The black sand beaches, blue waters and waterfalls are starting to draw tourists to the North of Bali. From the moment you cross the mountains and the coastline comes into view, the north runs at a much slower pace.
You will not find the masses of tourists that you will find at Kuta. Even though the area is not as developed as the south of Bali, there are still plenty of things to do in Lovina. Lovina is slowly becoming a popular destination for travellers in Bali.
Let’s take a look at things to do in Lovina, Bali
Many people stay in Bali and never leave the Kuta area. With the constant hustle and bustle of the area, getting out and seeing some of the other sights Bali has to offer is a brilliant idea. There are so many amazing things to see in Lovina, North Bali, that you will find yourself even more relaxed after your trip to Bali. The best time to visit Lovina is April through September, the dry season in Bali.
Dolphins in Lovina
Whenever you mention Lovina to people, they ask if you went dolphin watching. Watching dolphins in Lovina is among the most popular things for many visitors. The dolphin tours in Lovina generally start at around 6 am and last for two hours.
They don’t tell you that you will be sharing the water with over 100 other boats most of the time as you chase a pack of dolphins back and forth along Lovina Beach. The best thing about an early start is catching the amazing Lovina sunrise.
What to do in North Bali – Snorkelling Lovina Beach
Snorkelling is one of the best things to do in Lovina. 200 to 250 meters off Lovina Beach is a reef with around 10 feet of water. A local outrigger boat will take you to the coral reefs, supply you with masks and flippers, and tell you to get in. Fish are abundant on Lovina Beach when diving.
You will see all types of tropical fish, including cardinalfish, angelfish and even Nemo. Snorkelling at Lovina Beach is a true highlight of any trip to Lovina.
Lovina Beach
Lovina Beach is a sandy, shallow beach perfect for swimming. Along the main road, you will find the entrance to beach clubs and resorts, such as the Lovina Beach Club & Resort. Such establishments offer Jet skis for hire, parasailing, water sports, riding on a banana boat, and more.
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What to do in Lovina – Krisna Water Park
The Krisna Water Park is on a smaller scale than Waterbom in Bali. At Krisna, you will find a wave pool, lazy river, three small children’s areas and three big water slides for adults and the more adventurous kids.
For adults, the lazy river also has a water bar to pull into for juice, soft drinks, beer, or cocktails. All this fun is yours for the amazing entry price of 70,000 IDR (January 2020 price) or around $8 (Australian Dollars). This is certainly one of the fun things to do in Lovina.
Shopping in Lovina
Like all places in Bali, Lovina Town has a section full of stalls selling all the usual stuff. You can find Bintang Singlets, stubby holders and more. The latest knock-off sunglasses and handbags are awaiting you at a great price. For all your Bali souvenirs, you should head to the Krisna store.
These stores are well stocked and organized, offering coffee, oils, nuts, scarves, batik fabric, spa creams, soaps, wooden crafts, snacks, sarongs, and T-shirts. Best of all, there is no haggling involved—the prices are set for you
>> If you can not stay in Lovina, you can take a tour north from the Kuta area
Lovina things to do – Banjar Hot Springs
You will find the Banjar Hot Springs, located just 5 km southwest of the uncrowded black beaches of the Lovina area. This North Bali attraction dates back centuries and is a firm favourite for locals and visitors alike.
It’s the perfect place for meditation in the natural habitat of the hills of Banjar. The hot water springs complex comprises four main pool sections, with the largest section featuring a cafe, restrooms, lockers, changing rooms, and a spa and massage facility.
The air panas Banjar site features a well-laid-out tropical garden you can easily take in during your visit. Like all attractions in Bali, you will find a row of shops out the front selling goods and souvenirs.
Brahma Vihara Arama Buddhist Monastery
Located in the hills of Banjar, about 10 kilometres from the town of Lovina, this stunning monastery offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Also known as the “Little Borobudur,” Brahma Vihara Arama is one of the largest Buddhist monasteries in Bali. The complex is beautifully designed with traditional Balinese and Buddhist architecture and is surrounded by lush tropical gardens and serene ponds.
Visitors to Brahma Vihara Arama can explore the various prayer halls, meditation rooms, and stupas scattered throughout the complex. Each building is beautifully adorned with intricate carvings and colourful paintings, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Bali and Buddhism.
North Bali things to do – explore waterfalls
North Bali is well known for its waterfalls. You will find a number of fantastic Bali waterfalls near Lovina, including the Gitgit Waterfall, the Singsing Waterfall and the AlingAling Waterfall. Many of the waterfalls in Bali allow swimming in the waters below. The pathway into many waterfalls involves climbing a lot of steps. The waterfalls are a big Lovina Bali attraction.
- Gitgit Waterfall – A 20-minute walk from the car park, swimming is allowed in lava rock pools.
- AlingAling Waterfall – 100 steps take you down to the 35-meter high waterfalls. Swimming is allowed
- Singsing Waterfall – 20 minute walk through rice fields, the waterfall is 13 meters high.
Do I need travel insurance in Indonesia?
We always say if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel. Get your travel insurance to protect your epic holiday in Indonesia from any small hiccup.
For Australian travellers, we recommend Fast Cover Travel Insurance.
For worldwide travellers, we recommend AXA Travel Insurance
Visit Singaraja
Singaraja is the largest city in the north of Bali, with a population of 100,000. It is home to two universities, so its population is young and vibrant. In Singaraja, you will find shopping centres, including Carrefour, the Police, and the Hospital. You can also visit the temples and former Royal Palace and meet the family’s descendants.
Singaraja wears its Dutch heritage well, with several buildings and warehouses surviving from the period when it was the administrative centre. A stroll along the waterfront at JI Erlangga, with its cafes and restaurants, is a great way to spend a few hours.
Where to stay in Lovina
We highly recommend the Lilin Lovina Beach Hotel. The hotel is located right on the beach with its restaurant overlooking the ocean. It has rooms for couples and families visiting Lovina. The rooms are semi-detached, much like small villas, some featuring private pools.
The rooms are nicely decorated and feature comfortable beds and air conditioning. The beachfront restaurant features both Western and Indonesian dishes on its menu. The hotel can organise some of the top things you can do in Lovina, such as dolphin tours and snorkelling.
The table below lists 10 of the best hotels in Lovina, which you can view and book for your holiday.
| Hotel Name | Hotel Facilities | Star Rating | Price Range | Book Here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Lovina Bali | Beach access, outdoor pool, garden, terrace, restaurant, bar, spa and wellness centre, 24-hour front desk | 4 | $83 – $413 | Check availability & reserve your room |
| The Hamsa Bali Resort | Private beach, outdoor pool, spa and wellness center, fitness centre, tennis court, restaurant, bar | 4 | $50 – $151 | Explore options & secure your stay |
| The Damai | Outdoor pool, garden, terrace, restaurant, bar, spa and wellness centre, 24-hour front desk | 4 | $215 – $540 | Check availability & latest prices |
| Puri Mangga Sea View Resort Spa | Private pool, garden, terrace, restaurant, bar, spa and wellness centre, 24-hour front desk | 4 | $36 – $90 | Check availability & reserve your room |
| Gino Feruci Villa Lovina | Outdoor pool, garden, terrace, restaurant, bar, beach access, spa and wellness centre, 24-hour front desk | 4 | $129 – $282 | Explore options & secure your stay |
| Frangipani Beach Hotel | Beach access, outdoor pool, garden, terrace, restaurant, bar, 24-hour front desk | 3 | $21 – $48 | Check availability & latest prices |
| Lilin Lovina Beach Hotel | Outdoor pool, garden, terrace, restaurant, bar, spa and wellness centre, 24-hour front desk | 3 | $30 – $119 | Check availability & reserve you room |
| Adirama Beach Hotel Lovina Bali | Beach access, outdoor pool, garden, terrace, restaurant, bar, 24-hour front desk | 3 | $20 – $39 | Explore options & secure your stay |
| Hotel Melamun Lovina | Check availability & reserve your room | 3 | $36 – $72 | Check availability & latest prices |
| Nugraha Lovina Seaview Resort & Spa | Outdoor pool, restaurant, bar, spa and room service, laundry | 3 | $44 – $116 | Check availability & reserve you room |
Alternatively, you can choose from several hotels featured on Agoda. Apartments are pretty popular for people wanting a more homely experience with access to cooking and washing facilities. Search for apartments in Lovina below.
How to get to Lovina
Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport is the only international airport in Bali. It is located 13 km south of the capital, Denpasar. Lovina is located around 90 km north of the popular Kuta / Nusa Dua area in the south. The drive to Lovina will take over three hours. If you have never been to Bali before, we can tell you that it takes time to get everywhere.
We recommend you hire a car or a driver to transport you to Lovina. This will set you back around $80 (Australian Dollars). We recommend you contact Putu at Discover Bali Holidays.
We hope this article from us here at Wyld Family Travel has you inspired to visit Bali. There are so many things to do in Lovina that will have you entertained for your whole stay in Bali. For more amazing ideas on where to holiday in Indonesia click through to our Indonesia Destination Guide page for more brilliant inspiration.