When you think of Bali, you might imagine beautiful beaches and glamorous resorts.
But Bali has many more hidden charms!
Oh? Is there something else?
This time, I will introduce you to Lovina Beach (Pantai Lovina), located in the northern part of Bali.
Lovina Beach is known as a quiet beach with untouched nature, but it is most famous as a sacred place for dolphin watching where you can meet large pods of wild dolphins!
Wild dolphins! I’ve never seen them!! I’m so curious!
In this article, I will fully convey the charms of Lovina Beach, including my dolphin watching experience, how to get there, what to watch out for, and information on surrounding tourist spots!
Why not have an unforgettable, moving experience at Lovina Beach?
Lovina Beach (Pantai Lovina): A Quiet Paradise in North Bali Where You Can Meet Dolphins
Lovina Beach is a general term for the coastline that stretches for about 8 km in the Buleleng Regency of northern Bali.
It is characterized by its black sand beaches and calm waves, and is popular with travelers seeking a quiet and relaxing atmosphere.
Item
Details
Name
Pantai Lovina (Lovina Beach)
Location
North Bali, Buleleng Regency
Features
Black sand beach, calm waves, dolphin watching, sunrise
Access
About a 3-hour drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport
The name Lovina Beach is said to come from the words “Love Indonesia.”
It was once a small fishing village, but in the 1970s, it became known as a place where wild dolphins could be seen, and it is now one of Bali’s representative tourist spots.
The Highlight of Lovina Beach! A Moving Dolphin Watching Experience
The biggest attraction of Lovina Beach is, without a doubt, the dolphin watching where you can meet large pods of wild dolphins!
Every morning, with the sunrise, hundreds of dolphins come to the waters off Lovina Beach in search of breakfast.
That sight is truly breathtaking!
Sunrise at Lovina Beach | North Bali Tourist Spot
If you take a small boat and get close to the dolphins, you can see them jumping and swimming up close.
I also experienced dolphin watching, and the dolphins came right up to the boat, and I felt like I was swimming with them.
Watching the adorable dolphins felt like it cleansed my soul, and it was an unforgettable, moving experience.
<Tips for Enjoying Dolphin Watching at Lovina Beach>
Time: Dolphins are most active in the early morning, so it is recommended to depart at sunrise (around 6 AM).
Booking: Book your dolphin watching tour in advance.
You can book through local travel agencies or your hotel.
Using online booking sites is also convenient.
Price: Tour prices vary depending on the size of the boat and the tour content, but the average is around Rp. 100,000–Rp. 150,000 per person.
What to bring:
Sunscreen: The sun is strong even at sunrise.
Hat: To protect you from the sun.
Sunglasses: To protect your eyes from the glare off the water.
Waterproof camera: To capture the dolphins!
Windbreaker: It can feel chilly in the early morning.
Precautions:
Since the dolphins are wild animals, you are not guaranteed to see them.
Tours may be canceled on days with bad weather.
If you are prone to motion sickness, take some medicine beforehand.
Other Charms of Lovina Beach: Relaxing on a Quiet Beach
Lovina Beach is attractive not only for dolphin watching but also as a quiet and calm beach.
Unlike the bustling beaches in the south, it is recommended for those who want to relax and unwind.
Sunrise at Lovina Beach | North Bali Tourist Spot
<Recommended Ways to Spend Your Time at Lovina Beach>
Swimming:
The waves are calm, so even families with small children can enjoy swimming safely.
Sunbathing:
Renting a beach chair and sunbathing at a leisurely pace is also recommended.
Sunrise:
Since it’s an east-facing beach, you can see a beautiful sunrise.
Waking up early and enjoying a cup of coffee while watching the sunrise on the beach is also recommended.
Spa & Massage:
There are several spas and massage parlors along the beach.
It’s also a good idea to soothe your tired body after dolphin watching.
Seafood:
There are many restaurants along the beach where you can enjoy fresh seafood dishes.
At dusk, dining at a seaside restaurant while watching the sunset is also recommended.
How to Get to Lovina Beach
Lovina Beach is about a 3-hour drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali.
Access by public transport is difficult, so it is recommended to take a taxi, rent a car, or use a tour.
1. Grab or Gojek
It’s a long distance, so it can be difficult to catch one.
There are many cases where Grab and Gojek drivers also work as private tour guides, so some may be willing to take you on a long trip.
2. Taxi
The easiest way to get there, but the fare is relatively high.
It’s a negotiation-based system, so it’s recommended to negotiate the price beforehand.
3. Rental Car
Recommended for those who want to enjoy sightseeing freely.
However, the roads in Bali are narrower than in Japan, and traffic is heavy, so you need to be very careful when driving.
The mountain roads have many curves and slopes, so if you are not confident in your driving, it is safer to use a taxi or a tour.
4. Tour
There are many tours that include a visit to Lovina Beach, and they are recommended for those who want to sightsee efficiently.
You can book through local travel agencies or online booking sites.
Tourist Spots Around Lovina Beach
There are many other attractive tourist spots around Lovina Beach.
1. Gitgit Waterfall (Air Terjun Gitgit): – One of the tallest waterfalls in Bali, with a drop of about 40m. – It is also recommended to cool off in the waterfall basin, which is full of negative ions. 2. Bedugul Botanical Garden (Kebun Raya Eka Karya Bali): – One of the largest botanical gardens in Indonesia, with over 2,000 species of plants. – There are various areas such as a tropical rainforest and a cactus garden, and you can enjoy a stroll. 3. Lake Batur (Danau Batur): – The largest lake in Bali, with hot springs and restaurants along its shore. – A boat trip to enjoy the view from the lake is also recommended.
4. Lake Bratan (Danau Bratan): – Said to be one of the most beautiful lakes in Bali, famous for the Ulun Danu Bratan Temple (Pura Ulun Danu Bratan), which appears to float on the lake. – The lakeside is lined with restaurants and cafes, where you can enjoy a meal or a cup of tea while gazing at the tranquil lake scenery.
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