If you’re tired of fighting crowds at Gitgit waterfall or Sekumpul, you’ve gotta check out Les Waterfall. Tucked away in the northeastern part of Bali near Tejakula, this waterfall is one of those places that just hasn’t hit the mainstream travel blogs yet — which, honestly, is a blessing. I’ve been three times now, and every time, there’s this crazy peaceful vibe that’s hard to describe. No big bus tours. No Instagram mobs. Just nature, locals, and this gorgeous waterfall that makes you go, “why haven’t I heard more about this?”
Les Waterfall (or Air Terjun Les, if you’re searching on Google Maps) is about 1.5 hours from Ubud and maybe 2.5 from Canggu, depending on Bali traffic, which… yeah, can be a nightmare. But once you get up there, it’s a whole different world. The drive itself is low-key beautiful — winding roads, rice fields, views of the ocean from up high, and you’ll pass through tiny villages that feel frozen in time. If you love the journey as much as the destination, this one ticks both boxes.
What Makes Les Waterfall Different From the Other Bali Waterfalls?
So here’s the thing — a lot of Bali waterfalls kinda blur together after a while. Big falls, slippery stairs, ticket counter, maybe a drone overhead, rinse and repeat. Les Waterfall stands out because it’s way more low-key, but also more personal. When I say “personal,” I mean I’ve literally had conversations with the guy who owns the warung by the trail entrance about his chickens. Like that level of chill.
The actual waterfall is about 30 meters high, which is pretty impressive in person. But it’s not just the size — it’s the setting. You’re surrounded by dense jungle, but the trail is easy enough for most people to handle (even if you’re not exactly a hiking person). The path isn’t paved, but it’s not dangerous either — just a bit muddy if it’s been raining. It’s about a 10 to 15-minute walk from the parking area, depending how often you stop to take photos or get distracted by butterflies, like I usually do.
And the water? Ice cold. In the best way. After sweating through the humid forest, standing under that fall feels like the most refreshing thing ever. I usually bring a sarong to dry off and sit on a rock with my feet in the stream for a while — super grounding, if you’re into that.
How to Get There?
Okay, so getting to Les Waterfall isn’t hard, but it’s not as straightforward as other touristy spots. Most people use Google Maps, which will get you close but not all the way. Here’s what I learned the first time: once you’re in the village of Les (yep, that’s what it’s called), you’ll see a small wooden sign that says “Air Terjun Les.” Follow that. It takes you to a parking area where locals might wave you in and offer to watch your scooter for like 5,000 IDR — totally worth it.
From there, you’ll walk through a small path that cuts across a stream. There’s usually a rope to help you balance. It’s not sketchy, but wear shoes with grip — flip-flops will have you regretting life. If you’re lucky, a local kid might offer to “guide” you. They’re sweet and usually just want to practice English or make a few rupiah. Say yes if you’re into that kinda thing.
If you’re riding a scooter from Amed or Tulamben (which a lot of divers do), it’s about 45 minutes on scenic coastal roads. Totally doable and actually kinda fun if you’re comfortable on a bike. From Ubud or Lovina, I’d recommend hiring a driver unless you really like long rides.
Les Waterfall location:
What’s the Best Time to Visit Les Waterfall?
This one’s key. Bali has two main seasons — dry (roughly May to October) and wet (November to April). I’ve been to Les Waterfall in both, and they’re very different experiences.
In the dry season, the trail is easier, the rocks are less slippery, and the waterfall is still flowing strong (despite what some blogs say). You’ll probably be able to wade into the stream and get close to the base without worrying about strong currents. The lighting is also better for photos — early morning is soft and glowy, while late afternoon can get a bit harsh but still nice.
Now, rainy season? It’s a toss-up. The trail can turn into a mudslide if it’s been pouring, and the water might look brownish from runoff. But — and this is a big but — the volume of water is intense, and standing under it feels like a massage from the gods. Just wear proper shoes and maybe bring a change of clothes unless you’re cool riding home soaked.
Avoid weekends if you can. Even though it’s not super touristy, locals love this spot too, and it can get a little busy. Tuesdays and Thursdays are my sweet spot — don’t ask me why, they just always seem quieter.
Swimming at Les Waterfall — What You Need to Know
So here’s the thing — Les Waterfall isn’t your typical swimming hole, like Tegenungan or Banyumala. There’s not a big pool to float around in, but more of a shallow basin at the base of the fall. Still, it’s deep enough to get under the crashing water and cool off, which is all I really want after that short trek.
If you’re expecting to do laps or lounge in waist-deep water, this ain’t that. But it’s still super satisfying to splash around, rinse off the jungle sweat, and just feel that water pounding down. I usually wear quick-dry shorts and a tank top instead of a swimsuit — just more practical and comfy for hiking back.
One time, I brought my snorkeling mask just to see if there was anything under the surface — spoiler: not much, but the water clarity was surprising. Lots of little fish if you sit still long enough. Oh, and bring bug spray. Not a joke. The area is lush and gorgeous, but the mozzies can be ruthless.
If you’re heading to Bali, check out our guide on choosing a Bali private driver.
What to Bring to Les Waterfall (And What to Leave Behind)
You really don’t need much, but what you bring can make or break your visit. I learned the hard way on my first trip when I wore beach flip-flops, forgot a towel, and didn’t bring water. Rookie mistakes.
Here’s my usual Les Waterfall pack list (not a checklist, just real talk):
- Water bottle — duh. The trail’s short, but the heat sneaks up on you.
- Quick-dry towel or sarong — I use mine for drying off and sitting on.
- Waterproof bag — it rains in Bali, even in dry season.
- Good shoes — hiking sandals, trail runners, or anything with grip.
- Bug spray — seriously, don’t skip this.
- Snacks — nothing fancy, just something for the ride back. There’s a warung near the entrance, but they mostly have instant noodles and kopi.
Oh, and don’t bring drones unless you’ve talked to the locals. Some areas here are considered sacred, and flying tech around might not go down well. Always better to ask.
Is Les Waterfall Worth It Compared to Other Bali Waterfalls?
Honestly? Yeah, 100%. Not because it’s the tallest or most dramatic, but because of the whole vibe. Les Waterfall is where you go when you’re over the tourist traps and just want something real. No queues. No entry gates with ticket booths blasting pop music. Just you, the jungle, and the sound of rushing water.
I’ve done all the “big ones” — Sekumpul (gorgeous, but packed), Tegenungan (great for photos, not for peace), and Aling-Aling (fun for cliff jumps but kinda chaotic). Les is quieter, cheaper (sometimes they don’t even charge you), and feels like you discovered something not many people know about. That’s rare in Bali these days.
Can You Visit Les Waterfall With Kids or Older Folks?
Surprisingly, yeah. It’s not a super intense hike, and the trail isn’t long. That said, you’ll need to take it slow if anyone in your group has knee or balance issues. There’s a little incline and a few narrow spots, but no cliffs or scary drops.
The stream crossing might be a bit tricky for smaller kids, but it’s do-able if you hold hands and go slow. I’ve seen Balinese families doing it barefoot with toddlers, so it’s really more about your comfort level than difficulty. Bring snacks and make it an adventure. You’ll probably run into a local who’ll share fruit or show you their garden — people here are incredibly kind.
Staying Overnight Near Les Waterfall — Is It Worth It?
If you’re into quiet, nature-heavy stays, the answer is absolutely yes. There are a few eco-lodges and homestays in the Les and Tejakula area that offer ocean views, garden vibes, and total serenity. I stayed at a little place called Gaia-Oasis once, and it felt like I was living in a yoga retreat without having to do yoga.
You’re close to the coast too, so after the waterfall, you can snorkel or chill by the beach. Tulamben and Amed aren’t far, so you could even pair it with a diving trip. Honestly, it’s a good base if you’re exploring North Bali and don’t want to backtrack to Ubud or Seminyak every night.
We always suggest travelers use a Bali car rental with driver to make the most of their Bali adventure.
Random Stuff No One Tells You About Les Waterfall
This is the fun stuff I wish someone had told me earlier:
- The local dogs might follow you to the waterfall. Don’t panic. They’re friendly and probably just bored.
- You might see people bathing in the river — yes, it’s normal. Just be respectful.
- There’s a tiny bamboo bridge halfway to the fall. It looks sketchy, but it’s solid. Just take it slow.
- If you hear gamelan music in the distance, it’s probably a temple ceremony. That’s another thing — this area feels spiritually alive in a way I can’t fully explain.
Needless to say, Les Waterfall has kinda become my go-to “reset button” whenever Bali feels too hectic. It’s not perfect — the bugs, the muddy trail in wet season, and the lack of clear signs — but maybe that’s the charm. It hasn’t been polished up for Instagram. It’s just raw, real Bali. And I really hope it stays that way.
If you’re the kind of traveler who values peace over perfection, and you’re not afraid to get a little muddy or lost along the way, you’ll probably fall for this place too.
