Northern Bali: A Hidden Gem Like a Time Machine
Bali, known as the “Island of the Gods,” attracts millions of tourists annually with its beautiful beaches, lush greenery, and rich culture. However, while most visitors gravitate towards the southern parts of the island like Kuta, Seminyak, and Ubud, northern Bali remains relatively untouched and less visited. Northern Bali offers an authentic experience, far from the crowds, with pristine nature, cultural landmarks, and an incredible underwater world.
Natural Beauty
One of the main reasons to visit Northern Bali is its natural beauty. This part of the island is home to magnificent volcanoes, lush forests, and beautiful waterfalls. Mount Batur, with its dramatic view of the lake, is a popular destination for hikers. Gitgit Waterfall, one of the most famous on the island, offers a refreshing retreat in its cool water, surrounded by tropical greenery. This part of the island is significantly less developed, showcasing lush tropical vegetation surrounded by rice fields. One cultivated part of nature is the beautiful Handara Kosaido golf club, surrounded by flowers and tropical vegetation. It invites you for lunch and relaxation, if not a game of golf, like the most beautiful park.
Beaches and Underwater World
Biorock
The beaches of Northern Bali, such as Lovina and Pemuteran, are known for their tranquility and beauty. The sand is brown to black due to the proximity of volcanoes. Lovina is a tourist hub, particularly famous for dolphin watching. At dawn, boats set out to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
Pemuteran is popular among divers and snorkelers due to its rich coral reefs and underwater coral gardens. The coral restoration project at Biorock is a unique example of ecotourism, where visitors can learn about the importance of preserving marine ecosystems. Near the beach, artistic objects made of wire are placed on the seabed. Corals quickly attach to them, creating a reef that is home to various forms of marine life.
Culture and Tradition
North
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li is also rich in cultural and historical landmarks. The city of Singaraja, the former colonial capital of Bali, has retained many buildings from the Dutch colonial era. Here, one can see a mix of Balinese and Dutch architecture, providing insight into the island’s history. Temples like Pura Beji and Pura Dalem Jagaraga showcase examples of Balinese art and religion, with intricately decorated sculptures and sacred sites. The Beleleng Museum is located in the historic palace of the region’s king. We even met two family members who are blood heirs but have no political or administrative power.
Hotels
Northern Bali offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit different tastes and budgets. Whether you are looking for a luxury escape, a comfortable boutique hotel, affordable lodging, or eco-friendly options, Northern Bali has something for everyone. The environment, which combines natural beauty with cultural richness, ensures an unforgettable stay in this part of the island. I particularly liked the hotels on the hillsides.
We visited Wanagiri Hidden Hill, which is actually an Instagram spot for photos with well-designed backdrops. Among the hotels, we visited the Munduk Moding Plantation Resort, which impressed us with its location, view, and infinity pool. Bungalows with pools are extremely romantic. It is located within a coffee plantation. Maha Hills Resort is a hotel with excellent rooms and bungalows on a hill above the sea. It offers a beautiful view and very fine cuisine.
On the beaches, we stayed in two hotels. The new Grand Villandra Resort has very nice rooms, a great small beachside pool, and a good breakfast. Taman Sari Resort is located in Pemuteran. One of the first on this part of the coast, it has the charm of old Bali, with bungalows and a large beautiful garden, and a long beach with sun loungers.
Local Way of Life
One of the most fascinating aspects of Northern Bali is the opportunity to experience the local way of life. Unlike the southern part of the island, which is heavily influenced by tourism, northern Bali retains its authentic charm. Agriculture, particularly rice cultivation, is the main source of income for many families. Rice terraces, like those in Pupuan, not only provide stunning views but also illustrate traditional farming methods that have been used for centuries. This part of the island also features vineyards of the famous Hattan Winery, which produces 3 million bottles on 60 hectares thanks to three harvests a year.
Northern Bali is abundant with beautiful waterfalls, many of which are surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and offer a primordial nature experience. Here are some of the most famous and frequently visited waterfalls in this part of the island:
Gitgit is One of the most famous waterfalls in Bali. Located near the city of Singaraja, it is easily accessible, making it popular among tourists. The waterfall drops from a height of about 35 meters, surrounded by dense tropical forest. The path to the waterfall is well-marked and passes through picturesque rural landscapes.
Sekumpul is Often labeled as the most beautiful waterfall in Bali. Located in the Buleleng region, Sekumpul is actually a group of seven waterfalls cascading down steep cliffs surrounded by lush greenery. The journey to Sekumpul requires more effort, including hiking and river crossing, but the reward of a breathtaking view is worth every step.
Aling-Aling is known for its natural beauty and adventurous opportunities. The waterfall is about 35 meters high and splits into two streams, creating a picturesque sight. Visitors can enjoy swimming in the pool below the waterfall, and the brave can try cliff jumping or sliding down natural slides.
Banyumala Twin Waterfalls As the name suggests, it consists of two parallel waterfalls cascading down a steep cliff. Located near Lake Buyan, the path to the waterfall leads through lush forest and rice fields. This place is less known and less visited, making it ideal for a peaceful experience.
Munduk is Located in the eponymous village known for its beautiful nature and cooler climate. The waterfall is easily accessible by hiking through lush coffee and clove plantations. Munduk is ideal for those who want to combine a visit to the waterfall with exploring a traditional Balinese village.
Northern Bali is truly a hidden gem, offering a unique combination of natural beauty, rich culture, and an authentic way of life. While tourism in southern Bali turns into mass tourism, the northern part of the island provides a refuge for those seeking a quieter and deeper experience. Visiting Northern Bali allows travelers to experience the true essence of Bali, far from commercialization and tourist crowds. Through its stunning landscapes, cultural landmarks, and warm local communities, Northern Bali offers an unforgettable experience that remains etched in the hearts of all who visit.
