Duration: 11 hours 30 minutes
Highlights: Singaraja area
Language: The tour is originally in Indonesian and English

If there’s one thing I never imagined myself doing on vacation, it’s waking up at 3:00 AM. I’m not a morning person by any stretch of the imagination. But when you’re in Bali, and there’s a chance to see dolphins in the wild, trust me, you’ll find the motivation. That’s exactly what happened when I signed up for the Lovina Dolphin Tour. And let me tell you, every second of that early wake-up call was worth it.

The private driver picked us up from the hotel at an ungodly hour, but the roads were so peaceful at that time—completely different from Bali’s daytime traffic. We were heading toward Lovina Beach, up in the north, which I hadn’t explored much before. It’s funny because most people who visit Bali stick to the southern parts of the island, but North Bali? It’s like this hidden treasure chest waiting to be opened.

Sunrise at Lovina Beach: The Calm Before the Dolphin Hunt
We arrived at Lovina Beach just as the first light of dawn was starting to peek over the horizon. I don’t know what it is about sunrises near the ocean, but there’s something almost magical about them. You can hear the gentle waves, and the sky starts shifting from deep blues to soft pinks and oranges. It’s like the whole world slows down for a moment, and you get to just be in it.

Before I knew it, we were hopping onto traditional Balinese boats called jukungs. These small, colorful boats are narrow and have outrigger arms that keep them stable in the water. Honestly, they kind of remind me of a canoe crossed with a fishing boat. There’s something really special about cruising through the water on one of these boats—it’s way more intimate than your average touristy boat ride.

As we sailed further into the ocean, I was buzzing with excitement. I mean, how often do you get to see dolphins in their natural habitat?

The Dolphins: Playful, Elusive, and Totally Mesmerizing
So here’s the thing about dolphins—they don’t exactly show up on cue. There’s no guarantee you’ll spot them immediately, and for a while, I was anxiously scanning the water. But then, all of a sudden, one dolphin jumped out of the water. Then another. And another.

There were at least a dozen of them, and they were having the time of their lives! They were jumping and spinning, diving in and out of the water like it was their personal playground. I’ve seen dolphins at aquariums before, but seeing them wild and free like this? It was a completely different experience. It felt like I was part of their world for just a moment.

I should mention that patience is key here. There were a couple of minutes where they disappeared, and I started to worry we’d missed our chance. But then, bam, they were back, as playful as ever. So, if you go, keep your eyes peeled and your camera ready—those dolphins move fast!

Banyumala Waterfall: Nature at Its Best
After the dolphin watching, we headed inland to Banyumala Waterfall, one of Bali’s hidden gems. I’ll admit, I wasn’t expecting much. I’ve seen my fair share of waterfalls, and they’re usually beautiful, but after a while, they start to blur together.

Banyumala? It was different. The waterfall is tucked away in the middle of the jungle, and it’s not as crowded as some of the other spots in Bali. The sound of the water crashing down into the pool below was so soothing that I could’ve easily spent hours there. I even took a quick dip in the natural pool, which was freezing, but in the best way possible. It’s like the kind of place where you can just lose track of time.

Pro tip: Wear good shoes because the trail can get slippery. And bring a towel if you’re planning to swim. The water is fresh and cold—perfect for cooling off after hiking in the humid Bali air.

Wanagiri Hidden Hill: Instagram-Worthy Views
Next on the itinerary was Wanagiri Hidden Hill. If you’re an Instagram fan, you’ve probably seen photos from this spot. There are these fun, quirky photo ops all over—nests you can sit in, swing sets overlooking the lake, and some fantastic viewpoints. It’s basically designed for that perfect social media post.

I’ll admit, I’m not usually one to spend too much time posing for pictures, but I couldn’t resist at Wanagiri. The views are just that good. You get this sweeping panorama of the twin lakes, surrounded by lush green hills. It’s one of those places where the photos actually don’t do it justice—you really have to be there to appreciate the vastness of it all.

Ulun Danu Temple: A Floating Icon
Just when I thought the day couldn’t get any better, we arrived at Ulun Danu Temple, one of Bali’s most iconic landmarks. The temple sits right on the shores of Lake Beratan, and during certain times of the year, it actually looks like it’s floating on the water.

The temple is dedicated to the goddess of the lake, and you can feel the spirituality in the air. The mist rising off the lake, the traditional architecture, the flowers blooming everywhere—it’s like something out of a dream. I’d seen photos of Ulun Danu before, but seeing it in person? Next level.

Take your time wandering around here, especially if you’re into photography. The temple, the mountains in the background, the calm lake—it’s all incredibly picturesque.

Lunch: A Well-Earned Feast
By this point, I was starving, and luckily, lunch was up next. We stopped at a restaurant with a gorgeous view of the surrounding mountains and lake. The food was traditional Balinese cuisine, with options like nasi goreng (fried rice) and mie goreng (fried noodles). After all the early-morning excitement and exploring, I devoured my meal.

And let’s be real, there’s nothing better than sitting down to a good meal after a full morning of adventure. The conversation at our table was full of laughter, everyone swapping stories about their favorite parts of the day so far. It felt like the perfect way to wind down before heading back to the hotel.

Reflections on a North Bali Adventure
As we made our way back to the hotel, I found myself reflecting on the day. North Bali really is a hidden gem. It’s so different from the busy tourist hubs down south, and it offers a side of Bali that’s more serene, more connected to nature. From the dolphins at dawn to the cascading waterfall and the temples steeped in history, this Bali tour package was the perfect mix of adventure and tranquility.

So, if you ever find yourself in Bali and want a break from the usual beach scene, I can’t recommend the Lovina Dolphin Tour enough. It’s an early start, sure, but you’ll come away with memories that will stick with you long after the trip ends.

Oh, and don’t forget a jacket! It gets surprisingly chilly on those early-morning boat rides.