Waterfalls, rice paddies, jungle, serene lakes, empty beaches and temples. This is what you’ll find when you travel to the Northern parts of Bali.
Lovina is an area made up of a string of small seaside villages along the northern coastline.
Life here moves at a different pace and you get the enjoy some of that ‘old Bali’ vibe, away from mass tourism on the South of the island like Seminyak or Canggu.
It is uncrowded and unhurried, full of traditional Balinese culture, yummy restaurants, good hotels and a lot of fun things to do. Yes, there are also a few beach clubs, bars and clubs around when you are looking for a bit of action.
Whether you are looking for nature, culture, peace and quiet or all of the above – Lovina has it and is worth a visit.
Where Is Lovina? How to Get There and Around
As we briefly mentioned, Lovina is a coastal area on the Northwestern side of Bali. It will take you about two hours to get there from Denpasar by car.
And that is where the fun starts! Because the drive in itself is an amazing experience.
As you venture out of the hustle and bustle of the South, the roads will take you through small villages, lush rice paddies and stunning jungle and mountain settings.
If you feel comfortable driving, we highly recommend taking this route by scooter or motorbike to really soak in the inspiring surroundings.
By the time you arrive, you will feel a sense of serenity and ready to really unwind in this mostly undiscovered part of the Island of Gods.
A little side note for once you are there: cabs are basically non-existent in this part of the island, and so is public transport.
To get around we recommend you hire either a scooter or a car with driver if you don’t feel confident to drive yourself.
Is Lovina Worth Visiting?
Before we go into all the details as to why, the short answer is Yes, Lovina Beach is absolutely a must-visit place when in Bali.
What makes it even more amazing is that it truly has something for everyone. Families, solo travellers as well as yogis and nature lovers – we are convinced that anyone will fall in love with this place.
Although Lovina has become a more popular destination with travellers over the years, a lot of people don’t make it to this side of the island, which is a real shame.
It is a lot less hectic than Canggu, Uluwatu or even Ubud and the cultural traditions of Bali are still very present here. You get to enjoy the culture to the fullest and get a sense of the old Bali, pre-mass tourism.
Even though it might be calmer, there is no shortage of fun things to do in Lovina Beach. It is perfect for those looking for a combination of culture, nature and fun activities.
The underwater scenery is beautiful and there are some good dive spots not far from the area. A lot of underwater enthusiasts locate themselves here and take day trips to surrounding areas to dive and snorkel.
You will also find a vast number of beautiful luxury hotels in Lovina Beach for you to unwind but in style.
The weather is great all year round but May through September has the best, as it is less humid and drier.
There is never excessive rainfall here, even during the rainy season, which means you will be able to enjoy all the activities year-round (except the volcano treks).
Best Places to Eat In Lovina
Before we dive into all the other fun activities let's start with what is highest on our to-do list anywhere we go: eating yummy food!
There are many great places for dinner and we selected some of our favourite spots for you.
- Buda Bakery & Resto: This place is a must-visit. Think mouthwatering pastries while you enjoy the stunning hillside view. Besides baked goodies, they have a great combination of international and local meals.
- Secret Garden Restaurant: One of the most popular restaurants in Lovina with an intimate and romantic ambience. It has a great ambience and perhaps, more importantly, delicious food!
- Cafe Greco: A nice place for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Bringing a bit of the Canggu co-work vibes to Lovina Beach. They are known for their fresh and healthy drinks and we love to start our day here, especially because they have the best iced coffee in town.
- Warung Lina: One of the best places in Lovina, and a place you’ll want to visit more than once during your stay. This place is famous amongst tourists and locals because of its epic ribs. The warung is east of the beach and has a very chilled vibe.
- The Global Village Kafe: We LOVE this place. The food is amazing and they have great coffee made from their own blend of Indonesian-grown Arabica beans. What is even more amazing is that the cafe is a non-profit incentive, with its profits going to the Global Village Foundation.
Does Lovina Have Nice Beaches & Can You Swim There?
The opinions here seem to be somewhat divided. Some argue these are some of the best beaches on the island, whilst others feel slightly underwhelmed due to the volcanic, black sand.
You won’t find big waves here, but surfing is definitely possible. The reefs here are protected and that means that the waters are mellow and safe for swimming. Since there are no strong currents these beaches are ideal for families with kids too.
There is a lot of underwater scenery here, so plan a snorkelling trip to enjoy the marvellous wonders of the ocean. There are some famous dive sites close by, but you’ll have to drive there as they are around thirty to sixty minutes away.
Pemuteran and Menjangan are famous dive spots and are definitely worth the visit if you want to explore the vibrant marine life even more.
Where to Stay In Lovina
As mentioned Lovina Beach is an area made up of a few small coastal towns.
Each has its own charm and some of the best places to stay in Lovina beach.
Where to Stay In Kalibukbuk – The Heart of Lovina
Kalibukbuk is seen as the heart of Lovina situated in the Buleleng District. Although it is the most developed village it is still rather small with only a few streets of restaurants, bars and shops.
There is nightlife but it is nothing like down south. Culture and art are strong here and have been one of the reasons why tourists love visiting this place.
If you are wondering where to stay in Lovina this might be a good area, as it has some of the best hotels in the whole of Lovina beach.
It is a place with something for all as it has a lot of midrange hotels, that still feel and look classy.
Best Hotels in the Heart of Lovina Beach
Pandawa Village is one of those places that just work. The rooms have a nice terrace overlooking the garden area, which is an excellent spot to disconnect from your phone and just breathe.
Simple yet elegant, Lovinalife Room & Cafe is a lovely budget hotel in Lovina.
It is just 600 meters away from the beach and has comfortable rooms and a lovely pool, just in case you don’t feel like laying on the sand that day.
Book an affordable room in Lovina
A lot of tourists head to the North for the famous Lovina beach resorts. The Lovina is one of them. Not only do they have an epic beachfront location but they also have any facility you could dream of.
They have a collection of Balinese-style villas with a private pool and ocean views which are honestly breathtaking.
Book The Lovina beachfront hotel
Besides pampering massages you can also decide to go on a day trip, which the staff will happily arrange for you.
If you are looking for a unique boutique hotel in Lovina we know just the place. Santhiku Hotel & Spa has everything you need and looks absolutely stunning too.
Where to Stay In Banyualit (East Lovina) – Less Crowded & Relaxed
Still want to get away from the ‘crowds’? Head towards the East and you enjoy the peace and quiet this area brings.
Banyualit, Anturan Tukadmungga and Pemaron are the main villages here and have a lovely calm and laid-back vibe.
If you are heading this way we do recommend you make sure you have your own transport, as options such as hotels and restaurants here are a bit more spread out.
Another accommodation in Lovina Beach that we love is 1000 Dream Bungalow.
They are only a thirty-minute drive away from the famous mountain area of Bedugul, which is perfect for a day trip.
Want to be lounging by the pool with seaside views?
That is possible at Villandra Lovina. Enjoy your unit with a private balcony, plus a year-round pool with a sun terrace and à la carte breakfast.
Where to Stay In Kaliasem (West Lovina) – Out of the Hustle and Bustle
Kaliasem is what dreams are made of if you are looking for peace and tranquillity. The perfect place if you really want to disconnect from the outside world for a while.
You are still close enough to all the fun and action but you can retreat here from that perfectly too.
If you want to book a hotel in Lovina that is comfortable but does not have too many frills we recommend Studio L. It has all the comforts that you need and has a great location, with Ganesha beach right around the corner.
Padmasari Resort Lovina is one of the top hotels in Lovina Beach because it has so much to offer.
Modern, Balinese-style rooms, great location and a variety of restaurants on sight. This is a great place for families and they can arrange a lot of day trips for you here too.
If you want to change things up then why not look to book a villa in Lovina? The Kaya Manis Villas & Spa are ideal if you are looking for a romantic getaway or perhaps want to pamper yourself on your solo trip.
Where to Stay In Lovina Hills – Best for Luxury Resort Stays
This is where all the fancy accommodations of Lovina are hiding. Class, elegance and still that peaceful vibe that Lovina Beach is known for.
Did someone order luxury with a side of stunning? Because that is what Puri Mangga Sea View resort and spa serves up!
The surroundings are breathtaking and we enjoyed every single second of our stay here. They even offer babysitting services, in case you want to plan a relaxing day at the spa or a romantic night with your boo.
If you are looking for a paradise, look no further as this is one of the best Lovina hotels around.
Lovina Paradise is a stunning villa with two bedrooms, a pool and a garden. Here too the kids can be entertained as there is a playground on site.
Top Things to Do in Lovina
Peaceful, yes. Boring? Absolutely not!
There is a lot to do on the Northern side of the island. Whether you are looking to lounge at a beach club, immerse yourself in the Balinese culture or want to enjoy the wonders of nature there is really no shortage of entertaining activities.
So much so that you might want to plan an extra day or two to simply unwind and relax.
- Banjar Hotsprings: about 5 kilometres away from Lovina you will find this magical place. People travel to enter the water which is said to have healing properties due to the sulfur levels. Booking a tour guide is a nice touch, as they’ll explain all there is to know about this ancient place.
- Natural waterfalls: Mother Nature provides once again in Bali. Visit Gitgit, Jembong, Aling Aling or Sekumpul and enjoy all the wonders nature has to offer.
- Note of dolphin watching in Lovina: Lovina is often listed as a good destination to see wild dolphins. However, we do not recommend doing a dolphin watching tour here as they have a reputation of being crowded and chasing the dolphins instead of approaching them with calm.
- Relax on the beach: This one might be obvious but with so many things to do, don’t forget to plan a day or two to simply relax and unwind at the chilled beaches here.
- Day trip for diving: If you love diving you are actually in the right spot. There are many famous dive sites around, and it is easy to book a day trip. Add Menjangan Island, Tulamben and Amed to your bucket list.
- Buddhist monastery Brahmavihara Arama: Located in the hills you will find Bali’s largest Buddhist monastery. It is actually close to the hot springs so you might want to combine a visit to both of them.
- Daytrip to Singaraja: Bali’s former capital is a great place to visit. Lots of little shops, cafes and great restaurants if you want a bit more buzz for a day.
- Rent a scooter: Lovina is beautiful and has a lot of untouched parts. Simply renting a scooter and driving around the rice paddies will make you fall in love with the beauty of Bali.
Beach Clubs, Bars and Nightlife in Lovina
- Spice Beach Club: Did someone say luxury? Spice Beach Club is perfect if you are looking for an elegant night out. During the daytime, you can lounge at the sophisticated beachfront club too.
- Lovina Beach Club & Resort: You don’t have to be a guest of the resort to lounge at the pool here. The beachfront club is open to anyone and we love to spend our days here.
- Zigiz Bar: If you want to take a little break from the peace and quiet you should head to Zigiz Bar. We love their wine list and cocktail menu.
- Poco Lounge Bar: Live music, happy hours and friendly crowds.
- La Costa Beach Lounge: Laid-back and charming. Settle in one of the comfy bean bags, and enjoy a drink whilst you watch the stunning views of the beach.
- Kakuta Bar and restaurant: Want to go out but not go crazy? Kakuta bar is one of our favourite places. Besides great cocktails, they also have nice food and offer a shisha experience. Very chilled yet vibrant.
- Kantin 21: With its friendly ambience, Kantin 21 attracts visitors from all walks of life. They have live music almost every night of the week and it's loved for the laid-back vibe.
- Volcano Club: The only real nightclub around and if you want to party till the early morning, you found the right place. Nice drinks and good vibes from Wednesday till Sunday.
Lovina is a very special place and we hold it near and dear to our hearts.
It truly is a shame that most travellers don't make it to this side of the Island as it is truly unique and in a lot of ways still untouched.
Break free from the masses and head this way to experience a whole other side that Bali has to offer.
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