25 Best Things to Do in North Bali — Ultimate Activity Guide

From sunrise dolphin watching to world-class diving, misty waterfall hikes to ancient temple visits, North Bali offers an astonishing range of experiences for every type of traveler. Here are the 25 best things to do in North Bali in 2026.

Top Things to Do in North Bali

1. Watch Dolphins at Sunrise in Lovina — Lovina’s #1 attraction. Board a traditional jukung boat at dawn and watch spinner dolphins leap in the gentle surf.
2. Dive at Menjangan Island — Part of West Bali National Park, Menjangan offers 30m visibility and pristine walls covered in soft coral. One of Indonesia’s best dive sites.
3. Chase Waterfalls at Gitgit — Bali’s most famous roadside waterfall, easily accessible from the main mountain highway.
4. Trek to Sekumpul Waterfall — Often voted Bali’s most beautiful waterfall, Sekumpul requires a guided jungle trek but rewards with breathtaking multi-tiered falls.
5. Soak in Banjar Hot Springs — Natural sulfuric hot spring pools carved into a jungle hillside near Lovina. IDR 30,000 entry.
6. Explore Lake Bratan & Pura Ulun Danu — Bali’s most photographed temple, built on a small island in volcanic Lake Bratan in the Bedugul highlands.
7. Visit Jatiluwih UNESCO Rice Terraces — Some of Bali’s most spectacular rice terraces (UNESCO World Heritage), less crowded than Tegallalang.
8. Snorkel at Pemuteran — Biorock artificial reef restoration project at Pemuteran has created incredible snorkeling just steps from the beach.
9. Explore Singaraja Old Town — Dutch colonial buildings, the historic Pelabuhan Buleleng harbor, and the Gedong Kirtya lontar manuscript library.
10. Hike in Munduk Highlands — Coffee, clove, and vanilla plantation treks through misty highland valleys at 1,000m elevation.
11. Visit Pura Beji Sangsit — One of North Bali’s most ornate sea temples, featuring incredible pink sandstone Balinese carvings.
12. Sunset at Lovina Beach — North Bali faces west for spectacular sunsets over the Bali Sea.
13. WWII Shipwreck Diving at Pemuteran — A Japanese WWII patrol boat wreck resting at 25m.
14. Wild Swimming at Aling-Aling Waterfall — Slide, jump, and swim at this multi-tiered waterfall park near Singaraja.
15. Day Trip to Menjangan Island for Snorkeling — Glass-clear water, turtles, and colorful fish just 20 minutes by boat from Pemuteran.

Water Activities and Marine Adventures

North Bali’s coastline offers some of the island’s best underwater experiences, often without the crowds found at southern dive sites. Menjangan Island, located within West Bali National Park approximately 1.5 hours from Lovina, features pristine coral walls dropping to 60+ meters with exceptional visibility year-round. The island’s protected status ensures healthy coral ecosystems and abundant marine life including sea turtles, reef sharks, Napoleon wrasse, and schools of tropical fish.

Closer to Lovina, the coral reefs accessible by short boat ride from the beach offer excellent snorkeling for all skill levels. The calm, waveless waters of the Bali Sea provide ideal conditions for beginners and children. For certified divers, the Pemuteran coast features the world-famous Biorock project — an innovative coral restoration program using low-voltage electricity to accelerate coral growth on artificial reef structures, creating underwater sculptures that attract diverse marine species.

Waterfall Trekking and Nature Exploration

North Bali is home to Bali’s most spectacular waterfalls, many of which remain relatively undiscovered compared to the heavily touristed falls near Ubud. Sekumpul Waterfall, a dramatic 80-meter twin cascade hidden in a lush jungle valley, is consistently rated as Bali’s most beautiful waterfall. The trek to reach it takes 30-45 minutes through bamboo groves and rice paddies, adding to the sense of adventure and discovery. Gitgit Waterfall, one of Bali’s tallest single-drop falls at 35 meters, is more easily accessible via a short walk from the main road.

The Munduk area alone contains half a dozen named waterfalls within a compact radius, making it possible to visit 3-4 falls in a single day of trekking. Munduk Waterfall, Red Coral Waterfall (Banyumala Twin), Golden Valley Waterfall, and Melanting Waterfall each offer unique characteristics — from powerful cascades into deep pools to gentle curtains of water in moss-covered jungle settings.

Cultural and Historical Experiences

Singaraja’s cultural heritage provides fascinating exploration opportunities that go far beyond typical Bali temple visits. The Gedong Kirtya library houses ancient lontar (palm leaf) manuscripts dating back centuries, preserving Balinese literature, philosophy, and traditional knowledge. The old harbor area retains Dutch colonial architecture alongside Chinese temples and Arab quarter mosques, reflecting Singaraja’s history as a multicultural trading port. The Buleleng Museum offers insights into North Bali’s pre-colonial kingdoms and the region’s role in Bali’s political and cultural history.

Practical Tips for Exploring North Bali Activities

Making the most of North Bali’s incredible activities requires some planning. Here are essential tips from experienced North Bali travelers:

Best time to visit: The dry season (April–October) is ideal for outdoor activities, diving, and hiking. The wet season (November–March) sees fewer tourists and lush green landscapes, but some activities like waterfall hikes may be more challenging due to slippery paths and strong currents.

Getting around: Most North Bali activities are spread across a large area — Lovina for dolphins, Menjangan for diving, Munduk for waterfalls. Having your own transport is essential. Consider renting a scooter (IDR 75,000–100,000/day) or hiring a local driver for a full-day tour (IDR 400,000–600,000). Our airport transfer service can also arrange multi-stop tour vehicles.

Book in advance: Dolphin watching tours, Menjangan diving trips, and cooking classes book quickly during peak season (July–August). WhatsApp local operators at least 2–3 days ahead.

Carry cash: Many smaller attractions and warung restaurants in North Bali only accept cash (Indonesian Rupiah). ATMs are available in Singaraja and Lovina but less common in rural areas.

Getting to North Bali: All visitors to Bali land at Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in South Bali. From there, arrange a private airport transfer to reach North Bali in 2.5–3.5 hours. Book your transfer in advance for the smoothest arrival experience.

With the right preparation, North Bali delivers unforgettable experiences that most Bali visitors never discover. Start planning your adventure today.