North Bali

Blessed with intense natural beauty and a diverse culture, North Bali is an absorbing place to explore, with a wide range of things to see and do. A number of picturesque beaches line the north coast, of which Lovina is perhaps the best known; many, unusually, have black volcanic sand.

Singaraja is the largest city in the region, with plenty of attractions, places to stay and restaurants, making it a good base from which to explore. Getting around is easy, with buses running through the region alongside local transport such as bemos and taxis.

The north shore lies just a couple of kilometres from the island of Java, with a ferry service between the two, so it is worth taking the time to explore North Bali before sailing away to discover the distinctly different Javanese culture.

North Bali rewards travellers who prefer tranquillity and exploration over crowds, mixing serene beaches, natural attractions and historic sites.

Beaches and the coast. Lovina is the best-known area on the north coast, famous for its black volcanic-sand beaches and early-morning dolphin-watching tours. The surrounding villages of Kalibukbuk and Temukus offer easy access to the coast and a laid-back base for day trips. Further west, Pemuteran is a scenic village fringed by coral reefs, and the offshore Menjangan Island in West Bali National Park is one of Bali’s finest snorkelling and diving sites, with clear water and dramatic wall dives.

Waterfalls and hill villages. Inland, a string of waterfalls hides in the mountains, including Gitgit and the multi-tiered Sekumpul, each with cool pools and forest surroundings. The hill village of Munduk is a base for treks past rice terraces, plantations and more falls, near the peaceful Lake Tamblingan.

Temples and culture. Singaraja, Bali’s former colonial capital, offers cultural sites such as the Gedong Kirtya Library and the Museum Buleleng, alongside traditional markets and Dutch-era architecture. Nearby, the Buddhist monastery Brahma Vihara Arama sits amid gardens overlooking the coast, and Yeh Sanih is a natural spring-fed pool set among tropical gardens.

Hot springs. Round off a day in the hills at the Banjar Hot Springs (Air Panas Banjar) near Banjar, where warm, sulphur-rich water flows through carved stone spouts into terraced bathing pools.

From Denpasar or Ngurah Rai Airport, the easiest way is by car: the drive to Lovina on the north coast takes roughly 2.5-3 hours depending on traffic. Public buses (Perama or local operators) run to Singaraja and Lovina but are slower; hiring a private driver or joining a small-group tour is the most practical way to visit dispersed attractions across North Bali.

North Bali is generally navigable by car or scooter, as the region’s main attractions are connected by coastal or inland roads. For shorter distances, walking works within the towns of Lovina and Singaraja, especially around the beach areas, local markets and central sights.

To explore the broader area, the best options are renting a scooter or hiring a private driver, both widely available in Lovina and Singaraja. Scooters offer flexibility for those comfortable riding and are ideal for reaching attractions slightly off the beaten path, such as Yeh Sanih or the waterfalls around Gitgit. For a more comfortable option, private drivers can be hired for half- or full-day trips, letting you cover several attractions without the hassle of navigating. Given the mountainous terrain and the spread-out nature of the sights, a private driver is a popular choice for a guided experience.

The region is loosely connected by a single main coastal road, Jalan Singaraja-Gilimanuk, which runs from Lovina in the west through Singaraja and continues eastward, with smaller roads leading inland to the waterfalls, temples and hot springs.

• Hire a driver familiar with North Bali’s roads - public transport is infrequent and roads are narrow and winding.
• Plan dives or snorkel trips around Lovina for the early-morning dolphin sightings; visibility is best in the dry season.
• Visit local waterfalls (Gitgit, Sekumpul) early in the day to beat the tour buses and see them in full flow.