Angel Valley (Lembah Bidadari): Ubud’s Hidden Forest Pool

 

Sometimes you don’t need to plan far, or even ride far, to feel like you’ve stepped into another world. That’s what happened the day I decided to visit Lembah Bidadari, also known as Angel Valley, a tucked-away natural spring pool not far from Ubud.

I wasn’t chasing a big adventure. I just wanted something close, something light. From Ubud Palace, it’s only about a 25-minute scooter ride to reach Taro Village, Tegallalang, where this valley waits quietly. There’s no grand entrance, no “tourist attraction” vibe. Just a small space to park, a forested path ahead, and the hum of nature pulling you in.

The Descent Into the Valley

It was summer when I went, which turned out to be the best decision. The trek was dry and manageable, though I could see how treacherous it might become in the rainy season. The path is tight, with wild plants brushing against you from both sides. Some areas are so narrow you instinctively reach for anything sturdy to steady yourself. I didn’t bring a stick, and instantly regretted it. If you plan to go, trust me, bring one.

Halfway down, I spotted a small gate. Nothing flashy, but it immediately struck me as sacred, the kind of place where Balinese leave offerings to honor the unseen. Out of respect, I didn’t touch it. Angel Valley may be wild and rustic, but it is still tied to the spiritual fabric of Bali.

First Impressions

Before you actually reach the spring, you pass by a muddy river. At first glance, it’s easy to think: is this it? The water looked murky, and for a second, I felt a pang of disappointment. But patience pays off. Keep walking, and soon the valley opens into its treasure: a clear pool fed by natural springs, with icy water pouring down from the valley walls.

The contrast was striking: a muddy river upstream, and a crystalline pool tucked inside the valley. The cold water hit me like a reset button. Even though it was summer, the shock of plunging in made my whole body tighten, and then relax. It’s not just swimming; it feels like the valley is cleansing you, stripping away the weight you carried in.

The Valley Atmosphere

What makes Angel Valley stand out isn’t just the pool. It’s the feeling of being surrounded. Dense forest leans in close, frangipani trees scatter blossoms across the trail, and massive roots twist around shrines and moss-covered stones. There are even showers embedded in the rock walls where water trickles down naturally.

Unlike places that have been “developed” for tourism, this valley is still raw. No lockers, no changing rooms, no food stalls. You bring yourself, your respect, and maybe a towel. That’s it. When I went, there wasn’t a single other person around. No ticket booth, no entrance fee, not even a staff member on site. Just me, the sound of running water, and the forest buzzing with life.

Climbing Back Up

The trek out was more challenging than the way in. Going uphill, every step demanded attention. Big bugs darted across the path, reminders that this isn’t a manicured park but a real piece of wilderness. If you’re uneasy with insects, be prepared.

Still, the climb had its own rhythm. The forest felt different on the way back, brighter somehow after the dip in the spring. My steps were slower, not just from effort, but because I wanted to take in the quiet one more time.

Practical Notes & Travel Tips

If you’re curious to try Angel Valley for yourself, here are the essentials:

• Location: Taro village, Tegallalang, Gianyar Regency, Bali.

• Travel time: ~25 minutes by scooter from Ubud Palace.

• What It Is: A natural spring pool in a valley, surrounded by dense forest and plantations. The pool water is clear and cold, with natural showers from the valley walls.

• Development Level: Rustic, almost untouched. You’ll park outside, then walk down a narrow forest path. No facilities, no food stalls.

• Best Time to Visit: Morning, especially during the summer/dry season when the trek is safer and less slippery.

Things to Keep in Mind

• The Trek: Narrow and overgrown. Bring a walking stick or use a sturdy branch to help balance.

• Sacred Spots: Small gates and shrines appear along the path—don’t touch or disturb them.

• Water: Expect a muddy river before the valley, but the actual spring pool is clean and cold.

• Wildlife: Bugs are part of the experience. Be mindful on your way back up.

• Entrance: No fee when I visited, but that might change in the future as the spot becomes more well-known.

Why Angel Valley Stays With Me

Angel Valley isn’t polished. It doesn’t come with the comfort of paved walkways or curated “Instagram spots.” And that’s exactly why it lingers in my memory. The cold bite of the spring, the overgrown trek, the shrines tucked into roots, everything about it reminded me that Bali’s heart isn’t only in temples or beaches. It’s also in these hidden places where the sacred and the wild coexist quietly.

I left with wet hair, tired legs, and the sense that I’d touched something real, something the island doesn’t always show at first glance.