Tukad Cepung is a waterfall hidden at the end of a narrow, cave-like gorge in Tembuku, Bangli. Instead of a broad valley, the water falls through an opening in the rock into a tight, shadowy chamber. On clear mornings, sunlight streams through the gaps above and catches the spray in bright beams, which has made this one of the most photographed natural scenes in Bali.
The canyon walls were carved over time by the stream cutting down through soft volcanic rock, leaving curved, sculpted surfaces and boulders polished smooth by water. The surrounding land is farmed, and the path to the falls passes shrines and irrigation channels that draw on the same stream, a small example of how water, worship and agriculture are bound together across rural Bali.
From the car park, concrete steps lead down into the valley, and the final stretch involves wading along the stream and squeezing between rocks into the gorge. Inside, the air is cool and loud with falling water. The light effect depends on sunshine, season and time of day, and it is usually best in mid-morning in the drier months.
Highlights
- Beams of sunlight in the canyon
- Short wade through a narrow gorge
- Sculpted volcanic rock walls
- Easy pairing with Tibumana
Good to know
- Wear sandals or water shoes you can wade in, and protect your camera from spray.
- Leave immediately if heavy rain starts upstream; narrow gorges can flood quickly.
- Arrive close to opening to avoid crowds queuing for photos.
On the map
Bali 2027 Travel Guide
The complete island guide: where to go, how to get around, what to avoid, health and safety, and the phrases that open doors.