Peguyangan Waterfall Nusa Penida: Is It Dangerous?
The descent to Peguyangan Waterfall in Nusa Penida is one of the most beautiful on the island — but be careful, the path to the waterfall is difficult and only suitable for the brave. Wooden stairs over the ocean, a mandatory sarong, a sacred temple and a natural pool await you at the bottom.
Introduction ⭐
Peguyangan Waterfall is one of the most unique places in Nusa Penida: a sacred spring that leads to a Hindu temple at the base of the cliff, and a natural pool with direct views of the ocean.
But the real question everyone asks before going is:
Is it dangerous to hike down to Peguyangan Waterfall?
Important warning ⚠️
Peguyangan Waterfall is beautiful, but it is not an easy activity and not suitable for everyone.
Between the height, the slippery wooden steps (they look like they could break at any moment) and the lack of people around, this is a place you must take very seriously.
Not recommended if:
- You have vertigo
- You’re traveling alone
- You don’t want intense physical effort
- It has rained or the ground is humid
The descent: where does the danger start? 🧗♂️
1. The first steps: the stone section
The descent starts with wide stone steps, stable but already quite steep.
The view begins to open, the sound of the ocean grows louder, and you immediately understand that this is not just a simple walk.
2. The wooden stairs: the real challenge
Halfway down, the steps change:
You reach very narrow wooden stairs, completely suspended over the void.
- The wood can be slippery
- The steps are uneven
- The drop is right beside you
- The wind can be strong
- The ocean is about 30 meters below
👉 Always hold on to the handrail.
This is where many travelers turn back.
If you don’t feel safe, it’s better not to continue.
3. Few visitors: a real risk
Peguyangan Waterfall receives far fewer visitors than Kelingking or Diamond Beach.
This means that if you fall, slip, or don’t feel well… there may be no one to help you.
For example, when I went during high season, I only crossed two people on the way back… and they didn’t even want to keep descending.
That’s why you should never go alone.
The reward: sacred temple + natural pool 🌊
After around 700 steps, you finally arrive:
The Hindu sacred temple
Small, authentic and still used by Balinese people for rituals.
You will be asked to wear a mandatory sarong (you can rent one there, but it’s better to bring your own).
The natural pool
Just below the temple, there is a small natural pool filled with fresh spring water.
Direct view of the ocean. Waves crashing against the cliff create an incredible atmosphere.
👉 Bring a swimsuit if you want to enjoy the spot.
It’s one of the most beautiful and hidden places in Nusa Penida.
What you must know before going 🎒
For a safe experience:
- Do not go alone
- Wear closed shoes (no flip-flops)
- Avoid rainy days at all costs
- Mandatory sarong for the temple (sometimes they don’t even let you access the top area without one)
- Bring a swimsuit
- Go in the morning to avoid heat
- Bring water
- Descend slowly on the wooden stairs
- Always hold the handrail
Duration and difficulty ⏱️
- Total duration: 1h30 to 2h
- Difficulty: hard
- Number of steps: around 700
- Crowds: very few people
- Vertigo: very likely
Conclusion: dangerous, but unforgettable 🧭
So, is it dangerous to hike down to Peguyangan Waterfall?
👉 Yes. It’s steep, physically demanding, and sometimes slippery.
It’s not a suitable place for every traveler.
But if you are fit, accompanied, well-prepared and ready for adventure, Peguyangan offers one of the most intense and authentic experiences in Nusa Penida:
a sacred temple, a natural pool and one of the most spectacular cliff views in Bali.
You’ll come out trembling… but amazed.
FAQs
Is Peguyangan Waterfall dangerous?
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Yes. The descent is considered dangerous due to the wooden stairs suspended over the cliff and the steps that can become extremely slippery, especially in humid conditions.
Can I go alone?
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It is not recommended. There are very few visitors in the area, and in case of an emergency, it would be difficult to get help quickly.
Do I need a sarong?
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Yes. A sarong is mandatory to enter the sacred temple located at the bottom of the descent.
Can you swim there?
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Yes. You can swim in the small natural pool located at the end of the temple area, a perfect place to cool off.
Is it suitable for children?
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No. The path is too dangerous and not suitable for children due to the height and narrow stairs.
How long does the descent take?
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The descent takes approximately 45 minutes and the climb back up another 45 minutes, depending on your pace.
What is the best time to visit?
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The best time to visit is in the morning, when it is less hot, less humid, and the stairs are less slippery.
