Northern Exposure

Executive summary by darmansjah

Rugged scenery, vibrant wildlife, and rich historical sites combined with a languid pace of life make the north of Bali and ideal getaway for travelers in the know.

Although the northern shores of the island are becoming increasingly developed, they are still relatively quiet, and staying here can be a more peaceful way to enjoy the same amenities found in the south. Dramatic mountain scenery marks this area, and beaches predominantly consist of grayish-black volcanic sand. Although they may not be as celebrated as the stretches of white sand in the south, northern beaches, particularly that of Lovina, are just as breathtaking. The abundance of coral reefs just off the coast makes for calm waters, which are also popular due to their large dolphin population.

East of Lovina is Bali’s second city, Singaraja, which was Bali’s colonial capital during the Dutch period. Its one of the few places on the island where visitors can still see colonial era architecture, especially around the harbor and waterfront. West of Lovinga is the village of Pemutaran, which is the ideal place to begin exploring northwestern Bali and the 19,000-hectare Bali Barat National Park. From Pemutaran,  there is direct boat access to the island of Menjangan, a nature reserve that offers some of the best diving and snorkeling in Bali.