Nungnung Waterfall

At a Glance

• Original name: Air Terjun Nungnung
• Where: Badung highlands, central Bali
• Height: about 50 meters, at ~900 m above sea level
• The descent: ~509 steps each way
• Time needed: 1–2 hours (including the climb back up)
• Getting there: ~1–1.5 hours from Ubud

Nungnung (Air Terjun Nungnung) is one of Bali's most powerful and tallest waterfalls: a colossal flow crashes about 50 meters to the floor of a deep, shaded gorge. It's hidden in the mountains of Badung regency at around 900 meters, and its roar reaches you well before it appears through the jungle.

Why Visit

Nungnung is about the force of the water, not an easy stroll. Come for a genuinely powerful cascade, a thick cloud of spray, and that feeling of standing at the base while the mist soaks you. Unlike streams that dry up, Nungnung stays full even in the dry season.

The price for that is the staircase: the descent and the climb back up its 500+ steps demand reasonable fitness. If you want a waterfall without the effort, nearby Leke Leke is the better pick.

The Descent

A steep concrete staircase of about 509 steps leads down to the base. Going down is easy enough; the return is a real cardio session — the climb gains the equivalent of a 30-to-40-story building, so allow time to rest and bring water.

At the bottom the waterfall pounds into a dark pool ringed by sheer walls of fern and moss. The sheer force throws spray across everything within 30–40 meters, so you'll be wet before you even reach it.

A Wild Canyon

Unlike Bali's temple sites, Nungnung has no ancient legends: for generations it was simply a remote, wild canyon known only to local villagers. The built staircase, with its steps and viewing platforms, was added only in 1996 — which is when the waterfall opened to travelers.

When to Visit and What to Know

• Best time — morning, while the light in the gorge is soft and crowds are thin; the dry season is a little safer near the water than during downpours.
• Footwear — the steps are wet from spray and mossy in places; wear shoes with solid grip.
• Protect your gear — keep phones and cameras in a dry bag, as the spray will soak everything in minutes.
• Fitness — the 500+ step climb back is tough in the heat; go at your own pace and carry water.
• Tickets — there's a paid entrance to the grounds; bring cash.

Combine Your Trip

Nungnung sits on the mountain road between Ubud and the highlands, so it's easy to combine with other spots in central Bali: the cool Bedugul region with Lake Bratan, the graceful Leke Leke waterfall, and Ubud itself on the way back.

FAQ

How many steps are there at Nungnung? About 509. The descent is easy; the climb back is the real effort, equivalent to a 30-to-40-story building.

Can you swim there? The base has a very strong flow and heavy spray; getting close to the column is dangerous, but you can cool off at the edge of the pool in calm weather.

Does it dry up in the dry season? No — Nungnung is one of Bali's most reliable waterfalls and keeps its force year-round.

When is the best time to visit? In the morning: soft light, fewer people, and a cooler climb back up.