Beyond the South: Your 2-Day / 1-Night Lovina & North Bali Escape

Discover North Bali! This short trip takes you from the busy south to the peaceful north. You’ll find calm beaches, hidden waterfalls, unique dolphin trips, and a special charm away from the crowds. If you want a slower pace and lovely mountain views, a quick trip to Lovina might be just right!

Keep in mind that North Bali is a bit of a drive from Nusa Dua. It takes about 3-4 hours to get there. So, to really enjoy Lovina, staying overnight is a good idea. Think of it as a fun little adventure if you have some extra time and want to see a different side of Bali.

We at Merusaka Nusa Dua are happy to show you this beautiful part of Bali! We’ve created this 2-day, 1-night plan to help you see the best parts, like the famous Lovina dolphins, amazing temples, and refreshing natural spots along the way.

Is a North Bali Trip for You? (Travel and What to Expect)

Before you go, think about what kind of trip you like:

The Beautiful Drive: The drive to North Bali is an adventure itself! You’ll see lovely villages, green rice fields, and maybe even amazing mountain views as you travel through Bali’s center. But be ready to spend some time in the car (about 6-8 hours total over two days). It’s pretty, but it’s a long ride!

You’ll Need a Private Driver: Because it’s far, the roads twist and turn, and you might want to stop along the way, it’s best to hire a private car with a local driver for these two days. This will make your trip from Nusa Dua easy and comfortable. Public buses aren’t really an option for this trip, and using ride-hailing apps for such a long distance can be tricky, especially for the ride back. Our friendly team at Merusaka can easily help you find a good driver for your North Bali trip.

What to Expect: This trip is more about exploring than just relaxing. You’ll have some early mornings (especially for seeing dolphins) and some long drives. It’s different from just relaxing by the beach in Nusa Dua. It’s perfect if you enjoy road trips, seeing new places, and nature.

Your North Bali Adventure: A 2-Day Plan

Here’s a possible plan for your trip to the north:

Day 1: Travel North – Lake, Nature, and Arriving at the Coast (From Nusa Dua to Lovina)

Start Early (Around 7:00 AM): Leaving Merusaka Nusa Dua early with your driver will help you make the most of your first day. Enjoy the changing scenery as you head north.

Mid-Morning Stop 1: Pura Ulun Danu Beratan (Lake Temple): Your first big stop will be in the cool hills of Bedugul (about 1.5-2 hours from Nusa Dua). Here you’ll find the beautiful Pura Ulun Danu Beratan. This famous temple looks like it’s floating on Lake Bratan. Take your time to walk around the temple, enjoy the cool mountain air, and take some great pictures. Remember to dress respectfully (you’ll usually need a sarong and sash, which you can often rent there) [link to Etiquette post].

Lunch with a Nice View: Continue north from Bedugul. You can have lunch at a restaurant in Bedugul with views of the lake or mountains, or ask your driver for suggestions along the way to Lovina, maybe near Munduk, which is known for its scenery.

Afternoon Stop 2 (Choose Your Nature Fun):

  • Option A: Gitgit Waterfall: Visit one of Bali’s easiest waterfalls to get to. A path, sometimes with stairs, goes down through green plants to the impressive waterfall. It’s a refreshing stop and great for photos. (There’s a small fee to enter).
    • Image Alt Text: Gitgit Waterfall cascading down lush greenery in North Bali.
    • Image Caption: The refreshing Gitgit Waterfall, a beautiful stop on your North Bali trip.
  • Option B: Banjar Hot Springs (Air Panas Banjar): Or, relax in the natural warm springs near Lovina. The warm water flows from stone dragon mouths into pools surrounded by pretty gardens. There are changing rooms available. (There’s a small fee to enter; bring your swimsuit and a towel).
    • Image Alt Text: Guests relaxing in the tiered pools of Banjar Hot Springs.
    • Image Caption: Unwind in the warm, natural Banjar Hot Springs near Lovina.

Late Afternoon: Arrive in Lovina: You’ll reach the relaxed coastal area of Lovina. Check into your hotel. Lovina has different kinds of places to stay, usually more peaceful than the big resorts in Nusa Dua – like cozy guesthouses, beachfront bungalows, and smaller hotels. Get settled and maybe walk along the unique black sand beach as the day cools down.

Evening: Relax and Get Ready for Dolphins: Have a relaxed dinner at one of the many restaurants along the Lovina beach or main street. And importantly, make sure your dolphin watching tour is set for the early morning! You can usually book this through your hotel or with local boat operators near the main beach.

Day 2: Sunrise with Dolphins, Nature’s Beauty, and Heading Back South (Lovina to Nusa Dua)

Very Early Start (Around 5:30 AM – 6:00 AM): For many, this is the highlight of visiting Lovina! Head to the beach before the sun comes up to get on a traditional boat (jukung) for the Lovina Dolphin Watching Tour. Your boat driver will take you out onto the calm morning sea. As the sun rises, you’ll hopefully see groups of dolphins jumping and playing in the ocean. It can be a truly amazing experience!

A Note About Watching Dolphins Ethically: Dolphin watching is popular, but sometimes there are concerns about too many boats possibly bothering the animals. We suggest you choose your boat operator carefully. Look for those who respect the dolphins – approaching slowly, keeping a distance, limiting the number of boats near them, and never trying to feed or touch them. Talking to your hotel or our team when you book can help you find operators who care about the dolphins.

Morning: Breakfast and Checking Out: After your dolphin tour (usually 2-3 hours), you’ll return to the shore. Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, then check out.

Late Morning Stop (Optional): If you have time and energy, you might want to make a quick stop on your way south:

  • Visit the peaceful Brahmavihara-Arama Buddhist Monastery near Banjar. It’s Bali’s biggest Buddhist monastery, with beautiful buildings, calm gardens, and great views – a nice cultural change.
    • Image Alt Text: Serene gardens and architecture of Brahmavihara-Arama Buddhist Monastery.
    • Image Caption: Find peace at the Brahmavihara-Arama Buddhist Monastery in North Bali.
  • If you didn’t see Gitgit Waterfall or Banjar Hot Springs yesterday, you could stop at one of them on the way back.

Important Note About Sekumpul Waterfall: While Sekumpul Waterfall is often said to be Bali’s most beautiful, getting there involves a long walk (at least 1-2 hours with many stairs). Going there would probably make your trip back to Nusa Dua very late, so it’s generally not recommended for this 2-day trip.

Lunch on the Way: Plan to stop for lunch during the scenic drive back south. The areas around Munduk or Bedugul have nice places to eat.

Afternoon: The Drive Back: Start the long drive back to Nusa Dua. Give yourself plenty of time (expect 3-4+ hours) and enjoy the last views of Bali’s central hills and changing scenery.

Evening: Back at Merusaka: You’ll likely arrive back at Merusaka Nusa Dua in the early evening, feeling happily tired with great memories of your North Bali trip! Enjoy a relaxing evening at the resort.

Where to Stay in Lovina

Lovina has different kinds of places to stay compared to the big resorts in Nusa Dua. You’ll find some nice options, including:

  • Guesthouses & Homestays (Losmen): These offer simple rooms and a chance to meet local people.
  • Beachfront Bungalows & Smaller Hotels: There are many comfortable options near the main beach.
  • Private Villas: You can also rent villas, often with private pools, which offer more space and privacy.

Staying in Lovina is generally more relaxed and often costs less than in the south. It’s a good idea to book your Lovina accommodation in advance, especially if you’re traveling during busy times.

Tips for Your North Bali Escape

  • Book Ahead: Make sure to book your private driver and your place to stay in Lovina before you go.
  • Pack Smart: Bring light clothes (it can be cooler in Bedugul and on the early morning boat), swimwear (for hot springs, waterfalls, beach), comfortable shoes for walking, sunscreen, and mosquito repellent. Pack light for just one night.
  • Bring Enough Cash (Indonesian Rupiah): While there are ATMs in Lovina town, smaller shops and entrance fees might need cash.
  • Be Kind to Dolphins: If you’re going dolphin watching, try to choose a boat company that is known for being respectful to the dolphins.
  • Be Prepared for Travel: Remember that this trip involves some driving. Relax, enjoy the views, and focus on the highlights!

Conclusion: Discovering Bali’s Peaceful North

Going beyond the well-known south coast to explore Lovina and North Bali is a truly worthwhile experience. You’ll find a region that’s more peaceful, with unique black sand beaches, playful dolphins, refreshing waterfalls, important temples, and beautiful mountain scenery along the way.

While the trip from Nusa Dua takes some time and requires an overnight stay, the chance to see the sunrise with dolphins, relax in volcanic hot springs, or stand in front of the iconic Ulun Danu Beratan temple makes it a memorable adventure for those wanting to see more of Bali’s diverse charm.

Remember that planning ahead, especially for comfortable transportation, is key to enjoying this trip. Our friendly team at Merusaka is always happy to help with suggestions, booking drivers, or helping you plan your North Bali escape [link to Merusaka Concierge].

We hope you’ll consider exploring the beautiful North!