Discover the Enchanting Leke Leke Waterfall
Bali’s Leke Leke Waterfall, or Air Terjun Leke Leke in Indonesian, is a natural sanctuary nestled amidst lush greenery. The secrets of this awe-inspiring cascade are cherished by the Balinese people for its cultural significance and spiritual resonance. While embarking on a journey to this sacred site, you will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to embrace the tranquility and raw beauty of nature in Bali.
Your Options Before You Go
Whether you plan to arrive from a neighboring town or drive across the island on a day trip, you have a variety of available transportation options.
For travelers from nearby areas, hiring a private driver ensures a smooth, stress-free ride. Alternatively, exploring the area on a scooter adds more adventure options to your day while offering an unhindered view of the splendid landscapes along the way.
Guided tours present yet another option, providing both transport convenience and local insights.
In any case, don’t forget to pack your camera and a small towel if you plan to take a dip in the water. The area surrounding and the path down to the waterfall are both great opportunities to capture a glimpse of the raw beauty that Bali’s jungles provide.
Once You Are Close…
As you turn off the main road and wind down towards the waterfall’s entrance, you are transported back to a simpler time in Bali. The basic buildings are surrounded by a world of natural wonders, captivating your senses and offering an experience that transcends the ordinary. A tapestry of lush greenery, towering trees, and vibrant foliage creates an idyllic setting that feels like a sanctuary of tranquility.
Now, truth be told, Leke Leke Waterfall is a popular tourist destination in Bali. Similar to most locations that you can find on Google Maps, there is a pay station to explore the location. Due to its popularity, Leke Leke has a well-built-out attraction center. You are first directed to the parking area and greeted warmly at the entrance. You will have to pay 50,000 IDR per person, one of the highest waterfall entrance fees in Bali. That being said, all the past ticket purchases have gone to creating an inviting atmosphere around the waterfall. The restaurant situated at the top is surrounded by well-designed landscaping and is a pleasant place to have a bite to eat before or after your trek. A bit further down the path, you will find jungle swings and a small, locally built bar. These two features overlook the valley the waterfall is nestled in and at the right time of day, offer stunning views you might only find in a magazine.
Past the swings, your trek along the clearly marked path turns into a stairway down to the jungle floor. Once at the bottom, you walk through a flower field and across a bridge. The waterfall is only a 2-minute walk from there, making the overall trek down only 10-15 minutes.
Optimizing Your Experience: When to Embark on Your Adventure
Understanding the ideal time to visit the Leke Leke Waterfall can significantly enhance your overall journey.
There are a few significant factors that you will want to look out for. Firstly, the location is known for its clear, calm waterfall. This is drastically changed right after a decent rain in the area, turning the falls into a raging torrent of murky water. If you have the option to wait even a day after heavy rain, do it.
Secondly, for those seeking to capture the ethereal beauty of the waterfall in all its glory, strategic planning regarding optimal lighting is crucial. The interplay of sunlight filtering through the canopy of trees and reflecting off the cascading waters creates a picturesque scene that's worth witnessing. Consider visiting during the early hours of the day or during the late afternoon (I prefer late afternoon for warmer weather since the water can be quite “refreshing”) when the natural light is softer, lending a captivating aura to the waterfall's surroundings.
To avoid the crowds and fully immerse yourself in the tranquil ambiance, aim to plan your visit during the quieter periods. The months after the dry season (May-August) are the perfect time, and arriving 2 hours before sunset is the most ideal from my experience.
While you can’t control every factor to create the “perfect” visit, just considering these factors can help you ensure a more personalized and immersive experience at the Leke Leke Waterfall, leaving you with cherished memories of your journey to Bali.
Embracing Harmony: Respecting Nature and Ensuring Safety
While exploring any place in Bali, it’s important to remember that respecting the natural environment and local customs is paramount during your visit. Please refrain from leaving any traces of waste or disrupting the ecological harmony. If you see waste such as plastic bottles left behind, pick them up and throw them out. Even if you weren’t the one to leave it behind, the spirit of the waterfall will still thank you. Additionally, refrain from disturbing the local flora and fauna, allowing the Leke Leke Waterfall to retain its pristine allure for generations to come.
For those who wish to connect on a deeper level with the spirit that looks over the waterfall, there is a small shrine behind some bushes to the left of the first set of stairs as you make the hike back up. Please remember this is where locals pay their respects and keeping this area clean and unhindered is incredibly important to their culture.
On the note of safety, the team that overlooks the location has done a fantastic job of making the waterfall easily and safely accessible. The path down is wide, guided, and very stable. My only note is that you will want to be careful after crossing the bridge on the jungle floor. The path turns from placed stone to natural mud, and after a rainy day, that mud can cause you some trouble. Additionally, I encourage exploring the surrounding river area as it still feels like you are deep within the jungles of Bali. That being said, it is important to recognize that you are exploring at your own risk. Be smart and be careful, it is still a jungle in Bali after all.
Preserving Memories: Tips for Capturing the Essence of Leke Leke Waterfall
Like me, I am sure you are coming to visit the waterfall because you saw an awe-inspiring photo on the internet, similar to the one that I quickly captured before I left.
Truth be told, that photo is easy to capture with the following tips.
Natural lighting is paramount. As I’ve said before, the ideal time to go is 2 hours before sunset. This gives you a softer light that comes through the waterfall opening a bit better than earlier in the day.
Turn down your exposure and dim the brightness slightly. This can be done on your iPhone or on a professional camera.
Either use a wide-angle perspective and crouch closer to the floor with your camera tilted up, or use a normal zoom perspective and stand behind the shrubs just below the bench at the bottom. You will know what I am talking about because there is one spot that has been cut out for pictures specifically.
One more tip is to try capturing a photo that looks out away from the waterfall. It's easy to get caught in the natural allure of the waterfall itself, but every once in a while, the sunlight will filter through the lush canopy creating an image opportunity unlike any other.
As always, try out other angles that suit your fancy. Photo taking isn’t a one-size fits all and these are only my suggestions. That being said, I do have a principle of taking a moment to appreciate the natural beauty well before I ever take out a camera, and I encourage you to follow the same practice.
Embracing Cultural Richness: The Tranquility of the Leke Leke Waterfall
The Leke Leke Waterfall stands as more than just a natural attraction; it embodies a profound spirit that has looked over the well-being of the locals for generations, and will continue to do so for generations to come. When visiting the waterfall, be sure to take a moment to embrace the energy the spirit is trying to share with you. It isn’t necessary to pray or pay your respects, but odds are that if you take a moment to “hear” the waterfall’s voice, you will feel compelled to say thank you in any way you can.