Trips

Singaraja, after the southern Denpasar, is the largest city in the north and had as capital in 1882, during the reign of the Dutch,an important port. In 1953 they moved the administrative center to the south, Denpasar.
Before the arrival of the Dutch Singaraja already was a shipping and trade center and is currently still a bustling commercial center with its large covered markets and some supermarkets. Singaraja has unfold himself to the intellectual center of the north and according the northerners, the education is the way to development and modernization. The modern Indonesian literature is shot here and counts two universities. It has a population of 200,000 inhabitants spread among Balinese, Chinese, Javanese and Arabs. The port is a must-see. It was destroyed in the early nineties (20th century) but there are still some stores and weathered buildings from the VOC period. The independence monument "Yudha Mandala Tama" which recalls the struggle against the Dutch from 1945 to 1949, is highly visible.

Near the Chinese Buddhist temple Ling Gwan Kiong dating of 1873, there can be seen wall paintings of gods and other mythological figures.
Several blocks farther is the historic library Gedong Kirtya. Partly to compensate the oppression,the Dutch founded in 1928 a collection of old books and Balinese manuscripts. Also one can find here historic ornaments that belong to the Balinese culture.
From Singaraja to Gitgit, the 40 meters high waterfall - Air Terjun Gitgit – is impressif and underneath is a reservoir, where swimming is fine. The guide takes you possibly higher up to some waterfalls.
West of Singaraja are six villages, which together belong to "Lovina". In this series of fishing villages like Tukad Mungga, Anturan, Kalibukbuk, Kali Asem, which extend into the mountains, takes most of the activity place in the central Kalibukbuk. The capital, dressed by hotels, diving schools, shops and restaurants, ends in a beautiful shallow bay. Fine restaurants and 'warungs' tempt you by offering a variety of the oriental cuisine. The western dishes,let the tasters feel at home. Restaurant "Chonos" has both Indonesian and European dishes on the menu. In the streets or along the coast, you can often see a 'bakso', a restaurant on two wheels ...
For more exclusivity is on the hills of Lovina an exceptional hotel "The Damai" with a gourmet restaurant with the highest caliber, and a wellness center offering meditation and yoga courses. At sunset, deeply sunk into a big pouf at the pool, staring at the mirror flame of a lit fire, with an appetizer, let your mind wander on this paradise island. Early reservation (0362 41008) will be free and you will be picked up for free for a romantic dinner or a champagne breakfast on Sunday ...

On the beach of Lovina are not only the outrigger canoe docked and ready to go fishing but also,in the morning at sunrise,spotting the dolphins, because then it's dinner time. A dozen boats loaded with early birds and their cameras at the ready, leave around 6 hours eastwards.
A few kilometers further west, towards Siririt, is the Brahma Vihara Arama, a must for a magnificent view over the coast of Banjar and beyond. This Thai Theravada Buddhist temple has a very bright orange roof, and was founded by a Balinese monk in 1958. In April and September, the temple is closed due to a ten day meditation sessions.
During a brief fall to the coast signposts indicate to the Air Panas Tirta Komala hot springs in Banjar. This is just a stone's throw away from Villa Saffraan. The hot water flows into three pools where both locals and visitors can relax and get a "free massage"by swimming through higher gargoyles. There are changing rooms, toilets, a restaurant and the souvenir shops on the left and right ... where you must go through quickly ...

A trip for water enthusiasts. Further westward and one hour of Lovina, is located 10 km off coast the uninhabited deer island of “Pulau Menjangan" belonging to the West Bali National Park. The beaches are quiet and because of the coral reefs they are the best dive sites in Bali. From Labuhan Lalang, where snorkeling and diving equipment can be rent, also depart several diving - and snorkeling excursions. Walks to the National Park are there for those who want to stay on dry land. Reservations from the hotel or in Pemuteran.

To the south, half an hour past the Git Gitgit Falls, the road runs along the ridge of one of the three ancient volcanoes in the Danau Bratan. Cooler temperatures in the Bedugularea are ideal for fruit, vegetable and flower farms. Market vendors will tempt you with their products, such as the delicious strawberries. But also golfers has been thought of, as there is a spectacular golf course built in the Bali Handara Kosaido Country Club.
One by one after the other, you will find direction Munduk, an ancient settlement (19th century) of coffee, vanilla and clove plantations and one can,from the volcanic edges, overlook the crater lakes of Danau Buyan and Danau Tamblingan. Day trips are definitely a must!
For those who love culture, is to the main east of Bali the 'mother’ temple Pura Besakih ,open daily. Because of many commercial uses, annoying vendors and intrusiveness of the "official " guides, is the opinion of a temple visit divergent. The island also offers hundreds of other temples worth visiting. However, further down is the colossal cone of Gunung Agung, 3142 meters high, a still active volcano that can be visited at the top.
Bali has more to offer of tours, and our free guide will show you a wide choice when you want to deviate from a passive holiday. Enjoy!