Date: 9/3/16
Location: Google Maps
We decided to go for this seemingly short hike when we saw a sign for it on the road, as it was on our long list of interesting places to check out on the island. However, we definitely weren't prepared for HOW MANY stairs were actually involved. The staircase is essentially bolted into the side of this ocean cliff all the way down to the sea floor. It is extremely steep, strenuous, and definitely not for the acrophobes.
About halfway down, we realized what we had gotten ourselves into, as we had a lot of stairs to climb back up. Since we were so close to the ocean already, we continued down the steps on our burning quads. We also passed a group of locals on their way up, and they seemed to have been doing some sort of maintenance, as they were carrying their gear and equipment all the way back up the cliffs! If they can do it while lugging their gear, we can certainly drag ourselves back up the steps too!
Once we got to the bottom, we did find the pool that we had seen pictures of people bathing in, but it was small and close to the temple, so we didn't get in.
After resting up, we headed up the steps back up the cliff, needing to take several breaks along the way. Although we didn't get to see the waterfall we were expecting, it was still fascinating to see how the Balinese will make the journey just to visit this sacred temple. If you don't want to make the very taxing journey or are scared of heights, you could just hike part of it and still see some magnificent views of the cliffs and ocean.
Favorite gear for this trip
More Bali posts:
Two Days on Nusa Penida Island
Broken Beach & Angels' Billabong