Nestled away from the tourist hubs, Goa Giri Campuhan unveils a serene tapestry of caves, waterfalls, and cultural significance. Here's a detailed Goa Giri Campuhan waterfall guide to make the most of your visit to this tranquil haven.
Getting There
Discovering Goa Giri Campuhan is a straightforward affair. A prominent sign on the roadside makes it hard to miss. After parking next to the ticket office and paying the nominal fee of 25,000 IDR, you gain entry to explore the site. Once inside, a well-marked path ensures a smooth journey, transitioning from cement to a leisurely stroll through the picturesque local rice paddies.
Navigating the Path
After you traverse through the rice paddies, a stair set emerges, surrounded by carefully cultivated flora, including impressive jackfruit and durian trees. At the "T" intersection, consult the map provided for insights into the multiple areas you can explore. Unfortunately, a right turn isn't an option, but the map serves as an excellent guide for the leftward trail.
Shortly after continuing on, you will hear the roaring water from the falls. From up here, you only get a quick glimpse of the main waterfall before you are shuttled downstairs through a cave carved directly into the rock face. The cave has a light switch to help guide the way, although when we last visited, the switch didn’t work. Like most modern people, however, we pulled out our phones and turned on the device’s flashlight. The first cave stair set isn’t too bad, unless you’re tall of course, in which you are greeted with a slightly awkward descent due to the short ceiling.
Emerging from the first cave leads to a man-made ledge, featuring a dam that turns water towards the rice paddies nearby. Descend further through the second cave, mindful of the possibly large puddle at the bottom, and step onto a small sand mound by the river.
After taking your shoes off, you’re free to explore the area.
Ideal Visiting Hours and Activities
Like most waterfalls in Bali, I think the best time to visit is in the 2pm to 6pm range. Do, however, keep a close eye on weather conditions, as the two rivers that converge here can drastically change your experience after a rainy day. Of course, a sunny day is the most ideal, but that didn’t stop us from going when it was slightly overcast. In fact, we had the whole place to ourselves possibly as a result of the weather conditions. Devoid of crowds, we spent a lot of time swimming, climbing and meditating under the falls, and walking around to explore the greater area. The place is relatively large so there’s a lot to see and do.
Nearby Attractions and Dining
If you have the time or even planned a full day for waterfall exploring, I recommend you extend your adventure to the Krisik Waterfalls nearby. There are two waterfalls to explore there. One has a Zen rock garden below and the other is a large cascading waterfall similar to Goa Giri Campuhan’s main waterfall. After you are done exploring, visit Royal Umasari for a well-deserved meal. The owner is extremely friendly and speaks English quite well.
Practical Tips
To ensure a safe and enjoyable visit, consider bringing water shoes for the river's rocky terrain and a small towel to dry off with post-swim.
Respecting Local Customs
Near the confluence of the two rivers, two shrines on rocks above are sacred spaces for offerings only—standing or sitting on these rocks is not permitted.
Photography Tips
Capture the mesmerizing cascades with long exposure photos or slow shutter-speed shots.
I messed around with long shutter speed photos to try to capture the multitude of cascades better. In my opinion, the photos came out pretty well. My one recommendation here is that if you plan to use either option for photos, plan to do so with a tripod. That way the rocks remain crystal clear amidst the rushing water. Even a mini tripod works here.
Conclusion
Escape the crowds in Bali and uncover the tranquil beauty of Goa Giri Campuhan. From caves to waterfalls, this hidden gem invites you to embrace nature's tranquility. As the sun sets, find solace in Bali's enchanting serenity and explore the magic of Goa Giri Campuhan's hidden treasures.