Sumampan Waterfall is an underrated waterfall located near Ubud, Bali. Situated on the banks of a meandering river, tucked away in the Balinese countryside, and surrounded by rice paddies and lush forest, the Sumampan Waterfall gives off serious jungle vibes.
Despite being one of the most picturesque waterfalls near Ubud, Sumampan Waterfall remains off the traditional tourist track and sees fewer visitors than most other waterfalls in the area.
If you’re looking for a quiet and serene waterfall, away from the bustling tourist crowds, you should check out Sumampan Waterfall.
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Sumampan Waterfall in Ubud | At a Glance
- Why you’ll love it | Quiet, secluded, and off the beaten track, Sumampan is one of only a few waterfalls near Ubud that hasn’t been overrun with large tourist crowds.
- Estimated Time | Approximately 1 hour
- Trail Conditions | There is a short 10-15 minute walk from the parking area to the falls. The trail is well-maintained, but there are some steep and narrow stairs.
- Getting there | The best way to reach Sumampan Waterfall is by motorbike. The parking area for Sumampan Waterfall is about 25 minutes from Ubud and about 1 hour from southern Bali.
- Road conditions | The roads to reach Sumampan Waterfall are paved and in good condition for Balinese standards.
- Parking | Parking is located next to this small warung. There isn’t a ton of parking but enough for a few bikes.
- Fees | As of 2023, it costs 20,000 IDR per person to enter Sumampan Waterfall.
- Refreshments | You can purchase a quick bite and some refreshments at the warung located at the parking area.
- What to do nearby | Manuaba Waterfall, Suwat Waterfall, Tibumana Waterfall, Goa Rang Reng Waterfall, Kanto Lampo Waterfall
Highlights
- Off the beaten path of most tourist itineraries, meaning fewer crowds
- Located in a quaint, local village surrounded by rice paddies
- Nearby river is a nice spot to relax
- Balinese carvings add an extra layer of interest
Lowlights
- Rocks around the waterfall are very slippery
- Smaller waterfall than others in the area
Sumampan Waterfall | What to Expect
Getting to the parking area
The Sumampan Waterfall experience begins well before you ever see the waterfall itself.
This is because Sumampan Waterfall is located in a small, quaint village outside Ubud that is surrounded by lush, green rice paddies, local warungs, and Hindu Temples. The motorbike ride through the small villages and local communities along the way to the trailhead is a fun experience in and of itself!
Parking area
We found the parking area for Sumampan Waterfall to be a bit confusing because, well, there isn’t much of an actual parking area.
Eventually, you’ll reach the end of the road as it runs along the side of this warung. We parked our bikes right next to the warung, at the urging of the people working there.
I can’t imagine how they’d fit more than 10 or so motorbikes in the small parking area. But the Balinese are much better at parking/maneuvering motorbikes than I’ll ever be, so I’m sure they can squeeze more in.
From the Parking Area to Sumampan Waterfall
After parking your bike, you’ll pay the 20,000 IDR per person entrance fee and begin the short hike down to Sumampan Waterfall.
The hike takes maybe 10 to 15 minutes total. The first stretch cuts through some old rice fields and jungle but the path is clear and well-defined.
After a few minutes, you’ll reach the top of the cliff that overlooks the river and Sumampan Waterfall on the opposite side. From here, there is a steep set of stairs that descends down to the river below. These stairs are pretty narrow and can be quite slick so take your time and be careful.
Sumampan Waterfall
Once you reach the bottom of the stairs, you’ll immediately see Sumampan Waterfall cascading down the cliff across the river in front of you.
On the same side of the river as the stairs, there is a large, rocky area where you can leave your belongings. Once you drop your bag, you can cross the river to reach the waterfalls on the other side.
When we visited at the end of the dry season in October, the river was running low enough to cross but conditions could certainly be different during the rainy season. There is a small rope installed across the river for extra support to help you cross.
Once you cross the river, you’ll reach the base of the towering Sumampan Falls. The area around the bottom of the falls is relatively flat and is covered in countless carvings of Balinese gods.
The water flows from the waterfall into the river, making the entire area wet and the rocks are very slippery. Take extra care with each step!
After taking some pictures up-close of the waterfall, you can head back across the river, where there is ample room to explore and swim before heading back up to your motorbike.
Sumampan Waterfall | FAQs
How do I get to Sumampan Waterfall?
The best way to get to Sumampan Waterfall is by renting a motorbike and driving it to the waterfall.
Renting a motorbike is the best and most common way to get around Bali. You can rent a bike in Ubud (or wherever you are staying) for about 80,000 IDR for 24 hours. Many rental shops even offer free delivery directly to your hotel if you’re staying within the main area of Ubud.
We were definitely a bit nervous about zipping around Bali on a motorbike but it’s actually a ton of fun! Now don’t get me wrong, the roads are pure chaos and you definitely need to be careful while driving but we quickly came to enjoy our road trips across the Balinese countryside.
Oh, and don’t forget to drive on the left side of the road!
The roads leading to Sumampan Waterfall are generally in good shape (for Bali, that is). Driving anywhere in Bali, you need to keep an eye out for potholes, sharp turns, and large trucks barreling towards you in the opposite direction.
How much does it cost to visit Sumampan Waterfall?
As of 2023, there is a 20,000 IDR per person entrance fee for Sumampan Waterfall. This is the same price as most waterfalls near Ubud.
There is no fee for parking.
When is the best time to visit Sumampan Waterfall?
- Rainy season | November to March
- Dry season | April to October
Bali has two distinct seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. Dry season is the most popular time to visit for obvious reasons, so if you want to avoid the crowds you may actually prefer to visit during the rainy season. Just be prepared to plan your day around the weather if you do visit during the rainy season.
Because Sumampan is much less crowded than other waterfalls in the area, we’d actually recommend visiting later in the day. You should prioritize stops at the more popular waterfalls early in the morning and swing by Sumampan when everyone else is fighting to see Kanto Lampo and Tibumana!
How long do I need to visit Sumampan Waterfall?
You should plan to spend about 1 hour at Sumampan Waterfall, or longer if you want to swim in the river and hang out along the rocks for a while.
Is Sumampan Waterfall worth visiting?
Yes! Sumampan Waterfall is certainly worth a visit.
Is Sumampan the most beautiful waterfall near Ubud? No, but…it’s still a great addition to your waterfall-chasing itinerary.
It has fewer visitors, a nice river, and the carvings are a unique touch. Add in the scenic drive through the countryside on top of the waterfall itself and you can see why we’d recommend a stop at Tibumana Waterfall during your time in Ubud, Bali.
Other Indonesia Resources
Looking for more to do in Bali? Check out these resources for more inspiration for your trip!
Questions about visiting the Sumampan Waterfall? What’s your favorite waterfall in Ubud? Let us know in the comments below!
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