Leke Leke Waterfall

At a Glance

• Original name: Kipuan Kebo ("the buffalo bathing place")
• Where: Antapan village, Tabanan regency, central Bali
• Height: about 32 meters
• The trail: ~15–20 minutes each way
• Hours: roughly 7 AM to 6 PM
• Time needed: 1–1.5 hours
• Getting there: ~1.5 hours from Ubud, on the way to Bedugul

Leke Leke (Kipuan Kebo) is one of Bali's most elegant waterfalls: a narrow silver ribbon of water dropping about 32 meters into a tight, fern-draped rock grotto. Tucked into the jungle of central Bali (Tabanan regency), it's reached by a short, scenic walk across bamboo bridges.

Why Visit

This is a waterfall for the soul and the camera, not for the workout: the trail is easy and pretty, and the slender cascade in its narrow cleft looks almost otherworldly. Leke Leke suits anyone who wants an atmospheric waterfall without a punishing descent of hundreds of steps, and it slots neatly onto a route toward Bedugul or the rice terraces.

In return, don't expect a thundering torrent: the charm of Leke Leke is precisely its thin stream and secluded grotto, not raw power.

The Trail and the Falls

The walk from the entrance to the waterfall takes just 15–20 minutes at an easy pace. The trail is well kept: it runs through a tropical garden and over bamboo bridges spanning streams and small ravines, with photo spots and swings along the way.

The waterfall itself is wedged into a narrow vertical slot in the rock, so the water falls as a fine ribbon, and the base stays cool with a light mist always hanging in the air. It's one of the most photogenic spots in the area — especially in soft morning light.

The Name and the Legend

Travelers know it as Leke Leke, but its Balinese name is Kipuan Kebo, meaning "the buffalo bathing place." The phrase "leke-leke" itself is rendered in the local dialect as "something hard to find," a hidden, secluded spot.

For a long time this corner stayed a secret of nearby Antapan village, whose people came here for solitude, before the waterfall was opened to visitors.

When to Visit and What to Know

• Best time — early morning, roughly 7–9 AM: soft light in the gorge and almost no crowds.
• Footwear — the trail is built up, but the descent is steep in places and the clay turns slippery after rain; wear shoes with good grip.
• Tickets — there's a paid entrance to the grounds; bring cash.
• Time needed — about 1–1.5 hours for a relaxed visit with photos.

Combine Your Trip

Leke Leke pairs well with a run up into the central highlands. The same road leads to the cool Bedugul region with Lake Bratan, the powerful Nungnung waterfall, and the village of Munduk with its cascades and coffee plantations.

FAQ

Is Leke Leke hard to reach? No. It's an easy 15–20 minute walk on a built-up trail; there are steep sections, but they're short.

Can you swim there? The pool at the base is small, and the spot is prized for its views and photos rather than swimming; it can be slippery near the water after rain.

When is the best time to visit? Early morning, for soft light in the grotto and fewer visitors.

Why does the waterfall have two names? The tourist name is Leke Leke; the original Balinese name is Kipuan Kebo, "the buffalo bathing place."