There are tons of things to do in North Bali. It’s sadly rather underrated, everyone seems to want to see the beaches of Canggu, the temples around Ubud and gorgeous waterfalls in Bali’s centre. But if you are at least wanting to experience the beauty up here in day trips around North Bali.
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Waterfall Trips
Bali is a very popular tourist destination, but most travellers tend to congregate towards the south. If you’re asking yourself “is North Bali worth visiting”, then the answer is absolutely yes!! It’s totally worth it, especially for its many splendid waterfalls.
In fact, most waterfalls on the island are located in the North and Centre. There are smaller rainforest trails through which you can reach both big and small waterfalls like Sekumpul Waterfall or the twin waterfalls Banyumala. There’s a little more information below.
However, note that you need to be confident driving a scooter if you want to go there by yourself. The roads can get slippery and muddy really easyil and they are narrow. It was a real pain to manage them with a Scoopy too. (Better get one of the more sturdy black ones.)
If you want to combine multiple falls in one day and take out the pain of figuring out the roads, pulling out a poncho during sudden rainfall and really just want to enjoy your Bali trip, then book a guided tour.
Fiji Waterfall Munduk Niagara Sekumpul Waterfall
Munduk
Munduk is a wildly scenic area of Bali that is rarely visited by tourists, and is an essential part of any North Bali itinerary. It’s is located way up in the highlands, which means it’s the perfect place to see powerful waterfalls tumbling from towering mountains.
It also is a great place to base yourself to see tons of stunning waterfalls in the region. There are so many beautiful waterfalls here it can be nearly impossible to decide which to go see, but if you have to choose only one, Munduk Waterfall is a good one to choose.
Located in the center of town, this waterfall is both beautiful and easily accessible.
Banyumala Waterfall
It’s a bit of a hike to reach these twin waterfalls, but the remoteness makes it all the more worth it. There are less tourists and a feeling that you truly earned the magnificent view you will get when you reach the falls.
Once you arrive, enjoy a dip in the cool, picturesque swimming hole beneath the two epic parallel falls.
Sekumpul
If you really want to get far from the waterfall-loving crowds. Sekumpul is one of the best hidden gems in North Bali. This 80 meter tall waterfall is hidden deep in dense forest.
The walk to reach the falls is pretty steep, so be sure to bring your best hiking shoes and take your time. When you arrive, you can swim in the pool at the bottom but prepared to get very, very wet from the spray of the powerful falls.
Beach Trips
No North Bali itinerary is complete without some luxurious beach time. Luckily, North Bali has no shortage of spectacular beaches to visit.
Lovina
Lovina Beach is home to probably the most well known beaches in North Bali, and for good reason. The beach resort town of Lovina is made up of several small beaches and local villages.
It is best known for beautiful black sand, magnificent corals and the local, playful dolphins. That said, do not entertain the local dolphin tours.
I thought I wanted to do them but luckily did some research beforehand and cannot recommend this as animal friendly tourism. It’s simply not ethically done.
Be aware of the power tourist money has and invest wiself.If you want to read more about why dolphin tours in Lovina are questionable, check out my post.
Lovina Beach offers calm waves, jaw dropping views, and excellent nightlife. The beach spans 2km, so you’ll find no shortage of places to chill, food stands to gorge on, nature to photograph and so much more.
Pemuteran Beach
Pemuteran Beach is seriously underrated. This thin stretch of beach sits at the edge of a small fishing village, and is the perfect place to watch one of the magnificent sunsets Bali is famous for.
The water is a deep blue and is surrounded by luscious green hills. It’s a beach setting that absolutely cannot be beat.
West Bali National Park
West Bali National Park is located on the northwest tip of Bali, and is an essential part of any North Bali tour. The park is home to well over a hundred species of wildlife, and is best known as the home of the exotic white Bali Starling, a bird that is endemic to the island.
The park is huge, and you can easily spend days exploring it without even making a dent. Besides stunning nature, you can learn about Indonesian culture, food, and art at the park’s many attractions.
Sunrise Trek from Amed
Sunsets are lovely, but they have nothing on a sunrise. There are tons of magnificent places to watch the sunrise in Bali, but none are better than seeing the day begin from the top of Mount Batur.
It is guaranteed to be a highlight of your North Bali vacation. Treks up the mountain usually begin around 3AM from the little fishing village of Amed.
It takes roughly an hour and a half to reach the viewpoint on the mountain, putting you there just in time for the best sunrise of your life.
Spa Day
No trip to Bali is complete without a bit of pampering, and there’s no better way to do that than with a spa day. There is no shortage of spas in North Bali, so you will be spoiled for choice regardless of your budget.
Ami Home Spa is one of the nicest spas in the area. They offer an endless array of packages and services, and will even send a masseur out to your residence if you want to truly treat yourself from the comfort of your accommodation.
More travel tips for Bali
- Why you should visit temple Gunung Kawi Sebatu
- Why dolphin tours in Lovina should be off the table
- The best day trips to have from Ubud
- Check out these swings at Sing Sing Waterfall near Canggu
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