Lovina Overview

North Bali Overview

Six km (4 miles) west of Singajara is a 8-km (5-mile) stretch of black and black comprising the villages of Anturan, Tukad Mungga, Kalibukbuk, Kaliasem and Temukus, collectively called Lovina Beach. The term Lovina refers to “love” and was given by the last king of Buleleng in the 1960s. Caressed by gentle waves, Lovina is a good area to snorkel and dolphin watch. Accommodations are simple but plentiful, as are the fish. The pace is slower than at other beach resorts.

One the more interesting features of this area is the Brahma Arama Wihara, a Buddhist ashram founded in 1958 in the village of Banjar. To get there, go 3 km (2 miles) west of Temukus to Dencarik, where you can get an ojek (motorcycle “taxi”) up the hill. High up on a hill, it breathes in a remarkable view. Classes in Buddhist mediation are available only twice a year - April and September - but visitors are allowed to come year round, as long as they are dresses property and observe the ashram rules of removing one’s shoes upon entering the premises and speaking and walking quietly.

This village is also home to the hot springs Air Panas, now a public bathing area complete with changing rooms and a restaurant. Much further west is Pantai Gondol, a lovely beach with excellent snorkeling. Just down the road is the temple of Pulaki, a very sacred space guarded by a band of monkeys. The temple is hewn out of the mountain rock and overlooks the ocean. It is said that Pedanda Wawu Rauh (also known as Danghyang Nirartha), came here with one of his wives and daughter in the 16th century and residents asked him to render them invisible. Today it is still believed that an entire village of people and a jungle of tigers exist in Pulaki. These gamang as they are called are placated regularly with offerings.

One can continue on to Teluk Terima, a jumping off point for Menjangan Island (see West Bali) or Gilimanuk, from where the ferry to Java departs.