Bali: Gitgit and Alingaling Waterfalls Small Group Tour

Bali’s best thrills come with wet feet. This 10.5-hour outing pairs Aling-Aling’s natural slides and swimming pools with Gitgit Waterfall, then adds the calm beauty of Taman Ayun Temple. I like the mix of active fun and culture, and I like that transport, entrance fees, water, guides, and insurance are included. The main caution is the long day, plus some uncertainty over whether an extra Gitgit guide fee may be requested.

You’ll ride in an air-conditioned minivan from much of southern Bali or Ubud, with pickup and drop-off included. The small-group format should make the day easier than joining a large coach tour, but check the exact group size and what the Gitgit guiding fee covers before paying.

Key points to know before booking

• Aling-Aling is the action stop: You can slide, swim, and jump from platforms into clear water, subject to local conditions and guide instructions.
• Gitgit brings a quieter waterfall setting: Allow about 2.5 hours for the visit, including the walk and guided time.
• Taman Ayun gives the day a cultural finish: The temple’s moat, lotus flowers, and carved details offer a peaceful change of pace.
• The day is long: At 10.5 hours, this works best when you want a full excursion rather than a relaxed beach day.
• The Gitgit fee needs checking: One booking experience involved an additional IDR 500,000 guide charge, despite the tour details saying a trekking guide is included.
• Pack for water and walking: Bring swimwear, a hat, sunscreen, and dry clothes. Large bags and luggage are not allowed.

Why this northern Bali day works

Bali’s south is easy to enjoy, but it can also feel crowded and built up. This trip sends you north through greener parts of the island, where waterfalls cut through jungle and rock. You spend much of the day outdoors, with the reward of cool water rather than another café or shopping street.

The tour costs $55 per person. That is a fair price if your pickup area is covered and the advertised inclusions are honored. You are paying not only for the ride, but also for a full day of transport, three entrance fees, an English-speaking guide, a trekking guide, bottled water, fuel, tolls, local taxes, and insurance.

Food is not included, so budget for lunch and any extra drinks. The vehicle and entrance fees remove several small costs that can otherwise add up, but the possible Gitgit guide charge is important enough to confirm in writing before you go.

The schedule also saves you from arranging transport between scattered northern attractions. That matters in Bali, where a day that looks simple on a map can take much longer by road.

The ride north from Kuta, Ubud, or the coast

Pickup is available from Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Jimbaran, Sanur, Krobokan, Canggu, Nusa Dua, and Ubud. You receive hotel pickup or a central pickup point, depending on the location and local arrangements.

The air-conditioned minivan is a practical choice for such a long day. You will want the cool interior after walking in the sun and getting wet at the waterfalls. A small group also means less time spent loading people into a large bus.

The tour details describe a maximum of five people per group in one section, while the wider small-group information refers to up to 10 participants. Since that affects comfort and time, confirm the actual group limit when you book.

Pickup from Lovina, Amed, or Tulamben is available for an additional 150,000 Indonesian rupiah per person. Candidasa pickup costs an additional 100,000 rupiah per person. Those extra charges make this less attractive if you are staying far from the normal service area, so compare the total with a local northern Bali excursion.

Aling-Aling Waterfall: the day’s main thrill

Aling-Aling is the most active part of the experience. The waterfall drops about 35 meters through thick greenery, and the appeal is not limited to looking at it from a viewpoint. With the local trekking guide, you can slide into the water, swim, and jump from platforms.

The natural slide is the feature that gives this stop its character. You do not simply stand beside a waterfall for a photograph. You use the rock and water as part of the experience, which makes the stop more memorable for anyone who enjoys a bit of controlled adventure.

The water is described as clear and turquoise, and the swimming area in front of Aling-Aling is a major reason to bring proper swimwear. You should also carry a complete change of clothes, because a damp swimsuit will not be pleasant for the rest of the day.

The Aling-Aling visit lasts about 2.5 hours. That gives you time for the walk, safety instructions, the water activities, and a little time to enjoy the setting. You should listen closely to the trekking guide, especially before using any slide or jumping point. Water conditions and local instructions matter more than getting a dramatic photograph.

The entrance fee and trekking guide for Aling-Aling are listed as 125,000 rupiah. The tour description says these are included, along with the other entrance fees. One practical note says to bring cash for entrance fees and food, so carrying some Indonesian rupiah is still sensible.

Aling-Aling is not a good choice if you have back problems, are pregnant, or use a wheelchair. The physical setting includes walking and water activity, and the tour is not suitable for those groups.

Lunch and the value of a simple break

After Aling-Aling, you stop at a local restaurant for lunch. The meal is not included, so you will pay for your own food and any extra drinks.

That arrangement keeps the tour flexible, but it also means you should carry cash. The supplied information specifically recommends cash for food and entrance-related costs. Bottled water is included, which is useful in the heat, but it does not replace bringing money for lunch.

A local restaurant stop also breaks up the active part of the day. You will have a chance to dry off, eat, and settle down before the next waterfall. Do not expect a long culinary event. The value is convenience and a proper meal during a full-day outing.

Gitgit Waterfall and the guide-fee question

Gitgit is often described as one of Bali’s most beautiful waterfalls. The visit lasts about 2.5 hours, so this is not a quick roadside photo stop. You should expect walking, time at the waterfall, and guidance through the area.

The setting adds a different mood after Aling-Aling. Aling-Aling is about action, while Gitgit gives you more time to appreciate the falling water and surrounding greenery. If you want to see two well-known northern Bali waterfalls in one day, this pairing makes sense.

There is one issue you should not ignore. The tour information says entrance fees for Aling-Aling, Gitgit, and Taman Ayun are included, and it also lists a trekking guide. Yet one booking experience involved a further IDR 500,000 guide payment at Gitgit. The person was told that several waterfalls could be visited and that a guide was required.

That extra payment was disputed because the published details appeared to suggest guiding was covered. I cannot tell you that the charge will happen on every departure, but you should ask before the day begins:

• Is the Gitgit trekking guide included?
• Does the included guide cover the main waterfall only or several falls?
• Are any local guide fees paid directly on arrival?
• If a fee is required, what is the exact amount?

This is the clearest point to settle before you commit. An unexpected 500,000 rupiah charge changes the value of a $55 excursion.

Taman Ayun Temple: a peaceful final stop

The last major stop is Pura Taman Ayun, visited for about 30 minutes. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a strong contrast to the wet and active waterfall stops.

The temple is known for its peaceful moat, lotus flowers, and detailed carvings. You view the temple grounds and get a taste of Bali’s traditional temple style without needing a separate cultural tour.

Thirty minutes is enough to see the setting and take photographs, but it is not enough for a long temple visit. Think of Taman Ayun as a well-chosen final stop rather than the main focus of the day.

I like this part of the schedule because it prevents the outing from becoming only a series of waterfalls. After physical activity, the quiet temple grounds give you a slower half hour before the ride back.

What the $55 price really covers

At $55 per person, the tour offers good value for someone staying in the included pickup area and wanting a guided day with several stops. The price covers:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in the listed areas
• Air-conditioned minivan transport
• An English-speaking guide
• Trekking guide services
• Entrance fees for Aling-Aling, Gitgit, and Taman Ayun
• Bottled water
• Insurance
• Local taxes, fuel, and toll charges

Lunch and personal expenses are extra. You should also keep cash available because the instructions advise it, and because of the reported Gitgit guide-fee confusion.

The value is strongest for solo visitors, couples, or small groups who do not want to arrange a private driver and negotiate separate entry costs. It is less compelling if you only want one waterfall, dislike long road days, or already have easy access to northern Bali.

The free-cancellation rule allows cancellation up to 24 hours before the start for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms are useful if your Bali plans are still shifting.

What to bring for a smoother day

Keep your luggage at the hotel. Large bags are not allowed, and a big suitcase would be awkward around the waterfalls anyway.

Bring:

• Swimwear
• A complete change of clothes
• Sunscreen
• A sun hat
• Cash for lunch and possible local charges
• A small bag for essentials

Wear clothes that are easy to move in and shoes suitable for walking near water. The supplied information does not specify footwear requirements, so I would ask the operator what they recommend before departure.

You should expect to get wet at Aling-Aling. Keeping dry clothes separate from your phone and wallet will make the return journey much more comfortable.

Who should book this tour?

I would recommend it to active visitors who want more than sightseeing from a roadside viewpoint. You need to be comfortable with a long day, walking, swimming, and following instructions around natural water features.

It is especially suitable if you are staying in Ubud or southern Bali and want transport into the north without renting a vehicle. It also works well for people who want to combine nature with one important temple rather than spend the entire day on cultural sites.

I would not choose it for a relaxed family day, a beach-focused holiday, or anyone with mobility limits. Pregnant people, wheelchair users, and people with back problems are specifically advised not to take it.

The tour is also a weaker choice if unexpected charges would cause stress. Ask about the Gitgit guide fee before departure, and confirm the group size since the information gives both five and 10 as possible limits.

Final decision: book it with one important check

Book this trip if Aling-Aling’s slide and swimming experience appeal to you, you want to see Gitgit in the same day, and you value included transport and entrance fees. The combination of clear water, jungle waterfalls, and Taman Ayun’s calm temple grounds gives you a nicely varied day.

Before booking, get clear confirmation that the Gitgit guide is included and ask how many people will be in your group. With those points settled, $55 is a sensible price for a full northern Bali outing. Without that clarification, the possible IDR 500,000 extra charge makes the value harder to judge.

FAQ

How long does the Bali waterfall tour last?

The tour lasts 10.5 hours. Starting times depend on availability.

Which waterfalls are included?

The tour visits Aling-Aling Waterfall and Gitgit Waterfall.

Can I swim at Aling-Aling Waterfall?

Yes. The experience includes swimming, sliding, and jumping from platforms at Aling-Aling, subject to local guidance and conditions.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch at a local restaurant is not included, and you pay for food and additional drinks yourself.

Is transportation included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off, plus transportation in an air-conditioned minivan, are included from the listed areas.

Where is pickup available?

Pickup is available in Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Jimbaran, Sanur, Krobokan, Canggu, Nusa Dua, and Ubud. Pickup from Lovina, Amed, or Tulamben costs an additional 150,000 rupiah per person, while Candidasa pickup costs an additional 100,000 rupiah per person.

Are entrance fees included?

The tour includes entrance fees for Aling-Aling, Gitgit, and Taman Ayun. The listed fees are 125,000 rupiah for Aling-Aling with its trekking guide, 20,000 rupiah for Gitgit, and 20,000 rupiah for Taman Ayun.

What should I bring?

Bring a sun hat, swimwear, sunscreen, a change of clothes, and cash for food or possible local charges. Large bags and luggage are not allowed.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?

No. It is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or wheelchair users. The tour includes walking and active water experiences.