Bali’s waterfalls are iconic, and for good reason. Spots like Tegenungan, Sekumpul, and Banyumala Twin Falls are known for their lush surroundings and dramatic drops. But they’re also known for long lines, busy paths, and crowds gathered around curated photo moments. Many visitors describe them as beautiful, yet difficult to fully enjoy.
Just a short flight away, Sumba offers a rarer experience. Here, waterfalls remain hidden deep in the jungle, sacred to local communities and free from mass tourism. There are no lines, no noise, no fixed schedules — only wild cascades, pristine pools, and the quiet luxury of having it all to yourself.
If you’re drawn to the beauty of Bali’s waterfalls but crave something more private and unspoiled, Sumba is your perfect escape.
These cascades aren’t staged for spectacle. They move through sacred landscapes shaped by centuries of tradition, flowing into clear pools and forested ravines. Everything feels timeless and deeply connected to nature.
Sumba’s waterfalls offer more than just beautiful scenery. They invite you into a slower pace that nourishes the senses and restores the spirit.
Some of Sumba’s waterfalls hide deep within the jungle, requiring some trekking to reach the water while others are accessed by short hikes and through bamboo bridges, while others are located in the middle of the rice fields. Each one of them extends an invitation to slow down, to listen, and to engage with the land in a way that is both grounding and deeply transformative.
Matayangu Waterfall looks unique because it has two waterfalls with the color of the water appearing blue.
Matayangu Waterfall is located in the National Park Manupeu and after the advance level trek through the lush jungle, you will hear the roar of the water emerging from the canopy to see the powerful torrent of the blue waterfall that empties into a large teal pool.
How to Get There and Hiking Difficulty
The waterfall is approximately a 50-minute drive from NIHI, followed by a moderate 90-minute hike through lush, undeveloped trails. A local guide will accompany you to help navigate the terrain and ensure a safe, immersive experience.
Family-Friendly?
Ideal for families with older children who are comfortable with uneven ground and navigating uneven terrain.
Best Time to Visit
Waterfalls in Sumba can be visited year-round, each season offering its own beauty. For the most comfortable conditions, we recommend the dry season from May to October, when river crossings are gentler and trails are easier to navigate, depending on how heavy the rainy season was. Our Experience Team will advise based on recent weather conditions and tailor the timing for you.
Lapopu waterfall is a multilevel waterfall (with steps) that falls from a cliff with a height of about 90 meters into a bluish green water pool. Visitors can also feel the fresh flow of the waterfall by swimming in the natural pool under the waterfall.
How to Get There and Hiking Difficulty
To get to the waterfall, visitors have to walk about 10 minutes along the banks of the Lapopu River, with a rocky terrain path that tends to decline. In the middle of the trekking trip, visitors will also pass a simple bamboo bridge.
Family-Friendly?
Its gentle path and shaded resting spots make it suitable for all ages.
Best Time to Visit
During the dry season, typically, April–November, when access is safest and the pools are clearest.
A waterfall hike at NIHI is not just something you do, it’s something you feel.
These are not manicured trails. They are ancient paths known by our local guides, winding through forest and stream. Each turn brings the sense that you are somewhere very few have been. Waterfalls here are sacred. We approach them not just with awe, but with respect. NIHI guests are welcomed as stewards, not spectators.
Want to pause mid-trail for breathwork or a barefoot moment in the stream? Or arrive at the falls for a picnic breakfast set just for two? We’re designed for that, and you can do your waterfall hike at your own pace.
Families Welcome. We’ll adjust routes for younger explorers, build in storytelling pauses, or pair your hike with spa time for the adults while little ones rest or play back at the resort.
Every detail, deeply considered. From the timing of your hike to the temperature of your post-hike towel, every element is curated by our NIHI Experience Team so you can have an amazing time.
Email us today at [email protected] to get started planning your visit.
Feel free to contact us if you need any further information
