Finally Some Waterfalls!

Since we started coming to Bali a few years ago I have tried to see the entire island and all it has to offer.  Between the temples, rice terraces, beaches, mountains, lakes, trails and great food, I have barely scratched the surface.  Slowly but surely I am getting around to everything.  I kept hearing about the amazing waterfalls in Bali but I never managed to make to any of them….until today!  I have to say it was one of the most incredible days I have had in Bali.  

At 7AM I was on the way with Chandra our driver extraordinaire.  Actually our original driver extraordinaire is Bayu whom we met during one of our visits here in 2015.  Bayu introduced us to Chandra in August and both of them and their families have become very special friends.  Usually when visitors to Bali hire a driver the only interaction is usually driving, although some have tour guide experience.  But most drivers go to the parking lot and hang with the other drivers while their customers go see whatever they are visiting that day.  For us, because they have become so close, they become a part of the trip, usually participating as well as eating together.  We even had them over for Thanksgiving a couple of weeks ago.  Chandra was the logical choice for this trip as it was going to involve lots of stairs and wading through steams and balancing on rocks.  Bayu will be the first to tell you he just is not really into that and he encouraged me to have Chandra take me to any and all waterfalls.  So Chandra it was!

Now, one of the things I learned quickly is that the key to having a positive, memorable experience when visiting these sites is to get an early start.  Tourists in Bali do not, for the most part, get up at the crack of dawn to go see temples and waterfalls.  They take a more leisurely approach to things usually hitting the spots mid-day or early afternoon.  It makes sense. They are on vacation.  So leaving early allows you to beat the crowds and enjoy the experience in relative peace.

So after a two plus hour drive up to the northern area of Bali called Singaraja, during which we solved the problems of Bali and discussed the difference between mountains and hills, we arrived at the parking area for the falls.  Or did we?  I had gone on Trip Advisor and read multiple reviews about the locals who put up ticket booths and parking areas that are far away from the waterfalls and then charge you for giving you a ride on a motorcycle or scooter since you are still quite far from the actual entrance.  We saw the first “Registration” sign with the guy trying to flag us down about 20 minutes before we arrived at the real place to park.  Periodically there would be another registration banner and then a another professionally made banner that actually said “Welcome!”  That one almost fooled us.  But we kept going and ended up parking relatively close to the start of the path, although we realized we could have gone even closer yet.  

So after a 45 minute walk down paths and stairs and steep paths and steep stairs through the jungle past durian and jackfruit trees, stunning views of Singaraja and the occasional mini-mini mart (my name for them) selling refreshments, we finally made it down to the falls.  I always love that first moment where you round a corner and see an extraordinary sight for the first time.  The waterfalls did not disappoint as we rounded a bend and saw them in all their glory (see photo of me and Chandra above).  Some more stairs and across a stream and we were there.  We pretty much had it to ourselves with the exception of a young couple and their local guide (who asked Chandra why he was taking business away from the local community) it was just us.  The girl was climbing on this massive boulder so the guide could take the ultimate Instagram shot.  I don’t fault her, it looked pretty spectacular.  Chandra wanted me to do the same but after seeing her up there I was pretty sure I would look ridiculous preening and posing and then probably falling off. I was more interested in jumping in that water at the base of the falls….so much safer!  

So, yeah, we swam around in the slightly cold but refreshing water where you could see, hear and feel the power of the falls coming down from the mountain.  There was one point where I swam close to the falls and went to stand up and, whoops!  Nowhere to stand.  Deeper than I thought.  Times like that when you are glad there are not a lot of people watching you look silly.  We spent some time there and then hiked about fifteen minutes to Fiji Waterfalls which is three waterfalls together.  These were just as spectacular as Sekumpul for their grandeur and power.  Again we were the only people there so we took lots of photos and got very wet without actually swimming.  Thank goodness for the GoPro as the Canon and phone would have been soaked and stayed in the bag.  I even had the opportunity to go behind the middle waterfall which was amazing.  Probably not smart but amazing.  

It is important every day to step back and be in the moment so you can soak in, appreciate and forever remember the experience.  After coming out from behind the falls I had a big goofy grin on my face that I was powerless to get rid of.  I felt so blessed to have the opportunity to be there in that beautiful setting, being stupid and completely stress free.  Just lost in the moment.  Even the thought of the long, steep climb back up the stairs and path did not dampen the joy I felt at that moment.  The drive back was through the rain (another reason to go early)! We passed the time discussing Balinese language and singing to the radio.  A truly amazing day. I can’t wait to go see some more waterfalls!!