Buleleng – North Bali's Peaceful Coast and Waterfalls
Buleleng Regency occupies the northern side of Bali province, along the Bali Sea. The regional capital, Singaraja, was Bali's capital during Dutch colonial times. Buleleng offers a sharp contrast to the southern tourist hubs: here you find black volcanic sand beaches, calm seas and green highlands with far fewer crowds.
Attractions and Activities
Lovina is North Bali's most famous resort area: dawn dolphin-watching boat trips on the Bali Sea are an iconic experience, with bottlenose dolphins regularly appearing alongside the boats. Gitgit Waterfall (40 metres high) and Sekumpul Waterfall (arguably Bali's most beautiful, cascading in multiple streams through the jungle) are must-visits. Air Sanih natural spring pool among coastal rocks offers refreshing bathing. In Singaraja, the Gedong Kirtya library preserves ancient lontar palm manuscripts, while the temples of Pura Beji and Pura Dalem Jagaraga are famed for their north Bali carving style featuring erotic and comic scenes.
Culture and Cuisine
Buleleng is one of the cradles of Balinese culture: the joged bumbung dance, classical legong and barong performances are living traditions here. At Singaraja's markets you can taste the local cuisine: siobak (soy-sauce roast pork), tipat cantok (rice cake with vegetable peanut sauce), and lawar (spiced meat-coconut salad) are all local specialities. Along the northern coast, fresh fish and prawn salads are served at beachside warungs.
Public Safety
Buleleng is a safe region and tourists are warmly received. You can walk around Lovina and Singaraja at night without concern. For dolphin tours, choose licensed, reputable boat operators. Trails to highland waterfalls can be slippery, especially in rainy weather – proper footwear is essential. Motorbike rental is popular but north Bali's mountain roads are winding and narrow, so drive carefully. Medical care in Singaraja is basic; for serious cases, Denpasar is approximately 2.5–3 hours by car.
Practical Information
From Ngurah Rai International Airport (South Bali), the drive to Singaraja takes approximately 2.5–3 hours across the mountains. Pemuteran and Lovina are reachable by car or bus. The best time to visit is April to October during the dry season. Accommodation ranges widely: from Lovina beachfront hotels to Pemuteran boutique resorts and mountain guesthouses.