Things to Do in North Bali – Complete Guide (2023)

Are you planning a trip to North Bali? Make the most of your time there with our top picks for the best things to do in the area.

From cultural activities to breathtaking hikes, you won’t want to miss out on this incredible part of Bali that most people skip.

We’ve broken down this guide into different sections for the top places you might visit in Northern Bali – including Amed, Lovina, Munduk, and East Bali. Here are the best things to do in North Bali!

The Best Things to Do in North Bali

From the black sand beaches of Amed to the crashing water of Munduk Falls; here are the best things to do in North Bali.

My Personal Experience of North Bali

Before we get started, I just wanted to take a moment to say that Northern Bali is the reason I fell in love with Bali. From the serene temples to the stunning black sand beaches, it’s an area of Bali I’ll never stop coming back to.

Even though I now live permanently in Bali in Pererenan, I will often go away for the weekend to the sleepy volcanic beach of Amed or the endless rice terraces in Munduk.

Trust me, it’s a part of Bali you won’t want to miss. – Jordan Simons.

The 3 Top Things to Do in North Bali

Best Things to Do in Amed, Bali

Amed Bali is a perfect spot for those looking to experience the beauty of North Bali without the typical hustle and bustle of overcrowded beaches.

Amed is an area with both white sandy beaches and black beach sites. It offers a variety of activities that can be enjoyed, from swimming and snorkeling to trekking and exploring the beautiful countryside.

Black Sand Beaches

If you want a tranquil escape, Amed Bali is the right place for you.

Have some fun in the sun with beach activities such as banana boat rides, walking or biking along the sandy shores as well as snorkeling, diving or simply floating in its pristine waters while basking in its majestic landscapes.

You can also go freediving and scuba diving – try exploring the sunken Japanese Ship Wreck here, for example.

Climb Mount Agung

For those who have an adventurous side, consider conquering Mount Agung on a guided hike to get some beautiful views of Amed from above!

The trail is challenging, but with a bit of determination, you’ll be rewarded with an unforgettable experience.

Along the way you may spot some of the local wildlife, so keep your eyes peeled!

Once you reach the summit, the view of the Amed coastline will take your breath away.

Amed’s Culture and Temples

For those who appreciate cultural experiences, Amed Bali has plenty on offer!

Interact with locals and learn more about their culture during lessons on traditional Balinese cuisine or dance classes.

Visit temples in nearby villages for further insights into local beliefs and truly understand ancient cultures firsthand.

Coffee Farms

Don’t miss out on opportunities to visit unique organic coffee farms and local markets filled with everything from colorful sarongs to handmade souvenirs!

No matter what type of vacation you’re looking for, Amed Bali has plenty to offer.

Whether it’s relaxation, adventure, or cultural experiences that you seek, come and discover all that North Bali has to offer at Amed!

READ MORE: See Our Complete Guide to North East Bali

Things to Do in Lovina, Bali

Lovina Bali is a great destination for travelers who are looking to experience the beauty and culture of North Bali. Lovina is well known for its unique black sand beaches, stunning sunrises, and relaxing atmosphere.

Whether you are looking for an adventurous day in the sun or a more relaxing holiday experience, Lovina has something to offer everyone.

Here are some of the best things to do when visiting Lovina Bali.

Dolphin Watching

Take a boat ride to get up close and personal with some of the dolphins that populate the ocean off of Lovina.

Dolphins often swim near small fishing boats, allowing visitors to get amazingly close views of these magnificent creatures playing in their natural habitat.

While this is definitely an interesting experience, it’s worth noting that this is a popular activity and there are A LOT of boats around the dolphins… so it can sometimes feel a bit like a dolphin ‘whack-a-mole’.

Just be aware of this before you go. It might not be the serene off the beaten path experience you were hoping for.

Balinese Temples & Culture

Visit one of several traditional Balinese temples in and around Lovina for an insight into Balinese spiritual life and culture.

Not only will you learn about local religions but also about ancient architectural styles used by Balinese people as far back as 1,000 years ago.

Visit local villages in the area and spend time getting an intimate understanding of everyday life in Bali’s countryside, away from the touristy coastal towns like Seminyak or Kuta.

Things to Do in Munduk, Bali

Munduk Bali is a stunning area of North Bali filled with lush green landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and sparkling blue ocean views.

It’s the perfect destination for those looking for an outdoor adventure or an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Here are some of the best things to do in this picturesque region.

Hiking Trails

If you’re looking to get active outdoors, Munduk Bali has plenty of activities on offer. Take a dip in one of the many natural pools or go hiking through one of the many trails near Munduk Village.

Explore Pupuan Village for wonderful views of rice terraces and quaint local villages along its side roads.

For a challenge, take part in a canyoning excursion where you’ll trek through hidden forest pathways and experience incredible views over waterfalls!

Munduk’s Waterfalls

Munduk is the home of incredible waterfalls. You can explore the Banyumala Twin Waterfall, Munduk Waterfall, and even lesser-known ones within a 30-minute drive.

Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try a half-day tour of the magnificent Sekumpul Waterfall. North Bali is the perfect place to witness nature’s beauty!

The great thing is that there are also hiking opportunities in between the waterfalls. Try searching for the starting point on the AllTrails app.

Spa Retreats

Relax after a full day of exploration by being pampered in one of the spas located around Munduk.

You could also take part in some yoga classes with instructors who are eager to share their knowledge about their yogic traditions while providing insight into Balinese spirituality amongst beautiful natural surroundings.

Best Waterfalls in North Bali

Filled with an abundance of astounding waterfalls, North Bali is the perfect place for amazing and adventurous excursions. An array of picturesque waterfalls cascade down rugged landscapes, creating a wonderful and tranquil atmosphere.

Whether you’re looking for a scenic backdrop to your next Instagram post or wish to experience the raw beauty of nature, here are the best waterfalls in North Bali you should definitely add to your bucket list:

Gitgit Waterfall

Gitgit is one of the most popular attractions in North Bali. This 45m tall and 10m wide waterfall has stunning natural features that cascade into an inviting freshwater pool below. It’s often known as the “Queen Of Waterfalls” due to its incredible beauty and natural charm.

With its crystal clear waters surrounded by lush vegetation and amazing views, it provides a great spot for swimming or even photography sessions!

Munduk Waterfall

Munduk Waterfall can be found in Munduk Village. This 40m tall waterfall is characterized by numerous cascading tiers running down the cliff face before finally ending in the white sandy area below.

In addition, it provides plenty of photo opportunities due to its breathtaking views, making it a real gem amongst photographers and adventurers alike!

Aling-Aling Waterfall

Found at East Seraya Village in North Bali this awesome 30m high waterfall also comprises three unique rivulets offering spectacular aerial views from above.

As well as viewing points from many angles including along soft trails clambering over rocks near cascades that make it an ideal spot for adventurous activities such as waterfall abseiling!

One thing’s for sure there are plenty of awe-inspiring waterfalls to explore in North Bali thus making it an unforgettable experience!

So whether you’re searching for some adventure or just wish to witness mother nature’s engineering marvels, be sure to keep these top 3 waterfalls in mind when visiting North Bali!

More Things to Do in North East Bali

North East Bali is a popular tourist destination that is full of culture, heritage, and natural beauty. From breathtaking waterfalls and picturesque beaches to lush green rice terraces and ancient temples, there’s something to do for every kind of traveler in North East Bali.

The region boasts an array of stunning attractions, top accommodations, and excellent restaurants. Here are some of the best things to do in North East Bali:

• Take a dip: Hit the crystal clear waters of Amed Beach. Explore the coral reef and marine life for an unforgettable experience. A short distance away you can also find Jemeluk Lagoon or try your hand at diving with Turtle Point Dive Centre to appreciate the vibrant underwater life of North Balinese waters.
• Walk amidst lush nature: Take a stroll along majestic rice fields surrounding Pura Lempuyang and learn about Balinese agriculture while being mesmerized by views over Mount Agung which has been worshipped since ancient times as one of Nusa Penida’s three holiest mountains.
• Learn about history & culture: Visit Pura Besakih – known as “Mother Temple” – an incredible 11-story temple complex on Mount Agung that has been particularly sacred since 2000BC due to its favorable location overlooking the ocean with volcanic Mount Agung in the background; we recommend visiting at sunset or sunrise for magnificent views!
• Discover the underwater world: Spend the day snorkeling near the historic shipwreck off the Amed coast or dive into famed Tulamben Wrecks, home to stunning fish, coral formations, and colorful sponges; don’t forget Nusa Penida’s Manta Bay where you can get up close with beautiful gentle giants!

Whether it be adventure-filled days spent exploring beautiful landscapes or leisurely strolls around remarkable historical sites, there is truly something for everyone in North East Bali.

Is North Bali Safe?

If you’re looking for a tranquil destination to enjoy some relaxation and exploring, North Bali is an attractive choice – but is it safe? The answer is a resounding YES – North Bali is generally very safe for travelers seeking to explore its culture or relax on its beaches.

The main concerns around safety in North Bali revolve mainly around the reefs, where strong currents can make snorkeling dangerous.

Make sure you are accompanied by an experienced guide to keep you safe when venturing into the ocean, and use caution when reef-walking. When remaining in more shallow water, a life-vest may not be necessary but should be worn as a precaution.

It’s also wise to take general safety measures such as avoiding dark and deserted areas at night and avoiding petty thievery hot-spots such as markets or crowded tourist sights if possible.

Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and never leave valuables unattended on the beach or in your scooter if it’s not locked securely.

Overall, North Bali is a stunningly beautiful destination that can remain safe throughout your stay with just a few common sense security precautions taken into consideration.

Safety isn’t absent here; it just requires extra vigilance from visitors so they can enjoy their time spent exploring this incredible part of Indonesia safely!

How Much to Budget For Northern Bali

Knowing how much to budget for your North Bali trip before you go is essential, so you can plan what activities and excursions are affordable and which ones are not.

Generally, Northern Bali is one of the most affordable parts of Bali to travel through. Accomodation costs are relatively low ($10-$30 / night) and there are plenty of local food options ($5 per meal).

You will need to pay entry to each waterfall you visit, which will be roughly 20,000 IDR each time ($1.50).

It’s also worth noting that there aren’t many ATMs in certain spots, and most local Warungs will not take card.

So you should make sure that you have enough cash for your trip – at least until the next ATM.

READ MORE: How Much is a Trip to Bali?

Here are some budget tips as a rough guide:

• Accommodation: $10 – $30 USD per night
• Restaurants: $5 – 7 USD per person (including drinks)
• Sightseeing: 20,000 IDR ($1.50 USD) entry to waterfalls, barter for the guide price.
• Extra Budget: Mount Batur / Agung excursion can be paid online.

Depending on where in Northern Bali you will be staying, hotels can range from budget-friendly inns to luxury resorts with spa packages.

Dining out brings delicious adventure around every corner – from fine dining experiences to seafood markets – but depending on your culinary selection, prices can differ substantially.

And when planning an excursion or two, such as visiting temples or biking around mountainside villages, factor in ticket prices and transportation costs into your budgeting mix as well.

So Why Travel to Northern Bali?

From pristine beaches to majestic mountain peaks and vibrant markets, there is something for everyone in North Bali.

Located in the far north of the island, many visitors come here to experience the unique culture and traditions that make Bali such a delightful destination.

Northern Bali offers stunning outdoor attractions, with spectacular views of Mount Agung and dense jungles abundant with wildlife. This is an ideal region for adventurers looking to explore hikes, waterfalls, and rice terraces untouched by tourism.

Overall, it should be clear as to why so many travelers flock to Northern Bali – where unparalleled excursions await each traveler that dares take on an adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions