Lovina Guide: Dolphins and North Bali
Lovina is North Bali’s best-kept secret – black sand beaches, wild dolphins, and authentic Balinese life far from the tourist crowds of the south. Here is the complete guide.
Lovina is North Bali’s quietest and most authentic destination, far from the busy beaches and tourist bustle of the south. Here you’ll find black sand beaches, real local life and one of Bali’s most magical experiences: watching wild dolphins in the early morning light from a small wooden boat. Many people overlook Lovina. Those who visit never regret it.
We arrange the whole Lovina trip – private driver, dolphin watching, temple and waterfall included, from $249.
See our 2-day Lovina tour →
The road to Lovina – make the drive part of the trip
Don’t drive straight to Lovina. The road north is full of stops that are worth the trip in themselves. Allow plenty of time and treat the drive as part of the journey.
| Stop | What it is | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Sangeh Monkey Forest | An authentic monkey forest far from the crowds in Ubud – here you can actually interact with the monkeys | Perfect for families and anyone who wants to avoid the Ubud queues |
| Ulun Danu Beratan | One of Bali’s most beautiful temples, set right on the water of Lake Beratan with mountains behind | Come early for calm and reflections in the water |
| The Lost Cafe | A legendary chicken curry made by an Italian-trained chef – one of Bali’s best food stops along the road | Don’t skip it – it’s the best lunch of the whole trip |
| Bali Strawberry Farm | Fresh strawberries straight from the field, with views over green mountain slopes | A perfect break for children and photographers |
Dolphin watching – do it right
The dolphin trip is Lovina’s absolute highlight, but many people get it wrong. Most book the 6 am departure, which means crowded waters with dozens of boats. Book the 8 am departure instead: calmer, fewer boats and dolphins that are still actively swimming.
Book a private boat with snorkelling included. You can be towed behind the boat while the dolphins swim right beneath you – an experience that’s hard to put into words. New Sunari Lovina Beach Resort and Lovina Beach Club both offer beach pick-up.
Our Lovina tour includes dolphin watching, a private driver and all entrance fees.
See what’s included in our 2-day Lovina tour →
Aling-Aling waterfall
Finish your Lovina trip at Aling-Aling – a natural waterfall with pools, climbing routes and jumping platforms at 5, 10 and 15 metres. For more adrenaline, there’s ATV riding and a zipline in the same area. Aling-Aling pairs well with the Banjar hot springs nearby.
Restaurants and bars in Lovina
| Place | Type | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Tanda Pizza | Italian pizza | Simple, good and surprisingly great – a local favourite |
| Global Village Cafe | Charity café | All profits go to charity, and the staff are deaf – with a colour-coded menu. Eat here. |
| Funky Place | Bar with entertainment | Nightlife, beer, beer pong and live music – the social heart of Lovina |
Where to stay in Lovina
| Hotel | Level | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Lovina Beach Club & Resort | Upper mid-range | Beachfront with a pool and bar – handy for dolphin trips |
| New Sunari Lovina Beach Resort | Mid-range | Direct beach pick-up for dolphin trips – an ideal choice |
| Pandawa Village | Boutique | Private villas with pool views – quiet and exclusive |
| Puri Lovina Hotel | Budget-friendly | A solid standard at a low price – fine if your needs are simple |
Important: Grab and Gojek work poorly in North Bali. Hiring a private driver for your whole stay is almost essential – it saves you a lot of headaches.
Lovina practicalities
| Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance from Canggu/Seminyak | About 2.5 hours by car |
| Recommended stay | 2–3 nights |
| Best season | April–October (dry season) |
| Dolphin watching | Book the 8 am trip (not 6 am) – a private boat with snorkelling |
| Transport | A private driver is a must – Grab/Gojek work poorly |
| Key stops | Sangeh, Ulun Danu, The Lost Cafe, Aling-Aling |
Vegard’s tips
Treat the road north as part of the experience – don’t rush through it. Book the 8 am dolphin trip with snorkelling included. Eat at Global Village Cafe: the food is good and the money goes to something that matters. Finish at Aling-Aling, and jump from the highest platform you dare.
2 days, 1 night – dolphins, temple, waterfall and a private driver. All included from $249 per person.
Book our Lovina tour →
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