North Bali Waterfalls: Sekumpul, Gitgit & Banyumala

Buleleng’s green hillsides hide some of Bali’s finest waterfalls. Gitgit is the easy first stop, Banyumala is a clear twin cascade with a swimming pool at its base, and Sekumpul is the grand, jungle-hemmed finale.

History

Gitgit is about 35 metres high and lies beside the main road between Bedugul and Singaraja, reached by a paved path of around 15 minutes that is mostly downhill on the way in. It is the easiest of the three to visit and also the most commercial, with souvenir and snack stalls lining the route.

Sekumpul lies further east in a jungle valley and is a group of cascades rather than a single drop. It is reached on foot in 30 to 40 minutes, including shallow river crossings. Banyumala, the twin falls near Wanagiri, drops into a clear natural pool and is reached by a walk of roughly 15 to 20 minutes.

Meaning and culture

The paths, stalls and guide services at these falls are run by neighbouring villages, which is why a fee or a local guide is requested at the entrances. Paying it keeps the trails maintained and supports families who live beside the valleys, so it is worth treating as a contribution rather than a cost. Together, the three falls give a good sense of how varied the north is, from roadside ease to a jungle adventure.

Water also holds a central place in Balinese Hindu life, feeding the rice terraces and used in purification rites. Even a casual swim is best taken with respect: keep voices low, take your rubbish away with you, and leave any offerings you find near the pools exactly where they are.

What to see

• Gitgit’s 35-metre fall and its monkeys
• Banyumala’s twin cascades and swimming pool
• Sekumpul’s valley of multiple falls
• Misty highland views on the road between Bedugul and Singaraja

Good to know

• Wear shoes with grip and bring spare clothes; Sekumpul means wading through ankle to knee-deep water
• Start early, as Gitgit and Sekumpul get crowded around midday
• Carry cash for tickets, parking and guides
• Take care after rain; paths turn slippery and rivers rise fast