9 Breathtaking Waterfalls Near Ubud for Your Retreat

When your retreat schedule demands immersion, restoration, and seamless group flow, the right waterfalls near Ubud can elevate every aspect of your programming.

This curated guide details nine waterfalls tailored for experienced organizers—complete with access notes, group safety, and sustainability tips—to help you align natural spaces with the exact needs of your retreat.

Bring your group closer to nature while we handle the logistics for a calm, impactful day.

1. Layana Waterfall

If you want an easy win on arrival day, Layana Waterfall delivers. This compact two-step waterfall sits just outside Ubud, only ten minutes by car. You avoid any strenuous trek yet instantly immerse your group in Bali’s green vibe.

Why Layana Works for Retreats

• Zero-hike access: Pull up, walk a few steps, and your group lands at the water’s edge. No stress if participants are jet-lagged or less mobile.
• Gentle on the nervous system: The minimal exertion and mellow cascades make it perfect for decompressing after travel.
• Onsite warung: Use the rustic café deck for introductions, morning journals, or regrouping. It’s intimate but flexible—ideal for small circles.
• No fixed ticket booth: Normally free. If you gather post-waterfall, picking up a round of coconut waters at the warung both supports locals and signals group gratitude.

Layana works as a grounding, low-friction start that sets a calming pace from day one.

Tips for Group Flow

• Rotate sub-groups for solo reflection along the riverbank, while others enjoy shade up on the deck.
• Remind participants to stick to water shoes: the rocks are slick, especially in the wet season.
• Since there’s no formal staff, include a micro-stewardship brief before arrival. Keep volume down, pack out everything, and respect the tiny footprint.

2. Kanto Lampo Waterfall

Ready for energy and engagement? Kanto Lampo stands out with its terraced, photogenic rock face and lively waters. It’s only a 28-minute drive from Ubud, yet the scenery feels worlds apart.

What Sets Kanto Lampo Apart

• Spectacle built-in: The multiple rocky tiers create movement and light—great for group photos and playful practice.
• Moderate terrain: Around 100 steps lead to the falls. Your group gets a burst of energy but no mountain to climb.
• Photo crowd rhythm: Early arrival avoids queues. Local photographers expedite sessions for smoother group management.

Kanto Lampo in Your Retreat Schedule

This one’s a hit for midweek nature resets. Use the upper ledges for group grounding before participants rotate down for solo or buddy shots beneath the main cascade.

• Use sub-groups to avoid photo bottlenecks.
• Clearly define water entry/exit and ensure all photos are consent-based.
• Entrance fee is usually 25,000 IDR. Factor this into your group budget for seamless check-in.

Kanto Lampo packs a punch visually, but smart pacing and consent-focused leadership keep the vibe supportive, not chaotic.

3. Tibumana Waterfall

Tibumana delivers peace and presence. The symmetrical curtain drops into a clean, swimmable pool, forming a lush, natural amphitheater.

Why Choose Tibumana

• Balanced access: The ten-minute gentle path suits most comfort levels. No need for hardcore hiking ability.
• Versatile practice site: We use Tibumana frequently when designing retreat days that combine water blessing, mindful swimming, and circle sharing.
• Reliable facilities: Village-run, 20,000 IDR entry, restrooms, and a simple café support basic guest needs.

When to Visit and How to Use It

Early morning sees soft mist and minimal crowds—a prime environment for breathwork or seated meditation facing the cascade. For midsize groups, assign a facilitator to spot swimmers and set boundaries during high flow.

• Suggest silent “eye openers” along the path before everyone regroups at the falls.
• Use pools for grounding or light aquatic movement, but flag any “no-swim” conditions post-heavy rain.

Tibumana’s natural amphitheater invites participants to drop deeply into stillness and let water be the facilitator.

4. Suwat Waterfall

Looking for real privacy and a jungle-drenched vibe? Suwat is less crowded and wraps your group in green. Drive 30 minutes from Ubud, then follow a short, manageable trail.

Key Advantages at Suwat

• Peak for contemplation: The calm pool and leafy backdrop set the stage for deep work, intention-setting, and restorative time.
• Flexible for float practice: With a deep natural pool and sometimes bamboo rafts onsite, it’s easy to build simple, body-based explorations.
• Early or late best: Avoid midday if you want quiet.

Safety and Session Logistics

• The rocks can be slippery; insist on water shoes and assign each pod a buddy for safe entry.
• Set clear “no jumping” rules for group safety.

For groups that thrive on quiet immersion and nature-led reflection, Suwat delivers a clear, calming container.

5. Taman Sari Waterfall

Need a low-friction, high-impact option? Taman Sari’s emerald pool and multi-cascade profile fit the bill. The approach is only 360 meters roundtrip, making it suitable for all.

Why Taman Sari Supports Seamless Flow

• Ultra-accessible trail: The short, firm path caters to all levels. Schedule it for days when energy is lower or you want inclusivity.
• Versatile pool depth: Great for floating, breathwork, or light swimming. The steady cascade offers background sound for silent meditations.
• Onsite basics: Expect a small café and restrooms so no one’s without essentials.

Session Ideas and Cautions

• Create a moment: Lead a silent sit along the approach trail, letting the waterfall noise crescendo build anticipation.
• Assign swimming buddies, and keep a facilitator on call as water spotter from start to finish.

Taman Sari gives you a flexible, all-level access point that never skimps on visual or sensory impact.

6. Goa Rang Reng Waterfall

Goa Rang Reng brings a different dynamic. Instead of a single drop, you get a wide, flowing rock slope—ideal for slow movement, mindful observation, and ritual. It’s just 30 minutes from Ubud and features a shaded stairway trek.

Who Should Schedule Goa Rang Reng

• Flow-over-force practice: The sloped rock and spiritual legacy create a unique space for teachings around release and “going with the current,” not against it.
• Cultural depth: The area is active with local cleansing rituals. Remind your group to be mindful and unobtrusive during any ceremonies.
• Safe movement focus: The surface gets slick, so bring water shoes and organize one-on-one guidance with a local guide when possible.

This waterfall works for intention-setting or group water rituals focused on collective flow.

• Mark clear boundaries; set firm no-go zones on the rocks to reduce risk.
• Split larger groups so each pod has time near the main cascade without crowding.

Goa Rang Reng’s environment reminds us: the real journey is sometimes sideways, not head-on.

7. Sumampan Waterfall

Sumampan sets the tone for stillness, not spectacle. The surroundings are thick with vines, roots, and bends of the river—this is where your group can tune into subtleties. It’s a 20-minute drive from Ubud, with steep steps down.

Ideal Use of Sumampan for Retreat Leaders

• Deep quiet: Less foot traffic means more solitude for real sensory meditations and journaling prompts.
• Not for swimming: Water can run strong. It’s best as a sit-and-sense venue for small, focused pods.
• Appropriate for slow flow days: Schedule time for a gentle, careful descent, especially if you have mixed mobility.

Build in extra time for the stairs and bring extra staff to guide and spot at slippery points. Use this spot for intentional pauses and undisturbed introspection.

• Minimal facilities onsite; pack essentials and a first aid kit.
• Start with a sensory awareness practice as the group descends, then hold space at the poolside for silent witnessing or guided journaling.

If your retreat thrives on depth and reflection, Sumampan supports participants in slowing down and seeing details within the ordinary.

8. Tukad Cepung Waterfall

Tukad Cepung is all about the reveal. Water pours through a cave skylight, shooting beams that create an almost otherworldly effect. It’s 60–75 minutes from Ubud but delivers a peak experience for the right group.

How to Maximize Tukad Cepung

• Prime for transformative moments: Use this site as a threshold for “breakthrough” rituals or marking the midpoint of the retreat.
• Best timing: Wednesday or Thursday mornings catch the light rays without major crowds.
• Moderate challenge: Your group will need to navigate stairs, riverbeds, and some dark, narrow cave sections; prep with proper gear and hands-on support.

Schedule plenty of time for group rotation and photography. Set a clear device etiquette for maintaining presence.

• Avoid during or just after rain. Water flow and lighting inside the cave can shift rapidly.
• Optional: pair the visit with a guided circle before re-entering daylight, letting the experience anchor personal insight.

Tukad Cepung works best when you want a natural “rite of passage” to integrate your group’s progress.

9. Tegenungan Waterfall

Tegenungan is the largest, busiest option near Ubud. Sometimes that’s exactly what your group needs: amenities, space to spread out, and a show-stopping cascade. Just 10 km south of Ubud, it’s an organizer’s logistical dream.

Reasons to Book Tegenungan

• Accommodates size: Plenty of parking, restrooms, food vendors, and platforms. No splitting your group.
• Great for celebration: Use the upper decks for group practice, then move down for photos or a supervised dip.
• Infrastructure first: Organized entry; typical fee is about 20,000 IDR. Opens at 9 am, so early arrival is key for calm.

Be cautious after rain—currents get strong, and water can turn brown. Use a whistle or signals for group recall from separate platforms.

• Stagger station times: meditation at the top, then rotate swimming or photo groups below.
• Facilities make this ideal for full-day, high-energy capstones.

Tegenungan is best for large, structured sessions when you want both wow factor and working toilets.

How to Plan Waterfall Days That Support Practice

Waterfall days aren’t field trips—they’re tools for deepening group work.

Key Principles for Seamless Waterfall Retreats

• Choose waterfalls to match the intention—silent reflection, energetic activation, or threshold moments.
• Sequence hot, cold, still, and moving experiences for full nervous system engagement.
• Plan with buffers: private drivers, staggered pickups, 30–45-minute downtime windows per site.
• Run pre-briefs on safety, device culture, and consent. Assign pods with a facilitator per group.

We use these strategies at Basundari Retreat Bali to keep our schedules smooth, safe, and aligned with your retreat purpose.

The best waterfall days balance clarity, calm, and flexibility—practice always comes before the “photo op”.

Conclusion

The right waterfalls near Ubud transform a retreat from routine to remarkable. You bring the structure and vision. Nature provides real-time feedback and transformative settings. When you choose sites intentionally, pair them with thoughtful pacing, and practice deep respect for both environment and culture, your retreat stands out.

At Basundari Retreat Bali, we know exactly how to build and manage waterfall days—so you can focus on practice, connection, and impact. Contact us to design a waterfall experience that’s efficient, sustainable, and truly unforgettable for your next group.