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In this in depth article we are going to tell you everything you need to know to plan an amazing trip to Lovina Bali in 2026. We really hope our detailed guide helps you plan your trip.
We LOVE Lovina very much and we have enjoyed traveling here as a couple and as a family. We’re super excited to share our experience, top tips and secrets with you to help you plan an awesome trip. Also, we have included some info about Lovina itself, some of the best things to do in the area and also some great places to stay.
When you book your hotel please use our links. We use affiliate links which enables us to earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We really hope you have an amazing time in Lovina.
Don’t miss our FULL GUIDE on the best hotels in Lovina
Lovina Bali – Map of the BEST things to do in the area
Summary of the best things to do in Lovina Bali
If you’re planning a trip to Bali you may be interested in our detailed 10 day Bali itinerary – we have also included Lovina in this itinerary. Pull together the perfect trip.
Here is a brief summary of the BEST things to do in Lovina – read on for FULL details
- Take a Dolphin watching sunrise tour – 75,000IDR – 300,000IDR per person ($5 – $20 or £3.50 – £16)
- Relax at Banjar hot spring – 20,000IDR (around £1 or $1.20) and a small fee for lockers and toilets
- Trek to the Golden Valley waterfall – Remote, beautiful and FREE. Accessibility is challenging.
- Check out the Lovina Sea Sculpture Park – normally included on dolphin trips. Check with your guide
- Explore the Brahmavihara-Arama temple – beautiful FREE Buddhist temple
- Stay at the Munduk Moding Resort & Plantations – £200 – £700 per night. Day guest welcome.
- Visit the Wanagiri coffee plantations – 50,000IDR for a tour and 50,000IDR for coffee sampling.
- Relax with a massage at Angung’s Spa & Massage centre – Prices range from 100,000IDR – 700,000IDR open 11am – 7pm
ALSO you may be interested in our HUGE guide on the best things to do in Bali
What is Lovina Bali like?
Lovina is situated in the Buleleng Regency and is known for its black sand beaches, calm waters, and coral reefs. Lovina is located approximately 90 kilometers (56 miles) from the island’s capital, Denpasar. This is an ideal location if you’re looking for a quieter and more laid-back alternative to the busy southern parts of Bali.
Lovina is home to a large population of dolphins, and visitors can take a boat tour to see them in their natural habitat. The town has a population of around 10,000 people. The climate in Lovina is tropical, with temperatures averaging around 27°C (81°F) throughout the year. The town offers a range of accommodations, from budget guesthouses to luxury resorts, as well as restaurants, bars, and shops. There are also several ATMs in Lovina and small laundrettes (they normally charge around 15,000IDR – 20,000IDR per kilogram and return clothes the following day)
What is our honest opinion of Lovina?
We really love visiting Lovina. It is worth being aware that the journey to Lovina from the south of Bali is long and can be pretty tiring. The roads are narrow and slow – especially in the last hilly section of the journey. Lovina itself has nice chilled vibes with a splash of tourism. If we’re honest the town itself lacks character and style – but there is a nice section of cafes, shops and hotels near the beach. We do think Lovina is worth visiting – especially if you have a few weeks in Bali. The main draw of Lovina is the attractions – most of these are in the Lovina area (rather than in the town itself).
How do you get to Lovina?
Don’t miss our FULL GUIDE on how to get around in Bali
1 Rent a motorbike
The cheapest way to get to Lovina Bali is rent a motorbike and ride. The journey to Lovina from the South of Bali is very long (likely to take 3 hours or more by bike). We recommend planning a few stops along the way. For example you could visit Ubud and check out the rice terraces. You could also stop at Bedugul town and see the iconic Ulun Danu Beratan lake temple. Bike rental in Bali is cheap, simple and readily available. You can rent bikes from many shops and guest houses in towns around Bali. Bike rental normally costs around 100,000IDR – 200,000IDR per day (roughly £5 – £10 per day or $6 – $12). You can normally negotiate cheaper deals if you are taking a longer rental period.
Don’t miss our epic guide Bali by bike – intrepid independent adventures around Bali by motorbike with maps, things to do and places to stay
2 Take a shared minibus
One of the most convenient ways to travel to Lovina is to take a shared minibus. If you’re looking for a good company check out Perama Tour: 250,000IDR per person with a minimum booking of two people (this is roughly £14 or $16 per person).
3 Rent a car and drive
Another excellent way to get to Lovina is to rent a car and drive. Make sure you are fully qualified and insured to drive in Bali. We recommend using an international drivers license. The cheapest way to get a good rental deal on a car in Bali is contact a local rental company and negotiate a deal. They can generally drop off in various locations – but may charge an additional fee if you’re not close to their office. Expect to pay around 200,000IDR – 400,000IDR per day (roughly £10 – £20 per day or $12 – $24). Petrol is very cheap in Bali. A big advantage of a rental car is the freedom to stop, explore, go at your own pace and use the car to explore Lovina.
4 Take a taxi
Another way to get to Lovina is use a private taxi. You can get taxis on the Grab taxi app – and some drivers may be willing to take you at short notice as they can make a lot of money for this journey. Private cars from Kuta to Lovina are likely to cost around 700,000IDR – 1,000,000IDR (roughly £40 – £50 or $50 – $60) . This is not cheap – but remember if you’re traveling as a family or group – the cost is divided across your group.
You can pre-book private cars around Bali on Klook for great prices
What is the best way to get around Lovina?
The BEST way to get around in Lovina is on your own steam. You can use Grab to order taxis in the area – and this is fine for the town itself. But you will find taxis add up if you’re exploring the area. Many of the attractions are around 10km out of town (or more). This can make it expensive to use taxis to get around. ALSO, if you’re exploring more remote attractions you may not have phone signal to use Grab and taxis may not respond on Grab (too far to pick you up).
If you decide to explore the Lovina area by motorbike be aware that some of the roads in the hills to the south of Lovina are very steep – and the roads are not suitable for bikes. We recommend sticking to the main roads by bike and don’t take shortcuts!
What is the best time of year to visit Lovina?
The best time of year to visit Lovina, Bali is during the dry season, which runs from April to October. During this time, the weather is sunny and dry, with less rainfall and lower humidity than the wet season. This makes it an ideal time for outdoor activities such as dolphin watching, snorkeling, and hiking.
The peak tourist season in Lovina is from June to August, so if you prefer to avoid the crowds, it’s best to visit in April, May, September, or October. During these months, the weather is still pleasant, but there are fewer tourists, so you can enjoy a more peaceful and authentic Balinese experience.
It’s worth noting that Bali’s weather can be unpredictable, and sudden rain showers can occur at any time of the year. However, during the dry season, these showers are usually short-lived and don’t interfere too much with outdoor activities. So the best time to visit Lovina Bali is during the dry season from April to October, with April, May, September, and October being the best months to avoid the crowds.
Suggested one day itinerary of Lovina Bali
Pack for a fun adventurous day trip. Make sure you have some breakfast and drinks for the morning and swimming stuff for the dolphin trip:
6am Sunrise Dolphin tour including snorkeling and sea sculptures
12pm Lunch in Lovina
1pm Banjar hot spring
3pm Brahmavihara-Arama temple
4pm Golden Valley waterfall
5pm return to Lovina
What are the BEST things to do around Lovina Bali?
1 Take a Dolphin watching sunrise tour
If you’re looking for epic things to do in Lovina Bali we highly recommend a Lovina dolphin trip. This was one of our personal highlights of Bali. The Lovina dolphin trips typically set off early in the morning (normally around 5.30am – 7am) depending on whether you want to see the sunrise. Boats take you out into Lovina bay to follow and watch pods of dolphins playing. After this you may get the chance to hop into the water and see dolphins swimming. Most boats have a bar that you can hold onto at the side of the boat to see dolphins swimming underwater.
The dolphin tours on KLOOK are very competitive for prices
They often include a stop at a section of coral reef for snorkeling, swimming and seeing the Lovina Sea Sculptures. Some dolphin tours may also include breakfasts and drinks. If you’re doing the dolphin trip with kids we strongly recommend bringing a breakfast that you know they will eat plus plenty of kid friendly snacks and drinks. Also remember a high factor sunscreen (SPF50+) and if possible use SPF rash guards. Lovina dolphin watching trips normally cost 75,000IDR – 300,000IDR per person ($5 – $20 or £3.50 – £16). A private boat trip is likely to cost around 700,000IDR (around £40 or $45).
2 Relax at Banjar hot spring
If you’re exploring Lovina don’t miss the beautiful Banjar Hot Spring. This is a beautiful ornate hot spring immersed in the tropical jungle of North Bali. The Banjar Hot Spring has several geothermal pools with water spouts, statues and beautiful stone carvings. A dip at the Banjar Hot Spring is a very unique and relaxing experience. There are changing rooms, lockers and toilets available. There is parking nearby. Entrance costs 20,000IDR (around £1 or $1.20) and a small fee for lockers and toilets. The hot springs are open daily 8.30am – 5.30pm. TOP TIP: Don’t wear any white or light coloured swimming clothing – the water can stain clothes here.
3 Trek to the Golden Valley waterfall
If you’re looking for adventurous things to do in Lovina then we highly recommend a visit to the Golden Valley waterfalls located in the remote jungle hills of northern Bali. The Golden Valley is a deep and beautiful jungle valley located in the Munduk region. There are several impressive waterfalls in this area. To trek to these beautiful remote waterfalls you need to park on the road (there are a few small laybys).
You can walk down steep jungle trails to see these impressive waterfalls – the trails tend to be well signed in this area. These beautiful waterfalls are much quieter than the waterfalls located to the south of Bali. If you visit the Golden Valley waterfalls you are likely to have the place to yourself – especially if you hang around for a little while. There is an Eco cafe located at the main Golden Valley waterfall.
If you are planning to visit the Golden Valley bring plenty of water and snacks. Wear good shoes because the trails are steep and muddy in places. We also recommend using sun protection and bringing mosquito repellant. The best way to access these waterfalls is by car or motorbike. You can rent cars pretty cheaply in Bali and driving allows you to access more remote and quieter locations off the beaten track. Make sure that you are fully qualified and insured to drive in Bali. The Golden Valley waterfall is FREE to visit and there are no opening hours here.
4 Check out the Lovina Sea Sculpture Park
Don’t miss the Lovina Sea Sculpture park. This is included on some dolphin watching trips. Speak to your guide when you book. This sculpture park is a set of sea creature sculptures including a dolphin, crab and a seahorse. The average depth is around 5 – 6m and the currents can also be strong here too. These sculptures are quieter than the Bask Nest. The best way to visit the Lovina Sea Sculptures is to take a dolphin watching trip and request a stop at the sea sculptures. Lovina dolphin watching trips normally cost 75,000IDR – 300,000IDR per person ($5 – $20 or £3.50 – £16). A private boat trip is likely to cost around 700,000IDR (around £40 or $45). If you are not a strong swimmer we recommend using a life jacket. Fins are also very important due to currents in the area.
5 Explore the Brahmavihara-Arama
If you’re looking for cultural things to do in Lovina then don’t miss the Brahmavihara-Arama temple, located in the village of Banjar near Lovina. It was built in 1970 by the local Buddhist community and is known for its unique blend of Balinese and Buddhist architectural styles. The temple is also known as Vihara Buddha Banjar, and it is the largest Buddhist monastery in Bali. Brahmavihara-Arama temple is a testament to the religious harmony that exists on the island of Bali, where different religions coexist peacefully. The temple also plays an important role in the local community, offering a place of worship and spiritual guidance to the Balinese Buddhists.
Visiting the Brahmavihara-Arama temple is a unique experience that allows you to immerse yourself in both Balinese and Buddhist culture. The temple complex is situated on a hillside and is surrounded by lush greenery, providing a peaceful and serene atmosphere. The main prayer hall is decorated with intricate carvings and features statues of Buddha, Bodhisattvas, and other important figures from Buddhist mythology. Brahmavihara-Arama temple is open every day from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, and there is no entrance fee. When visiting the temple, it is important to dress modestly and respectfully, covering your shoulders and knees.
6 Stay at the Munduk Moding Resort & Plantations
If you’re in Lovina don’t miss the awesome Munduk Moding mountain resort and coffee plantation. This stunning resort is beautifully situated in the northern mountains of Bali – with a north facing terrace and infinity pool overlooking jungle mountains and the Bali sea. Immersed in lush jungle and surrounded by coffee plantations and gardens – this is the perfect place to disconnect from the chaos of life and reconnect with nature.
They have a range of spacious suites and villas (including a 2 bedroom private pool villa with a jacuzzi) They also serve exquisite food and home grown coffee. AND you can get Kopi Luwak here too (more on this soon). This beautiful eco plantation also welcomes day visitors. Suites and villas typically range between £200 – £700 per night – this is amazing value for a resort of this caliber! This is the perfect place to splash out on a special occasion – or just because you can.
7 Visit the Wanagiri coffee plantations
Wanagiri Coffee plantation is a small beautiful family run plantation located in the northern hills of Bali near Danau Buyan lake. This is also one of the most authentic and ethical coffee plantations in Bali. They produce Kopi Luwak from wild Luwak beans (not from caged animals). This lovely family has run this farm for many generations and they really understand how to produce the finest coffee – each stage of the process is carefully done by hand. As a result, coffee is more expensive here. The location of this plantation may be too remote if you’re not planning to visit north Bali. However, this really is one of THE BEST coffee plantations in Bali. It costs 50,000IDR for a tour and 50,000IDR for coffee sampling. Open daily from 8am – 10pm. Find out more about coffee plantations in Bali
8 Relax with a massage at Angung’s Spa & Massage centre
If you’re looking for relaxing activities in Lovina Bali why not get a traditional massage. There are several spas around town offering a range of relaxing treatments. We highly recommend Angung’s spa and Massage. This is a small beautiful spa with natural vibes. There is also a lovely cafe here too. The prices for treatments are very reasonable as well: Prices range from 100,000IDR – 700,000IDR at Angung’s spa (roughly £5 – £35 or $6 – $40). Packages range from a simple foot massage, to whole body oil massage with body cleansing and Balinese flower baths. This spa is open daily from 11am – 7pm. In general you don’t need to make appointments as it’s not too busy here.
What are the BEST places to stay in Lovina?
1 Murni’s Guest House
Cheap, simple and comfortable. Murni’s guest house is a great place to stay if you’re looking for a good budget option. They only have double rooms available. Rooms are private, en suite and have A.C. Around 0.5km (5 – 10 minute walk) from Lovina beach. £10 – £20 per night.
2 Binaria Museum Hotel
Boutique, retro, vintage and packed with character. This charming hotel has an outdoor pool, gardens, breakfasts and an onsite restaurant. Rooms are super stylish and pretty comfortable too. Double and twin rooms are available and they can add an extra mattress to your room. There is a small on site car park. AND this hotel is located a stone’s throw from Lovina beach. Expect to pay £20 – £40 per night.
3 Lovinalife Room & Cafe
Light, arty and stylish – Lovinalife is a stunning mid-range hotel. There is an outdoor pool, sun loungers and an on site restaurant. Double and twin rooms available. Located a 5 minute walk from Lovina beach and the meeting place for dolphin tours. Expect to pay around £30 – £40 per night.
4 Ju’Blu Hotel
Stylish, spacious and natural vibes. This lovely hotel offers tranquil, clean and luxurious accommodation for awesome prices. There is an outdoor pool and a good range of room options including a spacious and well furnished villa! Located a few minutes walk from Lovina beach. Expect to pay around £30 – £60 per night.
5 Villandra Lovina
If you’re looking for a splash of luxury in Lovina don’t miss the stylish beach front Villandra resort. This lovely property offers spacious, stylish private villas with private pools and ocean views. Just be aware – this is around 4km east of Lovina beach (this would take around 1 hour to walk). So this is ideal if you have your own wheels or you can grab a taxi to Lovina beach. Expect to pay £90 – £500 per night.
6 Munduk Moding
Munduk Moding is a superlative luxurious mountain resort located in the hills overlooking Lovina. This serene resort has an onsite coffee plantation, an infinity pool, restaurant and breathtaking views. Everything about this resort is amazing. We highly recommend a stay – or even drop in as a day guest. There are some stunning waterfalls nearby. The main disadvantage is the distance from Lovina. Allow around 30 – 45 minutes to drive to Lovina beach. Expect to pay around £200 – £750 per night at Munduk Moding.
