Lovina

At a Glance

• Where: Bali's north coast, Buleleng regency, ~10 km from Singaraja
• Known for: sunrise wild dolphin tours, black volcanic beaches
• Character: quiet and slow — the opposite of the busy south
• Best time: dry season (April–October); dolphins at sunrise
• Getting there: ~2.5–3 hours from south Bali, ~2 hours from Ubud

Lovina is a laid-back resort region on the north coast of Bali, in Buleleng regency. It's a string of quiet coastal villages with black volcanic sand and calm seas, known above all for its sunrise wild dolphin tours. The name was coined by the last raja of Buleleng, Anak Agung Panji Tisna, and is usually linked to the word "love."

Why Visit

Lovina is "the other Bali": no traffic, no clubs, no crowds of the south — just a slow pace and low prices. People come for the quiet, the sea, and the nature of the north, and Lovina makes an easy base for the waterfalls, hot springs, and lakes of Buleleng.

It suits anyone who wants a relaxed seaside stay and is happy to swap beach clubs for sunrises, dolphins, and hot springs.

Sunrise Dolphin Tours

The main reason to come to Lovina is to see pods of wild dolphins at dawn. Fishermen take guests out on traditional jukung outrigger boats around 6 AM, when the dolphins come to feed near the shore. It's a lively, fast-moving sight — the symbol of Lovina, marked by the dolphin monument on the seafront.

An honest note: in high season a lot of boats gather around the dolphins, which stresses the animals. Choose operators who keep their distance and don't chase the pod — the encounter is both more ethical and more enjoyable that way.

Beaches and Sea

Lovina's beaches are black volcanic sand, and the sea here is calm: the north coast is sheltered, without the big surf of the south. That makes it good for swimming and snorkeling — there are coral patches just offshore. The sunsets over the still water are a reason in themselves to stay for the evening.

What's Nearby and Things to Do

Lovina is the best base for north Bali, with plenty of day trips around it:

• Banjar Hot Springs — sulfur thermal pools in the jungle, where water pours from the mouths of carved stone dragons.
• Brahmavihara-Arama Buddhist monastery — Bali's largest Buddhist temple, overlooking the coast.
• Waterfalls — the tall Gitgit and the grand Sekumpul in the hills of Buleleng.
• Munduk and Bedugul — a village of waterfalls and coffee plantations, and the cool lake region with the Ulun Danu temple.

Getting There and When to Visit

• The drive — about 2.5–3 hours by car from south Bali and the airport, roughly 2 hours from Ubud over the mountains via Bedugul.
• When — the dry season (April–October) is best: calm seas, clear sunrises, and the best conditions for dolphins and snorkeling.
• Tip — plan at least one overnight in Lovina: the dolphin tour starts before dawn, so it's far easier to head out already on the north coast.

FAQ

Are dolphins guaranteed? Almost always — they're wild animals, but at Lovina they come to the shore regularly, especially at sunrise in the dry season.

What time does the dolphin tour start? Usually around 6 AM, before sunrise: the boats head out to catch the dolphins feeding.

How is Lovina different from the south of Bali? It's quiet, relaxed, and cheaper, with black sand and calm seas instead of surf and clubs — a base for the nature of the north.

How long should I spend in Lovina? At least one night for the sunrise tour, or two to three days to also reach the hot springs, waterfalls, and lakes.