Discover the Tranquil Beauty of North Bali: Your 2-Day Itinerary. This Lovina North Bali trip guides you away from the familiar bustle of the south coast to discover the wonderfully tranquil coastlines, hidden waterfalls, unique dolphin encounters, and distinct charm of the island’s less-visited northern region.
Is a North Bali Trip Right for You? (The Journey and Pace)
If you’re looking for a different pace, stunning mountain scenery on the way, and a glimpse into a more laid-back Bali, then a short escape north to Lovina could be perfect for you!
Important Note: The Travel Time
Keep in mind that North Bali is quite a journey from Nusa Dua. You’ll need to plan for significant travel time (around 3-4 hours each way). So, to really enjoy Lovina, at least an overnight stay is best. Think of it as a rewarding little adventure for those with a bit more time who are eager to explore beyond the usual tourist trails.
Your Friendly Guides from Merusaka Nusa Dua
As your friendly guides here at Merusaka Nusa Dua, we’re excited for you to see this beautiful and different side of Bali! We’ve put together this suggested 2-day, 1-night itinerary to help you plan, focusing on key highlights like the famous Lovina dolphins, stunning temples, and refreshing natural spots along the way.
Thinking About a North Bali Trip?
Before you go, let’s think about whether this trip fits your holiday style:
- The Beautiful Drive: The drive itself is part of the fun! You’ll travel through Bali’s central highlands, passing pretty villages, green rice fields, and maybe even amazing mountain views. However, be ready to spend a good amount of time (6-8+ hours total over two days) in the car. It’s beautiful, but it takes time!
- Why a Private Driver is Key: Because of the distance, winding mountain roads, and wanting to stop along the way, hiring a private car with a friendly local driver for the two days is really the best way to travel comfortably and easily from Nusa Dua. Public transport isn’t easy for this trip, and ride-hailing apps might not work well for such long distances, especially for the drive back from the north. Our Merusaka concierge team knows just how to arrange reliable drivers for trips to North Bali.
- The Vibe: Exploring, Not Just Relaxing: This trip is about seeing new things, not just chilling out. It means early mornings (especially for seeing dolphins) and some travel time. It’s different from just relaxing by the beach in Nusa Dua. It’s perfect for those who like road trips, seeing different parts of a place, and enjoying nature.
Your Suggested 2-Day / 1-Night Lovina & North Bali Trip
Here’s a simple plan for your northern getaway:
Day 1: Driving North – Temples by the Lake, Nature, and Arriving at the Coast (From Nusa Dua to Lovina)
- Leave Early (Around 7:00 AM): Starting your day early from Merusaka Nusa Dua with your driver is important to make the most of your first day. Enjoy the changing views as you head north.
- Mid-Morning Stop: Pura Ulun Danu Beratan: Your first big stop should be in the cool mountains of Bedugul (about 1.5-2 hours from Nusa Dua). Here you’ll find the really 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 cooler mountain air, and take some great pictures. Remember to wear respectful clothing (a sarong and sash are usually needed and can often be rented).
- Lunch with a View: Keep heading north from Bedugul. You could 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 (Choose Your Nature Fun):
- Option A: Gitgit Waterfall: Visit one of Bali’s easiest and most popular waterfalls. A path, often with some steps, goes down through green plants to the impressive waterfall. It’s a refreshing stop and great for photos. (There’s a small entrance fee).
- Option B: Banjar Hot Springs (Air Panas Banjar): Or, you can relax in the natural warm springs near Lovina. The warm water with minerals flows from stone dragon heads into pools in pretty tropical gardens. There are changing rooms and lockers. (There’s a small entrance fee; bring your swimsuit and a towel).
- Late Afternoon: Arrive in Lovina: You’ve reached the relaxed beach area of Lovina. Check into your hotel. Lovina has different kinds of places to stay, usually more quiet and personal than the big hotels in Nusa Dua – like nice guesthouses, beach 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 nice dinner at one of the many restaurants along the Lovina beach or main street. Importantly, make sure to book your dolphin watching tour for very early tomorrow morning. You can usually book this through your hotel or with local boat companies near the main beach.
Day 2: Sunrise with Dolphins, Beautiful Nature, and Heading Back South (From Lovina to Nusa Dua)
- Very Early Morning (Around 5:30 AM – 6:00 AM): This is a highlight for many Lovina visitors! Go down to the beach before sunrise 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 starts to rise, you’ll hopefully see groups of dolphins jumping and playing in the ocean. It can be a truly amazing experience!
- A Note About Being Kind to Dolphins: While watching dolphins is popular, sometimes there are worries about too many boats possibly bothering the animals. We suggest you choose your boat company carefully. Look for those who are respectful – approaching dolphins slowly, keeping a distance, not having too many boats near them, and never trying to feed or touch them. Talking to your hotel or our concierge when you book can help you find good companies.
- Morning: Breakfast and Checking Out: After the dolphin tour (usually about 2-3 hours), return to the shore. Have breakfast at your hotel, then check out.
- Late Morning Stop (If You Have Time): 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 wide views – a nice cultural change.
- If you didn’t go to Gitgit Waterfall or Banjar Hot Springs yesterday, you could maybe stop on the way back.
- 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 back and forth with many stairs). Going there would probably make your return to Nusa Dua very late, so it’s usually not suggested 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 towards Nusa Dua. Give yourself plenty of time (expect 3-4+ hours) and enjoy the last views of Bali’s central mountains and changing scenery.
- Evening: Back at Merusaka: You’ll probably arrive back at Merusaka Nusa Dua in the early evening, feeling happily tired but full of great memories of your North Bali adventure! Enjoy a relaxing evening at the resort.
Take a private boat ride to see the dolphins play in Lovina beach, Bali, Indonesia
Where to Stay in Lovina
Lovina has a different feel to the big resorts in Nusa Dua when it comes to places to stay. You’ll find some nice options, including:
- Guesthouses & Homestays (Losmen): These offer simpler rooms and a chance to meet local people.
- Beach Bungalows & Smaller Hotels: Many comfortable options are right on or near the main beach.
- Private Villas: There are also many villas you can rent, often with private pools, offering more space and privacy. It’s generally more relaxed and often less expensive than staying in the south. It’s a good idea to book your Lovina accommodation in advance, especially during busy times.
Witnessing dolphins at sunrise is a highlight of visiting Lovina on a North Bali itinerary
Good Tips for Your North Bali Trip
- Book in Advance: 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/Kintamani and chilly on the early morning boat), swimwear (for hot springs/waterfalls/beach), comfortable shoes for walking, sun protection, and mosquito repellent. Pack light for just one night.
- Bring Enough Cash (Indonesian Rupiah): While there are ATMs in Lovina town, smaller shops, entrance fees, and some local restaurants might only take cash.
- Be Kind to Dolphins: Do a little research or ask for recommendations to choose a boat company that is known for watching dolphins responsibly.
- Be Prepared for Travel: Remember that this trip involves some driving. Relax, enjoy the beautiful scenery, focus on the main things to see, and appreciate the different, slower pace of North Bali!
In 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 known for its quiet atmosphere, unique black sand beaches, playful dolphins, refreshing waterfalls, important temples, and beautiful mountain views along the way.
While the trip from Nusa Dua takes some time and 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 special adventure for those wanting to see more of Bali’s diverse charm.
Remember, planning ahead, especially for comfortable transportation, is key to enjoying this trip. Our concierge team at Merusaka is always happy to help with suggestions, booking reliable drivers, or helping you customize your northern escape.
We hope you think about exploring the beautiful North!
