By- Anne H
During our holiday in Bali, we experienced beautiful temples, stunning beaches, and amazing landscapes, but nothing compared to our Waterfall Tour Package with Bali Jungle Trekking. Without question, it became the absolute highlight of our entire trip and the day we still talk about long after returning home.
Our adventure began early in the morning when our driver, Dewa, arrived at our hotel in Ubud exactly on time. Although we had a long drive ahead to North Bali, the journey never felt boring. Dewa’s friendly personality, safe driving, and fascinating stories about Balinese culture made the trip enjoyable from the very beginning.
As we travelled through the mountains, rice terraces, and traditional villages, we could already tell we were leaving the busy tourist areas behind and heading somewhere much more authentic.
When we arrived at the starting point, we were warmly welcomed by our local trekking guide, Banca. His enthusiasm and cheerful personality immediately made us excited for the adventure ahead.
Before reaching the waterfalls, Banca guided us through peaceful countryside paths, tropical plantations, and traditional village landscapes. Along the way, he explained local farming practices, introduced us to tropical fruits and native plants, and shared stories about daily life in the villages surrounding Sambangan.
One of our favourite surprises came before we even reached the waterfalls. We stopped at a local family’s home where we were welcomed with fresh young coconut water and seasonal tropical fruit. Sitting together in the shade, enjoying fresh refreshments while chatting with local villagers, gave us a wonderful glimpse into authentic Balinese hospitality.
Then the real adventure began.
Hidden among the lush tropical rainforest were some of the most beautiful waterfalls we had ever seen. Crystal-clear water flowed through dramatic cliffs into natural pools that invited us to jump straight in.
Throughout the day we experienced everything that makes Sambangan famous. We swam beneath spectacular waterfalls, floated in refreshing natural pools, slid down smooth rock formations carved by flowing water, and challenged ourselves with cliff jumping into deep, crystal-clear pools.
The waterfalls attracted other adventurous travellers, creating a fun and lively atmosphere, yet they were never overcrowded like many of Bali’s more famous attractions. We had plenty of space to enjoy every waterfall while still sharing the excitement with fellow adventurers.
One of the biggest personal achievements of the day came thanks to Banca.
Although I was nervous, his calm encouragement and careful guidance gave me the confidence to jump from the 10-metre cliff. Standing at the top looking down felt intimidating, but after taking a deep breath and hearing Banca cheering me on, I finally made the leap. It was an unforgettable adrenaline rush and something I never imagined I would do.
After all the excitement, we continued to a nearby traditional village where another memorable experience awaited us.
Instead of visiting a café or restaurant, we were invited into a local family home. There we enjoyed freshly brewed Balinese coffee accompanied by delicious homemade desserts while chatting with our hosts about village life and Balinese traditions. The warmth and generosity shown by the family made us feel completely at home and added a wonderful cultural touch to an already incredible day.
Looking back, what made this tour so special wasn’t only the waterfalls or the exciting activities. It was the people.
Dewa made every journey comfortable, relaxing, and enjoyable, while Banca’s energy, local knowledge, patience, and encouragement transformed a great adventure into an unforgettable experience. Together they created an atmosphere that felt more like exploring Bali with friends than joining a commercial tour.
If you’re looking for an authentic adventure in North Bali, filled with hidden waterfalls, cliff jumping, natural water slides, tropical scenery, local village life, and genuine Balinese hospitality, we cannot recommend this tour highly enough.
A heartfelt thank you to Dewa, Banca, and everyone at Bali Local Tour Guide for giving us the best day of our entire Bali holiday. We will definitely return for more adventures—and if possible, we’ll happily request Dewa and Banca again!
