Forget the crowded waterfall spots flooding your social media feed. These five trails lead to cascades that remain largely unknown to mass tourism, each requiring a rewarding trek through pristine jungle. From sacred falls used in purification rituals to multi-tiered cataracts hidden in pristine rainforest, these hikes reveal the raw beauty of Bali's water-carved landscapes.

The Seven Falls of Sambangan
Deep in northern Bali's jungle highlands lies a hidden valley harboring seven distinct waterfalls, each with its own character and spiritual significance. The full-day trail connects all seven cascades, following ancient paths used by local shamans for gathering medicinal plants and performing water rituals.
What makes this hike extraordinary is the progression through increasingly spectacular falls, culminating in the hidden 'Golden Throne' cascade that plunges into a natural infinity pool overlooking distant rice terraces. The path winds through pristine jungle harboring rare butterflies and medicinal plants still harvested by traditional healers from nearby villages.

Benang Kelambu Jungle Circuit
This hidden trail accesses a series of ethereal 'curtain waterfalls' where water cascades through hanging root systems of ancient fig trees. The path follows a forgotten colonial-era trail that has been reclaimed by the jungle, creating an otherworldly journey through multiple ecosystems.
The trek's magic lies in how the waterfalls themselves seem to defy expectations - instead of single plunges, these falls create intricate patterns as water filters through living curtains of aerial roots. The jungle surrounding the trail harbors some of Bali's last troops of rare ebony leaf monkeys, while enormous buttress-rooted trees create natural sculptures along the path.

Secret Falls of Ambengan
This remote trail in eastern Bali leads to three pristine cascades hidden within a sacred forest that has been protected by local taboos for centuries. The path begins at an ancient banyan tree and follows a stream upstream through increasingly dense jungle, revealing falls that remain completely untouched by tourism development.
What distinguishes this hike is the cultural significance of these waters - local communities still use the upper falls for rare purification ceremonies, while the lower pool harbors unique rock formations believed to contain spirits of the ancestors. The forest itself is considered a natural temple, with massive strangler figs creating cathedral-like spaces.

The Lost Valley of Beji
This challenging trek follows a hidden river valley to a series of cascades that remain unmapped on most tourist materials. The trail requires multiple river crossings and scrambling over boulders, but rewards adventurers with five distinct waterfalls, each feeding crystal-clear pools perfect for swimming.
The valley's microclimate supports rare flowering plants and butterflies found nowhere else on the island. Ancient stone carvings visible only during dry season suggest these falls once served as important ritual sites. The entire valley feels like a lost world, with massive ferns and prehistoric-looking vegetation creating a Jurassic atmosphere.

Jagasatru Sacred Cascade
This hidden gem requires a trek through traditional villages and bamboo forests to reach a 70-meter waterfall that features prominently in local mythology but remains virtually unknown to tourists. The trail follows ancient irrigation channels before ascending through clove plantations and untouched forest.
The fall itself is considered the abode of a powerful water deity, evidenced by the small shrines and offering platforms built into the cliff face. During certain moon phases, locals report seeing a natural rainbow that forms in the mist - considered highly auspicious. The massive pool beneath the falls contains unusual blue stones believed to have healing properties.
