I love waterfalls. There. I said it.
You probably love waterfalls too.
But, did you ever stop to wonder WHY you love waterfalls so much? Why ANYONE loves waterfalls so much?
When I decide to go hiking, immediately I look for a great waterfall I can hike to. If I can’t find a good hike to a waterfall, then I will hike somewhere else, then stop at a waterfall on the way home. For me, there is a real attraction to waterfalls, and after seeing over 60 waterfalls in Bali alone, I still can’t get enough.
So lately I have stopped and taken time out to think about why I love waterfalls so much, and, indeed, why anyone loves waterfalls so much.
Here is what I found.
Science says we should love waterfalls
It actually does!
There is actually a legitimate scientific reason that we should love waterfalls!
A waterfall releases negative ions, and when we are near them we soak those ions up as positive energy. Once they enter our blood stream, our production of serotonin is increased, therefore making us naturally happier.
So, basically, we are happier around waterfalls. So why WOULDN’T we love waterfalls?
Waterfalls stimulate the senses
Waterfalls actually stimulate three senses at the same time, and that cannot be said about too many things.
Firstly, sight. There is nothing quite like a waterfall, and I know that I could sit and watch a waterfall for hours, if I was able to. The way the water falls, so free and easy and inevitable. There is no pattern, and even though our eyes constantly search for patterns in everything, we will never really find one in a waterfall. So, our sense of sight is stimulated.
Plus, they are simply beautiful to behold, and if that is not stimulating on the eyes, nothing is.
Second, hearing. A waterfall can roar like a jet engine, or it can tinkle like the bells on a Christmas Tree. Either way, you hear a waterfall as much as you see it, and more often than not you hear it long before you actually see it. It is the sense of hearing that gets you excited and has your blood pumping, longing for that moment when you first SEE it.
Third, smell. This is not one that is often thought of, but it is true. The smell of a waterfall is so fresh and alluring. The water is clean, and the way it falls through the air is akin to fresh rainfall, and we all love the smell of rain. This sense is most likely tingled by the most basic of human instincts that has us constantly seeking fresh water. After all, it is the elixir of life, and we rely on it to live.
The alluring mix of power and beauty
We all love a beautiful waterfall. I also know that I love waterfalls that have raw power.
The thing is, they always have one or the other, and sometimes they have both. In Bali alone I have been to the most alluring and beautiful waterfalls. Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfall looks like it walked right out of a fantasy novel. Wanagiri Pucak Manik Waterfall had me staring at it in wonder for so long, I almost forgot to leave. Waterfalls can be the most beautiful natural wonders on Earth, and they can be found all over the world.
Then, we have the raw power of a waterfall. Once again in Bali we have waterfalls that have so much raw power that they are actually closed to the public during wet season. Tegenungan and Nung Nung waterfalls are two such places. The power of the water that is discharged from high above is without measure, and simply dangerous to any who ventures too close. And who doesn’t like a bit of danger?
Then we have the waterfalls that possess both. Power and beauty. I love waterfalls such as this, and falls such as Munduk Waterfall and Sumampan Waterfall come to mind. Both of these falls plummet down cliffs as if they have been shot from a cannon. The water is clean, and surrounded by a lush canopies of trees and dark green foliage framing the cliffs on either side. Beautiful, AND powerful.
Waterfalls are never the same
Have you ever seen two waterfalls that are exactly alike? No? Neither have I.
And not just that, I don’t think I have seen two that even have that much in common. They are unique, and sure one might remind you of another one, but in nearly every single way, each waterfall has it’s own signature.
One of the hardest questions anyone could possibly ask me, when it comes to waterfalls, is “which one was your favorite?”
I can hardly ever answer that question. Simply because every waterfall I have visited has meant something so totally different to me than the one before.
Next question please!
We love waterfalls because they are water
This may sound obvious, but it is true. I touched on it earlier, but it is worth having it’s own heading.
We are human, and we are living beings. That means we need water to live. It’s as simple as that.
For millions of years humans have been hunting water sources, seeking out rivers, natural springs and, yes, waterfalls.
To stand in front of a waterfall is to be in front of the true elixir of life. It is water, clean and pure, and it is what our bodies crave. We have searched for it since time began, and that will never, ever change.
So there we have it, the reasons we love waterfalls. There may be others, but those are the main reason that are common to us all. Personally, I love nothing better than to find a waterfall that I can step right underneath and shower under. It has nothing to do with the actual shower, rather than feeling the rush of the water over the top of me, and knowing that I am as up close and personal with this natural wonder than I could ever be.
There’s nothing better, in my opinion.
Do you know any other reason we love waterfalls? Let us know in the comments below!
Are you Interested in Waterfalls?
Then check out some of the following articles about the BEST waterfalls in Indonesia!
7 Bali Waterfalls you didn’t know existed!
8 Ubud Waterfalls you can’t afford to miss!
Munduk Waterfalls and views for days
Sekumpul Waterfall – A waterfall lover’s dream
Leke Leke Waterfall – Your Complete Guide
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