Water
is the most perfect traveller because it becomes the path itself when
it travels. Sometimes we need to follow the path to undertake the most
beautiful journey of our life. There are innumerable paths in Bali that
will lead you to the untouched place, and if you push yourself a bit
harder to really explore the secrets that Bali has hidden far away from
the commercial tourists, you will discover these places. Tukad Cepung
Waterfall is one such place that you might want to consider on your
checklist.
Located
30 kilometres north-west of Ubud, you will witness a rare view of a
waterfall that should not be missed. Though there are plenty of
waterfalls worth visiting in Bali, Tukad Cepung Waterfall is one of its
kind. If you are coming from Denpasar, you can reach Dusun Penida Kelod
in Bangli by car or motorbike in about two hours. Local buses leaving
from Denpasar can also drop you at Bangli, and then you can trek your
way to Tukad Cepung Waterfall. Alternatively, you can book a one-day
tour with one of travel agencies or hire an advance driver who is
familiar with roads in Bali.
Tukad
Cepung Waterfall still remains as the best virgin waterfall of Bali.
The fact that this spot is not known to a lot of people and still not
under the commercial tourist spots, you are not under any obligations to
pay anything to enter the place. However, since the area is
well-maintained by the local villagers and some of them contribute in
showing and/or explaining the waterfall to the visitors, it would be
kind enough if you tip them some amount so they can continue to maintain
this hidden spot.
Tukad
Cepung Waterfall by far has mesmerized anyone who have managed to spot
it. Well-guarded by the cliffs, this waterfall is difficult to be
spotted by a regular visitor. A few hundred stairs down the cliff is
worth the effort once you arrive at the destination. The circular cliffs
give you the feeling of being in a cave, while the open sky right from
where the waterfall emerges, gives you the most enchanting view you have
ever seen. The sunlight falls on the glistering waterfall creating a
rainbow, and you will feel like the rainbow is flowing right up to you.
If you have never seen water flowing from the sky, then this would be
your chance. Unlike any other waterfalls in Bali, Tukad Cepung Waterfall
does not flow into a river, stream or jungle, but it flows gently down
the cliffs. The river can be seen from up above, meanwhile the waterfall
can only be viewed once you walk down the stairs and into the cliff.
Since
the water gets accumulated within the cliffs, it gets really deep in
rainy seasons. For that reason, it is not recommended to visit Tukad
Cepung Waterfall in monsoons. In other seasons, you can just stand and
observe the water neatly flowing down and making a narrow stream inside
the cliff. This place is comparatively cooler and offers an immense
sense of peace and tranquillity.
Bring
your bath suits when you visit this place because once you see this
magical waterfall, you would definitely like to go in and embrace it.
You will find some of the visitors standing under the waterfall and
having a good time splashing water. Since the place is well-maintained,
you won’t be surprised to see how clean and hygienic the area
surrounding. Try to live in the moment by relaxing near the waterfall,
listening to the water flowing and seeing the amazing rainbow of colours
created by the sunlight. As a quote says, “Many quiet rivers start
from noisy waterfalls, but none of them jumps and does not foam up to
the sea. But it is often a sign of great peace of mind, and hidden
forces.” You will feel every inch of this saying once you see or rather absorb the beauty of Tukad Cepung Waterfall.
After
several hours being in total relaxation, on your way back home you can
make a few stops around the area. Tukad Cepung Waterfall is close to
Pura Dalem Penida Kelod, which also known as the Temple of Death. It is a
place of pilgrimage for those seeking protection from sickness and
evil. You can also pay a visit to the old temple of Ratu Gede Pancering
Jagat in Trunyan, which is famous for its megalithic 4-meter high statue
and the “Barong Brutuk” dance performance. If you wish to take away
some local souvenirs, the roads around Kintamani offer you a good local
shopping experience as well as eating spots. You may need this after a
day-long trek in Bangli.
Waterfalls nearby
Two
more waterfalls in this area are Tibumana Waterfall and Kanto Lampo
Waterfall. Tibumana Waterfall is a 20-meter high twin waterfall with a
calm pond and not too deep, while Kanto Lampo Waterfall is a new born
waterfall which flows through the lush forests of Bangli. You can follow
the forest trail not only to enjoy the waterfalls but to stop and fish
for eels and other small fish. You can also view a cave which is
normally used for meditation by local people. This is an interesting
trek for family with little kids.
Tukad Cepung Waterfall
Dusun Penida Kelod, Bangli
Dusun Penida Kelod, Bangli
This article is also published at NOW! Bali Magazine
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