North-Central Bali: What to do on a 3 day trip.
North Bali is a part of the island most people don’t visit. I
mean out of every 100, maybe 5 take a trip to the north coast
while on holiday. If you do go to the North-Central part of Bali,
what’s up there?
Here’s what you could do on a 3 day trip to North-Central Bali.
Day 1:
Heading up from Kuta, through Mengwi to Bedugal, you can stop at Baturiti and grab a steaming corn on the cob from the market sellers that stand on the road. Right after that the road swings downhill towards Bedugal and Lake Bratan. Candikuning has a selection of budget accommodation options, including Citera Ayu, Sari Artha Inn and Ashram Guesthouse. There are also better quality places including Enjung Beji and Pecung Indah.
The lovely temple, Pura Ulun Danau Bratan appears to float on water, on the side of the lake. This temple is open to visitors and you can get some good photos. Candikuning also has a daily market, which is colorful and sells spices, fruits, and various plants.
Day 2:
Energetics people can hike Gunung Catur, which is on the eastern side of Lake Bratan. This is free and requires no guide or pre-planning, best to start at dawn. You can also arrange hiking in the Lake Buyan and Lake Tamblingan area from Lili Graha Bungalows, and hiking in the Munduk area from Puri Lumbung in Munduk.
For those who choose to hike in the Munduk area, you might continue your trip to the north coast, passing through Banyualis and Seririt / Dencarit. Two places of interest on that route are the hot springs near Munduk Bestala and the Budhhist monestary on the Dencarik road. When you hit the coast, strong>Lovina is just 10 kms to the east, offering a large selection of places to stay, ranging from budget to luxury. If you have never to Lovina before and have no idea where to head for, the Nirvana Bungalows in Kalibukbuk (right in the center of town, next to the beach) are a decent option, with new, AC rooms, pool, swim up bar, restaurant and easy walk to nightlife (we’re talking relatively here).
For people who choose to head straight up the main road from
Bedugal, you will pass a sign for Gitgit waterfall. There’s actually more than 1 waterfall and they are the best in Bali, if frequented by tourists. Gitgit is open from 8am-5.30pm, cost around 4,000rp. From Gitgit you can head north to Singaraja, hang a left and get to Lovina for the night, a few kms away.
Day 3:
Here’s a cool last day in the north-central area for you. After waking up at dawn you climb into car and head to Kubu-tambahan and the road that leads to Kintamani. You swing down the western edge of the Batur crater to check out the magnificent temple at Pura Ulun Danau Batur, located between Batur and Kintamani. After an hour you pull a U’y and head back north, to Pura Puncak Penulisan and follow the road round to Blandigan. From there you can enjoy a lovely hike around the northern edge of the Batur crater, viewing the lake and the north coast simultaneously.
After the hike head back in a northrly direction to Duasa, and descend one of the prettiest roads on the island, leading to Bondalem. Along this 13km road you will see jackfruit, mango, coconut, banana, rambutan, avocado. You will feel the temperature and humidty rise and you pass through different lciamte layers, finally arriving at the coast. Head south to Poincianna Bungalows in Tembok, a lovely place to relax. Poincianna has a great owner, Nyoman and modern rooms (all double bed).
Next day you can head back to Kuta in whichever direction you
choose, maybe head around the coast to Amed area, then over to Tirtaganga, doen to Amlapura and home. Happy travels.