Lovina in North Bali doesn’t get too many tourists as of yet, but things are changing, and that’s because the black sand beaches, the crystal blue waters of the Indian Ocean and the amazing waterfalls in this area are starting to bring people North.
It’s cheaper than the parts of Bali that see more tourists, such as Canggu, Seminyak, Kuta and Legian, and it’s also far more laid back.
Lovina is Bali as it once was, and that’s a good thing. Of course, as more tourists head to Lovina, it will become more developed, but for now, it’s an unspoiled gem that deserves some love and attention from visitors to Bali.
Where Is Lovina Beach/Lovina?
Lovina is short for Lovina Beach, and it refers to a strip of the coast on the West Coast of Bali, around 15 kilometres from the town of Singaraja.
Singaraja is the capital of the Buleleng Regency. Lovina Beach encompasses several small and attractive villages, including Pemaron, Tukad Mungga, Anutran, Temukus, Kaliasem, Kalibukbuk and Banyuality.
Lovina is, in fact, an abbreviation of the phrase “Love Indonesia”, and it was given to the area by Pandji Tisna.
He was a regent of the Buleleng Regency briefly before abdicating the throne in favour of his own brother, and he saw the potential for tourism to reinvigorate the area.
He was so visionary that he is still known today as “the father of Balinese tourism” and he was given a posthumous award by the government for his huge service to tourism on the island.
Pandji Tisna was a remarkable figure who probably ought to be better known among tourists than he is.
The village of Kalibukbuk is the closest that Lovina has to a town centre. The whole coast is also “Lovina Beach” because it is essentially a single black sand beach broken up slightly into narrow black sand beaches.
How To Get To Lovina Beach?
You’ve got quite a few options to reach Lovina, and they include the following:
Bus
The Perama company has buses that run between most of the major tourist spots in Bali, and Lovina is no exception.
There’s a Perama office in Anturan near Lovin Beach where you can buy tickets to other parts of Bali.
They offer shuttles from Kuta, Sanur, Ubud, Candidasa, and Padang Bai direct to Lovina, and you can usually catch a separate shuttle from other places in Bali to one of these spots to get to Lovina Beach.
However, you should be warned that this service uses mini-buses, and they do not have any air conditioning installed. That means the journey can be a bit hot and uncomfortable, particularly if you’re travelling with small children.
There is also a bus from Singaraja to Java that passes through Lovina. This service is operated by Menggala.
The big advantage of taking the bus is that it will save you money, but it may not save you time and will be somewhat uncomfortable.
Scooter
We don’t recommend riding scooters in Bali. Our position on this is that a.) it’s hard to be road-legal and b.) it’s not very safe.
To be road-legal, you must have a current driving license with a motorbike endorsement (a standard car license won’t cut it), a current international driver’s permit (IDP), a helmet (which must be worn; it’s not an ornament) and you must be sober.
If you’re not road-legal, you’re not insured. That means if you have an accident, you will have to pay for treatment. Travel insurance cannot cover people who aren’t road-legal.
In fact, it’s also worth noting that travel insurance often has strict limits on what it will pay out, and your travel insurance policy might prove inadequate in the case of an accident. If you are legal, make sure to check the small print.
While healthcare in Bali can be cheaper than it is in some Western nations, it’s not unheard of for fees to run into tens of thousands of dollars for serious accidents.
And accidents are likely on Balinese roads. There are very few “rules of the road” here, and those that do exist aren’t the same as the ones you follow back home.
Even experienced riders find this part of the world’s traffic and roads hard to handle. Newbies may find them impossible.
Car
You can easily rent a private car and private driver from the Bali Res Centre (see below in the FAQs for their contact details), and while it costs a bit more than a bus or a scooter, it’s much safer, and you can enjoy the journey and the sight of the Balinese countryside and mountains.
This is our recommended option for getting to Lovina for most people. It’s not going to cost much more than a taxi and will probably cost less than an airport transfer service from a hotel.
Taxi
You can, of course, get a taxi (prepaid at the airport if you’re at Ngurah Rai International Airport) or flag one down, but we’d recommend you use Grab or Gojek instead.
These ride-sharing apps are far more convenient and reduce the chance of you being ripped off dramatically.
You can even link them to your cards so that you don’t need to pay in cash. In fact, you can tip on the app, too, if you want to.
Airport Transfer Service
Perhaps the most convenient way to get to Lovina Beach is to use an airport transfer service provided by your hotel or accommodation.
This won’t be the cheapest way to get there, but it will involve someone waiting for you upon arrival at Denpasar Airport and waving a sign with your name on it.
They will help you with your bags and drive you by the fastest route to your destination. They will usually help you unpack on the other end, too.
Sometimes, it’s worth paying a little premium for the best service.
How To Get Around Lovina?
Lovina is an excellent area to walk around. Lovina Beach and the surrounding region have relatively quiet and relaxed roads, and the beaches are fine to walk on.
You can also easily use a bicycle. Most hotels rent them or provide them for their guests for free.
Just be warned, if you stray from the coastal roads and paths, the roads in Lovina can be very steep, indeed.
It’s fair to say that the roads in Lovina Beach are surprisingly well-maintained (for Bali), and you should be fine on a bike.
You could also rent a scooter or motorbike (we still don’t recommend it, mind you) as this is quite cheap. The good news is that there’s nowhere near as much traffic as there is elsewhere in Bali, reducing the chances of accidents considerably.
Grab and Gojek do, officially, work in Lovina Beach and the surrounding area, but you may find that drivers are few and far between.
So, don’t rely on apps. If you find that you really must be somewhere at a certain time, it’s best to arrange a taxi or transport with your hotel – they will be only too pleased to help, though the service might come at a bit of a premium.
About Lovina & Lovina Beach
Lovina, to many people, is the “real Bali”. It’s where you can still rent a two-bedroom villa without spending a week’s wages on a day’s rent.
You can live out in the rice paddies and enjoy free Wi-Fi and then roam the Lovina area and beach to your heart’s content.
You can enjoy dolphins, snorkelling, lush green rice fields, live music on a Friday night, diving, and much more, besides.
The locals are seriously relaxed, and they love to welcome travellers to the area.
A trip to Lovina is always great value, too, as hotels, villas, resorts, restaurants, boats, etc., are all cheaper to use than they are in most of the rest of the island.
If you want to relax and don’t fancy the mountains of Ubud, you’re likely to find that this part of Indonesia is an excellent choice for a trip down the coast to a very different part of Bali.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Lovina Beach?
You can visit Lovina Beach at any time of the year. During the rainy season, Bali sees, on average, 9 hours of sunshine a day!
Yes, it doesn’t rain all day long. However, it is hotter and more humid in the rainy season, and there will be times that you want to take shelter in your hotel or, at the very least, use one of those Bali rain macs that scooter riders use.
In the dry season, it’s a bit cooler, and there’s a pleasant onshore breeze, which makes lounging around on the beach a bit easier.
But we’ve never found that it makes enough difference to most activities and you will pay more for accommodation and flights if you opt for the peak season.
What To See & Do In And Around Lovina & Lovina Beach
This part of Bali isn’t as full of attractions as the main tourist destinations, but it has plenty to do all the same, and it’s worth noting that it has a great live music scene, unlike, say sleepy Sanur.
Some of the top things to do in Lovina include:
See The Dolphin Statue
If you follow the beachfront at Kalibukbuk to the end, you will find a rather decrepit dolphin statue.
The dolphins, bless them, have seen better days and are rusting away, but it’s worth stopping here for two reasons.
The first is to remember that the reason for much of the development around Lovina Beach is the dolphin-watching experiences on offer just off the coast.
The second is to understand why all the dolphin souvenirs that you will be offered in and around town look the same, and they’re all meant to be replicas of this statue in its glory days.
Dolphin Watching
We don’t know how dolphins feel about being watched, but we do know that you will need to get up early (most tours will start at 6 a.m. sharp and then go for two hours) to see the packs of creatures splash through the water.
This could be a truly magical experience if it weren’t for the fact that every single soul in Lovina will be doing the same thing, and you will often find 100 or more boats on the water out to see the cetaceans.
Don’t book tours from February to April, and they are likely to be cancelled due to weather problems. It appears that dolphins don’t like rain any more than we do.
Some people argue that this whole process isn’t nice to our mammalian friends, but given that this form of tourism has been going on in Lovina for a long while and the dolphins keep coming back, it seems unlikely that they are all that bothered about being watched.
If you feel that they might be, you could try looking for a tour that leaves later in the day, and then you will have fewer boats out on the water to stress the creatures.
Lovina Beach Festival
Every year, in July or August, there is a three-day festival in Lovina, which is meant to showcase the heritage of the local area.
There is live music, traditional dance and art exhibitions, and it all takes place along the beachfront.
It’s a really fun and memorable experience during which tourists and locals bond really well and celebrate all day long.
It’s also the best time of year to try the local cuisine as there are many stalls set up at the festival showcasing specific local dishes.
Long Beach Walks
The beach here is a great place for a stroll, and you can walk from one end of the beach to the other (all 11 kilometres of it) with relatively few interruptions.
When you do find your way obstructed, you can simply walk onto the road, go a few meters further and then return to the beach.
It is fair to say that “black sand” often becomes “brown sand”, but that’s OK. The scenery is still beautiful, and it’s an experience that you can’t enjoy in many other places in the world.
Hiking In The Rice Fields
You can also go hiking through the local rice fields. We’d recommend that you wear some shoes and long trousers for this – it helps to protect you against local insects and helps you make more noise to deter any snakes (Bali has quite a lot of snakes) that might be lurking around.
Bali has plenty of snakes, but the good news is they’re much more afraid of you than you are of them, and tourists are rarely bitten by snakes.
Take your camera, and you can get some majestic shots of the Balinese countryside in Lovina.
Sunbathing
We firmly believe that sunbathing is good for the soul and for your health as it’s the best way to produce Vitamin D naturally in your body.
We also believe that sunbathing is best when you don’t burn because getting burned sucks.
So, please make sure to take some sun lotion with you and use it on a regular basis.
You may also find that sunglasses and a sunhat can help shade your eyes and prevent you from getting heat stroke.
There’s no need to overdo things when it comes to sunbathing, and the sun is here almost every day in Bali.
Sunset Watching
Sunsets in Lovina are very pleasant, and it’s a great idea to hit one of the bars near the beach and enjoy a cocktail or a cold Bintang and watch the light fracture over the horizon as the sun disappears below it.
The colours are spectacular, and there’s something very soothing about this glorious natural process.
You could also take a (romantic) walk down the beach during sunset and enjoy the atmosphere in a more secluded location.
Star Gazing
One really nice thing about this part of Bali is that Lovina has very little light pollution at night.
You can go out and stare up at the skies in a way that you simply cannot in the more developed parts of the island.
If you’re an astrophotographer, bring a fast and wide lens and head up the hills with a tripod to capture some spectacular starscapes.
People don’t talk about this benefit of being in North Bali often enough, but it’s lovely to be able to feel yourself as a part of the whole universe.
Swimming
Some people say that the black sand beaches of the Lovina Beach area aren’t good for swimming, but we beg to differ.
In fact, most of the beaches in Lovina are perfectly safe to swim at and have much calmer waters than the crashing surf that you find in South Bali. The Bali Sea doesn’t get much better.
Sure, the sand can be warmer in the heat of the day than the typical white sand, but that can help you dry off faster and as long as you wear some thongs and put a towel down to sit on, you won’t burn or come to any harm.
Snorkelling
Lovina is a great spot for snorkelling, and you can easily rent or buy a mask and flippers in the area, and you won’t break the bank doing so.
The local marine life is varied and interesting, and the waters if more than clear enough to enjoy fascinating sights of the creatures as they flit about under the water, having fun and living life.
It’s much less busy in the water at Lovina, too, so you should have no problem finding a spot all to yourself. Isn’t that what life on a paradise island is all about?
Watch out for cardinal fish, angel fish, and even Nemo himself here.
Krisna Water Park
This small water park isn’t anything as good as Waterbom, but if you want a place to cool down and spend an hour or two having some fun in Lovina, it will do.
They have a wave pool, three big slides, three small children’s areas to play in and a lazy river.
There’s a swim-up bar in the lazy river, and they do a decent cocktail there.
Krisna Theme Park (Krisna Funtastic Land)
This is right next door to the Krisna Water Park and the Krisna shopping complex.
Don’t expect Disneyland standards, and you won’t be disappointed. This is more like a traditional country fare than a multi-billion dollar conglomerate’s effort to sell you cuddly toys.
It’s very cheap to get in (though the price goes up on weekends), and you have to pay to get on each ride. We’d be surprised if you could spend over 300,000 IDR if you went on every ride in the park.
In the evening, there is a light display, which is included in the ticket price and during the day, there are some pleasant gardens to stroll in.
Banjar Hot Springs
Just a couple of miles outside of the town are the Banjar Hot Springs, and they’re a very popular place for relaxing and meditating with locals and travellers alike.
There are four pools to choose from (the biggest pool has a cafe, some restrooms, paid lockers, comfortable changing facilities and even spa treatments and massage).
The area is very well laid out, and it’s an enjoyable experience. You can even buy souvenirs from the shops out the front. If you like this check out our Best Bali Hot Springs guide for more hot springs on the island.
Brahma Vihara Arama Buddhist Monastery
This monastery is often called “Little Borabadur” by those in the know, and it’s a gorgeous place that is also one of the largest monasteries for Buddhists in Bali.
The architecture on the show is quite spectacular, and we love walking through the tropical gardens here, which are flanked by ponds. The reflections in the ponds can really enhance your Instagram photos.
You are welcome to explore the buildings here, too, and it’s worth taking a look at the prayer halls, stupas and artwork on display in them.
Gitgit Waterfall
This is a truly striking waterfall that cascades down from the cliff top above through a tiny space into the jungle below.
It’s not a long walk to get to the fall area, and if you can get down some stairs, you can easily enjoy this place.
It’s very popular, though, and it’s best to visit early in the morning when the crowds are still in bed dreaming of sheep.
Singsing Waterfall
This waterfall is something of a hidden treasure, and it’s about an hour’s drive from Lovina.
You need to join the path in a local village and then walk for about 20 minutes through the rainforest to get there.
That means you quite often get this waterfall all to yourself as many people are put off by the moderate hike involved.
Aling-Aling Waterfall
This is a series of waterfalls in Bali, and it’s one of the best places for cliff jumping on the island.
It’s very easy to get to and only a short climb down some stairs when you arrive.
You do have to pay an increased fee to jump here, but it’s worth it as a local guide will ensure you jump and land safely.
Visit Singaraja
Singaraja is the biggest city in this part of Bali, and there are more than 100,000 people who call it home.
It has a young population and a pair of excellent universities that cater to their educational needs.
There are some basic malls, supermarkets, etc., for you to buy supplies. It also has plenty of temples, a former Royal Palace and more to enjoy.
Where To Stay In Lovina?
There are plenty of lovely places to stay in Lovina, and these include:
The Lovina
This is a relatively high-end hotel with a fitness centre and tennis courts, as well as a restaurant and a bar.
The outdoor pool area is very pleasant and ideal for cooling off after a hard day in the sun.
Lilin Lovina Beach Hotel
This beachfront hotel offers direct access to the beach as well as a private terrace and garden on site.
It was all the amenities you would expect, including a pool, restaurant, bar and spa and even a wellness centre!
Puri Mangga Sea View Resort Spa
This is a very good value 4-star hotel with an excellent outdoor pool and a nice garden.
Gino Feruci Villa Lovina
This upmarket boutique offering has a great wellness centre and spa, and their private terrace is lovely to relax on and is next to the pool.
Frangipani Beach Hotel
This bargain-priced 3-star hotel has direct access to the beach and a very decent outdoor pool.
Adirama Beach Hotel
This is another great value 3-star hotel with access to the beach and a garden, bar, restaurant and more.
Hotel Melamun Lovina
It’s a bit pricier than some of the other 3-stars in Lovina, but it’s also a bit more upmarket in its decor.
Nugraha Lovina Seaview Resort & Spa
The room service at this seaview resort is worth paying a premium for, and so is the view.
Where To Eat In Lovina?
There are some great places to eat in the area, too, and they include:
Buda Bakery & Resto – if you want bread and Western treats, they’re produced fresh daily here.
Ikan Bakur Tanjung Alam – an open-air restaurant making the best-grilled seafood in Bali.
Global Village Kafe – all the staff here are people with disabilities, and they make amazing food.
Akar Cafe – the best vegetarian place in North Bali.
Where To Drink In Lovina?
Lovina doesn’t have a ton of nightlife, but it does have some, including:
Funky Place Beach Bar & Grill – this is a great place to sit on a beanbag and watch the sun go down on the beach. Drink cocktails, eat peanuts and have fun. Their food wasn’t the best we’ve had, but the vibe was great.
Poco Lounge Bar – not far from the dolphin statue, this tropical-themed bar is very good fun. They have bands playing most evenings, and their pizzas are great. Drinks are sensibly priced, too.
ZiGiZ Bar – live acoustic guitar performances here are awesome, and the cocktail list is huge.
Where To Shop In Lovina?
It’s fair to say that most people don’t make a trip to Lovina to go shopping, and while there are the usual beach vendors and places to pick up diving or snorkelling equipment, there’s not a lot to spend your money on here that you can’t get elsewhere in Bali for similar prices (or sometimes less).
However, there is one thing that they sell in Lovina that is truly local, and you can find them on:
Jalan Bina Ria – Dolphin statues (please note: the vendors are not being entirely honest if they claim that they are made from ebony; they are carved from local wood, and you should pay for a carving, not a treasure).
FAQs
Is It Worth Going To Lovina, Bali?
Yes! Lovina is a hidden gem, for now, and it’s the ideal location for those feeling a little burned out from the crowds and drama of much of the rest of Bali.
Of course, you should visit Canggu (come see us at FINNS Beach Club, the best beach club in the world, when you do), Seminyak, Kuta and Legian, they’re popular for good reasons, but sometimes, you just need a bit of a change of scene and that’s when Lovina comes in handy.
There’s no better place to get a real feel for the fishing village heritage of this coastline.
You also won’t get hassled by hawkers with every step you take, and of course, there are still salespeople in Lovina Beach, but far fewer than there at Kuta Beach.
What Is Lovina, Bali Known For?
The thing that Lovina Beach is most famous for is its dolphins.
Many tourists come to Lovina just for a dolphin tour, and once their dolphin tour is over, they’re already heading to pastures new with their photos of the dolphins filling their Instagram feeds.
We think that’s kind of sad, and as much as we love dolphins, we’d encourage visitors to explore the Lovina Beach area a little more fully. It’s a lovely place, and it’s worth a day or two on any Bali itinerary.
Can You Swim At Lovina Beach Bali?
Yes! It’s a beautiful beach for swimming, in fact. Sure, many will argue that it’s not the best beach in Bali for swimmers, but we think it’s more than good enough.
Swimming here is easy because there’s very little in the way of waves or surf, and it’s a nice beach for both swimming and snorkelling.
Once you’ve enjoyed the dolphin tours, you should definitely take some time to explore the marine environment of Lovina Beach, a little closer to shore.
Is Lovina Beach Good?
Yes! Lovina offers some of the best value accommodations, resorts, villas, and hotel rooms on the island. The town is relaxed, and the locals are very friendly towards travellers.
It’s easy to get cheap spa treatments, and the restaurants offer fresh catch from the ocean nearly every day of the year.
One of the most popular things in Lovina Town is going to see the dolphins, but the nice beach, rich cultural heritage, and the hot springs are all worth a visit too.
How To Book A Trip To Lovina, Bali
If you’ve decided that you want to visit Lovina in Bali. Then we recommend that you contact the brilliant folks at the Bali Res Centre.
This is a locally owned, managed and operated travel agency with great connections across the island. They can ensure that your time in Lovina goes exactly the way you want it to.
The people at the Bali Res Centre get very competitive pricing thanks to being on the island and it makes you feel good to spend money in the Balinese economy rather than hand it to some offshore corporate entity.
Final Thoughts On Lovina, Bali
A trip to Lovina in North Bali is a great idea, particularly if you’ve spent a lot of time in South Bali and feel like a change of scene.
You can easily find some lovely accommodation in Central Lovina that won’t break the bank.
Lovina offers rice paddies, coral reefs, water sports, local music, traditional Balinese culture and heritage, diving and so much more!
Travellers seeking to explore the coast of this part of Indonesia will be rewarded with a relaxing and enjoyable time. Have fun!
