By – Polina B
During our holiday in Bali, we wanted to experience more than just beaches and temples. After reading about the famous waterfalls hidden in the mountains of North Bali, we decided to book the Sambangan 5 Waterfalls Trek with Bali Local Tour Guide—and it turned out to be one of the best adventures of our entire trip.
From the very beginning, the team was incredibly helpful and flexible.
Before the tour, I contacted the organisers with a special request. Since the journey from Ubud to North Bali takes around three hours, I asked if it would be possible to stop at Ulun Danu Batur Temple along the way.
Without hesitation, they happily arranged the visit.
It became the perfect opportunity to stretch our legs, admire one of Bali’s beautiful temples, and enjoy the cool mountain atmosphere before continuing deeper into the island.
That small adjustment made the long drive feel much more enjoyable and showed us how willing the team was to personalise the experience for their guests.
A Scenic Journey Through North Bali
Although the drive from Ubud was quite long, it never felt boring.
Travelling through traditional villages, mountain roads, rice terraces, and lush countryside gave us the opportunity to see a completely different side of Bali, far away from the busy tourist areas.
Our driver may not have spoken fluent English, but his warm smile, friendly attitude, and willingness to help made communication easy enough. Sometimes kindness says more than words ever could.
A Refreshing Welcome Before the Adventure
When we arrived in Sambangan Village, we met our local trekking guide, who immediately welcomed us with genuine Balinese hospitality.
Before the trek even began, he surprised us with fresh young coconut water.
After the long journey, sitting quietly and enjoying a naturally chilled coconut beneath the tropical trees was the perfect way to refresh ourselves before setting off into the jungle.
It was one of those thoughtful little touches that made the entire experience feel personal rather than commercial.
Discovering the Five Hidden Waterfalls
The trek itself was absolutely spectacular.
Walking through tropical rainforest, crossing rivers, and following hidden jungle trails eventually led us to the famous Sambangan Secret Garden, home to five breathtaking waterfalls, including the legendary Aling-Aling Waterfall.
Every waterfall offered something different.
Some cascaded gracefully into crystal-clear pools perfect for swimming, while others created exciting natural playgrounds where visitors could experience cliff jumping and natural water slides.
One of the best parts of the day was that there was never any pressure or time limit.
We were free to spend as much time as we wanted at each waterfall.
Whether swimming beneath the falls, relaxing beside the pools, taking photographs, or building the courage to jump into the refreshing water, our guide patiently waited and encouraged us to enjoy the experience at our own pace.
That relaxed atmosphere made the entire adventure even more enjoyable.
A Day Without Feeling Rushed
Unlike many organised tours where every stop feels tightly scheduled, this experience allowed us to truly appreciate every location.
There was always enough time to enjoy the waterfalls, take photographs, and simply admire the incredible natural surroundings.
Our guide seemed genuinely happy to see us enjoying ourselves, and that made a huge difference.
It felt like exploring with a local friend rather than following a strict itinerary.
Hospitality Until the Very End
Even after the trek had finished, the excellent service continued.
On the drive back toward Ubud, our driver kindly suggested stopping at additional attractions such as the famous Ubud Monkey Forest if we still had enough energy to continue sightseeing.
Although we were completely exhausted after such an adventurous day and decided to return directly to our accommodation, we really appreciated the thoughtful offer.
It showed that the team was always willing to go the extra mile to ensure their guests had the best possible experience.
A Day We Will Always Remember
Looking back, this adventure offered everything we were hoping for.
Beautiful jungle scenery.
Hidden waterfalls.
Crystal-clear natural pools.
Swimming.
Optional cliff jumping.
Traditional Balinese hospitality.
Flexible scheduling.
Excellent organisation.
And thoughtful local guides who genuinely cared about making our day unforgettable.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone at Bali Jungle Trekking for creating such a memorable experience.
If you’re looking to discover the incredible waterfalls of North Bali while enjoying a relaxed, well-organised, and authentic adventure, we can wholeheartedly recommend the Sambangan 5 Waterfalls Trek.
It’s an experience that perfectly combines nature, adventure, and genuine Balinese hospitality—and one that we will remember long after our holiday has ended.
