If you’re thinking of visiting North Bali then we’re here to tell you that it’s a great idea and there are plenty of things to do in the area.
From the largest Buddhist temple and Buddhist monastery in Bali to many an amazing coffee plantation to the Wanagiri Hidden Hills, North Bali has so many great places to visit that you are guaranteed to find something you love there.
Our list of the 48 best things to do in North Bali should ensure that your trip to the area is packed with fun and enjoyment.
48 Amazing Things To Do In North Bali
Get Out And Meet People In The Mountain Village Communities Around Bedugul
It’s funny how many people visit Bali and never really spend any time interacting with the locals.
This part of North Bali which is quite a bit above sea level is cool and pleasant and an ideal place to walk around the villages and meet people.
Where Is It? Various, Buleleng Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Online: N/A
Visit A Traditional Market In Bedugul
If you’ve never been to a traditional fresh market, then North Bali is a superb place to experience one.
Bedugul Market is an amazing place to buy fresh fruits and vegetables and some locally farmed meat. There are also some clothing stores out the back.
Where Is It? Jl. Kebun Raya No.7, Candikuning, Kec. Baturiti, Kabupaten Tabanan, Bali 82191, Indonesia
Online: N/A
Sunrise Trekking On Mount Batur
Mount Batur in North Bali is high up (excuse the pun) on most people’s places to visit in Bali and that’s because it offers a spectacular view of the local countryside at sunrise.
You will need to get up early in the morning to climb up this one of Bali’s active volcanoes but you will be rewarded by cooking your own egg breakfast in volcanic steam at the summit. It’s not an easy hike, but it is a rewarding one.
Where Is It? Tibubeneng, Badung Regency
Online: Mount Batur Guide
Spot Dolphins At Lovina Beach
Getting back down to sea level, literally, one other thing many people want to do when they visit Bali is to see dolphins.
The Central Lovina Beach area is the best place on the island for dolphin spotting (for a small fee, of course) and it’s a very pleasant and laidback town too.
Where Is It? Lovina Beach, Anturan, Buleleng Regency
Online: Lovina Beach Guide
Explore The Coffee Plantations And Bali’s Awesome Coffee
If you’ve never been to a coffee plantation then there are plenty of coffee plantations in North Bali for you to enjoy.
You can check out the local coffees and enjoy a tour of the growing and preparation facilities at the plantations. It’s quite fascinating.
Where Is It? Various, Buleleng Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Online: N/A
Pemuteran Bay Festival
This is the biggest festival in North Bali and it brings together a ton of cultural and artistic performances for visitors to enjoy.
Our favourite part of this event is the traditional fishing contest in which local fishermen compete to see who can land the best catch. It’s awesome!
Where Is It? Pemuteran, Buleleng Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Online: Pemuteran Bay Festival
See Menjangan Island
Menjangan Island in North Bali is worth visiting for two reasons. One it’s one of the few places to visit where you can see wild deer in Bali.
The second is that it’s one of the best diving spots on the island and the waters are rarely busy, which means you can enjoy the marine life without any unwelcome interruptions.
Where Is It? West Bali National Park
Online: N/A
Snorkelling In Tulamben And Amed
Speaking of great dive spots, North Bali is also home to Tulamben and Amed two amazing places to visit if you want to get underwater.
The wreck of USAT Liberty is in this area and it’s an incredible place to create lasting memories of the marine environment of the island.
Where Is It? Tulamben & Amed, Bali
Online: N/A
Bathe In Air Panas Banjar (Banjar Hot Spring)
Air Panas Banjar is a very basic hot springs facility with a car park/parking lot, changing rooms, a small entrance fee and not much else.
That makes the hot springs one of the best places in North Bali to enjoy a warm relaxing soak without hoards of tourists around you.
Where Is It? Banjar Hot Spring, Jalan Banjar, Banjar, Kec. Banjar, Kabupaten Buleleng, Bali 81152, Indonesia
Online: Banjar Hot Springs Guide
Tour The Rice Terraces Of Munduk
Sure, you can visit Bali’s other rice terraces like Jatiluwih or Tegallang and they’re both beautiful, but they’re also heavily touristed.
Munduk’s rice terraces, on the other hand, are pristine and rarely disturbed by large volumes of visitors. It’s a nice place for a day trip or to stay for a few days to chill out.
Where Is It? P3H4+FV9, Munduk, Banjar, Buleleng Regency, Bali 81161, Indonesia
Online: Rice Terraces Guide
Play Golf On An Extinct Volcano At Bali Handara Golf Resort
Golfers will love the Handara Golf Course in North Bali. It’s a great place to practice your Bali swing and drive.
It’s also a course that is built on top of an extinct volcano and it’s the only golf course in Asia that can say that!
Where Is It? Q535+6P, Desa Singaraja-Denpasar Pancasari Sukasada, Desa Jl. Raya Singaraja-Denpasar, Pancasari, Kec. Buleleng, Kabupaten Buleleng, Bali 81161, Indonesia
Online: Handara
Get Zen At The Brahma Vihara Arana
This is Bali’s one and only Buddhist monastery and the largest Buddhist temple on the island too.
You’re welcome to visit or to stay a while and enjoy a meditation retreat (for a small donation). It’s a very calming place.
Where Is It? Banjar Dinas Tangeb, Banjar Tegeha, Kec. Banjar, Kabupaten Buleleng, Bali 81152, Indonesia
Online: N/A
Experience The Spray Of Gitgit Waterfalls
The big attraction of Gitgit is that the waterfalls are super easy to reach (apart from the drive to North Bali) and thus, are accessible to almost everyone.
You do need to pay a small entrance fee to access these waterfalls but it’s very much worth paying. Just watch out for unofficial guides, they’re not worth paying.
Where Is It? Jl. Raya Bedugul – Singaraja, Gitgit, Kec. Sukasada, Kabupaten Buleleng, Bali 81161, Indonesia
Online: Gitgit Waterfall Guide
Rent A Luxury Villa On The Ocean
If you’ve tried to rent a luxury villa in Canggu or Seminyak recently, then you will have noticed that things have got a lot more expensive in the South of the island.
However, in North Bali, you can still get a great deal on a luxury villa and you’ll find that a night living like a rockstar is affordable for many visitors to the island.
Where Is It? North Bali, Various Locations
Online: N/A
Marvel At Sekumpul Waterfall
Sekumpul Waterfall is one of the tallest waterfalls in Bali, probably the tallest and it’s an amazing sight to see the water crashing over the cliffs here.
It’s not quite as easy to get to Sekumpul Waterfall as Gitgit but it’s not exactly hard. However, because of its status – it can get very busy here.
Where Is It? Sekumpul Waterfall/Jalan Air Terjun Desa Sekumpul Kecamatan Sawan Kabupaten Buleleng, Kota Singaraja, Bali 81171, Indonesia
Online: Sekumpul Waterfall
Take A Ride On A Bali Swing
There are some interesting Bali Swings around the Lake Bratan area and you can enjoy a thrilling ride in the sky and grab some awesome Instagram shots here.
Where Is It? Lake Bratan
Online: N/A
Climb Wanagiri Hidden Hills
Wanagiri Hidden Hills in North Bali is an influencer’s dream as the area is covered in places set up for amazing Instagram shots.
There is an entrance fee but if you want your feed to stand out from the crowd, you’ll consider it money well spent.
Where Is It? Wanagiri, Jalan Raya Munduk, Pancasari, Kec. Sukasada, Kabupaten Buleleng, Bali, Indonesia
Online: N/A
See Ulun Danu Beratan Temple On Lake Beratan
Ulun Danu Temple is famous as a “floating temple” but really this is an optical illusion and you have to visit at the right time of year to see the temple floating on the lake.
However, it’s one of the most beautiful places in North Bali and worth visiting all year round.
Where Is It? Ulun Danu Beratan, Danau Beratan, Candikuning, Baturiti, Tabanan Regency, Bali 82191, Indonesia
Online: Ulun Danu Beratan Temple Guide
Stroll The Black Sand Beaches
Bali has some of the best black sand beaches in the world and North Bali is home to many of them.
Lovina Beach may be the most famous but there are plenty of others and they’re all good for walks, sunset views and often much more!
Where Is It? North Bali
Online: N/A
Trek To Fiji Waterfall
Fiji Waterfall is found outside of Singaraja in North Bali and it’s a fabulous place to visit if you’re heading to Sekumpul Waterfall.
They share a parking lot and the walk to one can take you all the way to the other waterfall.
Where Is It? R59J+RJ, Sudaji, Sawan, Buleleng Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Online: N/A
Don’t Miss Munduk Waterfall
The waterfalls in Munduk are awesome and Munduk Waterfall is part of a trekking trail that takes in several waterfalls.
Just don’t slip on any of the stone stairs near these falls and you’ll have a great time.
Where Is It? Jl Raya No.Desa, Munduk, Kec. Banjar, Kabupaten Buleleng, Bali 81152, Indonesia
Online: Munduk Waterfall Trekking Guide
Get Your Instagram Shot At Handara Gates
It’s one of the most famous places on the island for Instagram shots (Lempuyang Temple is the other).
Yes, you have to pay and yes, it’s the only thing to do apart from playing golf here, but it is absolutely iconic all the same.
Where Is It? Jl. Raya Singaraja-Denpasar, Pancasari, Kec. Sukasada, Kabupaten Buleleng, Bali 81161, Indonesia
Online: Handara Gate Guide
Enjoy Chinese Culture At Ling Gwan Kiong Temple
This Taoist temple is one of the most interesting examples of Chinese-Balinese culture on the island.
it’s especially fun to visit this temple around the time of Chinese New Year when it’s been decorated just for the occasion.
Where Is It? Jl. Erlangga No.65, Kp. Bugis, Kec. Buleleng, Kabupaten Buleleng, Bali 81114,
Online: N/A
Banyumala Waterfall
These twin waterfalls are clean and beautiful and there’s a wonderful pool at the base for swimming in too.
Where Is It? Wanagiri, Sukasada, Buleleng Regency, Bali 81161, Indonesia
Online: Banyumala Waterfall Guide
Aling Aling Waterfall
If you fancy cliff jumping, natural water slides and stunning waterfalls, then Aling Aling is definitely the place to be in North Bali.
Where Is It? Sambangan, Kec. Sukasada, Kabupaten Buleleng, Bali 81161, Indonesia
Online: Aling Aling Waterfall Guide
Trek With Local Guides In Tamblingan
Tamblingan is an area of outstanding natural beauty and the best way to enjoy it is to hire a guide and get them to show you the best of it.
Where Is It? Tamblingan, Buleleng, Bali
Online: N/A
Cycle At Bali Bike Park
This bike park is excellent and sadly, all too often empty, we’re not sure that North Bali has enough casual cyclists to make use of this on a regular bais.
But if you love to cycle, you shouldn’t miss it.
Where Is It? Jl Dasong Banjar Yeh Mas, Banyuning, Pancasari, Sukasada, Buleleng Regency, Bali 81111, Indonesia
Online: N/A
Take In The Lesser Known Sangsit Village Temple, Pura Beji
This temple dedicated to the Goddess of Rice dates back to the Majaphahit era and it’s one of the most distinctive temples in North Bali.
Where Is It? Jl. Raya Sangsit, Sangsit, Kec. Sawan, Kabupaten Buleleng, Bali 81171, Indonesia
Online: N/A
Busungbiu Rice Terraces
This charming set of rice terraces sees almost no foreign visitors at all and thus, you can enjoy it all to yourself and get unique Instagram shots too.
Where Is It? QX38+JVX, Jl. Mayong-Gunungsari, Bestala, Kec. Seririt, Kabupaten Buleleng, Bali 81153, Indonesia
Online: N/A
Lake Buyan And Lake Tamblingan
Lake Buyan and Lake Tamblingan are the “twin lakes” and the area is a visual feast and completely unspoiled. Trek around them to see temples, villages and much more.
Where Is It? Buleleng, Bali
Online: Lake Tamblingan Guide
Explore The Best Of The Fisherman’s Villages: Tejakula
If you love the thought of seeing “old Bali” then seeing the fishermen at work in Tejakula is a great way to do it.
Where Is It? Tejakula, Buleleng, Bali
Online: N/A
Discover Singaraja Bali’s Second City
If Denpasar sees very few foreign tourists, then Singaraja gets even fewer and that’s a shame because it’s a charming place with a pleasant colonial vibe to it.
Where Is It? Singaraja, Bali
Online: Singaraja Guide
Segara Penimbangan Beach
This is, perhaps, the nicest beach in North Bali and the sunset view here is absolutely fantastic.
Where Is It? Baktiseraga, Buleleng, Buleleng Regency, Bali 81119, Indonesia
Online: N/A
Try Agrotourism In Banjar
Banjar is a pleasant village near the hot springs of the same name and it’s becoming a popular spot for agrotourism.
If you’re going to bathe in the hot springs, you might as well take a walk round the village too.
Where Is It? Banjar, Tamansari, Bali
Online: N/A
Learn At Gedong Kirtya Lontar Museum (Museum Gedong Kirtya)
This is an amazing museum that brings together a lot of “lontar” which are Balinese manuscripts written on palm leaves.
It also houses a series of metal plate inscriptions and some seriously rare books. It was established by a private citizen but has since been given over to the local people.
Where Is It? Jl. Veteran, Paket Agung, Kec. Buleleng, Kabupaten Buleleng, Bali 81118, Indonesia
Online: N/A
Play At Krisna Funtastic Land
This is a fun little amusement park in North Bali that has absolutely nothing in common with Disneyland but is still a pleasant way to spend an afternoon with your family.
Little ones will love it but older children might be a little cynical about the rides here.
Where Is It? RXCV+HMR, Jl. Seririt- Singaraja, Temukus, Kec. Banjar, Kabupaten Buleleng, Bali 81152, Indonesia
Online: Krisna
Dive At The Les Biorock Coral Gardens
This is a fascinating project near Pemuteran Bay where bio-rock is being used to help redevelop some local coral gardens.
It’s free to visit, though there are fees for diving equipment and as always, you must be PADI-qualified to dive.
Where Is It? Pemuteran Bay, Buleleng Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Online: Biorock
Feel Like Lara Croft At Pura Meduwe Karang Temple In Kuutambahan
This unique old temple has a massive and fascinating relief showing a number of tales from Hindu myth in exquisite detail.
The grounds are very nicely kept and full of attractive statues. There’s no entry fee and sarong rental is just 5,000 IDR!
Where Is It? Kubutambahan, Buleleng Regency, Bali 81172, Indonesia
Online: N/A
Enjoy The Reef Restoration Project At Pemuteran Bay
Pemuteran Bay is part of a huge reef restoration project and you can swim out and see the regrowing corals and the fish surrounding them.
There’s no fee to swim in the water, but if you want to dive, you will need PADI certification plus the appropriate equipment and support.
Where Is It? Pemuteran Bay, Buleleng Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Online: Global Coral
Pura Agung Pulaki/Pulaki Temple
If you want to visit a temple full of monkeys but don’t fancy the crowds in Ulutwau, this is a wonderful place with some lovely sea views too.
They don’t get a lot of tourists, but there is a sarong rental facility at the front of the temple.
Where Is It? Jl. Singaraja-Gilimanuk, Banyupoh, Kec. Gerokgak, Kabupaten Buleleng, Bali 81155, Indonesia
Online: N/A
Puri Agung Singaraja Royal Palace
This is the original royal palace as used by the royal family of Singaraja and the gardens are wonderful for an afternoon stroll.
It doesn’t look like much from outside on the street but the compound is very impressive when you get inside.
Where Is It? Jl. Mayor Metra No.12, Paket Agung, Kec. Buleleng, Kabupaten Buleleng, Bali 81118, Indonesia
Online: N/A
Pura Segara Sea Temple
This is a stunning temple overlooking the beach and it’s nearly always empty except for a few local worshippers.
If you want an amazing view of the ocean at sunrise, this is where to be.
Where Is It? R2QF+9VJ, Anturan, Buleleng, Buleleng Regency, Bali 81152, Indonesia
Online: N/A
The Old Seaport Of Singaraja
You used to be able to walk around the seaport but it’s become a touch dangerous in recent years, so you’ll have to content yourself with a few photos.
The ruins of the port include a pier that stretches out to sea and it’s quite an interesting site.
Where Is It? V3WQ+JHH, Kampung Bugis, Buleleng, Buleleng Regency, Bali 81114, Indonesia
Online: N/A
Singsing Waterfalls
You don’t need the services of a guide at this waterfall (no matter how hard people try to insist you do) as it’s about a 3-minute walk from the road.
It’s rarely busy and it’s one of the best hidden gems in North Bali.
Where Is It? R282+38Q, Tigawasa, Banjar, Buleleng Regency, Bali 81152, Indonesia
Online: N/A
West Bali National Park
Bali only has one national park but it takes up a big chunk of the island in the Northwest of Bali.
West Bali National Park has mountains, lowlands, rainforests and so much more. It’s an amazing place to explore.
Where Is It? VFCG+X44, Sumber Klampok, Bali, Indonesia
Online: West Bali National Park Guide
Kerta Kawat Temple, Gerokgak
This temple in Pemuteran is a very holy place and it’s one of the most attractive temples that we’ve ever seen.
It doesn’t see too many tourists, either, it’s a serene place ideal for a bit of meditation.
Where Is It? Gilimanuk, Seririt, JL, Banyupoh, Kec. Gerokgak, Kabupaten Buleleng, Bali 81155, Indonesia
Online: N/A
Air Yeh Mampeh (Les Waterfall)
This is a nearly secret waterfall outside of the village of Les in North Bali and it’s a brilliant place to enjoy a waterfall all to yourself.
It’s not too hard to get to and it’s one of the highest waterfalls on the island.
Where Is It? Buleleng, Les, Kec. Tejakula, Kabupaten Buleleng, Bali 81173, Indonesia
Online: Yeh Mampeh Waterfall Guide
Makam Jayaprana/Pura Puncak Luhur Sari (Jayaprana Tomb & Temple)
A fascinating temple that was built in the memory of a local citizen called Jayaprana in what is a sort of Balinese Romeo & Juliet tale.
You’ll find a visit here to be quite fascinating and you’ll learn the whole story of the two ill-fated lovers of Seririt.
Where Is It? jl. seririt – gilimanuk, Desa Sumber Klampok, Kecamatan Gerokgak, Sumber Klampok, Kec. Gerokgak, Kabupaten Gerokgak, Bali 81155, Indonesia
Online: N/A
Is North Bali Worth Visiting?
Yes! While most tourists tend to stick to the Southern part of the island and the famous places around them. You’ll find that North Bali is full of beauty such as paddy fields, waterfalls, an active volcano, hot springs, palm trees, and much, much more.
There’s also plenty to do and the area has its own charm and it’s a real breath of fresh air if you’re looking to escape the crowds in the busier parts of the island.
Is North Bali Or Southern Bali Better?
That really depends on you. We love South Bali and its bright lights, amazing beach clubs (like FINNS Beach Club, the best beach club in the world) and beautiful scenery.
However, there’s no doubt that Northern Bali is gorgeous too and if you want to get away from the crowds and experience a more authentic slice of Balinese life and culture, North Bali is very much worth your time.
What Are The Best Towns In Northern Bali?
There are plenty of nice towns in North Bali and these include Singaraja, Bali’s Second City, Lovina, Banjar, Sembiran, Sangsit, Air Sanih, Seririt, Pemuteran and Manjangan.
However, it’s the villages of North Bali that offer the best experiences from our perspective. They’re the places where you can find the most authentic experiences in Northern Bali.
Which Is The Most Beautiful Part Of Bali?
Bali is full of beautiful places to visit and whether you’re in North Bali or South Bali you won’t be disappointed in the places you can see.
From Nusa Dua Beach to Handara Golf Resort to the infinity pool at FINNS Beach Club, there’s something for everyone in Bali.
Is There Anything To Do In North Bali?
Yes! Check out our list above, there’s plenty to do in North Bali with over 48 ideas in the article here alone.
Is It Worth Going To Lovina Bali?
Yes! Lovina Beach is the best area to see dolphins in Bali and while you’ll need to arrive early to join a boat offshore to see them – it’s completely worth it.
The cool breeze on the ocean is always welcome too and if you love scuba diving, then Lovina Beach is a great area for it too.
As you can see, if you visit North Bali there’s really no need to be bored. The Northern Coast and the tropical forests around it are among the most interesting places to visit on the island.
What’s really interesting about this area is that the North Coast doesn’t get anywhere near as many foreign tourists as the beach towns in Southern Bali do and you can have a real adventure discovering the hidden gems like beautiful waterfalls and beautiful gardens in the Northern part of Bali.
