Manuaba Waterfall is located in Kenderan Village, near Tegallalang, and can be reached through a short and easy trekking route. Known for its peaceful atmosphere, it is less crowded than popular waterfalls like Tegenungan and Tibumana, making the Manuaba Waterfall trekking route a good option for visitors looking for a quieter experience in Ubud.
This guide covers everything you need to know about the Manuaba Waterfall trekking route, including trail conditions, difficulty level, the best time to visit, and recommended accommodations nearby. With information about the route and how to prepare for your visit, you can plan a more comfortable and enjoyable trekking experience.
Where Is Manuaba Waterfall?
Manuaba Waterfall is located in Kenderan Tourism Village, Tegallalang District, Gianyar, Bali. Situated north of central Ubud and east of the main Tegallalang road, this hidden waterfall Ubud destination is surrounded by rice terraces and a peaceful rural setting.
- Distance from Ubud Center: Approximately 7 km northeast of Ubud, or around 20–25 minutes by car from Ubud Art Market or Ubud Palace.
- Distance from Ngurah Rai Airport: Approximately 44 km, with a driving time of 1.5–2 hours, depending on traffic.
Manuaba Waterfall is also located near Pura Griya Sakti Manuaba, a local cultural and spiritual site. Visitors can reach the area by motorbike or car via a paved road, followed by a short trek on foot to the waterfall.
The Trekking Route, Step by Step
- Arrive at the Entrance and Purchase a Ticket
Manuaba Waterfall is open daily from 5:30 AM to 6:00 PM WITA. Before starting the trekking route, visitors need to purchase an entrance ticket at the gate.
- Walk Down the Stairs into the Valley
The trek begins with a five-minute walk down the stairs, surrounded by trees and a cool jungle atmosphere. Be careful when descending, as the steps can become slippery, especially after rain.
- Reach the First Waterfall
At the bottom of the stairs, you will find the first waterfall. Although it is not very tall, the water flows strongly and creates a refreshing mist. The surrounding moss-covered rocks also make it a good spot for taking photos.
- Continue 200 Meters to the Second Waterfall
From the first waterfall, continue along the natural trekking route for approximately 200 meters. This part of the jungle trek is relatively easy, although some sections require walking through shallow water. The second waterfall has a stronger flow, with sunlight coming through the surrounding trees.
- Exit Through the Canyon
One of the most interesting parts of the Manuaba Waterfall trekking route is the exit through a narrow canyon surrounded by tall cliffs. Instead of returning along the same path, visitors walk through water that is usually around knee-deep for adults. Sunlight entering through the gaps between the cliffs also makes this section a popular photo spot.
- Rest and Explore the Surroundings
After completing the trek, visitors can rest at the traditional gazebos available near the waterfalls. You can also explore the nearby rice fields in Kenderan Village or plan other nature-based activities, such as yoga near waterfall locations around Ubud.
Tips Before Trekking at Manuaba Waterfall
- Wear suitable footwear: Choose non-slip hiking shoes or sandals that can get wet, as some parts of the trekking route involve walking through water.
- Visit in the morning: The dry season is generally the best time for a jungle trek, as the trails are less muddy and the waterfall is usually less crowded in the morning.
- Bring extra clothes: Prepare a change of clothes and a waterproof bag for your phone or camera, especially since the canyon route involves walking through water.
- Avoid trekking after heavy rain: The stairs and rocks can become slippery, while water levels in the canyon may rise and make the route unsafe.
Best Time to Visit
To enjoy a safe and comfortable trekking experience at Manuaba Waterfall, it is important to choose the right season and time of day. Here are the best times to visit and what to expect during your trip.
- Best Season (April – October)
The dry season, from April to October, is generally the best time to visit Manuaba Waterfall. During this period, visitors can expect:
- Safer Trekking Trails: The stairs and natural paths are usually drier and less slippery, making the trek safer and easier to complete.
- Clearer Water: The river water is generally clearer, with a more stable flow, making it more suitable for swimming and refreshing yourself.
During the rainy season (November–March), the jungle trails can become muddy and slippery. Heavy rainfall may also increase the water level and turn the river water brown and cloudy, so visitors should be more careful when planning their trek.
- Best Time of Day
Manuaba Waterfall is generally open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM WITA. However, the experience may vary depending on the time of your visit.
- Morning (9:00 AM – 10:00 AM): A morning visit is highly recommended for those who prefer cooler weather, fewer crowds, and a peaceful atmosphere. The natural sunlight passing through the trees also provides good lighting for photography.
- Midday to Afternoon (11:00 AM – 3:00 PM): This period is suitable for visitors who want to enjoy the water when the temperature is warmer. However, avoid starting your trek after 4:30 PM, as the forest trails have limited lighting and can become dark quickly toward sunset.
Where to Stay Near Manuaba Waterfall
Staying in Kenderan Village makes it easier to visit Manuaba Waterfall early in the morning, before the area gets busier and the weather becomes warmer.
Equipoise Resort Ubud
Equipoise Resort Ubud is one of the closest accommodations to Manuaba Waterfall, located just a 3-minute walk away. Situated on a ridge in Kenderan Village, the resort offers views of terraced rice fields and the surrounding valley leading toward the waterfall.
Built using bamboo and local stone by Balinese artisans, Equipoise is an adults-only eco-resort featuring private pool villas, four outdoor swimming pools, and a spa. After trekking, guests can enjoy Italian-Mediterranean dishes at Terra Verte or a romantic dinner at Riserva, the resort’s European-style steakhouse.
Dedary Resort Ubud
Dedary Resort Ubud is located in Banjar Pinjul, Kenderan, approximately a 4–5-minute drive from Manuaba Waterfall. The resort is also close to other popular attractions, including Aloha Ubud Swing, about 3 minutes away, and Tegallalang Rice Terrace, around 10 minutes by car.
The resort offers one- and two-bedroom villas with private infinity pools overlooking the forest or gardens. Couples can enjoy romantic experiences such as floating breakfasts and flower baths, while families can choose the larger two-bedroom villas for additional space. Dedary Resort Ubud is also pet-friendly, allowing up to one pet per villa.
Aksari Resort Ubud
Aksari Resort Ubud is located on Jl. Raya Desa Kenderan, approximately 2.8 km or a 7-minute drive from Manuaba Waterfall. The resort is also around 9 minutes by car from Gunung Kawi Temple and Tirta Empul Temple, making it a convenient base for exploring Ubud’s cultural attractions.
This boutique resort features 30 suites and villas with bamboo architectural elements, with selected accommodations offering private infinity pools and river or forest views. For travelers interested in luxury wellness in Ubud, Aksari provides a full-service spa and a riverside swimming pool. Other facilities include two restaurants, including a Japanese dining option, and a shuttle service to central Ubud, approximately 15 minutes away.
What Else Is Nearby from Manuaba Waterfall
- Tegallalang Rice Terrace
Tegallalang Rice Terrace is one of Bali’s most popular rice field attractions, located approximately 6.7 km or a 10–15-minute drive northwest of Manuaba Waterfall. Visitors can walk through the rice terraces, take photos, or relax at nearby cafés overlooking the valley. A morning visit is recommended to avoid larger crowds and enjoy cooler weather.
- Aloha Ubud Swing and Jungle Swing
For visitors looking for more activities, Aloha Ubud Swing and Jungle Swing are two popular attractions near Manuaba Waterfall. Aloha Ubud Swing is located in the Kenderan area, while Jungle Swing is approximately 8 minutes away by car. Both attractions offer swing experiences overlooking tropical forests and valleys, making them popular spots for photography.
- Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu
Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu is a traditional Balinese temple located in Sebatu Village, Tegallalang. Known for its clear water pools and peaceful surroundings, the temple offers visitors an opportunity to experience melukat, a Balinese purification ritual using holy water.
The temple is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM WITA. Visitors are required to wear a sarong when entering the temple, which is available at the entrance.
- Pura Gunung Kawi Tampaksiring and Pura Tirta Empul
Pura Gunung Kawi and Pura Tirta Empul are two historical temples located in Tampaksiring, approximately a 15-minute drive from Manuaba Waterfall. Both temples are about 1.5 km apart, making them convenient to visit on the same trip.
Pura Gunung Kawi is known for its 11th-century stone shrines carved into the cliffs along the Pakerisan River. Meanwhile, Pura Tirta Empul is famous for its sacred spring water, where Hindu devotees and visitors can participate in traditional purification rituals.
- Gaya Ceramic Arts Centre and Alas Harum Bali
For visitors interested in art and local experiences, Gaya Ceramic Arts Centre is a ceramics studio located along the route between Kenderan and Tegallalang. It is a good option for those who want to explore Bali’s ceramic craftsmanship.
Another nearby attraction is Alas Harum Bali, located close to Tegallalang Rice Terrace. Visitors can enjoy local coffee tasting experiences in a plantation setting, making it a suitable final stop after exploring the area.
Plan Your Manuaba Waterfall Trek
The Manuaba Waterfall trekking route is a great option for visitors looking for an easy and peaceful nature experience in Ubud. Visiting early in the morning is recommended to enjoy cooler weather, quieter trails, and a more comfortable trek.
For those planning to combine trekking with a relaxing stay, Equipoise Resort Ubud is a convenient choice, located just a 3-minute walk from the waterfall. Book your stay at Equipoise Resort Ubud and enjoy easy access to Manuaba Waterfall while experiencing the natural surroundings of Kenderan Village.
FAQs
The trek is easy to moderate and suitable for most visitors with basic fitness. It starts with a five-minute walk down stone steps that can get slippery after rain, followed by a 200-meter natural trail to the second waterfall. The exit route passes through a canyon with knee-deep water, so wear sturdy shoes that can get wet.
Yes. Since May 2025, the entrance fee is IDR 30,000 for adults and IDR 15,000 for children. The fee is collected by the local community that manages the site, so check its official Instagram for any updates before you visit.
Early morning is ideal, as the site opens at 5:30 AM and the trail is cooler and quieter before midday. Visiting during the dry season also keeps the steps less slippery, while trekking right after heavy rain is best avoided.
Manuaba Waterfall sits in Kenderan Village, about 13 km from Ubud Palace. The drive takes around 15 to 20 minutes without traffic, though it can be longer during busy hours.
