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Escape the hustle and bustle of South Bali and journey approximately 2 hours to the serene coastal area of Lovina on Bali’s northwestern side. This charming destination is a haven for snorkelers and underwater enthusiasts, offering captivating glimpses of the mesmerizing marine world. Despite gaining popularity among tourists in recent years, Lovina still retains its peaceful allure, remaining delightfully uncrowded compared to the bustling southern region of the island.
Regrettably, many visitors to Bali never venture beyond the southern part of the island, missing out on the treasures that Lovina has to offer. Embrace the opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich cultural traditions and relaxed pace of life that Lovina embodies. With its idyllic setting, this coastal paradise is an inviting retreat for those seeking respite from the frenetic energy of the south.
Where to Stay in Lovina
As you would expect from a major travel destination in Southeast Asia, Bali has no shortage of options when it comes to accommodation. As always, I’d suggest you stay somewhere central, to make accessing all the attractions as easy as possible.
New Sunari Lovina Beach Resort – We stayed here for 12 days and absolutely loved our experience. Here we experienced a heavenly beach getaway amidst the tranquil charm of North Bali’s black sand beaches, nature’s most stunning shades of green, as well as the enthralling view of the unique Balinese traditional life in the surrounding communities. New Sunari Lovina Beach Resort is a remarkable beachfront resort that offers refined accommodations, each one thoughtfully designed to complement and emphasize the resort’s idyllic natural surroundings. You can also make a direct booking here.
Begin your search for the perfect accommodation now while the excitement is still fresh in your mind. Discover stylish and affordable options, and find the best accommodations at the lowest prices:
Best Luxury Hotels in Lovina
The Kayu Manis Villa & Spa: This villa in Lovina offers accommodation, an outdoor swimming pool, a garden, a shared lounge, a terrace, and a bar. The villa features both WiFi and private parking free of charge, providing sea views.
The Damai: Nestled in the hills of Lovina, The Damai provides a tranquil and intimate retreat. The resort offers spacious villas and cottages with traditional Balinese architecture and modern amenities.
Puri Mangga Sea View Resort & Spa: This luxurious resort is situated on a hillside overlooking Lovina Bay. It offers a range of elegantly appointed rooms and villas, many of which come with private plunge pools.
Best Mid-Range Hotels in Lovina
Lilin Lovina Beach Hotel: This charming hotel is set amidst tropical gardens and offers cozy bungalows with Balinese-inspired decor. Each bungalow comes with a private terrace and garden views.
The Lovina: The Lovina provides comfortable rooms and villas with modern amenities, some featuring private pools. The hotel’s beachfront location allows guests to enjoy stunning sunsets and easy access to water activities.
Binaria Museum Hotel: This boutique hotel is packed with character and charm. It offers excellent location and great value for money. It is located 200m from Lovina Beach and offers an outdoor pool and a tropical garden
Best Hostels in Lovina
Lovina Central Hostel: This friendly hostel provides budget accommodation with a mix of dormitory rooms and private rooms. Lovina Central Hostel offers a communal kitchen, a cozy lounge area, and a garden with seating.
FunkyPlace Hostel: This is a very popular hostel in Lovina known for its unique and colorful decor which contributes to a very cheerful atmosphere. The hostel offers both private and dormitory-style rooms, so it’s suitable for solo travelers as well as small groups.
Why you should travel to Lovina?
Lovina Beach holds a special allure for tourists, thanks to its collection of luxurious resorts that dot the shoreline. Indulge in the comfort and opulence offered by these establishments while enjoying the breathtaking views of the sparkling ocean. The beach itself offers a myriad of water sports and activities, guaranteeing endless fun and adventure for visitors of all ages. Whether it’s snorkelling, diving, or simply basking in the sun, Lovina Beach promises an unforgettable experience.
Lovina’s appeal extends beyond its pristine beaches. Delve into the surrounding area and discover an array of activities that will captivate your senses. Embark on a dolphin-watching excursion at sunrise, where you can witness these graceful creatures in their natural habitat. Explore the traditional villages and temples nearby, immersing yourself in the authentic charm of Balinese culture. With its tranquil atmosphere and untouched natural beauty, Lovina is a treasure trove of unforgettable experiences.
We stayed and enjoyed our time at New Sunari Lovina Beach Resort which offers refined accommodations, each one thoughtfully designed to complement and emphasize the resort’s idyllic natural surroundings, for a rejuvenating and fulfilling experience.
Things to do in Lovina
1. Dolphin Watching
The longer we spent in Lovina, the better we knew that North Bali is where people can still find the unspoiled nature of the Island of Gods.
This morning was very special. We got up at 5 o’clock, had a coffee, packed the waterproof backpack with all the cameras and drone, and headed to the meeting point with Made (@boatingfun77 on Instagram).
Not far from the black volcanic beaches of Lovina, is where hundreds of dolphins are living all year round, but the best season to visit them is between July and September, when the ocean is calm, crystal clear, and the current is weak.
At exactly 6:00, just 21 minutes before sunrise, we arrived at @newsunarilovinabeachresort, where we are staying for a week and from where we discovered all the wonderful places in the region of Lovina.
After breakfast, the sun slowly started to rise behind the mountains… there is hardly a more beautiful sunrise I have seen so far in Bali. The colors changed from purple to red, to pink, orange, yellow… Hello September! The best first of September ever …
We continued towards Singaraja – the largest city in northern Bali. Today we will meet not far away from here numerous dolphins’ families. Seeing any wild animals in their natural habitat is priceless. There is no guarantee that you will see dolphins here, because in nature the animals do not sit in one place, as in aquariums. And today we were lucky enough to see hundreds of them!
If you ever visit the island of Bali, don’t miss Lovina! Here is the kingdom of dolphins, eternal peace, and smiling people 🙏
2. Enjoy the sunny days as much as you can!
The 3 S’s of Happiness: Sun, Sea, and Salty Hair 🌊🧜♀️ What else!? New Sunari Lovina Beach Resort is the perfect place if you are searching for all of these!
3. Waterfalls
Sekumpul waterfall is some of the most beautiful Bali waterfalls located in North Bali. Secluded deep in the jungle and with 80 meters in height, Sekumpul waterfall is one of the tallest and most impressive waterfalls in Bali.
We visited the waterfalls from Lovina as it was only an hour of drive by scooter from our hotel New Sunari Lovina Beach Resort where we were staying for the last 10 days.
The jungle surroundings and the beautiful form of Sekumpul waterfall really give you the Jurassic Park jungle vibes. For adventure lovers and photographers, this is a great spot as you have so many angles to shoot the Sekumpul waterfall.
Sekumpul Waterfall is said to be the biggest and best waterfall in Bali and for a damn good reason! There are not just one but three epic waterfalls in this valley that are a must-see during your visit to the Island of Gods. Sekumpul Waterfall is a huge twin waterfall in Singaraja Bali, with two 80-meter tall streams pouring out of the jungle treetops.
If you’re looking for the biggest and best waterfall in Bali, this is probably it! To top it off, while hiking to these falls you get to see some of the most scenic jungles and rice terraces on the island.
4. Snorkelling/Diving
It is possible to go snorkelling on the coast of Lovina, Bali. The corals here are colourful and very healthy! When you would like to go diving, it is nice to take a day trip from Lovina to Menjangan Island, Tulamben, or Amed.
5. Visit the Buddhist Monastery Brahmavihara Arama
The only thing that stays with you from the moment you’re born until the moment you die is your breath. All your friends, your family, the country you live in, all of that can change. The one thing that stays with you is your breath. When you learn to navigate and manage your breath, you can navigate any situation in life…
And I’m so grateful that we finally “navigated” to this wonderful and ancient Buddhist Temple in the north of Bali – it’s been a very long time since I wanted to visit that place! This is the largest Buddhist Temple in Bali. Located in Java, Indonesia, Borobudur is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest Buddhist Temple in the world. We were also surprised to find a similar design to the Instagram-Famous Bali Gateway to Heaven, only without the crowds!
We drone by scooter for about 15-20 minutes from our hotel New Sunari Lovina Beach Resort from where we are staying and exploring the beautiful and peaceful region of Lovina 😊
6. Visit Singaraja
A day trip from Lovina to Singaraja is also possible. Singaraja is the former capital of Bali and is known for its amazing Chinese temple and the old storage houses and buildings that are built with a particular architecture from Dutch colonialism.
7. Rent a Scooter and Explore Lovina
Another way to explore Lovina and its surrounding is by scooter. A scooter costs around 50,000 – 80,000 IDR a day (not including fuel). A scooter will give you access to the entire coastline, town, and hidden spots, just waiting to be explored.
The best time to visit Lovina
The best time to visit Lovina is during the dry season, which spans from April to October. During these months, you can expect pleasant weather with lower chances of rainfall, allowing for optimal beach activities and snorkeling adventures. The peak tourist season falls between July and August, so if you prefer fewer crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder months of April, May, September, or October. However, do keep in mind that Lovina experiences a tropical climate year-round, so even during the wet season, there are still opportunities to enjoy the area’s natural beauty and cultural attractions.
8. Enjoy the Sunrise and Sunset on the Beach
In between all of the activities above, try to fit in some time to relax. Lovina is a beach destination first and foremost, so spend a few sleepy days on a sun lounger admiring the view of the mountains and sipping on a coconut. The best surprise when arriving in Lovina is that you can actually enjoy the sunrise and the sunset. Amazing!
Lovina is Bali’s main northern beach resort and tends to be the underdog in Bali, but is actually really worth a visit. Lovina has a nice tourist area, a long sandy beach coastline, and plenty of beautiful accommodations. While the area is naturally quieter and more secluded compared to the central areas of Bali, there are still a plethora of things to see and do here. After spending 12 days in Lovina, I can’t imagine taking another trip to Bali without visiting this perfect paradise.
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Enjoy the day!
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