Lubuak Hitam Waterfall is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Kota Padang, with three tiers of water cascading down rocky walls.

Also known as the Three-Tier Waterfall, it is a great choice for an adventure in Bungus.

In this article, you will find a complete guide on how to access this hidden natural gem.

It is located about 25 kilometers south of Padang City, in the village of Teluk Kabung Utara.

How to Get There

I started my journey from my hotel in Kota Padang by car. I rented a car with a driver for the day, and it cost IDR 500,000.

The car ride took approximately one hour along Jalan Raya Padang–Painan.

We drove past Teluk Bayur Harbour, the main port of West Sumatra.

The road is small, with holes in some areas and two-way traffic, but it is very scenic, running along the coast with stunning ocean views.

If you want a bit of adventure, you can get there using public transport.

Take a Trans Padang bus from Padang, located at Taman Imam Bonjol, to Bungus (IDR 5,000).

Then hire a local motorcycle taxi (ojek) to the entrance (approximately IDR 15,000–30,000). Look for signs for “Wisata Air Terjun Lubuk Hitam Lestari” on your right.

Essential Visitor Information

• Entrance Fee: Very affordable; we paid IDR 8,000 per person.
• Operating Hours: Open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. On Fridays, it usually opens later, around 1:30 PM.
• Trek Duration: The hike from the parking area to the waterfalls takes approximately 40 minutes.
• Difficulty: Extreme. The path can be steep and slippery, especially when heading to the second and third tiers. Even for a fit person like me, I struggled to reach the top.

When we arrived around 10 AM, we parked the car in front of a small mosque (musholla). There were three houses on the right side.

We parked the car and made our way to the entrance. A clear river with big rocks flowed on the left side, looking peaceful and beautiful.

Before we reached the entrance gate, we were stopped by a middle-aged man washing his clothes in the river.

He told us the waterfall was closed to the public because it was the last day of Ramadan.

We begged him to let us in, but he said there was no guide available. After a bit of persuasive talk, we convinced him to let us in and asked him to be our guide.

Note: Visitors cannot go alone to the waterfall. You must go up with a local guide, which is fair because you could get lost in the jungle.

They also record the number of people going in and make sure everyone leaves safely before 6 PM.

He stopped washing, packed his clothes, and stored them in a hut next to the entrance. Then he started guiding us to the top.

At this stage, he did not inform us of the entrance cost or his fee as a guide.

The Hike

The hike started easy and gradually became more intense. I could see the route ahead — it was quite steep.

We climbed up through hills covered in durian trees owned by locals, and I saw a farmer’s hut on the way up.

We stopped at the first hut, belonging to a durian farmer who sold bottled water.

It wasn’t cold, but I appreciated it so much because of the thirst I was feeling.

It cost IDR 6,000 per bottle, double the price in local shops in the city, but that made sense because of demand and supply.

There is a basic toilet past the first stop with a donation box hanging on the wall. There was no guard, but donations are appreciated.

The route consists of natural steps with minimal protection meant to stop us from falling into the valley below.

While the lower sections are manageable, reaching the third tier requires navigating steep inclines (up to 45 degrees) and potentially slippery, moss-covered rocks.

Also Read Discover 5 Hidden Waterfalls of Mentawai Island

The area is rich in local flora and fauna; you may hear various birdsong.

I was sweating as if I were running a marathon, with a heartbeat of 168 beats per minute. The humidity made it worse.

Just before we arrived, you have to climb down makeshift wooden stairs made of tree branches to reach the waterfall.

I carefully descended, and when I saw the waterfall, I forgot the struggle we had.

We were the only group at the waterfall. I believe it was because it was Ramadan and still early in the morning, when not many visitors come.

Aesthetic and Natural Features

Three Unique Tiers:

• Level 1: Features a modest waterfall falling into a small, calm pond.
• Level 2: Offers a more fascinating and larger cascade compared to the first.
• Level 3: The most spectacular tier, with water plunging from a height of approximately 10 to 20 meters.

The “Lubuk or Lubuak” (Deep Pool): The name “Lubuk” refers to the natural deep and refreshing pools at the base of the falls, which are perfect for swimming after a humid trek.

Panoramic Ocean Views: A rare feature for a forest waterfall, the higher tiers offer breathtaking views of the blue Bungus Bay and the open sea to the west.

Journey Back

After spending a couple of hours at the waterfall, we felt hungry and decided to go back down with our guide.

We didn’t bring food or snacks, only a bottle of champagne and a bottle of water, since we had a buffet breakfast at the hotel before leaving.

The journey back presented a different challenge. The steps down were quite deep and wide, putting extra strain on my knees.

I had to be careful not to injure myself, and I managed to make it down safely.

On the way down, our guide stopped a group of people and told them they were not allowed to go up without a guide.

He asked them to wait for him at the entrance and explained that the entrance fee was IDR 8,000 and the guide fee was up to their discretion.

We tipped our guide IDR 150,000 for his service, parted ways, and he continued back to the top with the new group.

When we got to the car, nobody was in the parking area. As we pulled out, a local man stopped us and asked for a parking fee.

We paid IDR 10,000 — normally only IDR 5,000 — but we didn’t have small change, and neither did he.

We made our way back to Padang City and stopped at a Padang restaurant by the ocean.

It was open, which was rare because most restaurants during Ramadan only open in the evening. We had the best Padang food ever, maybe because we were starving.

Tips for Your Trip

• Footwear: Wear sturdy hiking shoes or comfortable trainers with good grip, as the rocks are slippery.
• Preparation: Bring your own water and snacks, as amenities at the site are basic.
• Best Time to Visit: Aim for weekday mornings to avoid local crowds and enjoy a more serene atmosphere.
• Facilities: Basic restrooms are available, and the site is cash-only.

Final Thoughts

Lubuak Hitam Waterfall offers a mix of physical challenge, natural beauty, and cultural connection.

With its pristine pools, tropical views, and rewarding hike, this hidden treasure should be on every traveler’s list when exploring Padang.

If you would like to enjoy this exclusive experience, contact us to arrange a private tour.