Place to see · Munduk
Banyumala: two falls and a pool among the ferns
Banyumala, near Wanagiri, brings together two falls side by side that drop into a pool between fern-covered walls. You reach it by a narrow road, then a short walk downhill. The water is cold and the site often empty early in the morning: it is the highland waterfall where swimming is easiest.
- Updated on
- 3 min read
- By Kylian Dev
In short
Facts as of · sourced figures
You walk down a path to the bottom of the little valley, cross a small bridge and arrive in front of two falls dropping side by side into a pool. You swim, you sit on the rocks, you watch the water trickle over the ferns. There is nothing else to do, and that is the point.
Contents
Key points
- Two falls and a natural pool where you can swim when the flow is normal.
- A narrow access road, then a short walk downhill on a path that is slippery after rain.
- The water is cold: you are at altitude. Bring a towel and a warm layer.
- Early in the morning the site is often empty; it fills up around midday.
Banyumala lies in the northern highlands, near the village of Wanagiri, between Lake Buyan and the road to Munduk. The falls spring from the rock face in several streams and fill a shallow pool, surrounded by very dense vegetation.
To compare with the island’s other falls, see the waterfalls of Bali; to sleep nearby, Munduk.
What you do at Banyumala
You walk down a path to the bottom of the little valley, cross a small bridge and arrive in front of two falls dropping side by side into a pool. You swim, you sit on the rocks, you watch the water trickle over the ferns. There is nothing else to do, and that is the point.
- The pool at the foot of the falls: shallow at the edge, cold, slippery rocks.
- The fern walls: threads of water trickle across their whole width.
- The path: earth and steps, muddy after a shower.
- Facilities: a few basic shelters and changing rooms at the entrance, depending on who runs the site.
Getting there from Munduk
Banyumala lies east of Munduk, near Wanagiri, on the road that runs along the lakes. A narrow road in poor condition leads down to the car park; by car, the passage is tight. By scooter or with a driver who knows the place, it is simpler.
- From Munduk, take the lake road east, towards Wanagiri.
- Follow the signs for Banyumala onto a narrow road that heads downhill.
- Park at the village car park and pay the entrance.
- Walk down to the falls, in shoes with grip.
To reach Munduk: Ubud to Munduk or Canggu to Munduk.
When to go
In the morning the site is often empty and the light reaches into the valley. Around midday, visitors arrive. In the afternoon, highland mist and frequent showers in the rainy season make the path slippery and the water murkier. Come early.
| Time slot | Crowd | Light | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early morning | Light | Soft, in the valley | The best time |
| Late morning to 2 pm | Moderate | High contrast | Busier pool |
| After 2 pm | Variable | Mist | Frequent showers in the rainy season |
Season by season: see when to go to Bali.
What to pair it with
Banyumala sits on the lake road, so it is easy to pair with Lake Tamblingan, just to the west, and with the walking loop of the Munduk waterfalls. Sekumpul, further north, needs a whole morning on its own, including the drive.
- Lake Tamblingan: a lakeshore path and dugout canoes in the mist.
- Sekumpul: several falls in a jungle amphitheatre, to the north.
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim at Banyumala?
Yes, when the flow is normal: the pool at the foot of the falls is shallow at the edge. The water is cold and the rocks slippery. After heavy rain, stay out.
Is the walk in difficult?
No: a short path, downhill on the way in and uphill on the way back. It gets muddy and slippery after a shower.
Can you get there by car?
Yes, but the last road is narrow and damaged. A driver who knows the place, or a scooter, makes access easier.
Sources
Figures and rules checked on October 27, 2026 against the sources below. Entry rules and fees change: always check them on the official websites before you leave.
