Is Lovina Worth Visiting? Everything About This Balinese Gem!
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Located on the northern coast of this Indonesian paradise, Lovina offers a relaxing escape from the bustling tourist hotspots. This year, I had the amazing opportunity to visit this beautiful place and let me tell you, it was absolutely amazing! I was completely captured by its cultural charm and the fact that it wasn’t overrun by tourists (finally!).
But is Lovina worth visiting? Let’s dive in and explore all the reasons why this beautiful Balinese gem should be on your travel radar 😉
#1 The Beaches and Sunsets are Stunning!
One of the top reasons to visit Lovina is undoubtedly its incredible beaches. Unlike the crowded shores of Kuta or Seminyak, Lovina offers a more laid-back coastal experience.
Picture yourself strolling along black sand beaches with gentle waves lapping at your feet as you watch a breathtaking sunset paint the sky in hues of orange and pink. The calm atmosphere and untouched beauty make it an ideal spot for relaxation and reflection.
#2 Watch the Dolphins!
Lovina is renowned for its dolphin-watching opportunities, which means it has to be on your must-visit list. Rise early before dawn, board a traditional outrigger boat, and head out into the open sea. As the sun begins to rise over the horizon, you’ll witness pods of dolphins gracefully leaping through the water, their playful antics filling you with joy. It’s an incredible experience that will leave you with lasting memories for sure!
You can request this experience at your accommodation or reserve your spot online here below:
#3 You Should Try a Waterfall Hike
Hidden amidst lush vegetation and tropical landscapes, Lovina boasts stunning waterfalls that are well worth exploring.
Some of the most beautiful ones are the Bayumala Waterfall and Gitgit Waterfall, cascading down in multiple tiers amidst greenery surroundings. Ask your accommodation staff for more information, they might be able to arrange a guide/driver for this trip 😉
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#4 You Can Experience an Authentic Local Culture
For those seeking an authentic cultural experience in Bali, Lovina delivers for sure. Visit Banjar Hot Springs to immerse yourself in healing thermal waters surrounded by lush gardens.
But also, make sure you explore the Brahma Arama Vihara Buddhist Monastery, this place is not only rich in history but it’s also incredibly peaceful and well-designed for visitors including signs explaining what’s in front of you. I managed to go there through my accommodation, so you can do the same.
There is a small fee to get in (IDR 10-20k) and you need to make sure you are properly dressed (if not you can rent a sarong).
Not too far from this Buddhist monastery, you can engage with friendly locals as you discover the vibrant markets and traditional villages, gaining a deeper understanding of Balinese culture and way of life.
If you are interested in these 2 cultural spots and waterfalls, 👉 I would highly recommend this tour through GetYourGuide.com! They also provide a delicious lunch from a local restaurant!
#5 Snorkelling is amazing!
While Lovina may not be as famous for its diving and snorkelling as some other parts of Bali, it still offers fantastic opportunities to explore the underwater world.
Go on a snorkelling trip to Menjangan Island, known for its deer and pristine coral reefs teeming with colourful marine life.
If you are based in Lovina, 👉 this tour includes pick-up and takes you for a cool snorkelling trip to Menjangan Island!
#6 This Theme Park is Really Something
This theme park called Krisna Funtasticland was on my way to the Brahma Arama Vihara monastery and it really captured my attention. Even if you’re not a child, aren’t you curious to know how a theme park is run in Bali? Well, there is only one way to find out!
#7 Have Brunch at this Delicious Cafe
When you travel and find the perfect spot for reading your book or getting a delicious meal, it becomes your “go-to” place. Well, trust me when I say that this cafe called COFFENOSKY will be exactly that! They also have some seats upstairs overlooking the greenery!
Where to Stay in Lovina
Budget Hotel Recommendation:
If you’re travelling on a budget, consider staying at the charming Murni’s House. Offering cosy rooms with basic amenities, this guesthouse provides excellent value for money. The friendly staff will make you feel right at home while being just a short walk away from the beach.
Mid-Range Hotel Recommendation:
For those seeking a comfortable stay with a touch of luxury, check out the New Sunari Lovina Resort. This place is lovely but the gym is absolutely stunning because it faces the sea!
It’s the perfect location for your workouts and it also includes air-conditioning, which is a blessing in Bali!
The main swimming pool is also quite big and just a few steps from the beach. The rooms are super spacious and clean, quite basic but they have everything you need!
An alternative to the above is Lilin Lovina Beach. This place will literally make you feel like you’re at home! This small but quite luxurious resort is literally by the beach. The staff is so lovely and welcoming it’s incredible.
Some rooms have a small private swimming pool for a nice dip at any time of the day. I’ve spent a long time sitting on one of the sofas at reception, facing the sea and reading a book on rainy days.
They have a wide range of events/locations to take you to, including dolphin-watching experiences departing directly from there!
Luxury Hotel Recommendation:
For an unforgettable experience, treat yourself to a stay at The Damai. This luxurious beachfront property overlooks Bali’s North Coast, jungle hills and Java Volcanoes.
This place is about 3km away from Lovina Beach, so if you go for this option, you have to think about how to move around (more info below!).
For more hotels in Lovina, check out this blog post 🛏️
Insider Tips for Visiting Lovina
#1 Rent your scooter!
Lovina doesn’t have Grab or Gojek so you will have to be independent! I would recommend renting a scooter via BikAgo, you will be free to get anywhere you want, otherwise you will have to rely on hotel shuttles or hire a driver!
👉 Rent your scooter on BikAgo! They have a pick-up and drop-off point in Lovina! It’s a widely used company in Bali and super reliable!
#2 Explore off-the-beaten-path
While Lovina is known for its beaches, don’t miss out on exploring the surrounding waterfalls and villages for a truly immersive experience.
Munduk is perfect for it! I absolutely loved my time there and it’s pretty close to Lovina!
#3 Try local cuisine
Don’t forget to sample the delicious local dishes, such as Nasi Campur or Babi Guling, at the charming warungs (local eateries) scattered around Lovina.
Don’t Let Bali Belly Ruin Your Trip!
Grab the Bali Belly Survival Kit – it could save your trip and your stomach.
✅ What to eat (and avoid)
✅ Symptoms and what to do
✅ What to pack before flying
✅ Trusted clinics + costs
+ Bonus: 2 Google Maps with doctor contacts and safe food spots
FAQ: Answering your burning questions
The ideal duration for a visit to Lovina would be around 2-3 days.
Check out this 2 weeks Bali itinerary that includes Lovina as well as other nice spots in Bali + Gili Islands.
Both Lovina and Amed offer unique experiences. Lovina is super chilled if you go for beach days or you can go on an adventure and visit the waterfalls in North Bali.
If you’re more interested in snorkelling and diving adventures along vibrant coral reefs, Amed might be a better fit.
Final Verdict: Is Lovina Worth Visiting?
In conclusion, Lovina is undoubtedly worth visiting for female solo travellers in Bali. Its relaxing beaches, exhilarating dolphin-watching opportunities, stunning waterfalls, and authentic cultural experiences create a truly memorable journey.
If you are wondering where to go next, check out this 10-day Bali itinerary!
Ciao for now,
Silvia x
Worried about wasting hours at the airport?
Grab this free packing list so you stay fresh, comfortable and prepared at the airport.
Related Blog Posts
✍️ Bali Travel Planning Guide 🌴
Before you start your unforgettable journey to Bali here are the essential tips every female solo traveller should know:
📱 Do I need an eSIM for Bali?
✅ Yes. Having data from the moment you land makes your trip so much easier. I recommend Ubigi eSIM, which connects instantly without queuing at the airport for a SIM card and works better than other eSIMs I have tested. 👉 Get your Indonesia plan now
🚑 Should I buy travel insurance for Bali?
✅ 100% YES! — My #1 safety tip for all travellers is to buy travel insurance for every trip in case anything happens during their visit (and yes, Bali belly is a thing!). I highly recommend HeyMondo – you get 24/7 support and it’s budget-friendly!
💧Can you drink the water in Bali?
🚱 No — It’s recommended to drink filtered or bottled water in Bali (I even brush my teeth with filtered water).
🏩 What’s the best way to book my Bali accommodations?
My go-to for Bali hotels is Booking.com. For hostels, I normally go for Hostelworld (you can also filter by private rooms if you want!). If you love pets you should consider Trusted Housesitters, you would get free accommodation in exchange for looking after amazing pets ❤️
🐒 What’s the best way to book my Bali activities?
Get Your Guide and Viator are the best ones. You can go through the reviews to learn more about each activity and they have amazing customer support!
🛒 Will I find tampons in Bali?
Yes! However, they are hard to find! Get the guide with the list of sellers and Google Map here!
🚕 How can I book my taxi in advance from the airport to my accommodation?
I always recommend reserving your taxi in advance via Klook. This is because it will ask you for flight details and the driver will be able to track your flight in real time. I would book my taxi especially when I fly to new places or get there at night time! If you want to rent a car, Klook is still your best bet. They have cars available to pick up right at the airport! For scooter rental in Bali, go to BikAgo.
🏄🏽 Where can I book surf camps or yoga retreats?
Booksurfcamps.com is the best for surf camps all over the world. Use Bookyogaretreats.com for the best yoga retreats in Bali and worldwide.
✈️ What’s the best site to book my flight?
Skyscanner is definitely the best one out there! I love their “explore everywhere” function for when I need inspiration on where to go next! If you will embark on a long flight and you love showering in between flights or just using the lounges in airports all over the world, check out Lounge Passes on Klook, GetYourGuide or get a lounge membership on Priority Pass!
🎫 Do I need a visa for Bali?
👍 Yes — US, UK, and EU passport holders can get the Visa On Arrival (Tourist Visa) valid for 30 days in Bali. Read more here)
💰 𝗖𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆: The currency here is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), and there are plenty of ATMs if you need cash. I always withdraw from ATMs to get the best rates (select “no” when it asks you if you accept the conversion rate). The best debit card to use when travelling to Bali is Wise!
🚕 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Getting around Bali is easy peasy! Rent your scooter on BikAgo. The alternative would be getting a scooter taxi using Grab or Gojek which are safe and cheap in major places like Ubud, Canggu and Uluwatu. You can also book your private driver!
