Gembleng Waterfall is one of East Bali’s most distinctive natural attractions. Unlike a typical cascade that you simply stand in front of and photograph, Gembleng offers something rarer: three natural infinity pools carved into the rock face, each perched above a sweeping jungle valley. Visitors come to soak in the pools, capture stunning photos, and breathe in the cool mountain air of Sidemen, one of Bali’s quietest corners. The site is also sacred to the local Hindu community, used for melukat spiritual cleansing rituals, which adds a deeper cultural dimension to the visit.
If you are planning a trip to East Bali, this waterfall deserves a spot on your itinerary alongside other highlights in Karangasem and the Sidemen valley.
What Is Gembleng Waterfall?
Gembleng (also called Air Terjun Gembleng) is a multi-tiered waterfall in Karangasem, East Bali. Rather than one powerful drop, it features three separate cascades that flow into one another, forming a sequence of natural splash pools in the rock. These pools sit at the edge of a cliff, creating an infinity effect with unobstructed views of the surrounding jungle and rice fields. Because of this layout, the waterfall is best experienced from the top, where you can bathe in the pools and take in the panorama rather than simply look at the falls from below.
Visitor Information
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Tri Eka Buana Village, Sidemen District, Karangasem, East Bali — about 2 hours from Kuta, 1.5 hours from Ubud
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Daily, 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM (may close during religious ceremonies)
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Donation-based (IDR 30,000–50,000 per group, cash only)
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Free for scooters and cars
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1–2 hours
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Arrive early morning for soft light and fewer crowds; the top infinity pool offers the best jungle view shot
How to Get to Gembleng Waterfall
Gembleng Waterfall sits in Tri Eka Buana Village, Sidemen District, Karangasem Regency in East Bali. The full address is Unnamed Road, Tri Eka Buana, Sidemen, Karangasem, Bali 80864. Searching for “Gembleng Waterfall” on Google Maps brings up the pin directly.
From Kuta or Seminyak, the drive takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours heading east along the Bypass Ngurah Rai and then Prof. Dr. Ida Bagus Mantra Highway. From Ubud, allow around 1.5 hours. The roads are well-paved and clearly signposted throughout, making the route straightforward whether you are riding a scooter or traveling by car.
Free parking is available near the waterfall entrance for both scooters and cars. If you prefer not to drive yourself, a private driver from Bali Touristic can take you there directly, which is the easiest way to reach East Bali without dealing with navigation. Online taxis such as Grab or Gojek work as well, though they cannot pick up from the parking area itself, so you will need to walk a short distance down the road to meet them.
The Trail to the Waterfall
From the parking area, you can already see the base of the waterfall within a minute or two. However, the famous natural infinity pools are at the top of the falls, so you will need to climb a path along the side of the waterfall to reach them.
The climb consists of 140 concrete and brick steps, which takes about 4 to 5 minutes at a comfortable pace. No special footwear is required as the path is well-paved, though good grip helps since the steps can be slippery when wet. The path is well-maintained, partly because the waterfall is an important religious site that the local Balinese community cares for. Several benches are placed along the route where you can stop to rest, take photos, or even take a quick dip in one of the lower pools before continuing to the top.
At the very top, a short additional stairway leads to a viewpoint and a warung (local restaurant) with panoramic views across the jungle and valley. It adds only about two minutes of extra walking and is absolutely worth it. The warung serves nasi goreng, rice bowls, fresh coconuts, and simple Western dishes at reasonable prices.
Highlights and Attractions at Gembleng Waterfall
The three natural infinity pools are the main attraction. Each pool sits at a different level of the falls, and each offers its own perspective of the valley below. The top pool has become the most photographed spot, framing the surrounding jungle in a way that looks almost unreal in photos. During the dry season, the water runs clear and takes on a fresh, cool tone. During the wet season, the flow is stronger and the surroundings are lush and vivid.
The pools are shallow, so it is more like bathing than swimming. That said, they are genuinely refreshing after the climb, and the smooth rock bottom makes them comfortable to sit in for a while. You will likely share the top pool with other visitors, especially later in the morning. Arriving early gives you the best chance of enjoying it with fewer people around.
Gembleng is also an active site for melukat, a Balinese Hindu purification ritual. You may witness ceremonies being performed during your visit. When that happens, give the participants space, keep noise low, and be respectful. It is a meaningful reminder that this waterfall matters deeply to the local community beyond its scenic appeal.
For those interested in wider views, the warung at the clifftop is a wonderful bonus. It sits above the falls with sweeping jungle panoramas, serves simple food and drinks, and has basic toilets available to visitors for free even if you do not order anything.
Entrance Fee, Opening Hours, and Parking
Entry to Gembleng Waterfall is donation-based. There is no fixed ticket price. Most visitors contribute between IDR 30,000 and 50,000 per group, paid in cash at the entrance. Bring small bills as change may not always be available. Parking is free for both scooters and cars. The waterfall may close on days when religious ceremonies are taking place, so it helps to have some flexibility in your schedule.
| Visitor Type | Price |
| All visitors | Donation (IDR 30,000–50,000 per group, cash only) |
| Parking (scooter) | Free |
| Parking (car) | Free |
| Day | Opening Hours |
| Every day | 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Best Time to Visit Gembleng Waterfall
Early morning is the best time to visit. The air is cooler, the light is softer for photography, and the crowds are much thinner. Arriving before 9 AM gives you the best chance of having the top infinity pool mostly to yourself. By late morning, the waterfall becomes noticeably busier and there can be a short queue for the most popular photo spot.
In terms of seasons, both dry and wet offer different but worthwhile experiences. The dry season (April to October) brings calmer, clearer water that is ideal for swimming and photos. The wet season (November to March) brings stronger flow and intensely green surroundings, though the steps and rocks become more slippery. Gembleng is worth visiting year-round. Just exercise extra care on the path after rain and wear footwear with decent grip.
What to Bring
A few items will make your visit more comfortable. Bring swimwear and put it on before you arrive since there are no private changing areas near the pools. A dry bag or waterproof pouch is useful for keeping your phone and wallet safe while you are in the water. Light sandals or water shoes with grip work well on the steps, though flat flip-flops are fine given the paved path. Cash is essential as the donation is cash-only and the warung does not accept cards. A bottle of water and a snack are also worth bringing if you plan to spend time at the top viewpoint or the warung.
More Waterfalls Worth Exploring Near Sidemen
The Sidemen area and wider East Bali region are home to several other waterfalls that combine well with a Gembleng visit. Here are three worth knowing.
Goa raja waterfall
Located in Gianyar, Goa Raja is a dramatic waterfall tucked inside a cave-like rock formation. The contrast between dark volcanic walls and the bright cascade makes it one of the most photogenic waterfalls in East Bali. It pairs naturally with a Gembleng visit on the same day, as both are in the same general direction from Ubud.
Sebuluh waterfall
Sebuluh is a quieter, lesser-known waterfall in East Bali set within a serene jungle environment. It draws far fewer visitors than more famous sites, which makes it ideal if you are after a more peaceful experience. The natural pool at the base is clean and refreshing after the walk in.
Sekumpul waterfall
Sekumpul in North Bali is widely regarded as one of the most spectacular waterfalls on the island. A cluster of seven cascades drops from a lush cliffside into a mist-filled valley surrounded by dense jungle. It requires a longer drive from Sidemen but fits perfectly into a multi-day East and North Bali itinerary.
Explore Gembleng Waterfall with Bali Touristic
Gembleng Waterfall is roughly a 2-hour drive from Kuta and fits naturally into a full-day East Bali tour. Combining it with nearby attractions such as the Sidemen Rice Terraces, Goa Raja Waterfall, or the Gate of Heaven temple at Lempuyang makes for a well-rounded day out. If you prefer not to handle the driving or navigation yourself, Bali Touristic can arrange a customized East Bali day tour that includes Gembleng alongside other highlights tailored to your interests. All tours come with an experienced local driver, flexible scheduling, and no rushing, so you can spend as long as you like at the waterfall.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an entrance fee for Gembleng Waterfall?
Entry is donation-based with no fixed ticket price. Most visitors give IDR 30,000 to 50,000 per group in cash at the entrance. Parking is free for both scooters and cars.
What are the opening hours of Gembleng Waterfall?
Gembleng Waterfall is open daily from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. On rare occasions it may close to visitors during Balinese Hindu religious ceremonies, so some flexibility in your schedule is helpful.
How many steps are there at Gembleng Waterfall?
There are 140 concrete and brick steps from the base to the top infinity pools. The climb takes about 4 to 5 minutes at a comfortable pace. The path is well-maintained and manageable for most fitness levels. Benches are placed along the way if you need to rest.
Can you swim in the pools at Gembleng Waterfall?
Yes, you can bathe and splash in the natural rock pools. The pools are shallow and more suited for soaking and photos than actual swimming. The top pool is the most iconic, with a stunning infinity view over the valley. Bring swimwear and change before you arrive since there are no private changing areas near the pools.
How do I get to Gembleng Waterfall from Ubud?
From Ubud, the drive takes about 1.5 hours heading east along Prof. Dr. Ida Bagus Mantra Highway toward Sidemen. Follow signage to Tri Eka Buana or search for Gembleng Waterfall on Google Maps for a direct route. A private driver from Bali Touristic is a convenient option if you prefer not to navigate the roads yourself.
Is Gembleng Waterfall family-friendly?
Yes, families with children can enjoy Gembleng Waterfall. The 140-step path is manageable for older children, though it is steep in places. The rock pools are shallow and safe for kids to splash in, but parents should supervise closely given the wet and slippery surfaces near the falls. Morning visits are recommended to avoid heat and larger crowds.
