Northern Bali it is a region Indonesian of the island of Bali.
To know
This is a very different area from Southern Bali.
At the time of the colonial rule of the Dutch, Singaraja with its port, easy access point from Java, was the administrative capital of the island. Traces of the time can be found along the streets and in some buildings, which gives Singaraja a different look than any other city in Bali.
Lovina is the other area visited by tourists. The name, born in the 1950s, indicates three villages along the coast. It is a popular place for tourists looking for a relaxing beach holiday but without the chaotic atmosphere of Southern Bali.
Territories and tourist destinations
Urban centers
How to get
By car
There are several ways to get here.
From the south. The main road descends from the mountains of the central region up to Singaraja. From Bedugul in Central Bali it takes an hour, from Ubud about 2 hours and from the main tourist areas of Southern Bali about 3 hours.
An alternative and more suggestive choice is to turn west at Buyan's Lake Bedugul, go through the village of Munduk and arrive in Seririt on the north coast. From here it takes 20 minutes to get to Lovina. For this trip you can take the time you want to fully enjoy the magnificent landscape.
From the east. the road along the east coast to the north passes through areas where you can admire the Mount Agung. From Amed it takes about 60 to 90 minutes to get to Singaraja.
A less busy road is the one from Kintamani to the north coast near Kubututambahan, just east of Singaraja.
From the west. The road follows the coast from Pemuteran to West Bali until Lovina through beautiful coastal villages. The journey takes about an hour.
By bus
There are buses for Lovina from the main tourist centers of Bali. They are reliable and cheap and just book one day in advance. Perama has a network that connects the whole island and offices in Lovina.
I bemo for Singaraja depart from the Ubung terminal a Denpasar.
How to get around
By car
Many tourists reach the north of Bali with a rented car. You can rent cars and motorbikes in Lovina with the village of Kalibukuk where the best deals are found. If, on the other hand, you just want to enjoy the beaches and the life of Lovina then you better go on foot. The bemos travel the road between Singaraja and Lovina, if you need them you can try to stop one.
What see
One day in Singaraja it's a day well spent. The old colonial capital of Bali has had long international influences that still manifest themselves in the life of the city today. The streets are wider than any other area in Bali, as are the gardens, and there are several ethnic groups that reflect the past as a true transit point for Bali. Visit the Kampung Arab (Arab village) just behind the old port.
The Balinese of the area have a particular taste for the great monuments that you will see scattered almost everywhere, especially in the large intersections.
The most interesting thing to see in Singaraja is the Gedong Kirtya Museum at the intersection of Jalan Veteran and Jalan Gajah Made. This museum is dedicated to the conservation of Lontar's writings. The Lontar is a kind of palm and its leaves are an ancient medium on which words were written. The museum holds thousands of pieces showing important passages about local religion, medicine and folklore. It is open Monday to Thursday from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm and on Friday mornings. Admission is free, but you ask for a contribution (and you should really give some help).
10 km east of Singaraja on the coastal road is the Pure Meduwe Karang, the most important temple in the north of Bali, famous for the huge amount of figures carved in stone. Dedicated to Ibu Pertiwi (mother Earth), daily offerings are made to ensure that the less fertile land bears fruit, which is very strange considering how inhospitable the soil is in the north of Bali. There is a very famous stone wall because it is the testimony of the work of the Dutch artist Nieuwenkamp, who crossed Bali by bicycle at the beginning of the twentieth century. 7 kilometers to the east are the cold springs of Air Sanih.
The whole region is famous for black sand beaches, easily accessible and very close to the road. Probably the most beautiful and well known is the one in the village of Kalibukuk. Explore the beaches east and west of here to get an example of the real life of northern Bali.
Itineraries
Leaving Northern Bali you can:
- return south through the central highlands a Bedugul.
- go to West Bali for diving and snorkeling a Pemuteran.
- Cross the north coast to Eastern Bali to stay in Amed or Candidasa or explore the Mount Agung.
What to do
Diving and snorkeling are popular activities on the north coast and can be arranged with both private operators and hotels.The best sites to dive are at Tulamben is Pemuteran, outside the region, but Lovina it's a good starting point to explore both.
Go visit Pegasus Farm. 10 minutes by car in the hills above Lovina after Hotel Damai, you will find a farm overlooking Lovina Bay, at the end of the village of Kayuputih.Here you can go horseback riding through the tropical jungle and villages. , an experience suitable for all ages and even for beginners, therefore also ideal for families.
At dawn, a trip by boat to see dolphins off Lovina is another nice opportunity that is easy to organize.
The Spa in the north they are rather simple than in the south, but the treatments are excellent and the prices are great.
In Tejakula, east of Singaraja, there is the Bali Samadhi SpaThe best treatment here is the Rebalancing Massage (rebalancing massage).
How to have fun
Lovina has some lively bars, especially on weekends. Keep an eye on the flyers you find around or ask for information at the hotel.
At the table
All major hotels in Lovina they have restaurants with indoor and outdoor seating and fish grills are very popular. The seafront area in Kalibukuk is ideal for independent restaurants.
For a more authentic experience try the Jalan Erlangga waterfront a Singaraja.
Tourist infrastructure
Lovina has a good number of budget and mid-range accommodation and is therefore preferred by hikers and those traveling with family in tow.
East of Singaraja in the area between Kubutambahan, Bukti, Tejakula there are some private villas. This cooperates with Bali Samadhi Spa and you can enjoy spa treatments right inside the resort.
