Summary
Goa Raja Waterfall: Discovering Bali’s Hidden Gem
The Goa Raja Waterfall is a recently discovered hidden gem in east Bali, situated close to the famous Tukad Cepung Waterfall.
This stunning location is easy to access from Ubud and features a magnificent waterfall inside a cave, which aligns with its name, as Goa Raja translates from Indonesian to ‘king cave’. It also boasts a small natural pool perfect for swimming. Overall, many visitors prefer this waterfall over Tukad Cepung due to the fewer tourists.
This travel guide covers how to get to Goa Raja Waterfall and all necessary information to enhance your visit.
Where To Stay
Goa Raja Waterfall – What To Expect
The hike to the waterfall is relatively short, taking approximately 15 minutes as you traverse a lush green canyon.
The trail begins steep (downhill) for the first few minutes before leveling out for the remainder of the hike. On our last visit, some sections of the path were damaged, and certain bamboo bridges needed repairs. Nonetheless, we hope those will be fixed soon.
You will need to cross a stream at one point where the rocks can be slippery; however, the stream remains shallow even during the rainy season. Ultimately, your reward will be a grand cave, a beautiful waterfall, and a refreshing natural pool for swimming! For your convenience, there is even a bamboo shack available for changing clothes.
Entrance Fee
The entrance fee is approximately 25k Rupiah (~$2 USD) as of 2024.
When To Visit
The ideal time to visit the Goa Raja Waterfall tends to be during the months outside of the dry season, which generally occurs from May to November. During an August visit, we found the waterfall absent as locals mentioned that water was redirected to irrigate nearby rice fields. Conversely, returning in February revealed a stunning waterfall!
How To Get There
Goa Raja Waterfall is located in the Bangli area of east Bali, approximately 45 minutes from Ubud or Sidemen. This location can easily be combined with a trip to Tukad Cepung Waterfall since the two sites are merely a few minutes apart.
The optimal transportation method to reach the waterfall is to rent a scooter or hire a private car with a driver. Both options are available for online reservation.
Bali Private Driver & Motorbike Rental
To explore Bali in comfort and safety, utilizing a private car with an English-speaking driver is highly recommended. GetYourGuide offers this service with prices starting at 700k Rupiah (~$48 USD) for a full day of driving and sightseeing in Bali (up to 10 hours) accommodating 1-5 passengers, enjoying a complete package that includes the car, driver, and petrol. They also provide affordable hotel transfers from the airport.
If you prefer traveling by motorbike, GetYourGuide also offers that option. Their scooter rentals start at 140k Rupiah (~$9) and include a helmet, raincoat, and free delivery in the southern Bali area.