Arrival & Route Planning for North Bali

From South Bali to the North

The drive from South Bali (Kuta, Seminyak, Ubud) to North Bali takes 2.5–4 hours, depending on the route and traffic. There are three main routes, each with its own character:

• Central Route (via Bedugul/Kintamani) — The most popular: From Ubud via Kintamani (volcano view), Bedugul (Ulun-Danu Temple) to Lovina. 3–3.5 hours. Winding, but scenically magnificent. Stops at rice terraces and spice markets along the way
• Western Route (via Pupuan/Munduk) — The most beautiful: From Tabanan via the Jatiluwih rice terraces and Munduk to Lovina. 3.5–4 hours. Less traffic, breathtaking mountain roads, coffee plantations
• Eastern Route (via Karangasem) — The quietest: Coastal road via Amed and Tejakula. 4+ hours. Interesting for divers (Amed, Tulamben), otherwise the detour

Transport Options

• Private Driver (recommended): 500,000–800,000 IDR (~30–48€) for the route, with stops along the way. The driver waits and drives back or stays overnight. The most comfortable option for families and couples
• Perama Shuttle: Cheaper tourist bus Ubud → Lovina: about 125,000 IDR (~7.50€). Runs 1–2× daily, duration: 3.5 hours. Not very flexible, but inexpensive
• Scooter: Only for experienced drivers — the mountain roads are steep, winding, and dangerous in the rain. But maximum freedom and the most beautiful way to experience Bali

Recommended Routes

2-Day Tour "Best of North Bali":

Day 1: Ubud → Jatiluwih Rice Terraces → Munduk (waterfalls, coffee plantation) → Overnight in Munduk or Lovina

Day 2: Dolphin boat tour at sunrise → Banjar Hot Springs → Sekumpul Waterfall → Return via Ulun Danu Bratan → Ubud

3-Day Tour "North Bali Intensive":

Day 1: Arrival via Bedugul, stop at Ulun Danu Bratan, continue to Munduk. Afternoon: explore waterfalls. Overnight Munduk

Day 2: Morning jungle hike → Drive to Lovina → Banjar Hot Springs → Singaraja old town → Dinner on the beach. Overnight Lovina

Day 3: Dolphin tour at sunrise → Sekumpul Waterfall → Gitgit Waterfall → Return to the south

Accommodations North Bali

North Bali is significantly cheaper than the south — often by 50–70%:

• Lovina Budget: Guesthouse with AC from 150,000 IDR (~9€). Recommendation: "Rambutan Hotel" (pool, breakfast, from 250,000 IDR)
• Munduk Mid-range: Boutique lodge with mountain view from 400,000 IDR (~24€). Recommendation: "Puri Lumbung Cottages" (traditional rice barn architecture, infinity pool, from 600,000 IDR)
• Lovina Luxury: "The Damai" — one of Bali's best boutique hotels, on a hill with panoramic views: from 2,500,000 IDR (~150€). Excellent restaurant, spa, total tranquility