Seminyak is the ideal central point from which you can travel to find pristine beaches, watch sunsets and visit sea temples. But if these paranomic trips have not satisfied your adventurous soul, a good jungle trek to discover hidden waterfalls just might! Get up at sunrise, get your backpack and travel to Gianyar city. The trip should take no more than 1.5 hours, so this will be the perfect day trip to get away from the usual routine.
Tibumana Waterfall
You might have seen this in the ‘gram, and many have dubbed it as one of the most beautiful (and Instagrammable) waterfalls they’ve seen in south-east Asia. Upon reaching Gianyar city, you’ll need to drive a further 20 minutes. From the parking lot, walk around 10 – 15 minutes on a brief, light jungle trek. You’ll cross a few solid bamboo bridges over shallow gullies to add to the experience — a rewarding sensation for those who enjoy hiking. You’ll pay exactly Rp 10,000, and walk down a few flights of well-made stairs. Getting to the site isn’t so hard — you can bring children as young as 6 years and they wouldn’t complain. Once you’ve reached the site, you’ll see a large turquoise pool in which you can swim, and a tall smooth waterfall worthy of its own featured story or post on the ‘gram. Note that you are prohibited to swim too close to the waterfall and the surrounding cliff faces, as there is a risk of falling rocks.
Tukad Cepung
After spending some time in Tibumana, the morning might still be early. It’s time to explore more waterfalls. If you’re up for a challenge, visit neighboring Tukad Cepung waterfall. It’s also 30 minutes from Gianyar if you wish to go directly there from Seminyak. Tukad Cepung is even more isolated than Tibumana. Lying deeper in the forest, it is slightly more challenging to access. While the paths are usable, be warned of slippery mossy paths in some places. Sometimes it’s better to go barefoot. When the scenery gets darker, you’re going the right way. Tukad Cepung is well tucked in behind a gorge, with smooth faces and half arches. The waterfall itself is situated in a cave-like bowl structure that lets only a few rays of light in. It’s a photographer’s paradise. Not to mention it’s also the perfect place to swim and hang out around the pool.
Goa Rang Reng
This waterfall, just 10 minutes from Gianyar, is a treat. It has easier access, just 5 minutes walking from the parking area, and isn’t too challenging to get to. Where most waterfalls are steep vertical drops, Goa Rang Reng waterfall looks more like a cascade of waterfalls on a gentle rocky slope. You can even stand on the waterfall (when normally you stand underneath one) with water flowing around you. Water flows out of the mouth of the Goa Rang Reng cave — Goa meaning cave. Some say the cave hides a mountain spring or the source of the river. To the locals, the pool is the source of healing and cleansing. The waterfall is a relatively new discovery, but it has been a public secret among true nature lovers.
After a day trip around Gianyar, hunting scenic waterfalls, you deserve a well-deserved rest at unique accommodation in Seminyak. The Colony Bali is a boutique hotel with architecture and design unlike any other. Seminyak is truly a strategic place where you can find anything you want, from beaches to mountains, and from modern cities to villages.