Buleleng in Bali: best attractions, beaches and hotels

Buleleng occupies the entire northern part of Bali and is noticeably different from the popular resorts in the south. There is no heavy flow of tourists, noisy beach clubs or kilometres-long traffic jams. Instead, travellers will find a calm sea, waterfalls among the jungle, hot springs, ancient temples and small coastal towns with a relaxed pace of life. Most tourists stay in Lovina or Singaraja, while the region itself is perfect for those who want to see northern Bali - a calmer and more authentic corner of Indonesia's main tourist island.

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What to see in Buleleng

Most of Buleleng's attractions are concentrated around Lovina and Singaraja, so in a few days you can see several iconic places in northern Bali. The route usually includes beaches, waterfalls, a Buddhist monastery, hot springs and the colonial centre of the island's former capital.

Lovina Beach

Lovina is the main resort of northern Bali and a convenient base for exploring the region. The beaches here are covered with dark volcanic sand, while the sea remains calm for most of the year, so families with children and travellers who prefer a relaxed holiday often come here.

At sunrise, traditional boats leave the shore to watch dolphins in the open sea. In addition, in Lovina you can go snorkeling, diving or simply spend the day in one of the beach cafes overlooking the ocean. The sunsets are especially beautiful here in the evening, while the atmosphere remains calm even in high season.

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Sekumpul Waterfall

If you only have time for one waterfall in northern Bali, many travellers choose Sekumpul. Several powerful streams of water about 100 metres high descend over steep cliffs among dense tropical forests.

The route follows stairs, small bridges and jungle trails and takes several hours. After rain, the paths become slippery, so it is better to wear closed shoes.

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Gitgit Waterfall

Gitgit is located about 10 kilometres from Singaraja and is considered one of the island's most accessible waterfalls. A well-maintained trail about one kilometre long leads from the parking area. Small souvenir shops and cafes operate along the way.

At the foot of the 35-metre waterfall, you can cool off in the fresh water or simply relax in the shade of tropical trees. If you want to continue the walk, there are several less-known waterfalls nearby that can easily be combined into one route.

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Aling-Aling

This waterfall is chosen not only for its beautiful views. Nearby there are natural stone slides and several platforms for jumping into the water from heights of up to 15 metres. For safety reasons, access to the active zone is allowed only with a local guide.

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Banjar Hot Springs

After a busy day, many travellers visit Banjar Hot Springs. Mineral water at a temperature of about +37-40 °C flows into stone pools through decorative dragon-shaped fountains. The area is surrounded by a tropical garden, with cafes, changing rooms and massage rooms nearby.

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Brahmavihara Arama Buddhist Monastery

Just a few minutes' drive from the hot springs is Bali's largest Buddhist monastery. The complex is built on a hillside, offering beautiful views of the island's northern coast. The grounds include stupas, gardens, meditation halls and a smaller replica of the famous Borobudur temple.

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Singaraja

Until the middle of the 20th century, Singaraja was the administrative centre of Bali. Today people come here to walk through the old quarters, see colonial buildings, the Chinese Ling Gwan Kiong Temple and Gedong Kirtya Museum, which houses the island's largest collection of ancient manuscripts on palm leaves.

Pura Beji Temple

This small temple in the village of Sangsit is dedicated to Dewi Sri, the goddess of rice. It is known for its fine pink sandstone carvings and is considered one of the best examples of northern Balinese temple architecture.

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Handara Gate

The famous Handara Gate has become one of Bali's most recognisable photo spots. Despite its popularity on social media, it is worth coming here for more than just a photo. The road passes through a mountainous area with a cool climate, lakes and dense forests, so the trip can conveniently be combined with visits to Lakes Bratan and Buyan.

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Best beaches in Buleleng

The region's main beach is Lovina, but the northern coast is not limited to it. Pemuteran Beach, known for good snorkeling and coral reef restoration projects, Kaliasem with beautiful sunsets, and Puri Jati, especially popular with divers and photographers thanks to its rich underwater world, are also suitable for a peaceful holiday.

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How to get to Buleleng

The nearest international airport is in Denpasar. The drive to Lovina takes about three hours by car. Many travellers hire a car with a driver so they can stop at waterfalls, Handara Gate, Ulun Danu Bratan Temple and mountain lakes along the way.

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When to visit

The dry season from May to October is the best time to visit Buleleng. During this period, it is more comfortable to travel to waterfalls, dive and snorkel, while the sea is more often calm. If the main purpose of the trip is dolphin watching, excursions run all year round, but trips to the ocean always depend on weather conditions.

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Where to stay

Most hotels are concentrated in Lovina, making it convenient to travel from here to waterfalls, temples and other attractions in northern Bali.

• Puri Bali Hotel - an affordable option near Lovina Beach with a swimming pool, restaurant and green grounds. Suitable for those planning to travel extensively around the region.
• Balinda Rooms & Villa - cosy villas with a garden and swimming pool not far from the sea. A good choice for family holidays and long stays.
• D'Kailash Retreat - a small hotel in a quiet part of Singaraja with mountain views. The owners help organise waterfall excursions and dolphin boat trips.
• Bali Taman Beach Resort & Spa Lovina - a beachfront resort with a spacious swimming pool, spa and family rooms.
• The Grand Villandra Resort - one of the best options in Lovina for a romantic holiday. In addition to rooms, villas with private pools are available.
• 1000 Dream Bungalow - a complex of separate bungalows with ocean views. Snorkeling equipment is provided free of charge to guests.
• Ocean Paradise Bali - a retreat hotel on the coast with a yoga area, healthy-food restaurant and panoramic sea views.
• Shanti Natural Panorama View Hotel - an eco-resort near Aling-Aling Waterfall, chosen by nature lovers and travellers looking for a peaceful holiday.
• InBalance Resort - an intimate boutique hotel on the beach with a daily shuttle to Lovina.
• Maha Hills Resort by Mahaprana Experience - a modern boutique resort among rice terraces with villas, a spa and a panoramic swimming pool.

If you want to see Bali beyond its popular resorts, you will definitely enjoy Buleleng. The north of the island combines beautiful natural locations, interesting historical monuments and a peaceful atmosphere, allowing you to discover another, more authentic side of Bali.

Maha Hills Resort by Mahaprana Experience