Chasing Waterfalls in Northern Bali: An Adventure into Bali’s Wild Heart

Bali is famous for its beaches, its temples, its sunsets—and yes, its waterfalls. But while many tourists stick to the south (Kuta, Seminyak, Uluwatu) or central areas (Ubud), the waterfalls in Northern Bali are in a league of their own. Remote, lush, dramatic, and often less crowded, these cascades are perfect for those who want nature, adventure, and peace.

In this article, I’ll take you through what makes Northern Bali ideal for chasing waterfalls, introduce some of the best falls to visit, share tips for your journey, and offer ideas on how to make the most of each visit.

Why Northern Bali?

There are several reasons why Northern Bali is especially magical when it comes to waterfalls:

1. Terrain & Climate
   Northern Bali is more mountainous, with thicker forests, ridges, river valleys, and higher rainfall in many areas. This creates natural conditions for many waterfalls—streams, ravines, steep drops, cliffs. The mornings are cooler, and humidity gives rise to lush green canopies, mist, ferns, moss, and a sense of wilderness.

2. Less Crowded / More Peaceful
   Many of the waterfalls here are not as easy to access (roads rougher, trails steeper), which means fewer tourists, more serenity. If you go early, or in the off-peak season, you might often have the falls nearly to yourself. This can make the experience more immersive.

3. Diversity & Adventure
   From simple cascades to multiple-tiered falls, from big plunge pools to slippery jungle trails with river crossings, Northern Bali offers a wide variety. It’s not just about beauty—it’s about the journey: hiking, crossing rivers, scrambling across rocks, sometimes sliding down natural rock slides, maybe even cliff-jumping (where safe).

4. Cultural & Natural Richness
   The landscapes are intermingled with rural villages, coffee/clove plantations, traditional life, local guides, small warungs (food stalls), and often views of volcanoes or lakes on the horizon. The waterfalls are part of a broader tapestry of Bali’s natural and human environment.

Top Waterfalls to Visit in Northern Bali

Here are some of the most remarkable waterfalls in Northern Bali, each with its own character and rewards.

Waterfall	Location / Access	Height & Visuals	What to Expect / Key Features
Sekumpul Waterfall	In Singaraja region, in the north; Sekumpul village. (Agoda)	Approximately 80 meters (various sources say multiple cascades). (Viceroy Bali)	Remote and wild. To reach Sekumpul, you need to hike down through forested hills, possibly cross rivers, follow lush jungle trails. The view is of several waterfalls spilling down a rich green cliffside. Very photogenic. Perfect for nature-lovers and those who don’t mind effort. (Agoda)
Banyumala Twin Waterfall	Near Munduk / Wanagiri area, Buleleng. (Time Out Worldwide)	Twin waterfalls (two parallel cascades), about 30–40 meters. (Bali Done Right)	Very beautiful and serene. The pool at the base is clear, good for swimming. The trail is forested, parts slippery, so you need decent footwear. Access roads can be a bit bumpy. Great for those who want a mix of adventure + tranquility. (Remote Lands)
Gitgit Waterfall	Gitgit village, Sukasada District, Buleleng; between Singaraja and Munduk. (Wikipedia)	Around 35 m drop. Vegetation-rich surroundings; has rock pools. (Agoda)	Relatively easy access: from the parking to the waterfall is a manageable walk. Can get busy, especially midday, and souvenir stalls around. Good for combining with other waterfall visits. (Bali Tourist Information)
Munduk Waterfall & Others	Munduk village and surroundings, Buleleng highlands. (Merusaka Nusa Dua)	Different falls in the area: some tall, some nestled in forest. Varied visuals. (Getting Stamped)	Munduk is nice because you can visit several waterfalls in one area: Munduk Main Waterfall, Melanting, Golden Valley, etc. The hikes are easier, paths better marked. Also good for seeing plantations, enjoying cooler climate, and staying in quaint lodges or guesthouses. Great for spending 2–3 days exploring. (Remote Lands)
Aling-Aling Waterfall (Sambangan area)	Sambangan Village, Sukasada, Buleleng Regency, Northern Bali. (Remote Lands)	One of the more dramatic, with natural slides, cliff jumps, strong flows depending on the season. (baligatetours.com)	More adventurous. If you like adrenaline, this is for you. Local guides often needed. The terrain can be slippery; safety matters. The setting is spectacular jungle, streams, scenic views. Also, Sambangan has several waterfalls, so you might be able to combine a few in one day. (ejournal.uksw.edu)

Planning Your Waterfall Hunt: Practical Tips

To get the most out of chasing waterfalls—especially in Northern Bali—here are some tips to make your adventure smoother, safer, and more memorable.

1. When to Go (Season & Time of Day)

   • The wet season (roughly November to March) brings stronger waterfalls, lush greenery, more dramatic flow. But trails may be muddy, rivers higher, some paths slippery.

   • The dry season (April to October) usually gives more stable conditions, clearer trails, but some smaller falls or side cascades may reduce flow.

   • Try to go early in the morning—not only is it cooler, but crowds are smaller, the light is better, and the waterfalls are more peaceful.

2. What to Bring

   • Good footwear (hiking shoes or sneakers with grip). Many trails are rocky, slippery.

   • Swimwear, towel, change of clothes. Many waterfalls have pools to swim.

   • Waterproof bag or dry bag for valuables, phone, camera.

   • Extra water, snacks or energy bars. Warungs may be sparse once you go deeper.

   • Insect repellent, sun protection (sunscreen, hat). Even jungle shade doesn’t protect from everything.

   • Rain jacket or poncho if going during transitional/rainy times.

3. Guides & Local Knowledge

   • Hiring a local guide can be extremely helpful—especially for less-known waterfalls or ones in villages. They’ll know the safest trails, current river levels, places to cross.

   • Ask locals for condition updates (if paths are washed out, or access limited).

   • Be respectful: many areas are not purely tourist zones but local living spaces. Respect local customs, avoid littering, support local warungs.

4. Transport & Accommodation

   • Some waterfalls are far from major towns. If you're based in Ubud, it may take several hours by car or scooter to reach some of the northern waterfalls. Consider staying in a guesthouse or homestay in the north (Lovina, Munduk area) to reduce travel fatigue.

   • Scooter vs car: scooters are flexible but risky on rough mountain roads (steep, narrow, unpaved). If you're not confident, a car and/or driver is safer.

   • Check road conditions ahead—especially after heavy rains when roads may be blocked or muddy.

5. Safety Tips

   • Be careful of slippery rocks and strong water currents. Even when pools look calm, the water flow might be more powerful than expected.

   • Avoid swimming directly under heavy falls if there is risk of falling rocks or if the water is too forceful.

   • Wear life vests where available, especially if you're not a strong swimmer.

   • Don’t go alone deep into jungle trails; stay in groups or bring a guide.

   • Respect warning signs. Paths may be unsafe after storms.

6. Photography & Experience Enhancements

   • Bring a camera or phone with good water protection. Mist can damage equipment.

   • Early morning gives best light (soft, golden), fewer people.

   • Wear bright clothes so you stand out against the greens and browns of forest. Also, colors reflect well in photos.

   • Explore different vantage points: above the falls, from behind (if possible), from riverbeds, from the side.

Sample Itineraries

Here are some ideas of how to structure your waterfall chasing, depending on how much time you have and how adventurous you are.

One-Day Trip — “Waterfall Sampler”

If you have only one day:

• Base yourself near Lovina or Singaraja or even Munduk.

• Start early, head first to Gitgit Waterfall — fairly accessible, gives you that dramatic waterfall’s beauty.

• Then head to Banyumala Twin Waterfall, if timing works. Enjoy a swim, take in nature.

• If you have energy and daylight, finish at Sambangan area for Aling-Aling or one waterfall there, especially if you like a bit of adventure.

• Stay for sunset near Lake Buyan or in Munduk for cool evening vibes.

Multi-Day Immersion

If you have 2–3 days or more:

• Day 1: Travel north from Ubud / central Bali into Munduk. Visit Munduk Waterfall, Melanting, Golden Valley. Stay overnight in Munduk.

• Day 2: Early morning trek/hike to Sekumpul Waterfall. It will take most of the day because of travel + hike. Return via scenic route (lake views, plantations).

• Day 3: Explore Sambangan: Aling-Aling, Kembar Falls, Pucuk Falls (depending on how many you want). Maybe finish with a relaxing hot springs or beach near Lovina if time allows.

Highlights & What to Feel

Beyond the names and the logistics, here are aspects of the experience that often make chasing waterfalls in Northern Bali really special:

• Sensory Immersion: the smell of wet earth, the roar of water, the cool mist, the shine of sun through leaves, shadows, and damp bark. It often feels you are stepping into a different world.

• Contrast & Surprise: small trails that lead to verdant valleys; sudden open views of cliffs; hidden falls behind foliage; secret pools. Sometimes vs expectations—something quiet and gentle, sometimes dramatic and loud.

• Connection to Local Life: Villages along the way, local food stalls, people washing in rivers, rice terraces, plantations. Sometimes the waterfalls are part of local rituals or belief (water sanctity).

• Physical Effort + Reward: the hike, the sometimes climb, the road uphill, the descent—that effort heightens the reward of arriving: the view, the peace, the plunge into fresh water.

• Sustainability & Respect: slowly (“slow travel”) is key. If you go quietly, avoid leaving trash, support local guides/warungs, you help maintain the beauty.

Challenges & How to Overcome Them

Of course there are challenges to chasing waterfalls in Northern Bali. Knowing them ahead helps avoid disappointment.

Challenge	What to Do
Access / Rough Roads	Hire a local driver who knows the roads. Use GPS plus ask locals. Avoid trying to reach some falls by motorbike if roads are very deteriorated after rain.
Weather Variability	Check forecasts. Rain can make trails dangerous and roads impassable. Also, if too dry, some waterfalls may have reduced flow. Plan with buffer days.
Crowds / Peak Times	Visit early (sunrise or as soon as possible after gate opens). Avoid weekends or public holidays. Some falls get very busy midday.
Safety in Water	Don’t take risks. Avoid swimming under heavy flows; test the pool first (rocks, depth, current). Have local guidance.
Navigation / Guides	Bring maps or offline maps. Download directions. Use local guides for obscure falls. Always have someone know your itinerary.

Examples: What You Might Experience

Let me paint a few picture-scenes of what it's like chasing specific waterfalls in Northern Bali.

• Morning at Sekumpul: You leave your guesthouse before sunrise. The air is cool, the mist hangs low over rice terraces. Your jeep or car winds up narrow roads through forest. You park at a village, begin hiking down through thick green undergrowth. Birds call, water trickles from unseen springs. You cross a small stream, then around a bend you hear water—then suddenly, multiple cascades spill over tall cliff walls, framed by moss, ferns, tropical trees. Rainbows in mist, foam at base. You cool off in a pool, take photos, savor the quiet. On your return, the sun climbs, the forest warms, and crowds start arriving—so you feel lucky for going early.

• Banyumala Twin Waterfall mid-day: You arrive after a short forest trail. The twin cascades appear through trees; sunlight glitters on water. The plunge pool is calm enough to swim; cool, refreshing. Birds flit overhead. Later, you rest under a tree, enjoy local snacks (fresh fruit, maybe coconut), take in the panorama: green cliff faces, water falling, forest everywhere. The path down was steep but worth it; the sense of being in nature, removed from the bustle, is strong.

• Adventure at Aling-Aling / Sambangan: More adrenaline. You might slide down natural rock channels; jump from ledges (if experience allows); clamber across slippery stones. The lush jungle is dense; water sometimes roars; the moss and lichen, the leaves dripping; sometimes you emerge into open space, the falls in full view, water plunging. The reflections, the spray, the power of the water—it’s invigorating.

Suggested “Waterfall-Chaser’s Gear List”

To ensure you enjoy without mishaps:

• Lightweight backpack (comfortable, waterproof or with cover).

• Quick-dry clothing.

• Good shoes with grip. Spare socks.

• Swimwear + drying towel.

• Waterproof protection for valuables / electronics.

• Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen.

• Insect repellent.

• Snacks, maybe packed lunch, plenty of drinking water.

• Light rain jacket or poncho.

• First aid basics (band-aid, antiseptic, blister pads).

• Torch or headlamp (especially if trails or parking start early or late).

Respecting Nature & Local Culture

Chasing waterfalls is not just about taking pictures or thrills—it’s also about being a responsible traveler.

• Leave no trace: carry your trash, don’t leave plastic bottles, wrappers.

• Respect paths and signs: some trails may be sacred, or restricted.

• Respect locals: many waterfalls are in or near villages; some are part of community lands. Be polite, ask permission if needed. Buy from local warungs to support the community.

• Water usage and pollution: rinse off gently, don’t use soap in natural pools; avoid using anything that could pollute the water.

• Support sustainable tourism: use local guides, stay in local homestays, follow rules—fees go toward maintenance.

Final Thoughts

Northern Bali’s waterfalls are among the island’s most special treasures. They offer a mix of raw natural beauty, adventure, tranquility, and connection to Bali’s deep landscapes beyond beaches and temples. If you plan well, respect the land, and are open to both effort and reward, chasing waterfalls here can be one of the most memorable parts of your Bali trip.

So whether you are aiming for that majestic multi-cascade view at Sekumpul, the serene twin drops at Banyumala, the easier-to-reach classic of Gitgit, or the heart-pounding adventure at Aling-Aling, Northern Bali awaits. Pack your gear, lace up your shoes, and dive into the wild side of Bali.