Gitgit Waterfall

Gitgit Waterfall (Air Terjun Gitgit) is one of Bali's tallest and most famous waterfalls, dropping around 35 metres in tiers amid tropical forest. It lies in Gitgit village in the north of the island (Sukasada district, Buleleng regency), about 10 km south of Singaraja and 2 hours from Ubud.

It was one of the first waterfalls on Bali opened to tourism, and it is easier to reach than many others: a paved path leads down to its base through spice plantations.

The Waterfall & Pool

The main flow plunges over the cliff in a single cascade of about 35 metres and bursts into a cloud of cool spray. It is a multi-tiered waterfall — the water steps down the rock like a staircase.

• Natural pool. A cool plunge pool forms at the base, good for a refreshing dip after the walk down.
• The forest around it. Dense greenery surrounds the falls, with a constant cool breeze and the roar of falling water.

The Plantation Trail

A paved path leads to the falls; the walk down takes about 10–15 minutes (uphill on the way back) and runs through real rural North Bali.

• Spices and coffee. Clove and coffee trees grow along the trail — these are working plantations, not décor.
• Wild monkeys. Wild macaques often come to the water near the falls — don't feed them and keep your belongings close.
• Slippery steps. The concrete steps can get slick in the humidity, so wear sturdy shoes.

The Gitgit Waterfall Cluster

Gitgit is not a single waterfall but a whole group of cascades in the surrounding valleys. Stray off the main path and you'll find several more.

• Mekalongan — the tallest of the group at around 40 metres, just 5 minutes below the Twin falls.
• Campuhan (Twin / Kembar) — a twin fall where two streams merge into one pool, about 20 metres high.
• Bertingkat (multi-tier) — the smallest but very pretty, with a small cave beside the plunge pool — the best spot for a swim in the cluster.
• Colek Pamor — the quietest cascade; the way there crosses bamboo bridges and stairs and passes clove and cacao plantations.

Trekking the Cluster

If you have time, the Gitgit waterfalls can be linked into a single walk — the main reason to linger here.

• From Bertingkat to Mekalongan is only about 200 metres across farmland on the west bank of the river.
• The trail winds through rice fields, spice plantations, and stream crossings — rural North Bali without the crowds.
• Bring sturdy shoes and a little stamina: the path is steep and slippery in places.

The Legend

Gitgit comes with a local superstition: couples should not bathe here together.

• The legend says that sweethearts who swim under the waterfall together will soon break up.
• Locals still wa visitors about it — whether you believe it is up to you.

When to Visit

The best time is early mo ing: fewer tourists and pushy "guides," and softer light for photos.

• By midday the tour groups arrive.
• The water is cool and clear year-round, thanks to its mountain sources.
• In the rainy season the flow is stronger but the steps are more slippery.

Plan Your Visit

Gitgit sits on the main mountain road to the north coast, so it pairs easily with a trip to Lovina or the lakes of Bedugul.

• Where. Gitgit village, Buleleng regency; about 30 minutes from Singaraja and 2 hours from Ubud. It sits at roughly 300 metres above sea level.
• Tickets. A paid entrance ticket is bought at the gate; parking is right there.
• Roadside "helpers." The way to the falls is simple and signposted — you don't need a guide. Ignore pushy "helpers" and head straight to the official ticket booth.
• On site. Parking, a café, and souvenir stalls.
• Time needed. Allow 1–1.5 hours for the falls and the trail.

Combine Your Trip

Gitgit makes sense as part of a wider north-and-mountains day.

• Bedugul — the mountain region with Lake Bratan and the Ulun Danu temple, on the way up from the south.
• Munduk — a village of waterfalls and coffee plantations about 26 km away.
• Lovina — the calm north coast with black sand and dolphins.
• Banjar Hot Springs — thermal pools not far away.

FAQ

How tall is Gitgit Waterfall? Around 35 metres — one of Bali's tallest and most famous waterfalls, cascading down in tiers.

Can I swim under the waterfall? Yes, there's a cool natural pool at the base. Note the local belief that couples shouldn't bathe here together.

How long is the walk to the falls? The paved path down takes about 10–15 minutes; the retu is uphill.

Do I need a guide? No — the route is simple and signposted. Go straight to the official ticket booth and don't pay random "helpers."

How do I get there from Ubud? About 2 hours by car heading north on the mountain road through Bedugul toward Singaraja.