Penikit Waterfall, Belok Sidan: Morning Route to the Warm Spring Pool

Penikit Waterfall in Belok Sidan village, Petang, is a small 4-5 metre fall with warm spring spouts feeding a soaking pool, about 1.5 hours' drive from Denpasar according to detikBali (29 March 2026). On Google Maps (checked 1 November 2026) it is listed as opening at 08.00 with a 4.3 rating from 64 reviews, and several reviewers say there is no ticket booth.

Half-day route from Denpasar

• 06.30 Leave Denpasar heading north via Petang. The key landmark is the Tukad Bangkung Bridge; after it, follow the road into Banjar Penikit.
• 07.45 Stop for 10-15 minutes at Tukad Bangkung Bridge to photograph the valley while the morning mist is still thin.
• 08.15 Reach the Penikit car park. detikBali says it holds a dozen or so cars and motorbikes.
• 08.20 Walk down about 1 km on a concrete path and steps, 15-20 minutes, with railings and a rest pavilion on the way.
• 08.40-10.00 Soak in the warm spout pool and paddle in the river. Early arrivals usually have it quiet.
• 10.00 Climb back up. The return is harder, so allow 25-30 minutes and a water break.
• 10.45 Continue to Badung Agro Techno Park in the same village, or head back before the midday rain.

The downsides

• Slippery in the rain. detikBali advises against visiting in the wet season because the path gets very slippery and the valley walls are prone to small landslides. November is already wet season, so pick a dry day and come early.
• The warm water isn't always warm. A visitor quoted by detikBali found it only "slightly warm, closer to cold" after rain. Google reviews also mention the falls turning brown and murky after rain.
• Poorly maintained. The undergrowth and concrete path need clearing; one review says the place feels abandoned.
• Steep descent. Google reviews describe the road down as extreme, so some visitors park at the top and walk. Not suitable for wheelchairs, people with bad knees, or small children who can't manage the climb back.

Sources differ on access: detikBali describes a 1 km, 15-20 minute walk, while some Google reviewers rode motorbikes down. Treat walking as the safe option.

Getting there, hours and cost

• Location: Banjar Penikit, Belok Sidan village, Petang district, Badung, on the border with Kintamani. View on Google Maps
• Hours: opens at 08.00 according to Google Maps; closing time isn't listed.
• Tickets: no official fee has been published. Carry small cash for parking or a donation if asked.
• Booking: not needed, just turn up. Check recent visitor photos via Instagram search.
• Bring: hiking sandals, a change of clothes, a bag for wet things and drinking water. Balinese visitors usually bring a canang offering as a courtesy.

To reach Penikit before the midday rain soaks the path, staying a night in Ubud or Kintamani and leaving at dawn makes more sense than starting from Kuta; hotel vouchers in both areas are on AccessiaPass.

FAQ

Is Penikit Waterfall safe for swimming?

The spout pool is shallow enough for soaking. Google reviewers warn that parts of the river are fairly deep, so watch children and stay out when the water is murky.

How does it compare with Nungnung?

Penikit is smaller and quieter with the bonus of warm water; Nungnung Waterfall is much taller, has hundreds of steps and sees more tour groups.

When is the best time to go?

08.00-10.00 on a clear day in the dry season. In the wet season, check the forecast and cancel if it rained hard overnight.