If you're looking to see dolphins or experience a more authentic, less crowded side of Bali, Lovina is the place to be. We turned it into a weekend getaway and absolutely loved every moment of it. Our main goal was to see and swim with the dolphins, and Joe was excited to dive at Menjangan Island. The drive from Seminyak (or nearby areas) can feel a bit long, especially with a toddler in tow. While Google Maps says 3 hours, we all know it's never just 3 hours. 🤪
On the way, we made a stop at Jatiluwih Rice Terrace, a peaceful escape compared to the more famous Tegallalang. These expansive rice terraces, surrounded by towering palms, stretch endlessly across the landscape, creating a tropical dreamscape. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the tranquility here is unmatched, and the breathtaking views make it the perfect stop as you head north. If you have extra time, renting bicycles and riding through the fields is a fantastic way to soak in the beauty.
Another highlight of our journey was the serene Ulun Danu Beratan Temple on the shores of Lake Beratan. We were fortunate to arrive just in time for a beautiful ceremony, adding an unforgettable touch to our visit. The temple grounds are ideal for families, with a playground where the kids can burn off some energy. Mini, of course, was in her element, happily feeding the fish by the water.
Finally, we hit the road and made our way to Lovina.
Lovina Beach is a charming small town that still feels authentic—much like how we imagine Seminyak or Canggu might have felt 15 years ago. The main attraction here is, of course, the dolphins. Snorkeling at the Lovina Reef was on our to-do list, and Joe couldn’t wait to dive at Menjangan Island. A hidden gem in Bali’s West Bali National Park, Menjangan feels like an underwater wonderland with vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life. Fun fact: "Menjangan" means "deer" in Indonesian, named after the wild deer that occasionally swim to the island.
We stayed at The Lovina Bali Resort, a beachfront gem that's perfect for families. I originally booked a suite, but we were thrilled to be upgraded to a two-bedroom villa with our own dip pool. The resort’s grounds include two pools, two restaurants, a gym, a spa, and a kids club (though it’s more like a toy room). They also offer a free shuttle service if you want to pop into town. But the real highlight for us was the nightly band at the Sunset Beach Restaurant. And guess what? Mini made her singing debut with "Baby Shark" two nights in a row—our little artist 🥹! To top it off, we witnessed some of the most stunning sunsets ever. Uluwatu has always had our hearts, but Lovina sunsets might have just stolen the show.
On our first day, Mini and I joined Joe on a diving trip at Lovina Reef. We spotted trumpet fish, pufferfish, and plenty of starfish, with amazing visibility that day. Joe got lucky and even saw some turtles! We booked a private boat for just our family with Arrows Dive, and both the captain and David, Joe's dive master, were fantastic. It was Joe's first time setting up all the gear in the water, so having that extra support was great.
The next day, Joe ventured out to Menjangan Island for his dive, Mini and I had a perfect girls' day. We played in the pool, built sandcastles, and enjoyed a fabulous lunch at Coffee NoSky - a dreamy day all around.
On our final morning, we couldn’t leave without diving with dolphins. We booked the same captain privately, skipping the sunrise trip (because, let’s be real, that’s not happening with a toddler 🤪). He picked us up from the hotel beach at 7:30 a.m., which was perfect since most of the other boats were already returning. We headed about an hour west of Lovina and found a spot with only a few other boats, so it wasn’t too intrusive for the dolphins. We got so lucky, spotting several pods of dolphins, swimming with them, and even catching sight of some jumping and twirling out of the water. It was an incredible experience! On the way back, we even squeezed in one more snorkelling pit-stop.
Our weekend in Lovina was nothing short of magical. From dolphin encounters and stunning sunsets to peaceful rice terraces and fun family adventures, Lovina offers a slower, more authentic side of Bali that’s perfect for families and travellers looking to escape the crowds. Whether you're diving into the vibrant marine life or simply relaxing by the beach, Lovina’s charm will capture your heart. If you’re looking to discover a different side of Bali, make sure to add Lovina to your travel list.
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