Jembong Waterfall, Ambengan

Description

Jembong Waterfall in Ambengan, Sukasada, Buleleng Regency, is one of those places in Bali that manages to feel both well-kept and pleasantly raw at the same time. The waterfall itself isn’t the tallest or the loudest in Bali, but that’s actually what makes it so appealing. Its stream spreads across wide rock faces rather than plunging down in a single drop, which gives it this calm, curtain-like appearance. And when you stand close, you can feel the fine spray cooling your skin without the overwhelming roar that you get at bigger waterfalls like Sekumpul.

What makes Jembong stand out is not just the water but the whole setup around it. Local villagers have put effort into shaping the area into somewhere inviting—manmade pools built below the fall, including one in the form of a heart, add a quirky, personal touch you don’t often see. Families come here, kids splash about safely, and even if you’re not in the mood to swim, the tropical greenery, the rows of cacao plants and rice paddies nearby, keep the spot grounded in its agricultural roots. A lot of Bali’s waterfalls can feel overrun with tourist infrastructure, but here that balance between nature and gentle human care feels just right.

Of course, it isn’t a perfect picture. Some people find the facilities very basic—a small restroom, the absence of accessibility features for wheelchairs, and a few uneven stairs down to the pools. During peak times it can feel busy with both tourists and locals out for a dip. But where some might see it as less polished, others see it as more authentic. The majority of visitors tend to leave feeling warmed not just by the scenic beauty, but by how welcoming and tranquil the area feels.