Most people who visit Bali spend their whole trip between Ubud and the beaches down south. That is understandable, but it also means they miss one of the island’s best kept secrets. North Bali moves at a slower pace, and it hides some of the most dramatic waterfalls you will find anywhere in Southeast Asia. Thick jungle, volcanic hills, and clean mountain water come together here to create scenes that look almost unreal in photos, yet feel even better in person.
If you love nature, a bit of adventure, or simply a quiet place to reconnect, North Bali’s waterfalls deserve a spot on your itinerary. Some are an easy walk from the parking area. Others ask a little more from you, a short hike, a few muddy steps, maybe even a swim through a cave. Either way, the effort is always paid back in full. Here are five waterfalls in North Bali that stand out for their beauty, their character, and the stories they leave you with.
1. Sekumpul Waterfall
Sekumpul is often called the most beautiful waterfall in Bali, and once you see it, you will understand why. It is not just one waterfall but a cluster of seven, falling side by side into a single green valley surrounded by cliffs and thick tropical forest. Standing at the viewing point, watching all that water crash down at once, feels genuinely humbling.
Getting there takes a bit of effort. You will need to hike down a steep path, cross a small river, and in some cases walk through shallow water, so proper shoes really do matter. Local guides are required, and for good reason. They know the safest route, and they often share stories about the area that make the walk even more interesting. Once you reach the bottom, the reward is a cool, clear pool where you can swim while looking straight up at the falls. Few places in Bali feel this cinematic.
2. Aling-Aling Waterfall
If Sekumpul is about awe, Aling-Aling is about fun. Located in Sambangan village near Singaraja, this waterfall is part of a wider natural playground that includes cliff jumping, natural water slides, and a short canyoning route through smooth volcanic rock.
Aling-Aling itself is a strong, wide waterfall with a deep pool at its base, perfect for a proper swim after a day of walking. Nearby, smaller falls like Kroya and Kembar offer jumping spots of different heights, so you can choose based on your comfort level. Local guides are on hand to show you where it is safe to jump and where it is not, which is important since the rocks can be slippery. This is the waterfall to visit if you want your North Bali trip to include a little adrenaline along with the scenery.
3. Banyumala Twin Waterfall
Tucked near the mountain village of Wanagiri, Banyumala Twin Waterfall is exactly what its name suggests, two waterfalls flowing side by side into one shared turquoise pool. The setting feels quieter and cooler than many other spots in Bali, thanks to the higher elevation and the surrounding vegetable farms you pass on the way down.
The walk to the falls is short but goes downhill through farmland, with locals often tending their crops as you pass by. It is a nice reminder that this is still very much a living, working landscape, not just a tourist stop. The pool itself is deep enough for swimming, and the water stays cool even on a hot day. Banyumala tends to be less crowded than Bali’s more famous waterfalls, which makes it a great choice if you want a calmer, more personal experience.
4. Gitgit Waterfall
Gitgit is one of the easiest waterfalls to reach in North Bali, sitting close to the main road between Bedugul and Singaraja. A short, well maintained path through the forest leads you to a single tall drop of water, framed by moss covered rocks and dense greenery.
Because it is so accessible, Gitgit does see more visitors than some of the other waterfalls on this list. That said, its size and setting still make it worth the stop, especially if you are short on time or traveling with family. You might spot monkeys along the path, so keep loose items secured. There is also a smaller waterfall a short walk further along, so it is worth continuing past the main viewing area if you have the time.
5. Yeh Mampeh Waterfall (Les)
For those chasing height and a sense of remoteness, Yeh Mampeh, also known as Les Waterfall, is hard to beat. Sitting near Tejakula village on the northern coast, it is considered one of the tallest waterfalls on the island, with water dropping in stages down a long, narrow gorge.
The walk here takes you through rice fields and small hamlets before entering the forest, giving you a real taste of rural Bali life along the way. Because it sits off the usual tourist track, Yeh Mampeh tends to be quiet, sometimes you may even have the place to yourself. The height and force of the water make for a striking sight, especially during the wetter months when the flow is at its strongest.
A Few Honest Tips Before You Go
North Bali’s waterfalls are rewarding, but they do ask for a little preparation. Wear shoes with good grip, since paths can be steep, muddy, or slippery near the water. Hiring a local guide, especially for Sekumpul and Aling-Aling, is not just a formality. It keeps you safe and supports the communities who care for these places. The dry season, roughly April through October, tends to offer easier trails and clearer water, though the falls are usually fuller and more dramatic just after the rainy season.
Most of all, take your time. These waterfalls are not the kind of place you rush through for a quick photo. Sit by the pool for a while, listen to the water, and let the quieter pace of North Bali do its work. Once you have chased these five waterfalls, you will understand why so many travelers who venture north end up wishing they had come sooner.
