North Bali Complete Travel Guide 2026
Bali’s best-kept secret — waterfalls, dolphins, diving and highland coffee country, away from the crowds of the south.
North Bali is Bali’s quiet north coast — Lovina, Singaraja, Munduk and Pemuteran — where under 5% of the island’s tourists ever go. Highlights include sunrise dolphin watching, the waterfalls of Sekumpul and Gitgit, diving at Menjangan Island, and the misty highlands around Munduk and Bedugul. Every flight to Bali still lands at Ngurah Rai (DPS) in the south; a private transfer of about 2.5–3 hours via the Bedugul mountain route is the main way in today, ahead of the proposed North Bali International Airport.
Why come here
Why visit North Bali
Authentic Bali
<5% of Bali’s tourists
Genuine village life and Balinese culture, largely unaffected by mass tourism.
Dolphin watching
Lovina, at sunrise
Lovina’s sunrise dolphin boat trips are the most famous in Bali.
World-class diving
Menjangan & Pemuteran
Some of Southeast Asia’s best reef diving, in calm, uncrowded water.
Waterfalls & highlands
Sekumpul, Gitgit, Munduk
Some of Bali’s most spectacular falls, plus Munduk and Bedugul’s cool mountain air and coffee plantations.
Where to go
Main destinations in North Bali
Lovina
The main tourist hub
Famous for dolphin watching, calm beaches and a relaxed vibe — the best base for exploring the region.
Singaraja
Buleleng’s capital
Bali’s former Dutch colonial capital, with Dutch-era architecture and the Gedong Kirtya lontar library.
Munduk
1,000m highland village
Waterfalls, coffee, clove and vanilla plantations, and cool mountain air — perfect for trekking.
Pemuteran
Northwest coast
A quiet coastal village and gateway to Menjangan Island’s coral reefs and West Bali National Park.
Right now
How to get to North Bali
Until North Bali International Airport opens, every flight to Bali lands at Ngurah Rai (DPS) in the south. From there:
- Private car (recommended). About 2.5–3 hours to Lovina or Singaraja via the scenic Bedugul mountain route, fixed price per car.
- Tourist shuttle bus. Perama and similar operators run Kuta–Lovina routes, generally slower with multiple stops.
- Rental car or scooter. Via the mountain road over Bedugul (most scenic) or the coastal eastern route.
When North Bali International Airport opens — no date is officially confirmed, with government targets ranging from a first phase around 2027–2028 to full completion near 2030 — direct flights would land roughly 15–20 minutes from Lovina.
See North Bali transfer optionsPlanning
Best time to visit & getting around
Dry season
April–October
Sunny days, calm seas for dolphin watching and snorkeling. Coastal temps 27–32°C; Munduk and Bedugul stay cooler, 18–22°C.
Wet season
November–March
Afternoon showers, but also fewer crowds, accommodation 30–50% cheaper, and waterfalls at their fullest.
Getting around
Private transport essential
Attractions are spread out. Hire a driver (~IDR 500,000–700,000/day) or a scooter (~IDR 60,000–80,000/day); public transport is limited outside Singaraja.
North Bali Airports also offers day charters and multi-day driver hire — our drivers know the back roads, waterfall trails and beaches that don’t make it into guidebooks.
Good to know
North Bali FAQ
What is North Bali known for?
Waterfalls (Sekumpul, Gitgit, Aling-Aling), sunrise dolphin watching in Lovina, world-class diving at Menjangan Island, Dutch-colonial history in Singaraja, highland coffee country around Munduk, and the proposed ~USD 3 billion North Bali International Airport.
How do I get to North Bali from the airport?
By private airport transfer from Ngurah Rai (DPS) — about 2.5–3 hours to Lovina or Singaraja via the Bedugul mountain route. Pre-booked transfers have a fixed price agreed before you land, with meet & greet included.
Is North Bali worth visiting?
Yes. Authentic Balinese culture, dramatic natural scenery, far fewer tourists, lower prices, and experiences — dolphin watching, highland trekking, reef diving — that South Bali can’t match.
When will North Bali International Airport open?
No official date is confirmed. The project relocated to Sumber Klampok, Buleleng after a 2024 reprioritisation, and land acquisition is under way. Government targets range from a first operational phase around 2027–2028 to full completion near 2030.
What is the best time to visit North Bali?
The dry season (April–October) has sunny days and calm seas, best for dolphin watching and snorkeling. The wet season (November–March) brings afternoon showers but also lower prices, fewer crowds, and waterfalls at peak flow.
Keep exploring
Explore the North Bali guide
Lovina Complete Guide
Beaches, sunrise dolphins and where to stay in North Bali’s most popular town.
Read the guide →Things to Do in North Bali
Waterfalls, temples, diving and highland trekking across the whole region.
See the full list →North vs South Bali
How the two halves of the island compare, and which suits your trip.
Compare both →Lovina Dolphin Tour
What the sunrise dolphin-watching trip involves, and how to book one.
Read the guide →Ready to plan your North Bali trip?
Send your flight details on WhatsApp — we confirm a fixed-price transfer in about 30 minutes.