North Bali

The land on the other side of the map, that's north Bali. Although one-sixth of the island's population lives here, this vast region is overlooked by many visitors who stay cocooned in the south Bali−Ubud axis.

The big draw here is the incredible diving and snorkelling at nearby Pulau Menjangan. Arcing around a nearby bay, booming Pemuteran may be Bali's best beach escape. To the east is Lovina, a sleepy beach strip with cheap hotels and even cheaper sunset beer specials. All along the north coast are interesting little boutique hotels, while inland you'll find quiet treks to waterfalls.

Getting to north Bali for once lives up to the cliché: it's half the fun.

Explore North Bali

0

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout North Bali.

  • Waterfall

    Sekumpul Waterfall

    Sitting 18km southeast of Singaraja, some six or seven separate waterfalls – all fed by upland streams – pour up to 80m over cliffs in a verdant bamboo…

  • Hindu Temple

    Pura Maduwe Karang

    One of the most intriguing temples in north Bali, Pura Maduwe Karang is particularly notable for its sculptured panels, including the famous stone-carved…

  • Beach

    Pemuteran Beach

    The grey-brown sand is a little thin and definitely not powdery but you can't beat the setting. The blue waters and surrounding green hills make for a…

  • Waterfall

    Air Terjun Singsing

    About 5km west of Lovina, a sign points to Air Terjun Singsing (Daybreak Waterfall); about 1km from the main road there's a warung (food stall) on the…

  • Village

    Sangsit

    About 6km northeast of Singaraja is an excellent example of the colourful architectural style of north Bali. Sangsit's Pura Beji is a temple for the subak…

  • Hindu Temple

    Makam Jayaprana

    A 20-minute walk up some stone stairs from the southern side of the road, a little west of Labuhan Lalang, will bring you to Jayaprana's grave. There are…

  • Waterfall

    Air Terjun Gitgit

    Around 11km south of Singaraja, a well-signposted path goes 800m west from the main road to the touristy waterfall, Air Terjun Gitgit. The path is lined…

  • Hatchery

    Proyek Penyu

    Pemuteran is home to the nonprofit Proyek Penyu, run by Reef Seen Divers' Resort. Turtle eggs and small turtles purchased from locals are looked after…

  • Library

    Gedong Kirtya Library

    This small historical library was established in 1928 by Dutch colonialists and named after the Sanskrit for 'to try'. It has a collection of lontar …

  • Village

    Sawan

    Sawan, 7km inland from Jagaraga, is a centre for the manufacturing of gamelan gongs and instruments. You can see the gongs being cast and the intricately…

  • Village

    Pulaki

    Pulaki is famous for its grape vines (Bali's Hattan Wines owns many), watermelons and for Pura Pulaki, a coastal temple that was completely rebuilt in the…

  • Hindu Temple

    Pura Dalem Jagaraga

    In the village of Jagaraga, Pura Dalem is a small, interesting temple with delightful sculptured panels along its front wall. On the outer wall, look for…

  • Gallery

    Symon Studios

    Completely out of character for the Yeh Sanih area is a place run by Symon, the irrepressible American artist. It's bursting with a creativity that is, at…

  • Buddhist Monastery

    Brahma Vihara Arama

    Bali's single Buddhist monastery is only vaguely Buddhist in appearance, with colourful decorations, a bright orange roof and statues of Buddha – it also…

  • Museum

    Museum Buleleng

    Museum Buleleng recalls the life of the last radja (rajah; prince) of Buleleng, Pandji Tisna, who is credited with developing tourism in Lovina to the…

  • Hindu Temple

    Pura Ponjok Batu

    Boasting a commanding location between the sea and the road, Pura Ponjok Batu is some 7km east of Yeh Sanih. It has some very fine limestone carvings in…

  • Hindu Temple

    Pura Jagat Natha

    Singaraja's main temple, the largest in northern Bali, is not usually open to foreigners. You can appreciate its size and admire the carved stone…

  • Monument

    Yudha Mandala Tama Monument

    The conspicuous Yudha Mandala Tama Monument commemorates a freedom fighter killed by gunfire from a Dutch warship early in the struggle for independence.

  • Historic Building

    Old Dutch Warehouses

    Check out the cinematically decrepit old Dutch warehouses opposite the water.

Top experiences

Whether it’s a guided tour of a historic landmark, private tasting of local delicacies, or an off-road adventure — explore the best experiences in North Bali.

  • Activities