BULELENG
Regency
This Regency sprawls over the full length of Bali's north coast. It is hot, dry and fringed with black sand beaches and coconut palms. It meets Karangasem in the northeast coast into the untouched jungle territory of Bali's National Park, on the west end of the island. The Regency has been more exposed to foreign influences in the recent past. Buleleng was a port for trading boats coming east on the route to Spice Island and where Chinese, Arabic, European , and Bugis merchant came to exchange opium, arms , and "kepeng " for Balinese rice, fruits, cattle , and slaves. In 1882, the Dutch made Bali and Lombok into a combined Residency and Singaraja became the capital city.

 

SINGARAJA
The original capital of Bali, Singaraja is right on the sea, and its harbour has been key to local development. A bustling center of local commerce, its people are noisy, open, and friendly, and reflect their local climate.

LOVINA & MENJANGAN ISLAND
About 10 kilometers west of Singaraja. The black sand beach is safe and a wonderful place for swimming and snorkeling. Lovina also offers dolphin viewing. Menjangan Island, part of the West Bali National Park has the most beautiful coral reefs in Bali. Along with the bearby Labuan Lalang, this is a great place for diving and snorkeling

YEH SANEH
A litte further east on the coast is Yeh Saneh, an idyllic spot that few people know about. Only a few matres from the splash of the surf is a cool freshwater spring around which has been built a large pool and gardens for bathers and picnickers.

 

GITGIT WATER FALLS
To the south of Singaraja is Gitgit Waterfall, Bali's highest waterfall. This beautiful wilderness area is a must for nature lovers who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the larger towns. This is a perfect place to take photographs of bali's magical scenery. (There are 4 waterfalls in this area, the best is the Twin Waterfall, and the 2nd one is Gitgit)

 

SINGARAJA
Bali's administrative center during the Dutch times, Singaraja is now way behind Denpasar in terms of development. It is, on the other hand, a more pleasant place to visit, with a flavor somewhat more Islamic than Hindu. There are no traffic jams nor pollution and everything is conveniently located on one main street, JI. Jen. A. Yani.

 

Eating in SINGARAJA
The Taman Lila complex on J1. A. Yani has a row of restaurants serving mostly Chinese food. Best known are the Gandhi restaurant, No. 25H, with an extensive menu and moderate prices. Try the nasi goreng kepiting (fried rice crab) or the shrimp sate. Just beside Gandhi is Kartika, No. 251. Further west are two intimate restaurants frequented by local lovers: Cafateria 99 and next door, Arina.

 

Lovely SINGARAJA Shopping
One place worth visiting in Singaraja is the art shop, Tresna on JI. A. Yani 5, which hasantiques and fabrics. Another place for fabrics is Banyusari Market or go directly to the Berdikari Hand Woven Cloth Factory at JI. Dewi Sartika 42, for replicas of antique silk textiles. Open daily, 7 am-7 pm.

 

Most places here do not accept credit cards or travelers checks. Banks such as Bank Dagang Negara (JI. Gajah Mada, Phone 25222), Bank BN1 (JI. Gajah Mada, Phone 24347) and Bank Central Asia (JI. Hasanuddin, Phone 23760/6) can change money and arrange transfers. 

 

Bali - Lovina
The area known as Lovina (actually another name for Kalibukbuk) comprises several villages situated alongside the coastal road west of Singaraja. From east to west they are: Tukad Munga, Anturan, Kalibukbuk (Lovina) and Temukus. All offer accommodations and other tourist services. It is quiet and rural here. The black sand beach is beautiful at sunrise. There's no surfing, but plenty of coral areas for snorkeling. The fishermen can also take you to see dolphins offshore; arrange with the boatmen a day in advance. If you have had enough of the sea, the mountainous hinterland is great for hiking.

to Lovina

Lovina is only 10 minutes from Singaraja by a good road. Public transport runs until 9 pm.

Eating and Nightlife in Lovina

Nearly all hotels in the area have restaurants. Janur's Dive Inn has one that is great value for money. Very pleasant, serving favorites for $1.

 

The most famous restaurant is Khi Khi in Lovina. If the food is to your liking, go to their open-air kitchen and take notes on the recipes. Grilled fish and fried prawns are favorites here. Bali Bagus has seafood and vegetarian dishes, and is highly recommended. Another popular restaurant is the Kakatua, near Lovina beach. Try their fried fish for $2. Or you can go to Srikandi for fried rice, which you eat sitting on a mat. For those who want live music, go to Wina or Malibu. The latter turns into a disco on Fridays. Bali Aga on the south side of the street, across from Tip Top Shop, has spaghetti, burgers, and traditional Balinese specialties.

 

Lovina Watersports
Most hotels can arrange water sports, not only for the Lovina area, but for Pulau Menjangan to the west.

Shadow Puppets as a Treat

Lovina is not known as a center of Balinese culture. However the area is famed for its puppet shows. Hotels with regular performances are: Puri Bedahulu, Happy Beach Bungalows and Mandhara Beach Cottages.

 

Bali - Air Sanih
Driving east from Singaraja along the coast, or north and then east from Kintamani, you will pass through the beach resort of Air Sanih (Yeh Sanih), which is noted for its freshwater springs. It's a nice stop-off before you continue your journey to Karangasem.

 

You can also enjoy a beautiful sunrise on Air Sanih beach or, by leaving early enough for Karangasem, you may see the first lights hit the peak of Mount Agung near Tulamben-a breathtaking experience. Several bungalows have been built in Air Sanih and the surrounding area, many by the pools which overlook the seashore.