From the bustling markets of Singaraja to the quiet shores of Lovina, from the towering Buddhist monastery of Brahmavihara-Arama to the breathtaking falling waters of Gitgit, this guide will take you through seven places that show the best there is of North Bali.
Be it becoming a part of the local traditions, exploring breathtakingly beautiful landscapes, or even just relaxing in serenity-each kind of traveler will have something in store for him. Take a deep dive into this travel guide to learn about North Bali’s travel gems and timeless attractions that make it enchanting for your next Bali visit!
Where is North Bali?
What is actually meant by North Bali is the northernmost part of the island of Bali in Indonesia, which includes the Regency of Buleleng. An area full of culture, beautiful nature, and historic importance.
Geographically, North Bali is enclosed by the Prapat Agung Peninsula, a land that juts into the sea and comprises part of West Bali National Park. There are numerous different types of habitats included within the park that represent most of the biodiversity of Bali, including mangrove forests, rainforests, and montane forests.
How to Get to North Bali
It is highly advisable that a car with a driver is hired. The hiring service of a car with a driver can cost about IDR 400,000-IDR 500,000, approximately $30-$37, a day-a pretty cheap deal, especially when shared among members of a group. Drivers will also be in a position to provide more information and assist a person on his journey.
Lovina provides car and motorcycle rentals, particularly in the village of Kalibukuk, if you would like to drive yourself around. You may not have to do this if your trip is only to enjoy the beaches and the life found in and around Lovina; it may suffice just to walk along the beachfront area.
Top 10 Things to do in North Bali for Your Bali Itinerary
Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
Pura Ulun Danu Bratan is better known as Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, one of the most photographically popular temples on the shores of Lake Beratan in the Bedugul region. It is a Hindu water temple dedicated to Dewi Danu, the goddess of lakes and rivers, and thus an important supply of water for the nearby agricultural area.
The temple lies centrally in Bali’s irrigation system or subak, which controls most of the island’s rice paddy water. This has even been declared by UNESCO as a culturally and agriculturally important tradition, and a good example of sustainability.
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Lovina Beach: The Dolphin Capital
One of North of Bali’s most prized tourism attractions is Lovina Beach, famous for its tranquil waters and black volcanic sands. This side of the island is also famous for its tour packages in watching dolphins, in which one may go out early in the morning by boat and see schools of dolphins cavorting and racing along in their natural environment. These tours normally start at sunrise, with the added attraction of a spectacular backdrop as the sun rises over the horizon and catches the golden reflections on the water.
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Dolphin Watching Tours
- Tours for dolphins are both private and sharing. The trips are usually two hours and will involve dolphin-swimming possibilities, snorkeling above coral reefs full of marine life.
- Shared boats start from 100,000 IDR per person, while private experiences start from 300,000 IDR. Many operators will also offer extra activities such as snorkelling at nearby coral reefs.
Lake Tamblingan
Lake Tamblingan is an extremely beautiful caldera lake located in the Buleleng Regency of Bali, Indonesia. Lying at the foot of Mount Lesung in the area of Munduk, this quiet lake is part of three lakes that make up a cradle of an ancient volcanic caldera, the others being Lake Buyan and Lake Bratan.
Lake Tamblingan is situated over 1,000 meters above sea level over a part of the island of Bali and possesses an alpine climate with chilliness in its atmosphere. Rainforests covered with several types of flora and fauna surround it, where one can find orchids and macaques. Its crystal-clear waters are significant to farming in the local communities; farmers utilize water from this lake as irrigation.
From most areas in Bali, especially the northern part, it is quite easy to get here. Lake Tamblingan can be accessed by scooter that you may rent or by hiring a private car to take you there. The entrance fee is about IDR 10 000, approximately $0.65 USD, and you’re allowed entry to both Tamblingan and its twin, Lake Buyan.
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Bali Farm House
Bali Farm House is among the favorite spots within the Buleleng region, Bali. Agriculture, education, and recreation combine to form this tourist-friendly family park, which also helps locals and tourists alike.
Guests can take a tour around the farm and experience how to grow organically. Many of the farm tours include interactive activities for visitors to engage in, like planting or harvesting crops.
It involves all types of animals on this farm, both kids and adults being able to interact with farm animals such as goats and rabbits. It is a very entertaining process, especially for families.
Sekumpul Waterfall
Sekumpul Waterfall, or in Indonesian, Air Terjun Sekumpul, is one of the most magnificent natural attractions in Sekumpul village, Sawan Sub-district, Buleleng Regency, Bali. It is a very beautiful waterfall with its special character, so it is very much worth trying to visit by lovers of nature and adventure.
The Sekumpul Waterfall lies about 76 kilometres from Denpasar Airport or around 20 kilometres from Singaraja Town. It normally takes about 2.5 to 3 hours by car from the airport in Denpasar and also about 30 minutes from the city of Singaraja.
Hike to Gitgit Waterfall
It is located in the lovely town of Gitgit, part of the Sukasada district of North Bali, which is home to one of the most remarkable waterfalls on the island. Locals refer to it as ‘Ceburan Tuan’, this magnificent waterfall is the highest in Bali at a height of 48 meters.
Waterfall Gitgit is such an interesting combination of nature, accessibility, and cultural charm for all the many reasons this location has been declared a must-see when traveling to North Bali. Its towering presence amidst lush greenery creates an unforgettable experience that combines adventure with tranquility.
Sunrise Trekking at Mount Batur
Mount Batur is an active volcano in Indonesia’s Bali island, Kintamani district. It stands at a height of 1,717 meters above sea level and forms part of a large volcanic caldera formed by early eruptions. Besides the fact that Mount Batur is a major geological feature, it is also a very popular destination for trekking and observing wondrous sunrises.
Mt. Batur has gained a reputation for its sunrise trekking tours, and an estimated number of thousands of tourists flock to the mountain every year. Normally, this starts with an early morning hike prior to dawn so as to reach the summit view at sunrise. A hike up normally takes about 2 hours, whereas coming down takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
The most common options contain guided tours, which also include hotel transportation from nearby accommodations, summit breakfasts, and safety equipment. From the summit, one views a stunning 360-degree panorama of the surrounding mountains, with vistas including Mount Agung and Lake Batur below. In addition, the view of the sunrise over the horizon is one to be had.
Banjar Hot Spring – Worth Visiting
One of North Bali’s must try is “Air Panas Banjar” and is set amidst the lush, tropical landscape of the countryside of Banjar. This natural thermal oasis invites locals and international visitors for relaxation or rejuvenation. It creates a must-experience during a trip to Bali.
Banjar Hot Spring is located about 5 km southwest of the famous Lovina coastline on the north side of Bali, about 1.5 km east of the Brahmavihara Arama Buddhist monastery, and 25 km northwest of Singaraja-the capital city of Buleleng Regency.
West Bali National Park
Located on the north western tip of Bali in Indonesia, West Bali National Park is one of the projected sites that boasts a combination of rich biodiversity and a peculiar ecosystem. The park offers a shelter for rare wild life and an educational haven for visitors who want to be directly involved with the splendor of nature.
The West Bali National Park protects the Prapat Agung peninsula, made up of dense mangrove forests, lowland forests, acacia scrublands, and dry savannah areas. The land extends from waterfront areas with exceptionally clear waters and coral reefs to two extinct volcanoes at higher elevations, hence allowing diverse habitats for different species.
Menjangan Island – Must Visit in North Bali
From Denpasar, it takes approximately 3.5 hours to Menjangan Island and about an hour from Lovina Beach. It can be accessed through an easy, rather short boat ride from the mainland, which would take around 20-30 minutes. Indeed, there are many tour operators that offer a package, including transportation, snorkeling gear, and guided tours around the underwater world.
Waters of crystalline transparency envelop the island and are host to a myriad of marine life; this cannot be anything less than a snorkeler’s and diver’s haven.
Explore These Best Places to Visit and Discover Your Hidden Gems in North of Bali!
Exploring North Bali provides an experience not only out of the ordinary but also enriching. This region of Bali is characterized by stunning natural landscapes, serene lakes, majestic waterfalls, vibrant coral reefs, and tranquil beaches. Each place visited, either for the cultural importance of Ulun Danu Bratan Temple or for the breathtaking views in Jatiluwih Rice fields Terraces, offers a glimpse into Bali’s rich heritage and diverse ecosystems.
In all your plans for 2024, ensure that you emphasise delving into the local culture, outdoor activities, and serenity that North Bali has to offer. With a beautiful landscape and more subtle attractions, North Bali is bound to be one of those destinations that every traveler seeking adventure and calmness will want to go to.
