Bassin Malheur - Image 1
1 / 3

Bassin Malheur

4.4
·28 reviews·Saint-Paul, Réunion

A breathtaking natural pool on Reunion Island, known for its turquoise waters and adventurous cliff jumping, but often closed due to safety risks.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Dry season mornings

Calmer waters, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Bassin Malheur - Image 1

Bassin Malheur

Best Time

Dry season mornings

Calmer waters, fewer crowds

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A breathtaking natural pool on Reunion Island, known for its turquoise waters and adventurous cliff jumping, but often closed due to safety risks.

4.4
(28 reviews)

"A beautiful, yet dangerous, natural pool that many still visit despite frequent closures and warnings."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear

The path is steep and can be slippery. Sneakers are a must for safe navigation.

⚠️ Heed Safety Warnings

Bassin Malheur is often closed due to danger. Respect signs and avoid if not maintained.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.4 · 28 reviews

Type

Natural Feature

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Bassin Malheur's Turquoise Waters

Bassin Malheur's Turquoise Waters

Saint-Gilles-les-Bains

A stunning natural pool with clear, turquoise water, surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. A true oasis of freshness.

Cliff Jumping Opportunities

Cliff Jumping Opportunities

Bassin Malheur

For the adventurous, Bassin Malheur offers spots for cliff jumping, with jumps ranging from 2 to 15 meters.

The '3 Bassins' Experience

The '3 Bassins' Experience

Saint-Gilles-les-Bains

Bassin Malheur is one of three natural pools, alongside Bassin des Aigrettes and Bassin Cormoran, offering a refreshing escape.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Access & Safety

Bassin Malheur is part of the '3 Bassins' but is the most upstream and often closed due to safety concerns. Access can be difficult and the path is not maintained, making it unsuitable for those with limited mobility or young children. Be aware of potential dangers and heed any closures.

Navigating the Trails

The path to Bassin Malheur can be steep and narrow, sometimes requiring you to walk through streams. While some enjoy cliff jumping, others note the risks. Consider wearing sturdy sneakers for better grip on the terrain.

Best Times

When
Dry season mornings
Why
Calmer waters, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Sunlight enhances water color
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

📍𝗕𝗔𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗡 𝗗𝗘𝗦 𝗔𝗜𝗚𝗥𝗘𝗧𝗧𝗘𝗦 Le bassin des Aigrettes fait partie de ce qu’on appelle les 3 bassins, composé de : bassin des aigrettes, bassin malheur et bassin cormoran 🍃 Ce bassin est un lieu naturel unique et préservé situé sur l’île de La Réunion 🇷🇪 C’est un endroit pittoresque où les aigrettes, des oiseaux, sont souvent observées, d’où son nom. Pour accéder au bassin des Aigrettes, vous devez suiv...
lau_ltn
105 likes • 1.9K views

👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear

The path is steep and can be slippery. Sneakers are a must for safe navigation. Reddit

⚠️ Heed Safety Warnings

Bassin Malheur is often closed due to danger. Respect signs and avoid if not maintained. Reddit

La plus belle pépite de La Réunion ? C’est le Bassin Malheur, caché au cœur de la végétation tropicale 🌿💧 Une eau turquoise, et un décor qui semble tout droit sorti d’un rêve 📸 Vidéo signée @parmentiersabine974 #lespepitesdefrance #lareunion #bassinmalheur #cascade #nature #outremer #tourisme #france
lespepitesdefrance
10.6K likes • 632.5K views
Direction le Bassin Malheur ! C'est le bassin le plus en amont des 3 bassins de Saint-Gilles. Il est alimenté par des sources résurgentes. Le Bassin Des Aigrettes et le Bassin Cormoran sont alimentés par des cascades. #reunion #reunionisland #lileintense #photo #reuniontourisme #ileintense #lansdcape #iledelareuniontourisme #visitelareunion #voyage #island #droneoftheday #pourtoi #reels #photog...
planet.air.83
104 likes • 2.3K views

💧 Bring Water & Snacks

There are no facilities. Stay hydrated and fueled for your adventure. Reddit

📸 Capture the Beauty

The turquoise water and lush surroundings are incredibly photogenic. Instagram

L’immanquable bassin malheur, à 10min de chez nous. Un endroit littéralement féerique entre les feuilles songes, l’eau fraîche et claire, les libellules et le calme 🌸 (à ne pas manquer : la chute de Tartine dans la vidéo)
samantartine
33 likes • 1.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear

The path is steep and can be slippery. Sneakers are a must for safe navigation. Reddit

⚠️ Heed Safety Warnings

Bassin Malheur is often closed due to danger. Respect signs and avoid if not maintained. Reddit

💧 Bring Water & Snacks

There are no facilities. Stay hydrated and fueled for your adventure. Reddit

📸 Capture the Beauty

The turquoise water and lush surroundings are incredibly photogenic. Instagram

🐕 Dogs Allowed (with caution)

Some visitors bring their dogs, but be mindful of the terrain and safety. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.4
(28 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Bassin Malheur is a stunning natural pool with beautiful turquoise waters, offering opportunities for swimming and cliff jumping. However, it's frequently closed due to significant safety concerns, with steep, unmaintained, and dangerous access paths. Many visitors still venture there despite warnings, but it's not recommended for families or those with mobility issues.

"Perfect, I usually start my cormorant walk with this pool, possible to jump (between 2/15M) great pool!"

Luke Sins

"Bassin Malheur is closed! Yet many hikers venture there!! Very dangerous ⚠️ not at all maintained… I do not recommend it, the view is not extraordinary given the risks you take on the path. I do not recommend it to families with young children or people with health problems…"

Frédérique Bensignor

"Very beautiful geology and a calm basin without a waterfall in this season, difficult to access, not recommended for people with limited mobility, the path is narrow and not very passable."

Elno C

What People Like

Stunning turquoise water
Natural beauty
Cliff jumping

What People Dislike

Dangerous access
Unmaintained paths
Frequent closures

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Bassin Malheur is located near Saint-Gilles-les-Bains on Reunion Island. Access typically involves a hike, and the path can be challenging. Some videos show it as a short walk from nearby areas, while others highlight a more adventurous trail. Instagram+2

Information on dedicated parking is scarce. It's advisable to check local maps or ask locals for the best approach, as access points can vary. Reddit

The '3 Bassins' trail typically refers to the route connecting Bassin Malheur, Bassin des Aigrettes, and Bassin Cormoran. It's known for its natural beauty but can be demanding. Instagram+2

Public transport options directly to the trailhead are limited. It's generally recommended to have your own vehicle or arrange transport. Reddit

Reviews suggest the path is often not maintained and can be very dangerous, with steep and narrow sections. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Bassin Malheur is a natural site and typically does not require an entrance ticket. However, it is frequently closed due to safety concerns, so always check local advisories. Reddit

As a natural site, there are no official opening hours. However, it is often closed by authorities due to safety risks. Reddit

No, Bassin Malheur is frequently closed due to its dangerous nature and lack of maintenance. Many visitors still venture there, but it's not officially recommended. Reddit

There are generally no entry fees for Bassin Malheur itself, as it's a natural attraction. However, be aware of potential risks and closures. Reddit

Official information on closures can be hard to find. It's best to rely on recent visitor reports or local advice, though many still visit despite warnings. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Visitors can admire the beautiful turquoise waters, enjoy the natural surroundings, and for the daring, there are opportunities for cliff jumping. InstagramReddit+1

Yes, swimming is possible, and many people enjoy the refreshing water. However, the area has a history of tragic accidents, so caution is advised. InstagramReddit+1

Due to the difficult access, steep terrain, and safety risks, Bassin Malheur is generally not recommended for families with young children. Reddit

The geology is described as beautiful, with a calm basin in certain seasons and impressive natural formations. Reddit

While Bassin Malheur itself is a pool, the nearby Bassin des Aigrettes and Bassin Cormoran are fed by waterfalls. Some videos show a waterfall below the path at Bassin Malheur, but it's not the primary feature. InstagramReddit

📸 📸 Photography

The turquoise water and the surrounding lush tropical vegetation create stunning photo opportunities. Capture the reflections and the vibrant colors. Instagram+1

The terrain can be challenging, so be careful when maneuvering with your camera. The natural beauty makes it worth the effort. Reddit

Wide shots showcasing the pool and its environment, as well as close-ups of the water and flora, are popular. Action shots of cliff jumping are also common. Instagram

There are no specific regulations mentioned regarding drones. However, always be mindful of local drone laws and respect the natural environment. Instagram

Mid-morning to early afternoon often provides good lighting for capturing the vibrant colors of the water. Instagram

You may also like

1 of 2
Bassin Malheur (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide