Lembah Arca, Karangasem: Entry Fee, Opening Hours and Bathing Rules

Entry to Lembah Arca costs Rp10,000 per person and the pools are open 7:30 am to 6 pm, according to the head of the management team speaking to detikBali (December 2025 report). Public broadcaster RRI listed the same fee in August 2026.

Where is Lembah Arca?

In the customary village of Tegenan, administrative village of Menanga, Rendang district, Karangasem. It is about 90 minutes by scooter from Denpasar. Bukit Jambul, also in Rendang district, fits into the same trip.

Is it a natural pool?

Partly. The pools are part of the Arca weir irrigation channel on the Unda River, with a natural rock bottom that makes the water look clear green. The village opened it to visitors in September 2023 after coordinating with the Bali-Penida river basin authority. The name comes from statues (arca) once found nearby.

Is it crowded?

Management says about 1,500 visitors a week, almost all Indonesian, with fewer in the rainy season. For more space in the water, go on a weekday.

Is it safe for children?

There is a shallow pool that visitors say suits children. The water is cold but not shivering cold. The rocks at the edge are slippery, so keep an eye on kids.

Can I use soap or shampoo?

No. Shampoo and soap sachets left behind were the original problem that pushed the village to step in, and upstream of the pools there is a sacred site where water is collected for ceremonies at Pura Besakih.

What are the downsides?

There are still few bathrooms and changing cubicles; a visitor interviewed by detikBali asked for more. The path from the car park has been paved with concrete by the Ministry of Public Works, but the pool area stays wet.

Hours, prices and location

• Location: Tegenan, Rendang, Karangasem. View on Google Maps
• Entry Rp10,000 per person; scooter parking and toilet Rp2,000 each; boiled noodles with egg at the warung Rp10,000 (December 2025 prices).
• Open 7:30 am-6 pm, no booking, pay cash at the ticket booth.
• Instagram: @lembah_arca

Bring a towel and non-slip rubber sandals. If there is daylight left after your swim, Pura Besakih is further north on the same road.