environment with little to no other tourists. These waterfalls are a real secret and a must-visit place if you want to see all those wonderful less-touristic places in Bali.
My own visit to Banyu Wana Amertha waterfall was an accident. Originally, I planned to visit the Banyumala Twin waterfalls, but I ended up taking a wrong turn. And in the end, I was so glad that my navigation was off. Finding this hidden gem of Bali was an amazing surprise. And until the day I might discover an even more beautiful waterfall in Bali, these ones will remain my personal favorite.
What to expect at Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfalls
Parts of the surroundings of the Banyu Wana Amertha waterfalls are somewhat artificial. Back in 2018, locals planted a multitude of local plans and moved rocks to further improve the aesthetic of the valley. Several wooden bridges and sitting areas were added as well. However, nature has taken over since then and the natural look the flowers have today only makes the scenery more picturesque.
When I visited the Banyu Wana Amertha waterfalls in October 2019, there were never more than three other people at the waterfalls. Even in the afternoon I temporarily had one of the waterfalls for myself.
You just might have one of the waterfalls at Banyu Wana Amertha for yourself. Something that you are unlikely to experience at all the other famous waterfalls.
Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfalls Entrance Fee
The entrance fee for Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfalls is 30.000 IDR (1.85 USD) and parking costs 2.000 IDR.
Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfalls Opening Hours
The official opening hours of Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfalls are 8 AM to 6 PM.
The walk to the waterfalls
Once you have paid your entrance fee at a small booth at the beginning of the Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfalls hike, you have to walk down a hill under a canopy of trees. You are surrounded by nothing but trees and colorful flowers. And the only sounds you hear are those of animals. Eventually, the gentle trickle of water will join this peaceful orchestra of nature. This first part of the hike takes around 15 to 20 minutes if you take the time to enjoy the atmosphere.
After the long downhill path, the way splits into two. The walk down the left path to Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfall and Single Waterfall ‘Bhuna Sari’ takes five to ten minutes. The right path leads to the Spray Waterfall or the Twin Waterfalls.
Remember that you will also have to walk back up the hill to return to the area.
Getting a ride back to the parking area
If you are exhausted or do not feel like walking back up yourself, you can catch a bike ride up the hill. The price should be around 30.000 IDR.
However, I advise you to be cautious as some of the bikes are rather unsafe. Some of them do not have enough power to guarantee a safe ride and other bikes do not have an exhaust cover.
I decided to get a ride back to the parking lot as it was getting late in the day and I still had to drive all the way back to Canggu. And now I will forever remember my first Bali trip thanks to a wonderful ‘Bali Kiss’ on my leg that left a scar. So please be careful if you decide not to walk back yourself. Insist on getting off the bike on the left side to be on the safe side.
If there is one thing you do not want on an island full of fantastic beaches and waterfalls, it is a nasty burn that prevents you from entering the water.
Left Path: Banyu Wana Amertha and Single Waterfall
Both of these waterfalls are located in close proximity and down the same set of stairs. The water of these falls ends up in the same stream. In terms of scenery, it is definitely my favorite area of these waterfalls as you will see something stunning wherever you look. It is easy to spend more than an hour here as time passes in the blink of an eye while you explore the little details of this valley.
Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfall
Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfall or BWA as some of the signs say is one of the most serene waterfalls I have seen in my life. Here, several small streams of water cascade down mossy rocks before they reconnect in a shallow pool. This pool in turn runs into a joint stream with the water of Bhuna Sari.
If you visit this place during the right time of the year, there are flowers at the top of the waterfall that add a fantastic splash of color.
My favorite photos of this hidden gem of Bali are long exposure shows as they show how the water embraces the rock formation and how the moss diverts the streams.
However, it is also incredibly beautiful to see it without a camera lens. So be sure to put down all electronics for a while so you can enjoy this fantastic location.
Single Waterfall ‘Bhuna Sari’
Single Waterfall is also known also Bhuna Sari. It is only possible to see this waterfall during and just after the wet season. You will most likely not be able to see this waterfall from May to December.
During the wet season, the water rushes down a higher cliff. During all other times of the year, it is nothing more but a gentle tickle down the leave-covered rock. It is still a beautiful sight, but it certainly does not compare to what it looks like from January to April. I have seen photos of Bhuna Sari in its’ full glory and it looks spectacular. The wet season waterfall is the perfect backdrop if you want to take a photo while standing on the nearby small wooden bridge.
The is a small cave behind Bhuna Sari and a very shallow pool. It is not possible to swim in it, but you could sit in the water as the floor there is rather even.
Amenities
There is a small changing room and a sitting area with a roof in this area. Therefore it is the perfect setting for a relaxed afternoon or a great picnic.
Right Path: Spray Waterfall and Twin Waterfalls
The path to these two waterfalls diverges at one point. Hereby you will first reach the path to the Twin Waterfalls that will lead you down some muddy steps. The individual steps are slightly even, so be sure to watch where you step. If you continue down the straight path at the diverge you will reach the incredible Spray Waterfall.
Spray Waterfall
Aside from Banyu Wana Amertha, the Spray Waterfall is the highlight of these four. The walk here takes 7 minutes from the split, but you will get a first glimpse of the Spray Waterfall sooner.
As you get closer, you can spot the falls on your left, and the sound of water alone will tell you all you need to know about the pure power of the cascading water.
This waterfall is much higher than the other three, and you will feel the spray on your face as you descent down the last few steps.
Standing right at the foot of this waterfall is a thrilling experience, but be aware of the slippery ground.
There is a larger swimming area to the right of the main falls and you can stand under a smaller part of the stream.
There is a larger rock on which you can climb, but the plants growing on it can cause your feet to slip. So please be careful while doing so. I do not know how long it would take to get help, and I really do not want any of you to test it.
There is a small changing room at Spray Waterfall, so you can easily put on your bathing suit without towel tricks.
Twin Waterfalls
The walk to these waterfalls takes about 5 minutes from where the way splits. You will walk down several stairs and as you round a corner you get a first glimpse of the twin falls. While not as high as the nearby Banyumala Twin Waterfalls, these falls are still a pretty sight, so be sure to spend a few minutes here.
Like at the valley of the left path, there is a small sitting area with a roof, so it is another nice place to take a break. It is not possible to swim here.
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How to get to Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfalls
The best way to get to Banyu Wana Amertha waterfalls is by renting a scooter or car. The drive there takes 1.5 hours if you are coming from Ubud, 2 hours from Canggu, and around 45 minutes from Singaraja.
If you rent a scooter for one day, it should cost you between 60.000 and 70.000 IDR. You could get a cheaper scooter, but in the mountainous north of Bali, it is best to hire a scooter with a higher CC.
Alternatively, you can hire a private driver in Bali for a day. Doing so costs between 25 and 35 USD a day and you can split the costs with up to four travel mates. As you will have the car for an entire day, you can add more stops along the way too.
To get to Banyu Wana Amertha and Bhuna Sari waterfalls, you have to follow a side road that is only 1 km away from Banyumala. After 10 minutes of driving, you will arrive at the parking area. There is one car parking spot on the outside and a bigger motorbike parking lot when you drive through the entrance area.
Other great things to do close to Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfalls
There are a lot of other stunning waterfalls in the area. The most visited ones are Banyumala Twin Waterfalls, Gitgit Waterfall, Aling-Aling Waterfall, and Sekumpul Waterfall.
At all of them, you will encounter larger groups of tourists, so it is recommended to visit them early in the morning.
Other nearby popular stops in north Bali are the Ulun Danu Beratan temple, the Handara Golf course gate, and the Wanagiri Hidden Hills.
Where to stay close to Banyu Wana Amertha
My personal dream accommodation in the area is Munduk Moding Plantation Nature Resort & Spa. Chances are, that you have already seen photos of the infinity pool of this amazing resort. It is definitely a luxury accommodation, but if you are looking for a unique experience, you should consider staying here.
If you are looking for a more affordable option, I recommend staying in nearby Bedugul. The cheapest accommodations in Bedugul cost between 12 to 20 USD per night. The nearby Handara Golf & Resort Bali is a great mid-range option.
Accommodation in this area is more expensive than in Ubud or Canggu, but if you want to explore more of this area, it is worth staying there.
What to bring to these secret waterfalls
water and food
There are small stalls along the way where locals sell drinks, but it is best to bring your own. On a sunny day, you should drink more than the small 500 ml bottles they sell and it is always better to bring a reusable bottle anyway.
You could have a picnic with a great view at one of the several sitting areas, so bring some food. Just remember to take back your trash so others can enjoy this pristine place too.
clothes
water shoes: There are rocks in the water and the ground can be very slippery. So bring some water shoes if you plan to enter the water.
swimwear and a towel: A nice swim in the cool water is amazing after a day full of exploration and hiking, so do not forget to bring whatever you need to swim.
good shoes: I know that some other blogs will tell you that wearing flip-flops while visiting these waterfalls is fine. But do yourself a favor and bring good shoes. Some of the steps are rather uneven and the wooden corner can stand up, so you might fall if you wear flip flops. Additionally getting back up can get really tricky if it starts to rain. Those earthy steps turn into mud puddles.
another set of clothes: There is a good reason why Spray Waterfall is called Spray Waterfall. Even standing 10 meters away does not mean you will stay dry. And if you plan to take photos in close proximity to this waterfall, you will get drenched. It is worth it, but if you have a long ride back to your accommodation or plan to explore other places after your trip to the Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfalls, you will be happy to have another outfit.
reef-safe sunscreen: The waterfalls might not be coral reefs, but it is always better to use sunscreen that does not harm the environment when swimming in natural pools. It is impossible to know which negative effects the ingredients of a normal sunscreen could have, so it is best to act preemptively.
camera gear
camera: These waterfalls are incredibly picturesque, so do not forget to bring your camera. You most likely already know that I recommend taking the time to learn how to use your camera in manual mode, so be sure to do it before you visit this place. After all, there is nothing like a good long exposure shot of moving water.
tripod: Waterfalls call for long exposure shots, so do not forget to bring your tripod. As you have to walk quite a bit to reach the waterfalls, I recommend a lightweight travel tripod.
cloth: Also bring a small cloth to wipe off water drops. If you take photos at Spray Waterfall, you and your camera will definitely get slightly wet. Even if you stand 10 meters away.
Visiting Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfalls
I honestly do not know how these hidden waterfalls have stayed hidden so long, as they are such a gem. But I hope that they will remain the mostly untouched wonder they were when I visited.
Please contribute to this by taking back your trash and by only taking photos and memories from this place.
Furthermore, I can only encourage you not to tag this location on social media when you post photos. I feel like locations like these deserve more than a visit just because they are instagrammable and the best part of the adventure might just be the hunt and learning how to get to a place. Share the name of the waterfalls in private messages and let people discover places like these away from Instagram and the constant hunt for likes and better photo locations.
Visiting the Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfalls is about appreciating the beauty of nature and feeling the peace these small hidden gems can give you. So let us all go back to seeing the world through the eyes of a child and experience that joyous wonder.
Are you planning a trip?
Check out these useful websites and resources I use to plan my adventures around the world.
Will you visit Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfall?
More about Bali
If you are making plans for your next Bali trip, these travel guides might be useful to you:
Indonesia Travel Guide: Everything you need to know
Daily Budget in Bali – How much does a trip to Bali cost?
Sunset at the Black Sand Beach: Pasut Beach in Bali
Which of the four waterfalls at Banyu Wana Amertha is your favorite one?
Let me know in the comments down below!
Planning to visit the Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfalls?
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Wow how stunning! Your photos are beautiful. There’s something so special about hanging out around waterfalls. It’s so serene. This was a fun post to read!
Wow, what a fantastic waterfall to discover by accident! They all look fantastic though so I might end up trying to visit them all when I eventually visit Bali because I adore waterfalls!
Beautiful! Saving this post for when I visit Bali!
Banyu Wana waterfall is really pretty. I always love visiting waterfalls especially the isolated ones. This is really looks like a fun place to be.
WOW! What a spectacular place to visit. Bali is still a dream location for us.
Banyu Wana Waterfalls looks amazing. Will definitely like to visit on my trip to Bali. Bali is on my bucket list. Just praying things get back to normal soon. 🙂
Beeeautiful! I always love visiting waterfalls…although I have to admit, it would be strange to pay to see one! Do they use the money to look after the area, or is it just to pay whoever owns the land?
Your photos are lovely in any case. I can see why you liked them all so much.
You actually have to pay to visit most waterfalls in Bali.
But the people you pay take care of the paths to the waterfalls and keep the steps in a good shape, so it’s okay. And of me seeing beautiful places allows someone to have an income? I’m all for it!
I love waterfall chasing! I have seen images of so many great waterfalls in Bali, it would be the perfect destination for me! The Spray Waterfall looks amazing and I would love to cool off in the swimming area. So beautiful!
Don’t know when we’ll get to Bali, what all these falls seem so exotic!
These waterfalls look beautiful! What a lovely way to spend a day outside in nature 🙂 Do you know if the local government is doing anything to make sure the nature is preserved and not overrun?
This is so cool! Our Bali trip got cancelled but we are planning maybe a honeymoon there and this looks like an awesome side trip and potential stay near it! Adding it to the travel planner!
These waterfalls are so gorgeous! The twin ones are probably my favourite. I can’t believe there was never more than three people when you visited. How awesome to have this place all to yourself!
Love waterfalls and these are absolutely spectacular! The Banyu Wana Amertha does look exceptionally serene, Your long exposure shots are fantastic!
The waterfalls of Bali are so beautiful, and the fact that these ones are so isolated makes them so magical. Discovering hidden gems is so fun!
This is such a great informative post, I wish I had known about this place when I visited Bali – but that explains the secret element! It will definitely be on my list for future visits.
This article is very timely as I am planning our trip to Bali. These waterfalls are fantastic and I definitely like to see them. My problem is that the more I read the more places I like to see in Bali, but I will only have 2 weeks.
These waterfalls look AMAZING! And it seems like they are pretty easily accessible too! Usually you have to hike much farther to get to the really beautiful waterfalls!
Oh wow, such a dream! I’m definitely missing Bali a lot more now! The waterfalls are so magical!
Wow! It’s so pretty there. I would love to go to Bali someday. And what better way to cool off from the heat then being sprayed on?
I have wanted to go to Bali for a long time now and these pictures are making me really want to go. What a beautiful area and so much water in the falls. Love the flowers around, so pretty. The walk to get to them also looks really nice
How beautiful! We missed out on seeing waterfalls during our Bali honeymoon as we ran out of time, but really regretting that now! 😉 Looks like we’ll just have to go back! Pinning this for later 😀
I haven’t been to Bali before, but you are definitely giving me some wanderlust dreams about this destination! So incredibly beautiful! This has to be the place to go for landscape photographers, great tips you shared to know what to expect to get those fantastic long shots you shared.