Bali is not just an island of Gods, it’s also an island of waterfalls. At Buleleng for example, dozens of waterfalls are tucked in every corner of its mountainous terrain. Including Banyumala Waterfall, the newcomer. Among the popular ones, 40 minutes drive from the Lovina tourist area, are Gitgit and Sekumpul waterfall.
Opened only in 2015, the waterfall wants to steal tourists’ attention with its unique streams of water. Locals call the waterfall a twin waterfall. But in reality, there are more than just two streams of water falling down the cliff from 20 meters high.
Banyumala waterfall is located at Wanagiri village, Buleleng. It takes around 20 minutes to ride up from the famous Lovina beach. There’s no one knows why locals named the waterfall ‘Banyu Mala’. Banyu means ‘water’ while ‘Mala’ means ‘dirty’. Combined, ‘dirty water’ is not a fitting name for this scenic waterfall.
As a tourist attraction, the infrastructure isn’t as well-developed as its more popular waterfall siblings. The village road used to only have two lines of broken concrete on dried mud. Climbing down to the waterfall is also a real challenge. But in the end, the waterfall proves to be a worthy reward for determined visitors.
Banyumala Waterfall Entrance Fee
The entrance ticket is Rp50.000 and tourists will get a bottle of mineral water and bracelet. There’s also a small fee of Rp3.000 for the parking fee.
| Banyumala Waterfall Entrance Fee | |
| Children & Adult | Rp50.000 |
| Parking Fee | Rp3.000 |
See: Ecovillage & the easiest track to Munduk Waterfall.
Banyumala Waterfall Opening Hours
Banyumala Waterfall opens every day from 7 AM to 6 PM. Since rain can turn the dirt road into a muddy one. It’s best to avoid going around the peak of the monsoon season (November-February).
| Banyumala Waterfall Opening Hours | |
| Every day | 07:00 – 18:00 |
See: Sliding, jumping, and other fun activities in Aling-Aling waterfall.
Trekking To Banyumala Waterfall
Trekking to the waterfall starts before getting to the waterfall ticketing counter. From the parking lot, it is around a 500 m walk to the ticket booth. The road toward the waterfall is close to villagers’ plantations. During the harvest season, the smells of vanilla and cloves, the local specialties, will fill the air.
After buying the ticket, that’s when the tough trek awaits. Prepare to descend down the small path composed largely of semi-concrete and mud. There are steep slippery stairs at some spots, so grab the wooden handrail for safety.
From the parking lot, it will take around 20 minutes of slow walking to get to the waterfall. The journey goes through a dense and lush tropical garden, so make sure to enjoy the scenery along the way.
Not A Twin, But A Multiple Waterfall
Approaching the waterfall, prepare for one of the most amazing landscapes in Bali. Waterfall in Bali usually is a single column of water cascading down from the canyon above. But this is not how nature designs the Banyumala waterfall. Instead, multiple streams fall from a river above.
Along the cliff wall, boulders and vegetation break down these streams into multiple branches, creating a thin curtain of water spreading as far as 20 m from end to end. The small, round lake below the waterfall can go as deep as 2 meters. But the water is crystal clear.
So it’s easy to see the pool’s bottom from the surface. Swim the area close to the shore or the left part of the waterfall to avoid getting too deep in the water. One boulder is accessible despite its close proximity to the deep part of the creek. Reach this boulder to get a shower under the waterfall.
There are several smaller streams around Banyumala Waterfall. One of them forms its own small pool, only separated by river rocks from the lake. Plunge your feet here while enjoying the grand view of the waterfall.
Also, explore more of the surrounding area. A stair across the lake leads toward a small river. A hidden nook, go here to get some quieter moments.
Lake Attraction
Visitors coming to Banyumala Waterfall will surely pass a large lake called Buyan. After the waterfall, visit one of the parks along the lakeshore. Many activities are available on this lake: boats and tours to Ulun Danu Buyan Temple.
Or simply observing the fishermen in the lake from the food stall above the lake. Lake Buyan is not as touristy as nearby Lake Beratan, therefore its atmosphere still radiates Bali’s authentic and humble life. A delightful way to finish the trip.
See: Lovina Beach, Dolphin Watching & Snorkeling.
Facilities
Near the waterfall, there’s a semi-permanent changing room and toilets. There are a couple of restaurants between the parking lot to the waterfall. The parking space is spacious although it’s far from the ticket counter.
There’s a motorcycle taxi service for visitors who don’t want to walk between the parking lot and the ticket counter. As for accommodation, visitors can find a homestay along Wanagiri’s main road. Or simply stay in the Lovina beach area.
See: Tips on choosing the tourist Indonesian SIM Card.
How To Get To Banyumala Waterfall
From Lovina Beach, go to Jl. AA Pandji Tisna. It’s a road across the Pepito market Lovina. Continue to go up and stay in Bangkiang Sidem. The road going up is slightly small and steep at the T intersection turn left to Asah Gobleg Street.
Continue the journey for 8 more KM and there will be another T intersection. Turn left again, Banyumala waterfall is just another 3 km from the last intersection. The last 3 km is the most scenic scene. On the right side, the beauty of Buyan Lake is hard not to notice.
Make sure to stop at one of the local warungs and order Balinese coffee. It’s just Rp5.000 for a cup of hot coffee. There is no public transportation yet from Lovina Beach to the waterfall. Tourists can rent a car with a rental fee of Rp650.000/day.
Or go with a scooter, with a fee starting from Rp60.000 to Rp100.000 for a day’s rent. It’s best to use a motorcycle instead. A motorcycle can also go past the car parking lot. And instead, park near the ticket counter.
See: Bali Airport Guide & Public Transportation.
Address & Location
Banyumala Twin Waterfall location is 20 minutes away from Lovina, the tourist area. It’s located in Wanagiri small village, Sukasada, Buleleng Regency, Bali 81161.
