All the way in the north of Bali, you’ll find a small coastal town called Lovina. This place is known for the large groups of dolphins that are easy to spot during a boat trip. This is the number one reason many people add Lovina to their itinerary through Bali. Besides dolphin watching, there are other beautiful places to explore in the Lovina area. Here, you can find the largest Buddhist monastery in Bali, explore impressive waterfalls, and relax in hot springs. These are our recommendations for the best things to do in Lovina!
What to Do in Lovina?
Even though Lovina is just a small coastal town, you can enjoy many fun activities from here. Here are 6 tips for Lovina.
Dolphin Watching in Lovina (the Responsible Way!)
The waters off the coast of Lovina are home to many dolphins, and it’s truly magical to see these beautiful animals in their natural habitat. Dolphins are most active early in the morning, when they’re hunting for food and playing in the waves. Around that time, nearly 250 boats head out in hopes of spotting them. But here’s the downside—so many boats disrupt the dolphins’ natural behavior. Many try to get as close as possible, often chasing the animals and causing stress. Wildlife welfare should always come first.
Whenever animals are involved, we look for responsible ways to enjoy them—tours that respect both the animals and their environment. That’s why we recommend joining a tour with Popeye Lovina, a sustainable operator that intentionally heads to quieter areas, away from the crowds. The trip starts early in the morning and includes a light breakfast onboard with coffee, tea, and fried bananas. Each boat carries a maximum of six guests, making it a calm, respectful experience. If time allows after dolphin watching, there’s also a stop at a nearby reef for snorkeling in crystal-clear waters—home to vibrant coral and colorful fish. You can message Edi from Popeye Lovina on WhatsApp for more details about the tour.
Admire the 35-Meter (115-Foot) Gitgit Waterfall
A 30-minute drive from Lovina takes you to the popular Gitgit Waterfall. This waterfall is surrounded by greenery, and the water cascades down from a height of 35 meters (115 feet). This creates a refreshing mist in the air. To reach Gitgit Waterfall, you don’t have to undertake a difficult hike. You can walk from the parking lot along a well-maintained path to the waterfall in just ten minutes. Along the way, you’ll pass a few small stalls where friendly local vendors sell handmade souvenirs and drinks. This indicates that Gitgit Waterfall is a popular spot, so it’s best to plan your visit early in the morning.
For those who want to see even more beautiful waterfalls in the area, you can also visit Gitgit Multitier, Colek Pamor, and Gitgit Twin Falls & Mekalangan.
How to Get to Gitgit Waterfall? It can be a bit confusing to find the Google Maps location for Gitgit Waterfall, as there are several locations listed. This is the official entrance to Gitgit Waterfall. You can also enter the walking path through the alley next to Warung Made, which saves you a lot of stair climbing.
Cliff Jumping at Aling-Aling Waterfall
Looking for a bit more action? Then head to Aling-Aling Waterfall! This area has several waterfalls where you can not only enjoy the beauty but also swim and even cliff jump!
At the entrance to Aling-Aling Waterfall, you can choose which waterfalls you want to visit, which will determine your entrance fee. Aling-Aling Waterfall is only a ten-minute walk from the entrance. You can’t swim here, and it can only be admired from a distance, as shown in the left photo below. After enjoying this view, it’s nice to walk to the next waterfalls, about 5 minutes further on. Here you’ll find a group of waterfalls that you could call a small natural water park. Slide down a 12-meter (39-foot) waterfall into the water or jump from heights of 5 meters (16 feet), 10 meters (33 feet), or even 15 meters (49 feet) into the water. For safety, it’s mandatory to go with a guide, which you can arrange at the entrance.
When you want to see more of the beautiful surroundings, you can also walk another 20 minutes to the Blue Lagoon. This is a stunning azure natural pool, where small waterfalls flow into the pool from a cave. Here, you can also have some fun by climbing into the cave and swinging into the water on a rope.
Visit the Brahmavihara-Arama Monastery
Brahmavihara-Arama is the largest Buddhist monastery in Bali, where very few visitors come. The complex consists of various sacred spaces, each with its own function and charm. You can feel the peace and serenity as you walk through the monastery and its beautiful gardens. You’ll even find a small replica of the largest Buddhist temple in the world: Borobudur. This temple is originally located on the island of Java. To see it, take the beautiful large staircase that reaches to the sky, and you will see the replica on the other side of the temple gate. Inside, it is adorned with beautiful murals and statues depicting stories from the life of Buddha.
Relax at Banjar Hot Springs
Just 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) from the Brahmavihara-Arama monastery, you’ll find Banjar Hot Springs. These two attractions are perfect to combine. Here, you can relax in the warm, therapeutic hot springs and enjoy the natural surroundings. Banjar Hot Springs consists of three thermal pools, each filled with sulfur-rich water that flows from the nearby volcanic mountains. The mineral-rich water has a pleasant temperature of about 37°C (98.6°F) and is known for its therapeutic properties. It relaxes your muscles and revitalizes your skin. Take a seat under one of the carved dragon heads that spout powerful streams of water for a wonderful natural massage for your tired muscles.
Recommendations for Good Restaurants in Lovina
- Funky Place Beach Bar & Grill – This is the liveliest spot in Lovina. Sink into one of the bean bags and order some snacks and drinks. The menu includes sushi, sandwiches, rice dishes, and pizza. Especially in the evening, this place comes alive with regular beach parties. Note: There is also a Funky Place on the main road, but we mean the beach bar at this location.
- Lovina Life Room & Café – This is a cozy café with a mix of Indonesian and Western dishes.
- Warung Jepun Bar and Resto – For delicious and affordable local food, this warung is the place to be.
- Warung Ayu Lovina Beach – This may not be the coziest restaurant, but the food is delicious!
- The Global Village Foundation Kafe – This restaurant is part of a foundation that supports locals in poverty or with disabilities. By dining here, you support this wonderful initiative. They also serve delicious Indonesian dishes beautifully presented on banana leaves.
- Buda Bakery & Resto – This bakery and restaurant offers something for everyone on the menu. Fresh croissants, generously topped sandwiches, and a wide selection of fish, meat, vegetarian, and vegan dishes. For those with a sweet tooth, there are delicious pastries in the display case.
Our Favorite Places in Lovina
For a unique overnight stay at a low cost, check out Singko Lovina. This small hotel has only three wooden bungalows, making it feel almost like a private accommodation. In the beautiful garden filled with tropical plants, you’ll find a large swimming pool where you can completely relax. The wooden bungalows feature a large veranda, an outdoor bathroom, and a spacious double bed. At Pandawa Village, you also stay in a bungalow. These spacious bungalows are a bit more luxurious and come with air conditioning, a rain shower, and a large veranda. The location is perfect; it’s situated in the middle of the rice fields and within walking distance of restaurants and the beach. From the pool, you have a beautiful view of the rice fields. The bungalows at The Kayu Manis Villa take the crown on this list. The style of the bungalows, or villas as they can also be called, is typically Balinese, and every detail has been carefully thought out. Since it is located a bit higher up, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Lovina and the sea from the pool. Book a delightful massage to complete your stay.
 Singko Lovina |
 Pandawa Village |
 The Kayu Manis Villa |
