Kanto Lampo Waterfall

Shannon
Sep 3
3 min read

A Modern Waterfall with Ancient Beauty

Kanto Lampo Waterfall is a striking example of how nature and human intervention can merge to create something unexpectedly beautiful. Unlike the ancient waterfalls that have thundered down cliffs for millennia, Kanto Lampo is a relatively recent formation. In the early 2010's, changes to the local irrigation system inadvertently redirected water flow, which began to spill over the terraced cliffside near the village of Beng. What may have started as a miscalculation became a fortuitous accident, as the redirected water sculpted its way down black volcanic rock, giving birth to one of Bali’s most photogenic and beloved natural attractions.

Waterfall cascading over rocks in a lush green rainforest, surrounded by dense vegetation and ferns, creating a serene, natural scene.

What sets Kanto Lampo apart is its visual uniqueness. Rather than a single, plunging drop, the water fans out across a series of tiered rock ledges, forming a natural staircase. This cascading effect makes it incredibly popular among photographers and Instagram travelers, who are often seen posing barefoot in the shallow water with the silky flow behind them. The steps of the rock face break the fall’s force, allowing visitors to wade into the water safely and enjoy the scene up close. The water flows gently into a shallow pool that is calm, clear and surprisingly warm, creating the perfect jungle spa experience without the risk of being swept away by a strong current.

While the waterfall itself is new, the land it flows over carries much older stories, some of them darker in nature. Locals speak of a cave not far from the falls, accessible by a short climb up the hill. While many treat it as a peaceful overlook, older residents of Beng whisper of older rituals that once took place inside. In pre colonial times, this area was considered spiritually potent, a place where shamans and priests would go to seek visions or conduct rites. Some even claim the cave was used for purification ceremonies, and later during Bali’s darker chapters, such as the communist purge of the 1960's, some locals suggest it may have served a more ominous purpose as a hiding place or worse.

A mossy stone statue adorned with orange marigold garlands pours water in a lush garden setting, creating a tranquil ambiance.

This spiritual gravity is still felt today, particularly during certain temple festivals when the water seems to take on a different energy. Some say that spirits linger near the cave and waterfall, occasionally revealing themselves in strange lights or misty figures caught on camera. Whether these tales are folkloric embellishments or echoes of real trauma, they lend an air of mystery that separates Kanto Lampo from the average tourist attraction. It is not merely a scenic stop, it's a place layered in emotion and memory, where beauty and sorrow flow together just beneath the surface.

A bamboo bridge crosses a shallow stream in a lush green forest. A person stands on stone steps in the background, surrounded by dense foliage.

The village of Beng, where the falls are located, is part of a growing sustainable tourism initiative. Unlike the commercial sprawl seen in other parts of Bali, this region prioritises harmony with the environment and cultural preservation. The small fee charged at the entrance goes directly into maintaining the trail, preserving the integrity of the falls and supporting the surrounding community. Visitors are encouraged to tread lightly, respect local customs and contribute to a tourism model that benefits the land and its people rather than exploiting them.

Lush green jungle setting with a small temple, waterfall, and a river. A person in red stands near the waterfall, conveying serenity.

🗺️ Location

Jalan Kampo Lampo, Beng Village, Gianyar Regency, Bali, Indonesia

🚆 How to get there

Kanto Lamo is roughly 6 km's from Ubud. I found the easiest and cheapest way to get here was with a private Go-Gek scooter rider. It took about 30 minutes to reach the entry to the falls. A half day tour to 4 of the waterfalls in the area cost me roughly 250,000 IDR.

⭐ Attraction Info

The falls are open between 7am - 6pm every day of the year (except on Nyepi). The entrance fee is 15,000 IDR but bring cash, as there are no ATM's nearby. Early morning or late afternoon are the best times to experience the falls without the hoards of crowds vying for the best photo. 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 safe to swim but be mindful that this waterfall can get packed with the Insta crowd. Make sure you bring a change of clothes and a towel, there are lockers available for your belongings for a small fee.