Alright, let’s just start here — Lovina is not your usual Bali. If you’re coming to Bali thinking beach clubs, fancy smoothie bowls, and motorbike traffic that makes you question your sanity — yeah, that’s not Lovina. Lovina is chill. It’s the part of Bali where time slows down, and honestly, it kinda forces you to breathe. Like actually breathe.
I spent five nights up in Lovina, and let me tell you, it’s not the spot that usually pops up on those “Top 10 Things to Do in Bali” TikToks — and that’s exactly why I loved it. It’s the sort of place where locals still say hi to you without trying to sell something, where the warungs are mostly run by grandmas who’ve been cooking the same chicken satay since before Bali got Instagrammed into oblivion.
But let’s back it up a sec…
Lovina’s technically a stretch of coastal villages in North Bali, with Kalibukbuk being the main area people call “Lovina” even though there’s way more to it — like Anturan, Temukus, and Banjar. People usually go there for the dolphin watching (we’ll get into that later), but there’s actually a lot more to Lovina than just a sunrise boat ride. And yes, it’s way cheaper than Canggu or Ubud. Like, shockingly cheaper. I stayed in a private bungalow for the cost of two smoothies in Seminyak.
Getting to Lovina – The Real Deal on North Bali Travel
So, how do you even get to Lovina? That’s one thing most people don’t talk about enough. It’s kinda far. Like, 2.5 to 3.5 hours from the airport depending on traffic — and Bali traffic doesn’t play nice, especially if you’re heading out during peak times.
You’ve got a few options:
- Bali Private driver – This is what I did. Cost me about IDR 900k (roughly $57 USD), and it was honestly worth it. I stopped at Gitgit Waterfall and a coffee plantation on the way. Highly recommend doing that, makes the trip feel like part of the adventure instead of just a long car ride.
- Scooter – Wouldn’t recommend unless you’ve got solid experience and strong glutes. The drive through the mountains is beautiful but intense. Lots of twists, steep hills, and sudden downpours.
- Shuttle vans or local buses – These exist but are inconsistent and honestly not the most comfortable for long rides.
If you’re coming from Ubud, it’s a bit quicker. From Canggu or Seminyak, just brace yourself and make it a full travel day.
Lovina Beach location:
Where to Stay in Lovina – Budget, Mid-Range & “I’m Feeling Fancy” Options
Let’s talk about accommodation because this is where Lovina really shines. There’s a good mix — and everything is quieter, more spacious, and just better value than what you’d get in the south.
I stayed at this place called Frangipani Beach Hotel — beachfront bungalow, pool, and breakfast included for like $30 a night. Insane, right?
If you’re ballin’ on a budget, there are guesthouses for as little as $10-15 a night. Not joking. And they’re not sketchy either. I met a couple from the Netherlands who were staying at Pondok Wisata Sartaya, and they loved it. Said it felt like staying with family.
Now, if you want something a bit swankier, check out The Damai. It’s up in the hills and gives total jungle luxury vibes. Think infinity pools, outdoor showers, spa treatments, all that good stuff — but still way more affordable than a villa in Uluwatu.
Lovina is also big on homestays, which are honestly my fave. You get more of that real Bali experience. You chat with the hosts, eat homemade food, sometimes they’ll even invite you to temple ceremonies if you’re around for one. Way more personal.
Our top tip for first-time visitors: book a Bali car rental with driver to skip the hassle of navigating unfamiliar roads.
Top Things to Do in Lovina (Yes, There’s More Than Just Dolphins)
Okay, let’s get into the good stuff — what can you actually do in Lovina?
Sunrise Dolphin Watching (But Make It Ethical)
So yeah, everyone knows about this one. The famous Lovina dolphin tour. You hop on a little boat before sunrise and go out into the sea hoping to spot a pod of dolphins jumping around.
Now, I’ve done this twice. First time, magical. Quiet, respectful guide, we kept our distance, saw maybe 50 dolphins just cruisin’. Second time? Felt like a chase scene from a Fast & Furious movie but on water. Boats speeding around, cornering dolphins like paparazzi. Not cool.
If you’re gonna do this, go with a local who cares about marine life. I went with a guy named Pak Ketut who operates under the name Eco Lovina Tours. He doesn’t crowd the animals, and he actually stops the engine when we get close.
Ask around before you book — or better yet, book through your homestay or small hotel. They usually know the guides who do it right.
Banjar Hot Springs (Air Panas Banjar)
Not far from the beach, tucked in the jungle, are these steamy sulfur springs surrounded by carvings and moss-covered walls. Banjar Hot Springs feel like something out of Tomb Raider, in the best way.
The water’s warm, kinda smells like eggs (not gonna lie), but it’s super relaxing. Go early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the tour buses.
Entry fee? Like IDR 45k. Basically a buck.
Brahmavihara-Arama Buddhist Monastery
Now here’s something I didn’t expect in Bali — a full-on Buddhist monastery. Not massive, but super peaceful. It’s in Banjar too, just up the hill from the hot springs. The views are nuts, especially around sunset.
You don’t have to be Buddhist to go, just be respectful. Shoulders and knees covered, you know the drill.
Snorkeling at Menjangan Island
Technically this is a day trip from Lovina, but worth including because it’s one of the best snorkeling spots in Bali. Menjangan Island is part of the West Bali National Park, and the coral is actually alive (unlike some other spots in Bali… yeah, I said it).
Book a tour that includes pickup from Lovina, boat ride, gear, and lunch. I paid around IDR 600k (~$40 USD) for the full day and honestly it was worth every rupiah. The visibility? Insane. Turtles? Check. Reef sharks? Yep. Colorful fish galore.
If you love diving, they’ve got dive trips too. I met a German couple who saw a manta ray. Jealous.
Where to Eat in Lovina – Warungs, Beach Cafes, and Surprise Finds
Lovina’s food scene isn’t as flashy as Seminyak or Ubud, but that doesn’t mean it’s boring. Actually, it was one of the most fun parts of my trip because I didn’t have to make dinner reservations a week in advance or pay $15 for a smoothie bowl.
My favorite spot? Warung Ayu. Tiny family-run place just off the main strip in Kalibukbuk. The owner made me grilled mahi-mahi with sambal matah that nearly brought tears to my eyes (happy ones). Plus, beer was cold and cheap. You’ll probably spend $3-5 USD for a full meal.
For breakfast, I loved Kopi Lovina. Cute little coffee shop run by a local who trained in Australia, so yeah — proper espresso. Avocado toast, banana pancakes, all the basics.
And if you’re craving something fancy? Spice Beach Club sits right on the water. Bit pricier but still decent. They’ve got live music some nights, and the sunsets there are unreal.
Oh — and don’t skip the night market. It’s small, but it’s got legit satay, martabak, and the friendliest vendors ever.
Is Lovina Good for Solo Travelers, Couples, Families?
Honestly? Lovina’s good for everyone, but you gotta know what you’re looking for.
Solo? Perfect if you want peace, nature, and a bit of slow travel vibes. I met other solo travelers at my guesthouse, and we ended up sharing a boat ride and a bottle of arak. Instant friends.
Couples? Super romantic, especially if you book a stay up in the hills. Sunrise dolphin rides, candlelit dinners, jungle walks — all that mushy stuff. But also, no pressure to “do it all.” Lovina’s vibe is slow and easy.
Families? Yup, especially if you’ve got kids who love animals, water, and open spaces. The beaches are calm and shallow, not crazy waves like the Bukit. Plus, most hotels are more spacious and quiet. No all-night techno parties next door.
What to Pack for Lovina – Stuff I Wish I Had (and Didn’t Need)
So, quick real-talk packing list based on my own fails and wins:
- Bring a sarong. Useful for hot springs, temples, and even just lounging. You’ll thank me.
- Bug spray. The mozzies up north have some nerve.
- Reusable water bottle — most guesthouses have refills and it’s hot as heck.
- Good sandals with grip. Some waterfalls and hot spring areas are slippery AF.
- Light jacket or hoodie. Evenings can get surprisingly cool, especially if you’re up in the hills.
Didn’t need: Heels, tons of makeup, anything “fancy.” Lovina is laid-back to the core. And yeah, you can dress modest without sweating buckets if you just wear loose linen or cotton.
Best Time to Visit Lovina – Weather, Dolphins & When It’s Not Packed
Lovina’s in North Bali, so it’s drier and less humid than down south. Peak dry season is May to September, which is great for dolphin spotting, snorkeling, and not sweating through your shirt.
I went in July and the weather was perfect. Warm days, cool nights, not a drop of rain. Locals said August is the busiest month, especially for European tourists — but “busy” in Lovina still means pretty chill compared to Kuta or Ubud.
If you wanna avoid crowds and save cash, April or October are solid bets. Fewer tourists, lower hotel prices, and still mostly dry weather.
Day Trips From Lovina That Are Actually Worth Doing
Here’s the thing: North Bali is huge, and Lovina makes a solid base to explore way more than just its own beaches. If you’ve got a scooter or a driver for the day, there’s loads within 30-60 minutes that most tourists never see.
Sekumpul Waterfall – The One That’ll Ruin All Other Waterfalls for You
Yeah, I said it. Sekumpul Waterfall is that good.
It’s about an hour’s drive from Lovina, then a bit of a hike — but holy crap, it’s worth every step. You’re basically hiking through jungle and rice fields, and then suddenly bam — multiple waterfalls cascading into a lush green canyon.
You’ll need a guide — they hang out at the parking lot — and there’s a few “tiers” of hikes depending on your fitness level. I did the mid-level one and still ended up with sore legs the next day. Worth it though. Water’s freezing, by the way, but after the hike? Feels amazing.
Bring sandals that strap on. I wore flip-flops. Bad move.
Aling-Aling Waterfall – For the Brave (or Slightly Unhinged)
This one’s famous for cliff jumping and natural slides. You can go full daredevil mode here if that’s your thing.
There’s a short hike down, and then you get options — slide down a waterfall, jump from 5, 10, or even 15 meters. I did the 10-meter jump and screamed like a child the entire way down. Worth it, but yeah… adrenaline city.
They do require a guide for safety. Costs around IDR 125k or so. Wear a swimsuit under your clothes — there’s nowhere super private to change.
Should You Add Lovina to Your Bali Itinerary?
If you’re someone who likes the real stuff — culture, conversations, nature that hasn’t been filtered and sold back to you — then yeah, Lovina should be on your list.
Most people skip it because it’s “too far” or “not much to do.” But honestly? That’s exactly why it’s worth going. It’s the Bali people say they want — authentic, affordable, and peaceful — but they just never make the time to get up there.
Don’t be that person. Spend a few days. Or a week. Or just stay until your plans fall apart and you stop caring. That’s what happened to me.
Check also: Banyumala Waterfall
