Escape to the serene beauty of northern Bali with a stay at Rumah Bali, a charming and private traditional Balinese house nestled in the heart of the authentic village of Kalibukbuk in Lovina, in the pristine and lush north of Bali. Perfect for couples or small families seeking peace, natural beauty, and an immersive Balinese experience. Your Perfect Bali Retreat Set amidst lush rice fields and tranquil village life, Rumah Bali offers a cozy modern Balinese home with authentic touches. Surrounded by friendly locals and close to Lovina Beach, this peaceful villa is your gateway to exploring Bali’s stunning waterfalls, vibrant markets, and scenic coastlines. Comfort & Privacy in an Idyllic Setting This private, lockable room features a comfortable king-sized bed with fresh linen, air conditioning, and ample closet space. Enjoy complete privacy with your own stylish outdoor bathroom, equipped with hot water and modern amenities. A spacious balcony provides a shaded spot to unwind, relax on the large sofa, and soak in the lush garden views. Fully Equipped for a Home Away from Home Cook your favorite meals in the modern kitchen, stocked with fresh ingredients from the local market. Dine together in the dedicated dining area, or let Ibu Kadek prepare authentic Balinese cuisine for you (additional charge, vegetarian options available). Wi-Fi is included, making it easy to stay connected. Explore & Experience Bali Guests have full access to the villa’s private space. Wander through the village, visit local warungs, or indulge in dining at nearby restaurants in Singaraja, Seririt, or Lovina. For a special treat, Ibu Kadek can prepare traditional Balinese meals right in your kitchen—just let the owners know in advance! Important Details Located just 2.5 hours from Ngurah Rai Airport, with scenic mountain views on the drive. Not wheelchair accessible; stairs are required to enter. Motorbike rentals can be arranged locally. Electricity is not included for stays over 3 days (costo should not exceed 200,000 IDR (10 eur)/week). Experience authentic Balinese village life with the comfort and privacy of Rumah Bali. Book now for a peaceful escape filled with natural beauty, warm culture, and unforgettable memories. For bookings, click on Airbnb portal or contact us on WhastsApp on +66822773629. https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/810997079179681422?source_impression_id=p3_1765793593_P37uAaVDeXmS2jm4

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Lovina Beach, located in the serene north of Bali, is well-known for its dolphin-watching excursions. Yet, if you spend any time near the shoreline, you’ll quickly realize it’s a bit of a tourist hotspot. Beach hawkers, boatmen, and eager PR folks will offer you a chance to see dolphins seemingly every few steps, making it easy to feel like you’re being sold a gimmick. It took us a few days to finally decide, mainly because I wanted to carefully weigh the different options—private boat or shared, early 6 am departure or a more leisurely 9 am start. The decision wasn’t easy, and I still wasn’t sure about diving into the tourist crowds. But sometimes, fate steps in to push us in the right direction. That morning, Leonardo, my ever-curious son, woke up earlier than usual and declared, “Daddy, today I want to see the dolphins.” As any parent knows, a child’s wish, especially when it’s something as exciting as seeing dolphins, becomes your mission for the day. So, with little time to spare, we quickly dressed, hopped into the car, and headed straight to Lovina Beach, arriving just before 9 am. Lovina mornings are magical, with the calm sea reflecting the dawn light and the mist lifting off the distant mountains. As we strolled along the beach, we recognised a familiar face—a PR guy we had chatted with on previous days. I asked about the boat tours, but as it was already 9 am, he explained that the dolphin tours usually started earlier, around 6 am. Most boats had already sailed. However, he mentioned a possible opportunity: a boatman was waiting for two Irish girls who had booked a 9 am trip but hadn’t shown up yet. If they arrived, we could join them. With our hopes hanging in the balance, we waited patiently, though I could see disappointment beginning to creep into Leonardo’s eyes. The minutes dragged on—9:10, 9:15, 9:20—and just when we thought all hope was lost, the two girls appeared, and our adventure was back on! We boarded a traditional “jukung,” a slim Balinese outrigger boat with striking curved arms extending out from either side. The boat rocked gently as we set off into the open sea, my mind racing with worry. Were we too late? Would the dolphins have already retreated into the deeper waters by now? As we sailed further from the shore, the magic happened. Dolphins—graceful, swift, and incredibly playful—began to emerge from the water in front of us. I counted at least a dozen at first, their sleek, grey bodies slicing through the water as they swam alongside our boat. Leonardo was mesmerised, his wide-eyed expression perfectly mirroring the awe I felt. Seeing them in person was a world away from watching them in documentaries or photos. The dolphins danced through the water in perfect harmony, and while I tried to get the perfect shot with my camera, it was the memory imprinted in my mind that mattered most. Despite the number of boats dotting the water, the dolphins seemed unfazed. Though there were many tourists eager for that perfect picture of a dolphin flipping in the air, it didn’t feel overly crowded. We managed to enjoy the entire experience—dolphins jumping out of the water, swimming playfully in groups, and even coming closer to the boat at times. It was an unforgettable moment for both Leonardo and me. We stayed out on the water until around 11 am, the boat ride back feeling serene as the adrenaline from our dolphin sightings gradually ebbed away. Leonardo couldn’t stop talking about the dolphins, replaying the entire adventure in his mind, and I was content to listen, happy that we had decided to take this trip after all. Why Lovina’s Dolphins? Lovina became famous for its dolphins because of the unique conditions that make the region a prime spot for them. The calm seas, particularly in the early morning, combined with the cool water temperatures, attract schools of fish, and naturally, the dolphins follow. The area near Lovina, particularly Kalibukbuk village, is home to a variety of dolphin species, including the spinner dolphin, known for its acrobatic leaps. For years, local fishermen noticed the dolphins’ regular appearance in the waters just off the coast. Over time, the people of Lovina recognised the potential for tourism, and what started as small-scale tours has now blossomed into one of Bali’s most popular attractions. Though it’s become more commercialised, the experience remains truly magical, offering a rare and intimate encounter with these beautiful creatures. Back on land, we stepped off the boat with a sense of fulfilment. The journey had been well worth it, even if it had required a bit of patience and luck. Leonardo, still buzzing with excitement, kept asking when we could come back. Who could blame him? We’d seen something extraordinary that morning, something that would stay with us for a long time. Lovina and its dolphins—an experience that transcended the typical tourist activity and left us with cherished memories. Expect to pay 100000-150000 IDR per person for a shared boat, and anything from 500,000 to 750,000 IDR for a private boat depending on the size of the boat, how many people in your group, and your haggling skills. Echo Bali Car Rental AsianItinerary drove around the island of Bali with a reliable car provided by Echo Bali Car Rental in Jalan Pantai Sentosa No 4,Canggu, Seminyak, Bali – You can contact Mr. Wayan Suyadnya – Tel: +62 87860131999  /  +62 85100151909 – FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/echobalicarrental – MAP: https://maps.app.goo.gl/m5fEDoZx8BSGfF3q7 – EMAIL: info@echobalicarrental.com Araminth Guest House and Spa In Lovina, Asian Itinerary stayed at Araminth Guest House and Spa. Nestled along Damai Road, Araminth Guest House and Spa is a true haven of relaxation, and the perfect place to experience the true essence of Lovina‘s natural beauty and hospitality. LOCATION HERE For bookings and information, contact bali.araminth@gmail.com

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Nestled in the northern coast of Bali, away from the bustling crowds and traffic of the southern tourist hubs, lies the serene and picturesque Damai Road in Lovina. This hidden gem is a true haven for travellers seeking an authentic Balinese experience, stunning natural landscapes, and a taste of the local atmosphere. Nature’s Paradise: As you venture up along Damai Road, you will find yourself surrounded by lush tropical greenery. The road meanders through palm trees, vibrant flowers, and rice fields, creating a captivating natural backdrop. The soothing sound of the gentle breeze rustling through the leaves provides a calming soundtrack to your journey. Based in this picturesque surrounding, Bali Jungle Trekking is your trusted guide to explore the island’s hidden gems. They curate authentic trekking experiences that immerse you in Bali‘s natural beauty, all while supporting local communities. With local guides, a commitment to community well-being, and comprehensive insurance, they prioritise your safety and the sustainability of the places you visit. Rave internet reviews attest to their dedication in providing the best trekking experiences on the island. Choose Bali Jungle Trekking for unforgettable journeys through Bali’s lush jungles and nature. Check their website at www.balijungletrekking.com  Breathtaking Sea Views: One of the most alluring aspects of Damai Road is the breathtaking sea views it offers. The calm waters of the Bali Sea stretch out endlessly, providing a serene and tranquil scene. The sunrise and sunset views along this coastal road are absolutely mesmerising, making it a favorite spot for photographers and romantics alike. Local Atmosphere: Unlike the more commercialised areas of Bali, Damai Road exudes a charming local atmosphere. Here, you can witness the daily life of Balinese villagers as they tend to their fields or engage in the age-old tradition of offering blessings at the nearby temples. The warm and friendly locals are always ready to share a smile and a greeting, making you feel like part of their community. Authentic Balinese Feel: The authenticity of Damai Road is palpable in its traditional architecture and design. Balinese-style houses with intricate carvings and vibrant colours line the road, providing a glimpse into the island’s rich culture and heritage. The road’s peaceful ambiance and the absence of large commercial developments allow you to immerse yourself in Bali‘s unique charm. Charming Accommodation: Damai Road is home to a range of delightful accommodations that offer a cozy and intimate stay. From boutique guesthouses to charming villas, you’ll find options that suit every budget. Many of these accommodations are nestled amidst tropical gardens, ensuring a tranquil and relaxing retreat. One of these is Araminth Guest House and Spa. Nestled along Damai Road, Araminth Guest House and Spa is a true haven of relaxation. This exquisite resort offers guests an escape into a world of tropical bliss, where lush gardens, a shimmering pool and traditional Balinese architecture create an atmosphere of serenity. With a focus on wellness and rejuvenation, Araminth boasts a world-class spa offering a range of holistic treatments. Guests can unwind in spacious and elegantly appointed rooms and villas, each offering stunning views of the Bali Sea. Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway or a tranquil retreat, Araminth Guest House and Spa is the perfect destination to experience the true essence of Lovina‘s natural beauty and hospitality. LOCATION HERE For bookings and information, contact bali.araminth@gmail.com If it is luxury you are after, then head to The Damai. Nestled in lush jungle hills with views of Java‘s volcanoes, The Damai is your ultimate tropical escape. This resort boasts spacious villas, each adorned with modern Balinese décor and private terraces overlooking the breathtaking greenery. Guests can indulge in the infinity pool, rejuvenate with spa massages, and enjoy top-notch dining at the award-winning restaurant. This 4-star hotel offers a truly luxurious experience. Check their website at https://www.thedamai.com/  Healthy Dining Options: As you explore Damai Road, you’ll encounter a growing number of small, locally-owned restaurants serving delectable and healthy Balinese cuisine. Freshly organic vegetables and exotic fruits are commonly found on the menu. These eateries offer the perfect opportunity to savour authentic Balinese flavours while supporting the local community. Buda Bakery is a delightful fusion of artisanal baking and Bali‘s laid-back charm. This quaint bakery and café is a hidden gem, known for its delectable pastries, freshly baked bread, and aromatic coffee. Whether you’re savouring a flaky croissant or a cinnamon roll, enjoying a hearty sandwich, or simply sipping a cappuccino, Buda Bakery is a must-visit for those seeking a taste of Bali‘s culinary delights with a touch of homemade goodness. It is located in a small road off Damai Road. Check out their Instagram page here: https://www.instagram.com/budabakeryandresto/ Mama’a Kitchen, a recent addition to Damai Road‘s culinary scene, is making a name for itself with its dedication to healthy eating, nice breakfasts, and inexpensive Balinese dishes, as well as fresh juices. The charming décor and friendly staff create an inviting atmosphere, while the authentic Balinese flavours make each visit a memorable culinary journey. It’s no wonder I keep returning for more! They are on the right hand side as you drive up Damai Road.  In conclusion, Damai Road in Lovina, Bali, is a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. It offers an escape from the tourist crowds, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, embrace the local culture, and experience the genuine warmth of the Balinese people. Whether you’re seeking stunning sea views, an authentic Balinese feel, or delicious and healthy cuisine, Damai Road has something special to offer every traveler. It’s a place where you can slow down, breathe in the fresh sea air, and savour the true essence of Bali.

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The drive downhill was a steep and nice affair of winding roads through local farming villages, until housing got denser and denser and I finally reached the town of Singaraja, the ancient capital of Bali in Dutch colonial times. The weather was hot and sticky, what a change from the freshness of the Bali mountains. From there, it was only a 15 minutes drive towards the tourist area of Lovina, where I checked in at the Lata Lama – a magnificent boutique resort located in the middle of the rice fields, a collection of 3 Java joglo houses with pool with 1, 2 and 3 bedrooms respectively, hidden away from the hustle and bustle of Lovina tourist scene and the traffic of the main road. I must say I really enjoyed my time there, I felt like a colonial attache’ relaxing and contemplating life in the tropics. For this reason I decided to just take it easy, put some order to my notes, do some writing and enjoy a couple of days at leisure. In the evening, after a great meal at Lovina’s vegetarian restaurant Akar Cafe’ vegetarian & vegan food – Jalan Pantai Binaria, 081936644190 – I booked one of the most popular activities in Lovina: a boat trip to watch dolphins. The morning alarm clock rung at 4am, and it was quite hard to get out of my comfortable bed, but dolphins awaited so I made my way to the beach, where our pick up boat was scheduled to arrive at 5. What a magnificent trip that was, read all about it HERE ! In the afternoon I took a drive along several of the small roads that take to the Singaraja hills and mountains, I visited Banjar Hot Springs and took a detour to a Buddhist Temple not far from the springs. On the way back, I had a great meal at one of the colourful and picturesque road stalls that dot Seririt town main street each evening. Needless to say, the menu is meat meat meat, with goat being one of the favourite food served. The morning after, I struggled through a big and earthy breakfast of muesli granola and natural yogurt, croissants butter and jam, boiled eggs and fruit, after which I said goodbye to my host Seger and his lovely staff at Lata Lama and drove west towards Bali Barat National Park. I passed the tourist coastal village of Pemuteran, with its restaurants and diving shops, and reached Labuan Lalang Pier, the starting points for the boat trips to Menjangan Island – about 30-40 US$ for a boat for 10-12 people, or about 8-10 US$ if you come alone and wait for a boat to fill up, guide is included. There I parked the car, refilled with a Bali coffee at one of the local joints, and joined one of the few boats that take the cruise to and around Menjangan, the island of deers. Back from the boat trip, I drove back east and made a quick stop at the Pura Pabean temple, in time to enjoy the sunset and also deal with insolent monkeys that came out to meet and greet me. I then continued to a fantastic peninsular area called Ume Anyar, where I spent the night at a Mayo Resort, a great resort with good character, and right on the beach. The pizza at their signature Bora Bora Restaurant was nice and crispy, the way Italians like it! TO BE CONTINUED… STAY TUNED ! A drive around Bali – Part 1 – the south A drive around Bali – Part 2 – Ubud, hills and mountains A drive around Bali – Part 3 – Bedugul lake and valley A drive around Bali – Part 4 – scenic Munduk A drive around Bali – Part 6 – the West coast The Toyota Agya was kindly supplied by Echo Bali Car Rental

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Lata Lama is a unique and stunning collection of three lovingly restored Javanese wooden Joglo houses. This sentence may tell you everything and nothing, but their website described the place well, and the pictures published looked good, so I decided to book this establishment for my short stay in the North of Bali. No words really prepared me for the place I was going to discover. I immediately understood this was a special establishment when, with my rented car, I drove down a small lane towards the beach, not far from the Northern town of Singaraja. I followed the signs to Lata Lama, driving through green rice fields, to reach a lush area that looked like a small local village. I parked, got off the car and was immediately welcomed by Seger, an affable local guy with a great smile and the right attitude, who made me feel at home straight away. After a short chat, I was given a tour of the property: three unique and lovingly restored, beautifully decorated hand-crafted Javanese wooden houses with stunning vintage chic style interiors. These Javanese marvels of simple yet complex architecture are called Joglo: they are about 100 years old, traditional, light and airy structures with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. I was stunned and amazed to learn that Segar has supervised the construction of all these marvelous houses himself, surely with love and care. In fact, Seger revealed, there is a story behind each and every antique piece you see at Lata Lama. Each house is detached and set in its own grounds with lush tropical enchanting gardens surrounding it, and a large secluded private swimming pool and relaxation area. Each of these Joglo has been beautifully designed and decorated, and each has its own personality, charm and individual character. Features include a well equipped kitchen, A/C bedrooms, en-suite bathrooms , fantastic open plans, living rooms and outdoor terraces and decks. While the vintage feel is strong, Lata Lama is sheer luxury, comfortable and stylish, a place to relax in your own private beautiful walled garden and pool, a secluded sanctuary to relax and unwind. Needless to say, attention to detail in all aspects of the complex is staggering. The villa I stayed in was decorated in traditional style with fabulous wooden furniture and a modern twist. The huge bed was so comfortable and the bed linen so crisp that I had wonderful sleeps at night. Every morning, after I opened my garden door to give the pre-agreed signal, the Lata Lama team served me a fantastic breakfast of fresh coffee, eggs, fruit and great bakery items from a local bakery. I felt pampered. Lata Lama is the perfect retreat for anyone needing to enjoy, relax and unwind, be it solo travelers, groups or families. Seger and the team were so welcoming and attentive, offering to organize trips to the local waterfalls and dolphin watching, and entertaining me with great chats. I was advised to treat Lata Lama as my own home and I did, and in doing so I became part of their family. The easygoing atmosphere at Lata Lama was a great part of my stay there; I came as a guest and left, sad, as a grateful friend, so I cannot recommend the place highly enough. LOCATION Lata Lama is located not far from Singaraja, the old Dutch capital of Bali, on the way to Lovina, a small touristy seaside village on the Bali Sea. Lata Lama villas are literally a two minutes stunning walk through green paddy fields to the local beach, where you can enjoy great sunsets daily. The Bali north area is home to several places of outstanding natural beauty: waterfalls, hot and cold volcanic springs, mountains and lakes. Activities include sunrise boat rides to watch dolphins, horse riding through tropical hills, visits to historic temples and to clove and coffee plantations. Restaurants and shops are all nearby. CONTACT INFORMATION Lata Lama Villa Jl. Bali Bagus, Kalibukbuk Lovina – Singaraja Bali – Indonesia +62 81 9999 89 082 info@latalama.com www.latalama.com Book a discounted room at Lata Lama HERE!!

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It was thanks to an invitation by a Balinese friend to follow them on a trip to attend to a local ceremony that I discovered the beauty of Menjangan Island. This 1,5 km long and 500 mt wide island, with its size of 24 square kilometers, is situated in the northeast of Bali and is a significant part of the Bali Barat National Park. The park occupies 190 square kilometres area in the most north-westerly point of Bali, the Prapat Agung Peninsula, and large swathes of land, protected beach and offshore coral reef and long stretches of around the towns of Gilimanuk, which together with 580 square kilometres of protected reserve in the highlands to the east it accounts for some 10% of Bali‘s total land area. The small, uninhabited offshore island called Menjangan, at 10 kilometers from the coast, is s part of the Indonesian archipelago. We left Lovina in the mid morning on a cloudy Sunday; the trip took about 2 hours by minivan. At the Labuan Lalang pier, where lots of people were waiting their turn to be shipped to Menjangan, we drank a tea and had a snack at a local stall, and observed peanut sellers and boat builders on the bay before boarding our chartered boat at the harbour. The sea was a bit rough but the ride was pleasurable and charged with excitement. The boat trip was fun and lasted about 40 minutes; the view of Ruang volcano in Java during the journey was majestic. I always love being on the water, and seeing the ocean in all is glory. On approaching the island we realized how beautiful is nature on Menjangan, with unspoiled white sandy beaches and a green interior complete with a group of inhabitant deers. Our day was dedicated to visiting the 3 temples present on the island, the most notable being the Pura Gili Kencana, which is certainly worth a visit for the huge white stone of Ganesh looking out at sea. We were told this is the largest Ganesh temple in the world and the oldest temple in Bali, dating back to the 14th century. Another temple, located at the hilltop of Menjangan, is the Kalenting Sari: it was built as part of the holy trip of the great Hindu missionary Danghyang Nirarta who, in the 16th century, came from the kingdom of Majapahit in Java to teach Hinduism to the Bali people. These temples are inhabited by 16 Hindu monks, the only human presence on the island. Next we took a nice walk around Menjangan perimeter. The walk took 1 hour and a half along paths of dry turf, as we did it slow in order to absorb Menjangan natural coastal beauty. Menjangan in Javanese language means ‘deer’, and this name was given by the local coastal population when they observed herds of wild deers swimming to the island every spring. And deers were indeed present, hiding on the thin island bushes, shy at our presence. Deers, we learned, are not the only animals present on the island: there are wild rabbits, iguanas and wild chicken as well. Once we reached the coast, we witnessed the woman shaman performing a ritual dance armed with a kriss knife, as well as a processions of men and women heading towards the moored boats to take part of the traditional ceremonial trip around the island. The day trip was a great success, though in my opinion, more could be done in terms of organization, cleanliness  and communication: there was lot of waiting around at the harbour, the walking tracks on the island are few and badly kept, and some of the beauty of the island is lost in the rubbish. DIVING ON MENJANGAN Menjangan area is where diving first started seriously on Bali back in about 1978 under the sponsorship of the Indonesian Navy, which helped to establish Menjangan as the premier international dive location in Bali. The island is still today considered to be an important part of the local tourism industry thanks to the seven world-class dive sites that lie off its coast, and to one of the most spectacular and best-preserved coral reefs in Bali. These reefs incorporate an incredible marine fauna that includes groupers, large groups of jacks, turtles, enormous sea fans, pygmy seahorses, vivid gorgonians, schools of snapper and reef sharks. Thanks to the depth of the dramatically deep drop off of nearly 60 meters and by complex rock formations, there are a great number of large and small caves hosting sponge and soft corals, moray eels and young snappers and batfish. The moderate flow of currents and its protection from strong winds means it is common to see tuna, shoals of jack-fish and angelfish. Many of Bali‘s dive operators based in the southern tourist regions can arrange daily dive excursions specifically to Menjangan. Snorkeling is also said to be the best on Bali: the water around Menjangan is often clear and calm, there is a great abundance of marine life and coral, and visibility is usually excellent, ranging from between 15 and 50 meters. Dive companies offer a comprehensive selection of wetsuits, masks, diving equipment and all other gear necessary to explore beneath the waves. _________________________________________ What are you waiting for? Whether you are a dive aficionado, a sea lover or an adventurer, a day trip to Menjangan is absolutely worth it. Boats leave from the beach at Labuan Lalang and can chartered on the day. The best is to arrive early in the morning and try to club with other tourists in order to make chartering a whole boat worth it. The permit to visit the island cost Rp 40,000 per person and can be purchased from the national park office in the main Labuan Lalang car park. Trips to Labuan Lalang last: 90 minutes from Lovina, 15 minutes from Pemuteran, 15 minutes from Gilimanuk. Menjangan has no accommodation or facilities. Sleeping options are plenty on the north western coast of Bali near...

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