On Bali's north coast, Lovina resort stretches along several
kilometres of black volcanic coastline, encompassing six villages,
with Kalibukbuk the established tourist centre. Although the second
largest resort outside of the Kuta region, it is not as developed
as the south of the island, but it has a rural charm, and
guesthouses are prettily situated on the beach or among the rice
fields. Ducks, pigs and chickens scratch in the fields and cattle
wander along the roads. Colourful Balinese boats take tourists out
to see the sociable dolphins, most active at sunrise, and the
reef-protected waters provide a calm environment for snorkelling.
Situated between the main diving sites on the north coast of Bali,
Lovina is a good base for diving excursions. Bali's only Buddhist
monastery, Brahma Vihara Arama, is a few kilometres away and can be
combined with a visit to the delightful setting of the Air Panas
hot springs at Banjar.
