Lovina is a relatively new name coined in the 1950s by a local Buleleng Regency official with a good eye for future tourism-based development. It essentially consists of seven traditional villages, which all slightly merge into one on a ten kilometre stretch of the main road which hugs the north coast to the west of Singaraja: Temukus, Kalibukbuk, Anturan, Pemaron, Tukad Mungga, Banyualit and Kaliasem. Kalibukuk is the main hub of this area and is often thought of "Lovina town centre".
The whole stretch of coast here is fringed by quite narrow black sand beaches, which are accessed by a multitude of small lanes which run perpendicular to the east-west coast road. The beaches are generally safe for swimming, and the waters of Bali's north coast, in direct contrast to the crashing surf of the south, are relatively calm.
Diving, snorkelling and dolphin watching are the main activities, but perhaps above all else, this is an area in which to relax and take in a very slow, traditional pace of life. It can get a little crowded in July and August, but outside that peak season, this is a quiet part of the island.
Perama [1] offers transportation from major tourist destinations in Bali and has a local Lovina office in Anturan. Perama shuttle buses to Lovina leave from Kuta, Sanur, Ubud, Candidasa and Padang Bai. They use mini buses without air-conditioning and the prices are more than reasonable.
Long distance bemos are a bit of challenge for all but the most experienced of budget traveller, but you can get to Lovina from most major towns in Bali, almost always via Singaraja.
Most visitors arrive in Lovina from the south in a self-drive hire car or with a car and driver. A journey from Kuta takes about 3 hrs and from Sanur slightly lesss. Ubud is a 2 hour car journey over the central highland range. Many visitors from the south choose though to break their journey at Bedugul or Kintamani.
This is a good area for walking as the roads are relatively quiet and the beaches long and easily passable.
Renting a bicycle is popular and again, easy to find. Many hotels have their own. You should be aware though that away from the coast road, there are a lot of steep hills.
The easiest way to visit the surroundings of Lovina is by renting a motorbike. There are many roadside outlets and expect to pay between Rp 50,000 and 90,000 per day. The roads are quite good here and nothing like as crowded as in south Bali.
Local bemos ply the north coast road between Singaraja and West Bali, stopping at all points on the Lovina stretch. You will need some patience and they can be very crowded indeed. As there is only one main road it is though hard to get lost.
Lovina’s black sand beaches are quite lovely and lend themselves well to exploration on foot at a leisurely pace. The sea is very calm here and is safe for swimming. The feeling on the beaches is one of laid-back tranquility with small, colourfully decorated traditional outriggers called perahu dotted along the shoreline. These are a reminder that you are in a traditional fishing community. There are a few hawkers, but nothing like as many as on the southern beaches, and this is as good a place as any in Bali to explore quiet beaches at your own pace. At the highest of tides the beaches can get a little difficult to traverse in places, so it is best to time your walks for a falling tide.
The small road that runs down to the beach-front from the main east-west coast route at Kalibukuk is called Jalan Bina Ria. At the beach end of this road is a rather wonderful dolphin statue. Apart from being a notable piece of kitsch, this is a reminder of the reason for the initial drive beind tourist development at Lovina (dolphins, obviously). Mini wooden and stone replicas of this statue are for sale widely in the area.
Brahma Vihara Arama
Brahma Vihara Arama, Dencarik. Bali's largest Buddhist monastery located near the village of Dencarik. The monastery is absolutely charming and commands lovely views. Whilst obviously Buddhist with its orange roof, numerous gold Buddhas and stupas recalling those at Borobudur, the carvings and ornamentation are very Balinese. The combination works well and if it were in a location easier to reach, this attraction would recieve far more visitors than it does. A visit here combines well with Banjar Hot Springs. Donation.. edit
Your hotel can (and will offer repeatedly to) arrange day tours to the nearby sights including the beautiful highland scenery of Munduk to the south, the beaches of Pemuteran to the west, and the city of Singaraja to the east. All are within easy reach.
You will be offered dolphin sighting trips every other minute. These leave the main beaches each morning at dawn, and have mixed reviews as the boats tend to outnumber the dolphins. It can though still be an enjoyable ride, and if you do find a pod of dolphins it is of course very worthwhile. The price is fixed by the local boatmen's association, and is currently Rp 75,000 per person. If you are in a group, ask about chartering your own private boat. Cockfights are popular around around Lovina, perhaps more so than anywhere else in Bali. This is taken very seriously, and you will see many older men training the cocks at the roadside throughout the area. At the fights, huge sums of money change hands as illegal gambling on the outcome is rife. If you are interested, ask at your hotel or approach one of the local men and ask to tag along to the next fight.
Banjar Hot Springs
Banjar Hot Springs (Air Panas), Dencarik (about 10 km west by road to Dencarik, then an ojek ride on rough paths). 7AM-6PM. Located west of Lovina, this is an enchanting hot springs with stone carved mouths gushing water in a lush garden setting. The waters are naturally a very pleasing temperature and have a high sulphur content. The whole experience here is extremely therapeutic and cleansing. Changing rooms and lockers are provided on site. This is not a straightforward place to get to, and for that reason it is often way less crowded than you would expect for such a lovely spot.Rp 3,000. edit
There are several dive operators based out of Lovina that operate daily dive and snorkeling trips to Menjangan Island, Tulamben and Amed, as well as dives from the local beaches. Be sensible and careful as some hotels and counters try to sell unlicensed diving trips that may look official on paper. Do not pay before you have seen the dive centre, and check that you will dive with certified divemasters/instructors.
Bali Spice Dive, ☎ +62 362 41305 (spicedive@balispicedive.com), [2]. PADI centre based in Lovina offering day trips to all of the dive spots on the northern coast of Bali. Guides are available in a variety of languages and multi-day discounts are available. Long-established and the largest dive operator in the area. Has a handy booking office in Jl Bina Ria, Kalibukuk, and the main centre is on the beach at Kaliasem close to the Aditya Beach Resort.US$55-75. edit
Lovina Dive, Jalan Banyualit, Kalibukuk (just east of Kalibukuk), ☎ +62 812 3842415 (info@lovinadive.com), [3]. PADI dive centre offering a full range of courses and fun dives to the major dive sites in north Bali.US$55-75. edit
Sunrise Dive Centre, Jl Bina Ria, Kalibukuk, ☎ +62 362 411820. edit
Lovina has several spa facilities. Whilst more low key than the spas in south Bali, the service is excellent and the prices are much lower than at the opulent spas in the south.
Also, do not under-rate or overlook the traditional massage women who work on the beaches at Lovina. Most of these women come from families where massage skills have been passed down through many generations, and they really know what they are doing. A beach massage will also cost you less.
Agung's Spa, (close to Damai Lovina Villas, in the hills 4 km inland from Kalibukuk), ☎ +62 362 42018, [4]. 9AM-9PM. Offers body scrubs, facials, massage, etc. The nicest spa facility in Lovina, though it is much smaller and basic than what you would find elsewhere on the island.edit
Bali Samdahi Spa, Tejakula (east of Singaraja), ☎ +62 81338 275 206, [5]. 9AM-10PM. Offers a variety of massages. The rebalancing massage is the signature treatment and a very nice mixture between therapeutic and well-being massage. Mandi Lulur scrubs are available also Thai Massage, Thai food reflexology and more.edit
Adjani, Enjungsangiang, Lovina, ☎ +62 812 36232019 (adjani_bali@yahoo.co.id), [6]. Small family-run cooking school near the post office on the main road at Kaliasem. Classes include a trip to see medicine herbs and a spice garden. In only 2-3 hours students learn five Balinese recipes.for more info please visit www.adjanibali.com.or call:+6281236232019, start :every day 10.00am_13.00 BOOK ONE DAY BEFORE edit
Warung Bambu, Pemaron, ☎ +62 362 27080 (warungbambu@gmx.net). This small restaurant offers cooking classes for individuals and groups.edit
Kalibukuk has a number of shops both on the main coast road and on Jalan Bina Ria selling the usual selection of Bali goods. You will find everything from arts and crafts to T-shirts at prices very marginally higher than you would pay in south Bali.
A Lovina speciality though are dolphin statues, usually carved from wood (don't believe those trying to convince they are from ebony!). This is due to the strong association of Lovina with dolphins, and if you want to take home just one souvenir from Lovina, then this is the most appropriate.
Barakuda, Jl Mawar, Kalibukuk, ☎ +62 362 41405 (restaurant_barakuda@hotmail.com), [7]. 9AM-9PM. Popular restaurant specialising in Indonesian style seafood. Have a good value set menu options.edit
Kakatua, Jl Bina Ria, Kalibukuk, ☎ +62 362 41344. Popular with tourists and not without reason. The menu is varied, the staff friendly and you can see the food being prepared and cooked from fresh ingredients.11AM-10PM. edit
Kopi Bali, Jl Bina Ria, Kalibukuk (near the dolphin statue). 11AM-9PM. . Cheap and cheerful Indonesian food. Extremely popular with budget travellers and a good place to hang out to talk travel.edit
Kubu Lalang, Tukad Mungga, [8]. 8AM-9PM. A quality restaurant owned and run by an Austrian food enthusiast. Some excellent takes on local food here and a good value set menu. Located at the bungalows of the same name at the beach end of a quiet lane in Tukad Mungga.edit
Sea Breeze, Kalibukuk (on the beach just west of the dolphin statue). 8AM-9PM. Very well known eatery on the beach in Kalibukuk. Been around for many years serving good value meals. Fish is especially recommended here.edit
Warung Bambu Pemoran, on the entrance road to the Puri Bagus resort, ☎ +62 362 27080. 11AM-9PM. Balinese and other Indonesian food at excellent value prices. Often has live dance performances and also offer cookery courses.edit
Jax Bar, Kalibukuk, (jax-bar@hotmail.com), [9]. 6PM-midnight. Live band every night, karaoke, pool room, dartboard, live sports including football on the biggest screen in Lovina, dance floor, Chinese food and probably the most extensive cocktail list in town. Watch the big game, sing karaoke, enjoy the band or just simply relax. There is even a bouncy castle to keep the kids amused!edit
Volcano Club, Banyualit (on the main road, can't miss it), ☎ +62 362 412222. 6PM-late. The only disco in town. If you are around on Saturday and want to make some moves with locals, you should go here. A rather bizarre rustic building which resembles a concrete cave.Rp 25,000. edit
Waru Bali, Jl Mawar, Kalibukuk. 11AM-late. Cool place to get get a beer and watch the sun go down. One of the oldest warungs in Kalibukbuk and still very popular. Stay late and you might enjoy a singalong with some of the locals.edit
Zigiz, Jl Bina Ria, Kalibukuk, [10]. 4PM-midnight. Live acoustic guitar nightly. Large cocktail selection.edit
This guide uses the following price ranges for a standard double room:
Budget
Under Rp 200,000
Mid-range
Rp 200,000-1,000,000
Splurge
Over Rp 1,000,000
There is a huge amount of budget and mid-range accommodation in Lovina and many visitors turn up without reservations. Options at the higher end are more limited but this is changing.
Angsoka Hotel, Jl Bina Ria, Kalibukuk, ☎ +62 362 41841 (hotel@angsoka.com), [11]. This 44 room hotel has been around a long time and it will win no design awards. The cheapest rooms are very cheap indeed though and it is a popular choice with backpackers for that reason. Also have more expensive and grander accommodation options.From Rp 100,000. edit
Elsa II, Kalibukuk (near The Angsoka off Jl Bina Ria). A small but excellent new budget option in Kalibukbuk. Opened in June 2008. Offers nice rooms, hot water, with fan or aircon and breakfast is included.From Rp 100,000. edit
Gede Homestay Bungalow, Anturan, ☎ +62 362 41526 (gedehomestay@yahoo.com), [12]. The rooms are clean with aircon and hot water. A small family run homestay with a good restaurant and nice seats in front of the bungalows.From about Rp 120,000. edit
Mas Bungalows, Jl Laviana, Banyualit, ☎ +62 362 41773 (mas_bali@hotmail.com), [13]. Small, quiet bungalow complex offering a range of accommodation options. The cheaper rooms have no aircon but all have hot water. Large pool and simple cafe. Surprisingly for budget hotel, they price in euros.From €7.50. edit
Rini Hotel, Jl Mawar, Kalibukuk, ☎ +62 362 41386 (rini_hotel@telkom.net), [14]. A good budget option and they actually take credit cards. The cheaper rooms do not have air-con. Good sized salt-water swimming pool.from Rp 150,000. edit
Sanders, Kalibukuk. Situated beach-side. Rooms are clean with no hot water. One of the better backpacker places in town.Rp 100,000. edit
Happy Beach Inn, Happy Beach, Tukad Mungga, ☎ +62 362 41017. Just four basic rooms with no hot water arranged in a nice little garden. Two minute walk to Happy Beach.Rp 100,000. edit
Puri Bali Lovina, Jl Mawar, Kalibukuk, ☎ +62 362 41485 (puribali@puribalilovina.com), [15]. This thirty room hotel offers traditional style rooms set around a large pool. Standard restaurant, a useful secondhand book store/exchange, an internet cafe and a five minute walk to the beach complete the picture and make this a popular choice with budget travellers. The cheaper rooms have no aircon. Also has a nice two bedromm family unit for those travelling in a group or with children.From Rp 130,000. edit
Villa Agung Beach Inn, Anturan, close to the petrol station, ☎ +62 362 41527 (villaagung@hotmail.com), [16]. A splendid little family run hotel right by the beach. Very quiet location. Offers a range of accommodation, some air-conditioned.From Rp 120,000. edit
Aditya Beach Resort, Kaliasem/Temukus, ☎ +62 361 8528521 (reservation@adityalovinabeach.com), [17]. Variety of accommodation available in this large beach front resort. Cafe, bar, in house massage treatment and large swimming pool.From US$35. edit
Bali Paradise Hotel, Anturan (set back about 1 km from the beach), ☎ +62 362 41432 (info@baliparadisehotel.com), [18]. Ocean and mountain views, huge swimming pool and large rooms. This is a good option for any visitor who wants to stay away from the from the beach but still close to all the facilties,From US$50. edit
Bali Taman Lovina Resort and Spa, Anturan, ☎ +62 362 41126 (balitamanlovina@telkom.net), [19]. Good value beachfront resort with large pool, restaurant, and a notably good in-house spa facility called Arjuna Spa.From US$35. edit
Banjar Hills Retreat, Tegehe, ☎ +62 815 58083880 (info@balibanjarhills.com), [20]. Beautiful laid back hill resort close to the Banjar Hot Springs, about 10 km west of Lovina properRp 250,000. edit
Puri Saron (formerly Baruna Beach Cottages), Tukad Mungga, ☎ +62 362 41252 (sales@barunabeach.com), [21]. The 35 rooms here are set in large pleasant gardens close to the beach. The cheaper rooms are inward looking while the more expensive options have great ocean views. Large swimming pool located right on the water-front.From U$65. edit
Rambutan Beach Cottages, Jl Mawar, Kalibukuk, ☎ +62 362 41388 (booking@rambutan.org), [22]. A lovely little family hotel near the beach. It has two pools and a pleasant restaurant with a mix of excellent local and western food. This hotel has good rooms and gardens and many amenities for children. The owners and staff are extremely helpful and friendly. US$25-155. edit
Sunari Villa and Spa Resort (formerly the Sol Lovina), Kalibukuk, ☎ +62 813 37536464 (info@sunarihotel.com), [23]. Large resort by Lovina standards with 129 rooms and eight individual villas. A variety of different room standards, large communal pool and bar/restaurant.From US$60. edit
Damai Lovina Villas, Jl Damai, Kayuputih, ☎ +62 362 41008 (info@damai.com), [24]. Fourteen very charming high-end villas in the hills 4 km inland from Lovina.US$160-699. edit
Puri Bagus Lovina, Tukad Mungga, (info@puribagus.net), [25]. Pleasant beach front setting in a very quiet part of Lovina. Mature gardens and a decent restaurant. Some of the individual cottages are much nicer than others.US$100-280. edit
Villa Santhi, Tukad Mungga, ☎ +62 (0)81 337 175 371 (discoverbali@villasanthi.com), [26]. Fully-serviced private villa set on the beach with a large infinity-effect swimming pool.Around €300/night. (-8.137277,115.052014)edit
Zen Resort Bali, Seririt, ☎ +62 365 93578 (contact@zenresortbali.com), [27]. A small boutique wellness resort offering integrated ayurveda, yoga, pranayama & meditation. Very quiet and beautiful location close to Seririt on the coast road between Lovina and Pemuteran.From €75. edit
Frangipani Beach Villa and Hotel Bali, Jl. Kartika, Kalibukbuk-Lovina, ☎ + 62 81 353 077 095 (Info@frangipanibeachvillabali.com), [28]. Two villas, each with two independent deluxe rooms. Directly on the Lovina beach with views of the Bali Sea, mountains and surrounding rice fields. A short walk from the heart of Lovina in a quiet area.From €75. edit
Visitors to Lovina are often offered magic mushrooms. Although the Indonesian legal position on mushrooms is unclear, this is very much at your own risk and frankly, best avoided.
Free WiFi in cafes not as common here (yet) as in the main South Bali tourist destinations, so specialist internet cafes are still quite numerous.
Bits and Bytes, Jl Raya Singaraja, ☎ +62 817 522511, [29]. 8AM-8PM, later in the peak season. Decent 256 kbps connection and good range of facilities.Rp 25,000 per hour. edit
Inet, Jl Pantai Bayualit, ☎ +62 817 522511, [30]. 8AM-midnight. Close to the beahc at Banyualit. Check your email in the open air while hearing the the waves.Rp 30,000 per hour. edit
From Lovina you can continue your Bali trip westwards to Pemuteran and West Bali National Park for more diving, trekking and birdwatching.
The old administrative capital of Bali at Singaraja is just 20 minutes to the east.
Bedugul for lakes, mountains and the botanical gardens.
This is a guide article. It has a variety of good, quality information including hotels, restaurants, attractions, arrival and departure info. Plunge forward and help us make it a star!
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