Goa Rang Reng - The Enchanted Falls

Journey Through Villages to Bali’s Secret Waterfall

Tucked away in the dense greenery of Gianyar Regency, Goa Rang Reng Waterfall offers visitors a peaceful escape far removed from Bali’s more crowded attractions. The waterfall lies about 30 minutes from central Ubud, with a scenic approach that passes through quiet villages and sweeping rice terraces. This lesser known location has yet to attract mass tourism, allowing it to retain a tranquil atmosphere that feels deeply connected to both land and tradition.

While the name "Rang Reng" doesn’t have a clear translation, it is associated with a symbolic contrast, something simultaneously beautiful and intense. The waterfall itself features layered cascades, tumbling over dark volcanic rock in wide, dramatic flows. Despite its natural grandeur, one of the most striking features along the trail is a series of intricate stone carvings embedded in the cliffs. These are not ancient relics as some might assume but recent creations sculpted by local residents during the pandemic, a communal act of creativity born from a time of isolation.

Goa Rang Reng – The Enchanted Falls, where jungle serenity meets spiritual tradition just outside Ubud

Spiritual significance plays a central role at Goa Rang Reng, especially at the top of the falls, where a cave is used for melukat, a sacred purification ritual in Balinese Hinduism. Pilgrims come here to bathe and meditate, drawn by the belief that the merging of two rivers at this site amplifies the cleansing power of the water. The falls are considered a potent place to rid oneself of spiritual impurities and ceremonies are often held under the guidance of local priests.

Adding a layer of myth to the site, the cave at the summit is tied to the legend of Kebo Iwa, a powerful figure in Balinese folklore. Said to possess superhuman strength, Kebo Iwa was entrusted with redirecting the river to nourish the island’s southern farmlands. According to local stories, he carved the cave using only his hands in a single night. Imprints believed to resemble his massive fingers still mark the rock walls, offering a tactile link between myth and landscape.

🗺️ Location

Jalan Goa Jalan Rang Reng, Bakbakan, Gianyar Regency, Bali, Indonesia

🚆 How to get there

I found the easiest and cheapest way to get here was with a private Go-Gek scooter rider, from Ubud. It took about 30 minutes to reach the entry to the falls. A half day tour of the waterfalls in the area cost me roughly 250,000 IDR.

⭐ Attraction Info

The falls are open from 6am to 6pm every day of the year (except on Nyepi). The entrance fee is 20,000 IDR. Bring cash, as there are no ATM's nearby. Early morning is the best time to experience the falls in solitude, as few tourists arrive before mid-morning. The rainy season (November–March) brings a stronger flow to the waterfall, making it even more dramatic. The path can be slippery, so caution is advised and there are many steps down to the river.  It is reasonably safe to swim here but be mindful of the current, as this is a strong waterfall. Make sure you bring a change of clothes and a towel. If you are interested in experiencing a Melukat Ritual, you can ask a local guide at the ticket counter to organise this for you. While I didn't partake in one while I was here, they will cost between 200,000 IDR for a basic ceremony to 1,000,000 IDR for something more elaborate.

While walking through this particular jungle, I definitely felt a dark energy in the trees. Not evil, but heavy

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