The best waterfalls near Lovina: Gitgit, Sekumpul, Aling Aling

The north of the island is where Bali keeps its water. Rain falls on the volcanic ridge around Bedugul and runs down to the Bali Sea through deep green ravines, which is why the waterfalls north Bali offers are taller, wilder and far less crowded than the famous ones near Ubud. From Lovina you can reach three of the best in under an hour.

Here is how they compare, what they cost now, and how to fit them into a day.

Sekumpul: the big one

If you only see one of the waterfalls in north Bali, make it Sekumpul. A ring of falls, some over 70 metres, pours into a jungle amphitheatre so wide you need to turn your head to take it in. It sits in the village of Sekumpul, about an hour east and uphill from Lovina.

Getting down is the effort: a steep path and a lot of stairs, slippery after rain, then a river crossing to reach the base. Allow around two to three hours on site, with 30 to 40 minutes for the climb back up. Fees have changed several times and access is managed by competing village groups. In 2025 visitors reported a basic view only ticket of around 20,000 IDR, and guided packages of roughly 125,000 to 200,000 IDR per person that include the walk to the base and nearby Fiji falls. Many entrances insist a guide is mandatory; going with one is simpler and the money stays in the village.

Gitgit: the easy one

Gitgit is the most accessible of the three, right off the main road that climbs from Singaraja to Bedugul, around 30 to 40 minutes from Lovina. A paved path of about 500 metres, lined with small stalls, leads down through clove and coffee trees to a single fall of roughly 35 metres. The walk takes 15 to 20 minutes each way.

Entry is around 25,000 IDR and it opens daily from about 8 am to 5 pm. It is busier than Sekumpul because tour buses stop on the way north, but early in the morning it is peaceful, and the spray at the base is wonderfully cold. It is also the obvious stop if you are driving between Lovina and the lakes, see our Munduk day trip.

Aling Aling: jumps, slides and swimming

Aling Aling, in the village of Sambangan about 20 minutes from Lovina, is the playful one. The main twin fall is around 35 metres and is for looking only, but downstream there are several smaller falls where you can swim, slide down smooth rock chutes and jump into deep pools.

• Basic entry, around 20,000 IDR: walk to the four falls and swim, no jumping.
• Guided package, around 125,000 IDR: a local guide and life jacket for the slides and jumps.
• Kroya fall: a natural slide and a low jump of about 5 metres.
• Kembar fall: a cliff jump of 10 to 15 metres, higher than it looks from above.
• Open roughly 8 am to 5 pm.

Only jump with a guide, who knows the depth after each rain. In the wet season the water turns brown and some jumps are closed.

Of all the waterfalls north Bali has, this is the one to choose if you are travelling with teenagers, or simply want to swim more than you hike.

Planning a waterfall day from Lovina

You can easily combine two falls in one day. A gentle plan: Aling Aling in the morning, lunch in Lovina, then a lazy afternoon at the villa. A bigger day: Sekumpul at opening, then Gitgit on the way back, home by mid afternoon. Hire a driver for the day rather than riding a scooter, as the roads to Sekumpul are steep and narrow.

• Wear shoes with grip, or water sandals. Flip flops and the Sekumpul stairs do not mix.
• Bring a swimsuit, a quick dry towel and a dry bag.
• Carry cash in small notes for tickets, parking and a coconut at the top.
• Pack a sarong. Some trails pass small shrines and it is polite to cover up there.

There is nothing better after a sweaty climb than cooling off at home. At Baliwood Lovina the long infinity pool looks over the same green hills the rivers run through, all the way down to the sea.

The best time for waterfalls in north Bali

The dry season, from about April to October, means clear pools, safer trails and better light. The waterfalls north Bali is known for are at their most powerful in the wet months, from roughly December to March, but expect mud, closures after heavy rain and murky water. Whatever the month, go early. For more ideas to fill your week, see things to do in Lovina.