What to Know Before Visiting Kanto Lampo Waterfall in Bali
Bali has plenty of waterfalls that are Insta-famous, and one of those is Kanto Lampo Waterfall, a picturesque place only 20 minutes from Ubud. Kanto Lampo is unique and there is no other waterfall on the island that looks quite like it, making it a must for many travelers’ itineraries.
In this guide, I will discuss everything to know before visiting Kanto Lampo Waterfall in Bali – from how to get there to what to expect once you’ve arrived. And more!
Quick Bali Travel Guide
If you’re traveling to Bali last minute, be sure you have hotels and tours booked ahead of time. Below are some of my top picks:
🇮🇩 Best tours and activities in Bali:
- Waterfalls, rice terraces, and temples private tour (affordable option and includes Kanto Lampo Waterfall)
- Instagram spots of Bali tour (swings, rice terraces, waterfalls, and more)
- Ubud in a day (the ultimate ‘highlights of Ubud’ tour)
🛌 Top-rated places to stay in Bali:
- Ubud Aura Wellness Sanctuary (Ubud; pool, air-conditioning, yoga classes)
- Puri Garden Hotel & Hostel (Ubud; options for any budget)
- Kos One Hostel (Canggu; Greek-inspired luxury hostel)
🚗 Planning to hire a driver to get around Bali? Check private driver options in your area.
I also share my honest opinion at the end of the guide about whether or not I think this waterfall is worth the hype (spoiler: I don’t, but it may still be worth the visit and I’ll explain why).
If you have any questions about visiting Kanto Lampo, let me know in the comments. Thanks!
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the following:
About Kanto Lampo Waterfall in Bali
Kanto Lampo Waterfall (Air Terjun Kanto Lampo) is one of the most recognizable waterfalls in Bali, with its water gently cascading over the black rocks into a shallow pool below. The 15-meter-high (50-feet) Beng village waterfall is beloved by Instagrammers because of its tiered rocks, creating the perfect pedestal for a viral shot.
Kanto Lampo Waterfall: The Essentials
Location: 20 minutes from Ubud; exact location
Visitor hours: 6:30 am until 6 pm daily
Entrance fee: 25,000 IDR (about $1.50); cash only
Hike difficulty: easy; no more than 10 minutes down
Time needed at waterfall: depends on the line if you want a photo in front of it; otherwise only 1 hour
Amenities: changing stall, toilets at entrance, lockers, and plenty of spots to eat before entrance
The famous waterfall, named for a sacred Balinese tree, the Kanto Lampo, is only 20 minutes from Ubud (if the traffic isn’t bad!) and there are plenty of places to grab a snack/drink or small bite to eat around it. A lot of these places popped up in recent years, proving just how famous Kanto Lampo has become!
There is a short walk from the entrance down to the falls (around 5 minutes or so), and while it is mostly easy, it may be tougher getting back up if you’re out of shape (but you’ll manage!).
There is a Balinese temple on the way down to the waterfall, and changing rooms close to it, so be respectful on your journey down the stairs.
You will also find the Tan Hana Cave opposite the waterfall. I didn’t go in (hello, claustrophobia), but I did see a cave where entry was prohibited.
How to Get to Kanto Lampo Waterfall
Kanto Lampo Waterfall is easy to reach and is about 20 minutes away from Ubud (11 km or 7 mi). This is 20 minutes with good traffic, however, which always plays a factor in getting around Bali.
From Canggu/Seminyak area, it is 37 km (23 mi) and will take around 1 hour, depending on traffic and where you’re coming from in the area.
Taking a Tour to Kanto Lampo Waterfall
Kanto Lampo is pretty easy to reach without a tour, but it is made a lot easier if you can visit while on one!
The most popular tour to take is one that will visit Kanto Lampo Waterfall along with several other popular spots in Bali, like Tibumana Waterfall, a rice terrace, Tirta Empul, and more. The tour’s price starts at around $30/pp and is worthwhile for budget travelers!
Hiring a Private Driver for the Day
When I visited Kanto Lampo, I hired a driver for the day and we hit up quite a few waterfalls. I think this is the easiest way to get around, and it can be pretty cheap if you’re going somewhere close by and are with a group of others to split the cost.
The driver that I hired was named Yogi, and his WhatsApp business contact is +62 812 3779 7830. I used his services quite a bit when I was in Bali – he speaks excellent English, is a safe driver, and is super friendly. I stayed in Canggu, for reference.
Taking a Grab or Gojek to Kanto Lampo Waterfall
Some of the waterfalls around Bali do not allow Grab and Gojek to pick you up. Kanto Lampo is one of those waterfalls.
You can get dropped off at the waterfall (or close to it), but you cannot get picked up by a driver here. They, instead, want you to use their drivers, which can be a bit more expensive than using an app. Otherwise, you may need to walk some distance to an area where you can get a Grab or Gojek.
Price, Visitor Information, and My Experience
The entrance fee to Kanto Lampo Waterfall is 25,000 IDR (about $1.50) per person. This includes entrance to the waterfall and the complex surrounding it, which includes the cave I mentioned above. Bring cash for payment.
There are heaps of places near the entrance to eat, grab some water, and chill out. There are also toilets you can use before heading down to the falls. As noted above, the changing stall is near the temple on the way to the waterfall.
Once you get your ticket, you will then need to proceed down the stairs. When I went, there was a second ‘ticket’ area where someone was set up to check the tickets of the people heading to the waterfall. Be prepared to show your receipt/ticket as you go down the stairs.
After making it down the stairs 5-10 minutes later, you will have the choice to go right or left. Going right takes you to the waterfall and left takes you over a bamboo bridge to the side opposite the waterfall. This area has an amazing viewpoint of the falls and a cave. You will need to ascend a bit to get to this point.
If you decide to head to the waterfall, you will need to stand in line to get a photo of it or yourself on the rocks in front of it. There was a long line when I was there (which is standard), so be warned.
In this area, you will also find lockers (10,000 IDR, or $0.60) you can use, and locals set up to help you take your photo on the waterfall with your own phone. They work on a ‘for-tip’ basis, so there is no set fee. Be sure to bring extra money for this if you’re going to be using their services!
Kanto Lampo Waterfall is open from 6:30 am until 6 pm daily. The best time to visit is as early as you can in the morning (before 8 am) if you want to experience the waterfall with fewer visitors.
Kanto Lampo Waterfall FAQ
Can you swim in Kanto Lampo Waterfall?
Yes, you can swim in it as there is a natural pool below it… however, most of the people you will see there will not be wading it in for any other reason than to recreate a photo of themselves in front of it.
Are there places to eat and drink at the waterfall?
Not at the waterfall itself, but before you get to the entrance, there are plenty of warungs, shops, and kiosks to choose from.
Is the trail to Kanto Lampo difficult?
No, it is not difficult and is only 5-10 minutes down. The stairs can get muddy and slippery during the monsoon season, on the other hand.
When is the best time to visit?
The waterfall is at its most powerful during the rainy season (November until March), but I visited in September and it was still pretty powerful. I think I would opt to go here during the dry season, as a result. It will make the place less muddy and easier to navigate.
Should I bring anything with me to the waterfall?
I would bring some water (there is nowhere to eat or grab water down by the waterfall), a dry bag (if you’re going to be wading in the water for your turn for a photo), and some shoes that you don’t mind getting wet or muddy.
Other Waterfalls Near Kanto Lampo Waterfall
There are quite a few waterfalls in the area around Ubud and Gianyar, and here are a few you can visit along with Kanto Lampo:
- Tibumana Waterfall: has a small natural pool like Suwat, and the area down by the waterfall is colorful and photogenic
- Taman Sari Waterfall: has a shallow plunge pool and swimming area; it is a two-tiered waterfall
- Ulu Petanu Waterfall: an underrated waterfall with a natural pool north of Ubud; read my full guide to visiting Ulu Petanu Waterfall
- Suwat Waterfall: a quieter waterfall in Gianyar with an easy hike to it and a natural pool; read my full guide to visiting Suwat Waterfall
You can find the location of these waterfalls on the map below. None of them has an overly challenging hike involved, so you can visit them all in one day if you plan ahead!
Kanto Lampo Waterfall (On a Map)
Below, you’ll find Kanto Lampo Waterfall in black and some other nearby waterfalls I mentioned in blue.
How To Use This Map
You can use your fingers/mouse to zoom in and out. To get more info about a place, simply touch/click the icons. Want to save this map for later use? Click the ‘⭐’ by the map title and it will add it to your Google Maps account (Saved > Maps or ‘Your Places’).
Is Kanto Lampo Waterfall worth visiting?
Honestly, if you are visiting other waterfalls in the area, it is an easy one to visit on the same trip. Would I go out of my way to visit this waterfall as someone who doesn’t need a photo of me doing a yoga pose in front of it? No.
If you need photos for social media or just want some memories of you in Bali, this is a great place to capture them, but you will wait in line, and it may take ages to get your shots. I think there are better waterfalls in Bali, but Kanto Lampo is photogenic, no doubt.
Do you have any questions about visiting Kanto Lampo Waterfall in Bali? Let me know in the comments – thanks!