Scooter Route to Sekumpul & Gitgit Waterfalls via Bedugul

Sekumpul in Buleleng Regency is often called the most beautiful waterfall in Bali: a series of tall falls dropping into a green, horseshoe-shaped valley. Gitgit, closer to the main road, is a classic, easy-to-reach waterfall. Both are in North Bali, so from the south you have to cross the mountains via Bedugul and Wanagiri. This guide sets out the scooter route, distances for each stage, estimated tickets, and the choice between a day trip and an overnight stay.

Route overview and scheduling options

There's no shortcut from South Bali to Sekumpul. The most popular route climbs to Bedugul (about 1,200 m above sea level), passes Lake Beratan, then follows the Wanagiri ridge with views of Lakes Buyan and Tamblingan. After that the road drops steeply to Gitgit and Singaraja, then climbs again to Sekumpul village in Sawan district. You can return the same way or via Kintamani.

All figures are map estimates without traffic. The full Ubud → Bedugul → Gitgit → Sekumpul → Kintamani → Ubud loop is about 190–210 km. That's too far for one day if you also want to walk down hundreds of steps at Sekumpul. More sensible options:

1. Two days (recommended): Day 1 Ubud/Canggu → Bedugul → Wanagiri → Gitgit, staying in Munduk, Lovina or Singaraja. Day 2 morning to Sekumpul, back via Kintamani.
2. Day trip to Gitgit only: Bedugul → Wanagiri → Gitgit and back, about 130–150 km return from Ubud or Canggu.
3. From Lovina or Singaraja: if you're already staying in the north, Sekumpul is only about 40–50 minutes away. See scooter rental Lovina and our scooter rental Singaraja guide.

The Bedugul and Wanagiri stage

Bedugul is famous for Ulun Danu Beratan Temple on the lakeshore. If you stop, expect a paid entry ticket and arrive before 09:00 to avoid jostling for photos. After Bedugul, the road runs along the forest edge and Lake Buyan towards Wanagiri. You'll often see long-tailed macaques by the road. Don't feed them and don't leave food hanging on your scooter's hook; monkeys can grab a bag in a flash.

Wanagiri is known for its viewpoints over Lakes Buyan and Tamblingan from the ridge. There are many photo spots and swings run by locals along the road, each with its own fee. Only park in designated areas, not on the narrow road shoulder. The Bedugul–Munduk route is covered in more detail in Bedugul & Munduk scooter route.

The Wanagiri–Gitgit descent: the most technical part

From Wanagiri, the road to Singaraja drops from about 1,200 m to near sea level in a short distance. There are many bends, some of them sharp, and you share the road with vegetable trucks and buses. Fog often settles on the upper section in the afternoon and evening.

• Alternate your brakes: use the front and rear brakes in turn and don't hold the rear brake constantly so it doesn't overheat.
• Slow down before the bend, not in the middle of it. Look towards the exit of the bend.
• Fog: turn on your lights, slow down, and pull over somewhere safe if visibility drops below 20–30 metres.
• Wet roads: after rain, the asphalt under the trees is slippery with moss and leaves.

The full technique is in tips for climbs & descents in Bali.

Gitgit Waterfall

Gitgit is right on the main Bedugul–Singaraja road, about 10 km before Singaraja town. From the car park you walk about 10–15 minutes past souvenir stalls and steps to a waterfall several dozen metres high. Tickets are estimated at around Rp20,000–30,000 per person; check the price at the ticket office. There are several entrances and guides offering their services; for the main Gitgit fall you don't need a guide.

Sekumpul Waterfall

Sekumpul is in Sekumpul village, Sawan district, about 20 km south-east of Singaraja. Its valley holds several waterfalls at once, which is why the managers call it a cluster of waterfalls. From the car park, the trail descends via hundreds of steps and footpaths and crosses a small river. The trip down and back up, plus time at the bottom, takes 1.5–3 hours depending on which points you choose.

In 2023, the Buleleng Tourism Office closed several unofficial ticket booths around Sekumpul that were charging far above the official rates. Only pay at the official ticket office and ask for a ticket. If someone stops you on the road and asks for a large fee, continue to the official post. Come early; the falls open at around 08:00 and you should ideally start the descent before 13:00.

Wear hiking sandals or shoes that can get wet, bring a waterproof pouch for your phone, and leave your helmet on the scooter or with the parking attendant. Don't cross the river if the water is murky and fast after rain.

Season, weather and safety

Sekumpul's water flow is strongest in the rainy season (roughly November–March), but that's also when the trails are slippery and the river can flood. The dry season (roughly April–October) is safer for trekking, and the lake views at Wanagiri are more often clear. Whatever the season, the Bedugul mountains are cooler and often get afternoon rain, so bring a jacket and a raincoat.

The right scooter

This route has long climbs to Bedugul and Kintamani and a long descent to Singaraja. For one person, the Honda Vario 125 is enough. Two-up, choose the Yamaha NMAX or Honda PCX, which have bigger disc brakes and spare power. Check the brake pads and tyres before you leave, as well as the lights and horn, then photograph the bike's condition at handover. Estimated market price for an NMAX is approx. Rp120–150k per day.

Conclusion

Sekumpul and Gitgit are worth the long ride, as long as you plan realistically: two days, an early start, careful braking on the Wanagiri descent, and tickets paid at the official office. Get a capable scooter via Bali scooter rental and let a night in Munduk or Lovina become part of the adventure.