If you’ve spent time waterfall-hopping around Bali, you might think you’ve seen it all—until you stumble across Goa Raja Waterfall.
It’s not just the waterfall that surprises you, but the whole setting. Quiet, overgrown, and strangely peaceful, Goa Raja feels more like a secret garden than a tourist spot.
You won’t find huge crowds here. There’s no flashy sign at the entrance, no long lines of scooters. Just a narrow trail, some steep stone steps, and the steady sound of water leading you deeper into the forest.
Goa Raja Waterfall is in Taman Bali village, in Bangli Regency—about a 45-minute drive northeast of Ubud. It’s not far from other sacred water sites like Tirta Empul and Tirta Sudamala, so it makes a good stop if you’re exploring the spiritual side of Bali.
Even though it’s close to some well-known landmarks, most tourists skip it. That’s part of what makes it so special.
(Photo by : Frederikke)
Getting there involves a short hike—not difficult, but it’s not a paved path either. You’ll walk through patches of jungle, past banana trees, over a small stream, and finally down a mossy staircase carved into the hillside. It’s slippery when wet, so proper shoes help.
The further you go, the cooler and quieter it gets. You’ll probably hear the waterfall before you see it—echoing softly between tall cliffs wrapped in vines.
Goa Raja isn’t one of those towering, dramatic waterfalls like Sekumpul or Nungnung. Instead, it flows gently down from the cliff face, collecting into a clear pool below.
The water is cold but swimmable, and the whole area is surrounded by massive boulders and thick forest.
It’s not a big place. You can walk around the pool, sit on the rocks, or duck into the small cave behind the waterfall, which gives the place its name—Goa Raja, or “King’s Cave.”
(Photo by : Weronika M)
The cave itself is shallow, but people say it has spiritual energy. Locals sometimes use the area for Melukat, a traditional Balinese purification ritual.
Near the waterfall is a simple shrine where visitors occasionally leave offerings. It’s quiet, sacred, and feels like a hidden corner of old Bali.
Unlike more popular waterfalls that are just Instagram backdrops, Goa Raja still holds spiritual meaning for nearby communities.
Locals believe the water here is pure and healing. While it’s not part of a major temple complex, it’s often treated as a natural holy site.
If you visit, you might see traces of rituals—canang offerings, incense sticks, or even a priest doing a small ceremony. It’s not something arranged for tourists. It’s just part of local life.
(Photo by : Melissa H)
What to Know Before You Go
- No entrance fee (for now), but donations are appreciated.
- No changing rooms or facilities—go prepared.
- Visit early if you want the place to yourself.
- Dress respectfully if you’re coming near the shrine or planning to bathe.
- Best during the dry season (May to October) for clear trails and good lighting.
Goa Raja might not be the tallest or the most photographed waterfall in Bali, but it’s one of the most peaceful. It’s raw, spiritual, and honest. It’s a reminder that not everything in Bali has to be big or famous to be meaningful.
If you’re tired of crowds and want to see something that still feels sacred, put this one on your list. Come quietly, tread lightly, and you might just walk away feeling a little different than when you arrived.
(Photo by : Dounia L)
