×

Indonesia🇮🇩 | hikesRed Coral Waterfallmulti-level falls, forest pool, shaded glen | things to do and best time to go

Explore Benang StokelExplore Bukit Kursi

Backpacking in Red Coral Waterfall
👀 For curious travelershike ranked #20
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 15, 2026

Water crashes against rust-colored rocks, misting your face as you wade through the pool below. Red Coral Waterfall sits in North Sulawesi, Indonesia, a short trek from the town of Manado. The hike is brief and accessible by local transport, making it ideal for backpackers with limited time. The payoff is immediate: a dramatic cascade framed by lush jungle and vivid mineral-stained stone. It's easier to reach than many Indonesian waterfalls, though the trail can be muddy and slippery after rain. The scenery rewards the modest effort, and you can combine it with nearby volcanic hikes for a fuller experience.

Discover everything you want to know in the 📖 Indonesia Travel Guide.


example page 0 from our offline Travel Guide for Indonesia
example page 1 from our offline Travel Guide for Indonesia
example page 2 from our offline Travel Guide for Indonesia
example page 3 from our offline Travel Guide for Indonesia
example page 4 from our offline Travel Guide for Indonesia
example page 5 from our offline Travel Guide for Indonesia
example page 6 from our offline Travel Guide for Indonesia
example page 7 from our offline Travel Guide for Indonesia
Loading the map 🌍
CLICK TO FILTER
cities
towns
villages
landmarks
national parks
hikes
beaches
attractions
festivals
regions
SHOW COUNTRY’S BESTSHOW ALL

✨ Why go?
Ranked #20 hike in IndonesiaWhat makes it a must-see hike

Backpackers seek out Red Coral Waterfall for its dramatic turquoise pool and accessible jungle trek in North Sulawesi. The hike demands minimal fitness, takes 2 to 3 hours round-trip, and costs almost nothing. Public transport from Manado reaches the trailhead easily. The waterfall fits naturally into longer routes through Sulawesi's volcanic landscape, offering genuine solitude compared to crowded Bali trails. You get substantial scenery for modest effort, making it ideal for mixed-ability groups.

💡 HighlightsKey sights and experiences for travelers

  1. The Turquoise Pool: The water's color comes from mineral-rich runoff and shallow depth, creating an otherworldly blue that shifts from jade to sapphire depending on light. It's cold enough to shock but swimmable year-round.
  2. Coral-Stained Rock Face: The waterfall's namesake comes from iron oxide deposits that stain the cliff face rust-red and orange. The contrast against green jungle and blue water makes it visually distinctive among Indonesian falls.
  3. Jungle Canopy Sections: The trail passes through dense secondary forest where sunlight filters through layers of leaves. Birdcalls echo constantly, and you'll spot monitor lizards crossing the path.
  4. The Plunge Basin: Standing at the pool's edge, the waterfall's spray creates a cool microclimate. The sound is loud enough to feel immersive without
… read more 👉
  1. The Turquoise Pool: The water's color comes from mineral-rich runoff and shallow depth, creating an otherworldly blue that shifts from jade to sapphire depending on light. It's cold enough to shock but swimmable year-round.
  2. Coral-Stained Rock Face: The waterfall's namesake comes from iron oxide deposits that stain the cliff face rust-red and orange. The contrast against green jungle and blue water makes it visually distinctive among Indonesian falls.
  3. Jungle Canopy Sections: The trail passes through dense secondary forest where sunlight filters through layers of leaves. Birdcalls echo constantly, and you'll spot monitor lizards crossing the path.
  4. The Plunge Basin: Standing at the pool's edge, the waterfall's spray creates a cool microclimate. The sound is loud enough to feel immersive without being overwhelming.
  5. Riverside Boulder Field: The approach crosses a rocky streambed with natural stepping stones. It's navigable but requires balance and attention, adding a genuine sense of exploration.
I'd pick the turquoise pool first because it's the moment you realize the hike was worth the effort.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

Things to do near Red Coral Waterfall

PRIVATE Authentic Balinese Cooking Class in Ubud at Putu's Home

PRIVATE Authentic Balinese Cooking Class in Ubud at Putu's Home

5.0(706) 3h
From €68
per personViator
Ubud Highlights: Monkey Forest, Rice Terrace, Tirta Empul Temple

Ubud Highlights: Monkey Forest, Rice Terrace, Tirta Empul Temple

5.0(449)
From €64
per personViator
Ubud Adventure All Inclusive Private Day Tour

Ubud Adventure All Inclusive Private Day Tour

5.0(218) 10h
From €23
per personViator
Nusa Penida Two Dives Trip for Certified Divers

Nusa Penida Two Dives Trip for Certified Divers

5.0(205) 5h
From €120
per personViator
Bali Airport Transfer Service in Private

Bali Airport Transfer Service in Private

5.0(201)
From €21
per personViator
Best of Ubud Private Tour – All-Inclusive Experience

Best of Ubud Private Tour – All-Inclusive Experience

5.0(189)
From €82
per personViator
Balinese Life Style Tour

Balinese Life Style Tour

5.0(150) 8h
From €73
per personViator
Bali Instagram Private Tour: Best Spots (All-Inclusive)

Bali Instagram Private Tour: Best Spots (All-Inclusive)

5.0(143)
From €99
per personViator
Best of Ubud Private Day Tour with All Inclusive

Best of Ubud Private Day Tour with All Inclusive

5.0(138) 8h
From €34
per personViator
Bali ATV Quad Bike and Water Rafting in Ubud - with Transfer

Bali ATV Quad Bike and Water Rafting in Ubud - with Transfer

5.0(141) 3h 30m
From €23
per personViator

Ratings based on Tripadvisor reviews. When you book through this link, you support our work at no extra cost to you.

🌤️ When to go?Weather, crowds, and seasonal trade-offs

  • Dry Season (May to September): Best time to visit. Temperatures range from 24 to 28°C (75 to 82°F). Trails are firmer, water levels are manageable, and visibility is clearer. Fewer crowds than peak tourist season.
  • Wet Season (November to March): Heavy rainfall makes trails slippery and muddy. Temperatures stay around 25 to 28°C (77 to 82°F). Water flow is stronger, creating a more dramatic cascade, but footing becomes treacherous. Flash flooding is a real risk.
  • Shoulder Months (April, October): Transitional weather with occasional rain. Fewer tourists than dry season. Conditions are unpredictable but often manageable.
Visit during the dry season if you prioritize safety and firm footing; go in wet season only if you're comfortable with slippery terrain and want to see the waterfall at full force.

source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: fair for travelingFEBFebruary: fair for travelingMARMarch: fair for travelingAPRApril: good for travelingMAYMay: highly recommended for travelingJUNJune: highly recommended for travelingJULJuly: good for travelingAUGAugust: good for travelingSEPSeptember: highly recommended for travelingOCTOctober: good for travelingNOVNovember: fair for travelingDECDecember: fair for traveling
when-to-go

✈️ The backpacker research shortcutIndonesia Travel Guide

An offline-friendly backpacking guide with optimized travel routes, ranked highlights, transport advice, and the best areas to stay.
example page 0 from our offline Travel Guide for Indonesia
example page 1 from our offline Travel Guide for Indonesia
example page 2 from our offline Travel Guide for Indonesia
example page 3 from our offline Travel Guide for Indonesia
example page 4 from our offline Travel Guide for Indonesia
example page 5 from our offline Travel Guide for Indonesia
example page 6 from our offline Travel Guide for Indonesia
example page 7 from our offline Travel Guide for Indonesia
The digital guide (460 pages) contains:
✅ 153 highlights, ranked by travel appeal
✅ Optimized 14, 21 & 30-day travel routes
✅ Cities, national parks, landmarks, beaches
✅ How to get around
✅ Offline-friendly for travel without Wi-Fi
👉 Click to see all 30+ guide features

📅 Plan smarter in minutes, not weeks
✅ Month by month travel advice
✅ Festivals & national holidays
✅ Budget expectations

🗺️ Go to the right places, skip the overrated ones
✅ Honest pros & cons of destinations
✅ Top hikes, parks & viewpoints
✅ Lesser-known places most travelers miss
✅ Clear “worth it vs skip it” guidance

🛏️ Travel smoothly without rookie mistakes
✅ Best areas to stay
✅ Transport systems explained simply
✅ Common scams & safety advice
✅ SIM cards, money & practical tips

🌍 Understand the country, not just visit it
✅ Culture & traditions
✅ 52 Essential phrases & customs
✅ Festivals worth planning around
✅ Traveler-friendly historical context
✅ Insights that make places more meaningful

📱 Built for real travel conditions
✅ Fully downloadable PDF
✅ Works completely offline
✅ Optimized for phone use
✅ Useful in remote areas & buses
✅ Everything in one place
Stop searching, start planning
Get instant access to your full guide. 30‑day money-back guarantee.
+ Add another guide for just

By proceeding you agree to our terms.
Sent to your inbox immediately after payment • 100% Secure Checkout
Best Backpacking Travel Advisor 2025 tourism awardBest Backpacking
Travel Advisor
2025
What others say about Take Your Backpack Guides:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fantastic, amazing amount of information!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My goodness this is amazing, it's what I've been looking for hats off too you!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I think this is absolutely BRILLIANT
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Very complete and informative. It's still missing places, but I gotta to commend you
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is truly amazing, thank you, can't wait to explore it with my kids!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Awesome resource, thank you!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is amazing! Can't wait to explore the ones I haven't seen
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I love this! Well done, great idea.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thanks for taking the time to make this gem!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This might be the best website I've ever seen.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Congratulations, and thank you so much for your work; it's incredibly valuable.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
In all seriousness I think you did a great job pointing out the important spots
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
10/10 very good
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
As someone who's only just starting to visit regularly this is awesome, thank you.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you very much! I'm going to visit my dad, it's going to be very useful!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is really cool! We'll be travelling for the first time and this definitely come in handy.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
You are now our minister of culture, congratulations 👨‍💼
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Just wanted to tell you that this is a pearl! Going to follow your recommendations.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is so cool. I'll definitely be using the resource for my travels soon.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is very impressive! Good work.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is an amazing and informative site. Very well done!

🛏️ Where to stay?How to pick the right area

If you enjoy meeting fellow travelers, consider choosing hostels with high ratings for atmosphere. On the other hand, if you prefer having your own space, a hotel might be a better option.

Best hostels in Indonesia


Best quality hotels in Indonesia

🥾 Hike detailsRoute, distance, and difficulty explained

Total Distance: Approximately 3 to 4 kilometers round trip, depending on the exact starting point and whether you explore side trails to the hot springs.
Estimated Duration: 2 to 3 hours round trip, including time to swim and rest at the pool.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate. The trail is short and mostly flat, but sections are muddy, slippery, and require careful footing, especially after rain.
Starting Point: The trailhead is accessible from Manado by local minibus (angkot) or taxi, roughly 20 to 30 minutes from the city center. Ask locals for directions to the waterfall entrance; signage is minimal.
… read more 👉
Total Distance: Approximately 3 to 4 kilometers round trip, depending on the exact starting point and whether you explore side trails to the hot springs.
Estimated Duration: 2 to 3 hours round trip, including time to swim and rest at the pool.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate. The trail is short and mostly flat, but sections are muddy, slippery, and require careful footing, especially after rain.
Starting Point: The trailhead is accessible from Manado by local minibus (angkot) or taxi, roughly 20 to 30 minutes from the city center. Ask locals for directions to the waterfall entrance; signage is minimal.
Major Landmarks:
  • The Waterfall Pool: The main destination and turnaround point.
  • Hot Springs: Located a short walk beyond the waterfall, offering a secondary attraction.
Terrain and Scenery: The trail winds through dense tropical jungle with a mix of packed earth, roots, and rocky sections. The canopy is thick, providing shade throughout. The waterfall itself is framed by steep rock walls and lush vegetation.
Vegetation: Tropical rainforest with tall trees, ferns, and dense understory. Moss and algae coat rocks near the water, adding to the slippery conditions.
Wildlife: Birds are common; you may hear hornbills and other species. Insects are abundant, particularly near the water. Larger animals are rarely encountered on this well-trodden trail.
⚠️ Hiking info can sometimes be outdated or inaccurate. Before you hit the trail, check the latest conditions with locals. If you do spot anything that's off, I'd love to hear from you, so I can update it for fellow travelers.

🛡️ SafetyStaying Safe: What Travelers Should Know

The main hazard is slippery footing. Rocks around the waterfall and pool are coated with algae and moss, especially after rain, making them treacherous. Wear shoes with good grip and move slowly. The trail itself is straightforward and well-used, so navigation is not an issue. Flash flooding can occur during heavy rain, so avoid the hike during or immediately after storms. The water is cool but not dangerously cold. No dangerous wildlife poses a threat to hikers. Start early to avoid hiking in fading light, and bring a headlamp if you're uncertain about timing. The biggest mistake is underestimating how slippery wet rocks are.
Check Country Safety

FAQTraveler FAQ

The hike takes 2 to 3 hours round trip, including time to swim at the pool below the waterfall. The trail itself is only 3 to 4 kilometers, so most of the time is spent at the waterfall and in the water rather than walking.
Red Coral Waterfall is easy to moderate in difficulty. The distance is short and the elevation gain is minimal, but the trail is muddy and slippery, especially after rain, which requires careful footing and slows your pace.
No permit or guide is required. The trail is well-used and straightforward to navigate on your own. You can reach the trailhead by local minibus (angkot) from Manado in 20 to 30 minutes, making it accessible for independent backpackers.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Indonesian hikes near Red Coral Waterfall

Explore more nearby:

  • Gunung Agung—Bali's highest peak, sacred volcano, night ascent, Besakih route| 49 km away
  • Alas Purwo—Coastal jungle, banteng herds, Sadengan savanna, turtle beaches| 83 km away
  • Ijen Crater—Blue fire, turquoise acid lake, sulfur miners, 1 a.m. start| 94 km away

💡 Not sure where to go next?
Create a personalized itinerary for Indonesia including Red Coral Waterfall and the places that fit your trip.

Generate my itinerary

👉 Discover all hikes

Or checkout all Indonesia has to offer (think cities, towns, villages, national parks, hikes, beaches, festivals)
Explore Indonesia
Country photo of Indonesia
© Google Images

We 💚 feedbackSumming up the experience

The turquoise pool and coral-stained cliffs deliver genuine visual payoff for minimal exertion. The catch is that heavy rain makes the trail slippery and the pool murky, so timing matters more than most hikers expect.

✈️ When did I visit Indonesia?
As part of my 1.5 year travel around the world trip, I visited Indonesia twice (and it was worth it): first in September 2015 and a bit later again in January and February 2016.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in Indonesia, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.



🙋‍♂️ Give feedback

👋 Meet the founderWho’s Behind Take Your Backpack?

Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

This site is built on a combination of firsthand travel experience and carefully curated insights from other backpackers. Many guides are based on places I’ve personally visited, while others bring together tips, observations, and practical advice shared by trusted travelers I’ve met along the way.

The goal is to provide realistic, experience-driven guidance — not generic itineraries — so you can explore destinations with better context, clearer expectations, and more confidence.

Read the full story