Gitgit Waterfall: Why This Stunning Bali Spot is Worth the Trip

Alright, let’s cut through the fluff. You’ve probably heard people go “You gotta see Gitgit Waterfall when you’re in Bali!” And honestly? I kinda rolled my eyes at first too. Like, c’mon, there are waterfalls everywhere in Bali, right?

But Gitgit Waterfall? Different story.

First off, Gitgit Waterfall is one of the tallest waterfalls in Bali—about 35 meters high, and trust me, you feel it when you’re standing right in front of it. The sound alone is loud enough to drown out your overthinking brain. It’s tucked up in North Bali, not far from Singaraja, and it’s surrounded by this dense, misty jungle that makes you feel like you’re stepping into a scene from a nature documentary. Or maybe a shampoo commercial.

The cool part? It’s actually multiple waterfalls. Like, it’s not just one. There’s the main one—big and thundering—and then smaller falls nearby that are a lot less crowded. If you wander a bit off the main path (careful, it gets slippery), you’ll bump into Twin Falls and Colek Pamor Waterfall. Locals consider them all part of the Gitgit cluster.

So, yeah, it’s not just about one waterfall. It’s a whole little eco-adventure.

How to Actually Get to Gitgit Waterfall?

Here’s the thing: getting to Gitgit Waterfall ain’t as simple as plugging it into Google Maps and breezing in. I mean, sure, you can do that—but lemme give it to you straight.

If you’re staying in Ubud or Canggu, you’re looking at a 2.5 to 3-hour drive. That North Bali traffic hits different—slower, twistier roads, and if you’re like me and get carsick easy, it’s not exactly a smooth ride. But the drive itself? Worth it. You’ll pass rice terraces, coffee plantations, and locals carrying more on their heads than I carry emotionally in a week.

The waterfall itself is in the Buleleng Regency, and the parking area is clearly marked. Once you’re parked, you’re looking at a 15–20-minute walk down a semi-paved path. It’s not hard, but it’s not flat either. Definitely wear shoes with some grip. I saw a girl in flip-flops almost eat it on a mossy rock. Don’t be her.

Locals will offer to guide you for a small fee—some are legit, others just wanna make a buck. Personally, I didn’t need a guide. The path is clear. But if you’re alone or want to know more about the area, having someone local show you around can be a vibe.

We always suggest travelers use a Bali car rental with driver to make the most of their Bali adventure.

Gitgit waterfall location:

Entrance Fee and What’s the Deal with Local “Ticket Guys”?

As of the last time I was there (which wasn’t ages ago—just a few months back), the entrance fee was IDR 20,000 for locals and IDR 40,000 for tourists. Prices may shift slightly, but that’s the ballpark. Cash only. Don’t even try with a card.

Now here’s the kicker: sometimes, you’ll be stopped before the official entrance by random guys with “tickets.” Yeah, it’s a known thing. Some are actually from the village and legit; others are just opportunists. The real ticket booth is near the actual trail entrance, where they give you a paper ticket.

If you pay someone on the road and get asked again later, don’t stress. Just politely say you already paid and show the ticket if you have one. If not, well… be ready to pay again or argue in broken Bahasa. Your call.

When to Visit Gitgit Waterfall (Hint: Timing is Everything)

So here’s what I learned the hard way: don’t show up at Gitgit Waterfall after 2pm if you want that peaceful, mystical jungle vibe. By then, the afternoon clouds roll in, it can start drizzling, and it’s mosquito hour.

The best time? Hit the trail around 9am.

It’s cooler, the light is perfect for photos (the mist makes everything glow), and there are fewer people hogging the rocks for Instagram shoots. Avoid weekends if you can—local families and groups flood the place, especially during school holidays.

And oh—during the rainy season (Dec to March), the water flow is insane. Like, “hold onto your hat” insane. It’s kinda beautiful but also more dangerous. Dry season (May to October) is ideal if you actually wanna get in the water or climb around.

What to Bring So You’re Not Miserable the Whole Time

Gitgit Waterfall is not the place you just rock up to with your phone and hope for the best. You’re walking through jungle terrain, getting misted, maybe swimming. Come prepared or get annoyed real fast.

Here’s what I usually pack:

• Water bottle (you’ll sweat, even if it’s shaded)
• Quick-dry towel
• Change of clothes (especially if you’re getting in the water)
• Waterproof bag or phone case
• Decent shoes—not sandals unless they’ve got grip
• Mosquito repellent (you will get eaten alive)
• A little cash for snacks, tips, or random “tolls”

And don’t forget your camera—or just a good phone. The views are wild, especially from the little bamboo bridges and the rock edges.

Can You Swim at Gitgit Waterfall? Yeah… But Should You?

Here’s the deal. Technically, yes, you can swim at Gitgit Waterfall. There’s a little pool at the base of the main fall, and a few side streams where people take a dip.

But—and it’s a big but—the current near the main falls can be strong, especially in rainy season. Like, “get pulled under” strong. I’ve seen people go in waist-deep and immediately nope out.

That said, if you stick to the calmer pools nearby, it’s refreshing as heck. Cold, too. Like mountain spring water. It’s not the place for floating on an inflatable flamingo or whatever. This is nature at full blast. Raw and loud.

Best spots for swimming are actually at the smaller waterfalls nearby, like Colek Pamor. They’re quieter, shallower, and more private. It feels like your own little jungle tub.

The Surroundings—Is There Anything Else to Do Around Gitgit?

Oh, totally. You’re not gonna drive all the way up to North Bali just for one waterfall, right?

Gitgit is super close to some other cool spots. About 20 minutes up the road is the Aling-Aling Waterfall area, which is way more adventure-y—slides, cliff jumping, the whole deal. I wouldn’t take kids there unless they’re little daredevils.

Then there’s the Twin Lakes Viewpoint (Buyan and Tamblingan), which is insane at sunrise. You can also stop by Ulun Danu Beratan Temple—it’s like 30 minutes from Gitgit and one of the most photogenic temples in Bali.

Coffee lovers? Drop by Munduk or one of the agro-tourism spots nearby. You can try kopi luwak (yes, the one with the civet poop—don’t ask), or just sip Bali coffee with a view.

Is Gitgit Waterfall Worth Visiting If You’ve Already Seen Tegenungan or Sekumpul?

Honestly? Yeah, 100%.

Tegenungan is great if you’re short on time and staying around Ubud. But it’s way more developed, more crowded, and less “wild.” More like a jungle-themed water park.

Sekumpul? I’ll say it—Sekumpul is stunning. Maybe even more impressive than Gitgit. But it’s also a beast of a hike. If you’ve got the knees of a 20-year-old and a full day to kill, go for it.

Gitgit sits right in the middle. It’s easier to access than Sekumpul, quieter than Tegenungan, and has that untouched vibe that makes you feel like you found something special—even if you didn’t exactly blaze a trail to get there.

Plus, because it’s up north, you get a whole different slice of Bali. Fewer tourists. More greenery. Cooler air. The vibe’s more chill overall.

The Vibe—Touristy or Local? Crowded or Chill?

So here’s what surprised me: even though Gitgit Waterfall shows up in every travel blog, it doesn’t feel overrun. Maybe it’s the drive, maybe it’s the uphill trek, or maybe people just get distracted by the beaches down south.

When I went, there were maybe 10–15 people max. A couple of local kids were splashing around. A family taking selfies. A solo backpacker journaling under a tree. Not exactly a circus.

And because the area is spread out—like I said, there’s more than one waterfall—you can usually find a corner to yourself. Just don’t expect total solitude unless you go super early.

Vendors near the entrance will try to sell you sarongs, drinks, or little souvenirs. Most are chill. A few can be pushy. Just smile and keep walking if you’re not into it.

Is Gitgit Waterfall Good for Families or Kids?

Yes… if your kids can handle a bit of a hike.

It’s not stroller-friendly. And if your child complains after five minutes of walking, they’re gonna be a pain. But older kids? They’ll probably love it. It feels like a mini jungle adventure.

There’s space to explore safely if they stay on the paths. But you do need to keep an eye on them near the water. Rocks are slippery, and the current can surprise you.

Bring snacks, pack light, and maybe bribe them with ice cream after the hike. (There’s a warung near the parking lot that sells coconut ice cream and fried bananas. Bless.)

Solo Travel to Gitgit Waterfall—Safe or Sketchy?

Totally safe. I’ve gone solo more than once.

Locals are friendly, and the trail’s usually got a few other people on it. I’ve never felt unsafe, even early in the morning or right before closing time.

But common sense still applies. Don’t leave your stuff unattended, don’t go swimming in a sketchy area by yourself, and don’t follow random strangers into the forest. That should go without saying… but here we are.

Also, if you’re a woman traveling alone, I’d say Gitgit is one of the better spots to explore solo in Bali. Less cat-calling than you might get in more tourist-heavy zones.

Would I Go Back to Gitgit Waterfall Again? You Bet

Even after seeing a dozen other waterfalls in Bali, Gitgit still hits different.

It’s that mix of easy access, jungle magic, and fewer crowds that makes it a favorite. Plus, I like how it’s kinda off-the-radar but not too remote. You can do a whole day exploring North Bali and make Gitgit your main stop.

I’ve been twice now, once in dry season and once after the rains, and both times felt like totally different experiences. The second time, I sat there on a rock, soaked and buzzing from the cold water, just listening to the roar of the falls and thinking, “Damn… this place is legit.”

If you’re on the fence, just go. Pack a bag, get on a scooter or hire a driver, and go check it out. Skip the expectations. Let it surprise you.

And bring bug spray. Trust me on that.

Check also: Rambut Siwi Temple Jembrana