Lovina: Tips for Bali's Paradise in the North

Bali captivates with its diversity, and the northern town of Lovina plays a significant role in this charm.
Despite its popularity, Lovina has managed to preserve its authentic allure, with its unique black sand beaches standing out as a highlight.
Lovina remains a tranquil oasis away from the crowds, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking relaxation and unforgettable experiences.

Why Lovina should be part of your Bali adventure and what highlights await you there – find out in this article.

1. ATTRACTIONS IN & AROUND LOVINA

Lovina, the charming town on Bali's north coast, offers much more than just beaches. Discover the impressive Banjar Hot Springs, where you can relax in warm, sulfuric waters.
Just a short drive away, you’ll find the Buddhist temple Brahmavihara-Arama – a peaceful retreat with beautiful gardens and breathtaking views.
For nature enthusiasts, the Git-Git Waterfall and Aling-Aling Waterfall are absolute must-sees.
While the hikes to these spots can be challenging, the spectacular scenery of dense forests and cascading waterfalls more than makes up for the effort.
Aling-Aling Waterfall also offers the chance to swim in natural pools or try smaller waterfall slides – a true adventure.

An absolute highlight and a true insider tip you shouldn't miss is the bamboo weaving center Mai Kubu - Central of Bamboo Tigawasa.
We stopped by spontaneously after spotting its excellent reviews on Google Maps. And what can we say – we were absolutely thrilled!

Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed by the family members, who used gestures and smiles to let us know to wait a moment.
Shortly after, a young man from the family who spoke English arrived, along with his uncle, aunt, mother, and siblings.
The family gave us a private tour of the property and the adjacent bamboo forest.
They walked us through every step of the process – from harvesting bamboo to crafting a finished bamboo utensil.
The best part? We got to try each step ourselves!
It was fascinating to watch how quickly and skillfully the women crafted baskets, signs, and many other products – all while lovingly entertaining our one-year-old daughter.

To wrap up the experience, we were gifted the baskets made on-site and even ordered additional items, which were delivered directly to our hotel the following evening.

The price for this spontaneous and private tour/workshop was just €12 per person. A visit to the small family-run bamboo weaving workshop is not only an authentic experience but also a fantastic way to witness Balinese craftsmanship up close. A true highlight for both young and old!

A small note from the family: If you'd like to visit, please let them know in advance so they can prepare accordingly. You can easily reach them via WhatsApp at +62 81999889290.

2. WHY YOU SHOULDN'T BOOK A DOLPHIN TOUR IN LOVINA

The main reason why most tourists travel to Lovina is likely because they’ve heard or read about the dolphin tours offered there.
This was also one of the reasons that initially drew us to Lovina. In hindsight, however, we would strongly advise against booking such a tour.

Whether during a walk on the beach, strolling through the small town, or visiting one of the many little shops – dolphin tours are being promoted everywhere.
Eventually, during an evening beach walk, a young man persuaded us, and we spontaneously booked a tour for the next morning at sunrise.
We were promised the opportunity to observe dolphins in their natural habitat off the coast of Lovina.

But what we experienced the next morning was an absolute nightmare for any animal lover! The tour started off promising: before sunrise, we boarded a small motorized wooden boat. Along the way, we picked up additional tourists from two beachfront hotels, until our boat was filled with eight people heading towards the open sea.
The view of the coastline bathed in the light of the rising sun was breathtaking – but unfortunately, that turned out to be the only pleasant moment of the tour.

The farther we ventured out to sea, the more boats appeared. When the first dolphins were spotted, an estimated 150 boats crowded tightly around the area where the animals surfaced.
It was a distressing sight: the dolphins had to navigate their way through the swarm of boats, and as soon as they moved on, a relentless chase began.
Nearly all the boats sped after them, showing no regard for the animals’ well-being.
What many tourists who book these tours likely don’t know is that dolphins are nocturnal and sleep during the day – albeit with one half of their brain and one eye closed.
This phase is crucial for their recovery, and the shallow waters off Lovina are meant to be a safe haven for them during this time.
Chasing them during their resting period is definitely anything but animal-friendly.

After just a few minutes of this cruel chase, we wanted to end the tour and return to the shore.
However, the other tourists on our boat didn’t seem to have a problem with what was happening and wanted to stay.
Of course, we understand that these tours are an important source of income for the locals in Lovina.
Nevertheless, it is essential to protect the dolphins and their unique underwater world so they can continue to live in these waters.
We hope that alternatives can be found to provide locals with a sustainable source of income and that the demand for these tours decreases.
Only then can the dolphins get the rest they need, and the fragile ecosystem off Lovina’s coast be preserved in the long term.
Protecting this sensitive environment is a shared responsibility of both locals and tourists.

Ultimately, everyone must decide for themselves whether they want to book such a dolphin tour. For us, however, one thing is certain: once and never again.
Even that one time was too much – an experience we would have gladly skipped and, in our opinion, not worth a single cent.

3. THE BEACHES OF LOVINA

The beaches in Lovina stand out with their dark, volcanic sand, offering a stark contrast to the white sandy beaches of southern Bali.
Here, you won’t find crowds of tourists but rather a relaxed atmosphere, shaped by locals and travelers seeking peace and tranquility.

The main beach, Lovina Beach, is particularly known for its small warungs and cozy beach bars. With its clear and calm waters, the beach is perfect for snorkeling.
Lovina’s beaches exude an authentic, rustic charm – ideal for those who appreciate a natural and laid-back environment.
You won’t find sun loungers or umbrellas here, which only adds to the untouched character of the area.

4. UNWIND & TAKE A BREATH

Lovina is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. There are no parties here like in Kuta, making the region ideal for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Spend your time unwinding with a book on one of the loungers by your hotel pool. Many hotels also offer various spa and massage treatments to enhance your relaxation even further.
A long walk along the beach, a stroll through the rice fields, or an afternoon in one of the quaint cafés provides just the tranquility you’re looking for.
Here, you can let your mind wander and recharge your energy.

5. PICTURESQUE SUNRISES & SUNSETS

A true highlight in Lovina is its stunning sunrises and sunsets.
In the morning, the rising sun bathes the sea in a soft pink hue, while in the evening, the sky glows with vibrant shades of orange and red.
From our accommodation at Pandawa Village, we enjoyed a breathtaking view of the sunrise over the rice fields – a moment that will remain etched in our memories for a long time.

For sunset, several warungs and restaurants offer cozy seating directly on the beach – perfect for winding down the day.
We visited Warung Nemo Lovina and can highly recommend it: delicious food and a wonderful atmosphere.

IMPORTANT TIPS & OTHER INFORMATION

GETTING TO LOVINA

PRIVATE DRIVER

The most convenient, albeit slightly more expensive, option is to hire a private driver.
In Bali, you can easily find drivers by approaching them directly on-site or booking in advance through platforms like 12Go.com or local providers.

We opted for a private driver and can highly recommend this choice!
A major advantage is that you’re picked up directly from your accommodation and dropped off right at your next destination.
Additionally, you can make various stops along the way, such as at the Ulun Danu Temple.
This option also makes it easy to travel to Lovina from places like Denpasar, Kuta, or Sanur.

BLUE BIRD TAXI, GRAB & CO

Another option is to use Blue Bird taxis or taxis booked through the Grab app.
These services work well in tourist-heavy areas like Kuta or Denpasar but are not always available in more remote regions like Lovina.
This is primarily because the local taxi market is often dominated by private drivers.

If you choose this option, make sure the taxi meter is turned on, and confirm beforehand whether the driver is even willing to go all the way to Lovina.
For longer trips, it’s especially worthwhile to negotiate the price in advance.

SCOOTER

If you're in the mood for a little adventure, you can also rent a scooter and ride to Lovina yourself. The trip from central locations like Ubud takes about 3–4 hours.
The route winds through curvy roads and stunning landscapes, ranging from mountains to rice fields.
However, this option is best suited for those who are confident riding a scooter and traveling with minimal luggage.

HOTELS & ACCOMMODATIONS

Lovina offers a wide variety of accommodations, ranging from budget-friendly backpacker hostels to luxurious resorts. Large hotel complexes are hard to find here.
Instead, you'll find charming boutique hotels, private villas, cozy hostels, and welcoming homestays that invite you to relax and enjoy your stay.

Pandawa Village is an accommodation that will remain especially memorable for us.
From the moment we checked in, the attentive staff gave us a warm welcome, making us feel right at home.
This charming, small property impresses with its spacious and well-maintained gardens, an inviting pool overlooking the picturesque rice fields, roomy bungalows, and delicious food.
The best part: the beach was just a short walk away, making the stay absolutely perfect.

GETTING AROUND IN LOVINA

In Lovina, you can get around by scooter, on foot, or by taxi.
If it’s your first time riding a scooter, Lovina is an ideal place to start, as the traffic here is much calmer than in other parts of Bali.
The roads are mostly straight and well-maintained, making it easier to ride. Scooters can usually be rented directly through your accommodation with little hassle.
If you prefer to skip the scooter, many places in Lovina are within walking distance, as the town is compact and easy to navigate.
For longer distances or a more comfortable option, you can take a taxi or hire a private driver, allowing you to reach your destinations stress-free.

LOVINA & THE TRASH ISSUE

Like many other places in Bali, Lovina faces the challenge of dealing with environmental issues such as plastic waste.
While the beaches are regularly cleaned and appear relatively tidy, the situation highlights the importance of sustainable tourism for the region.
Local organizations are actively involved in cleanup initiatives and environmental education programs to raise awareness about this pressing issue.

You can also contribute during your stay: avoid single-use plastic, bring a reusable water bottle, and ensure you dispose of your waste properly.
Every small step helps to preserve Lovina’s natural beauty and protect the environment for future generations.

Are you planning a round trip through Bali and its well-known neighboring islands? Then you might find our following articles interesting:

• Bali: Tips & Essentials for Your Dream Trip
• Amed – A Diver's Paradise in Eastern Bali
• Traveling Bali with a Baby - Tips, Essentials & Our Experiences
• Ubud - 6 Tips & Highlights
• Ubud & Surroundings in 4 Days: Highlights and Tips
• Gili Air – Highlights & Tips for the Indonesian Island Paradise
• Nusa Lembongan & Nusa Ceningan – Highlights & Tips for the Indonesian Islands

Enjoy browsing and planning!

USEFUL LINKS & RECOMMENDED TRAVEL GUIDES FOR YOU

• Find affordable Transfers with 12Go.com
• Find affordable rental cars at rentalcars.com
• Find affordable flights at skyscanner.com
• Discover the best accommodations
• The best Travel Guides for Bali
• Unique Excursions to Experience in Bali
• Experience Wonderful Dives around Gili Air
• Rent a Scooter at Bikago

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