Bali Car Rental Blog

Away from hustle and bustle of Kuta, Legian and thereabouts, we went up north heading to Lovina through the rising curve of the road in Bedugul, where the heat of Bali sun is softly covered the cool mountainous breeze and the glaring sun is quietly filtered by the fogs that float on top of the surrounding hills down to the lakes in the area. The hours spent on the road provide breathtaking natural views with several attractions point where visitor could make a stop to fully enjoy the sceneries or simply to rest and relax before continuing their journey.

We made our first stop at Lake Beratan, which on that day was very full with tourist enjoying the lake by taking advantage of the available amusement like jet ski, parasailing, boat trip and even fishing. We could see how excited the tourist were through the smile and eager eyes on their faces while queuing, waiting for their turn to enjoy the amusement to come. Flash lights from camera were also taking part on the busyness on the mid cloudy day in Beratan, when the tourist were turning their happy moment to last.

An hour in Beratan Lake flew just like in a heartbeat when the thin layer of fog covering the lake was slowly faded by bright day, we got back to the road and headed to the nearby Bedugul Botanical Garden, which is also known as the Kebun Raya Eka Karya. The sun and cool breezeof the Bali’s central mountain made the greeneries of the vase savannah together with tall trunks of the trees looked astonishing. This widely known weekend retreat was also full with people picnicking, enjoying the view from higher ground.

Several Balinese Hindu temple are also located within the area of the garden surrounded by thousands of plants type and multifarious of floras from whichthe complete collection of te flowers used for the offering are also provided.

Moving upper out the botanical garden, we headed to Lake Tamblingan which is located at the plateau area with green hill surrounding. Lake Tamblingan owns the fascination where the nature authenticity is felt through the absence of motorized boats. This lake is ideal for jungle trekking adventure because it is very amazing with the rain forest including flora and fauna observation. Many visitors also use the areas for camping program or outdoor team building while enjoy the sight of the local residents fishing using their small traditional boats in the middle of beautiful nature.

Away higher leaving the Lake Tamblingan, we made a stop at a road side to greet the friendly monkeys. Different from the street type monkeys in many part of the island, the ones in Bedugul are very calm and somewhat cute, especially when the put this begging look on their faces, so the tourist will buy them peanuts.

After the monkeys and nearing Lovina, we stop at Gitgit Waterfall. Gitgit is quite popular especially due to its location that is not very far from the main road. Sign posted on the roadside, with small shop or warung and obvious parking area, make it even easier for the passersby to spot this attraction. Entrance to the waterfall is of the step going down around 500 meters through rice terraces on one side and shops on the other. When the row of the shops ends, that is around 100 meters before the waterfall, the sound of singing tropical insects and bug accompanied by the humming from the running water start to occupy the scene. For a moment, walking down the mossy path within a rainforest setting, we felt like being in one of the tropical jungle.

Watching and listening to the water hitting the bottom rock made us felt so relaxed that we spent quite sometime sitting on one of the big rocks in the middle of the river doing nothing else. With the very soft drizzles from the water splashes touching our skins, we turn all freshened up.Having enough a rest at Gitgit, we continued our trip going down to Lovina. Sharp descend and turns of the road could be dangerous, it is, therefore, a careful drive is highly advised.

After around half an hour, we finally arrived in Singaraja. This northern regency, which cover around 30% of the whole island of Bali, it is complete contrast to the hustle and bustle of south Bali, no traffic jam, no loud music from the clubs, no massive crowds. Looking at this situation, we were very sure that this part of this island is still waiting to be discovered, for it offers a wealth of activities and attraction that will keep you even for a long stay.

Going through small roads in Singaraja to Lovina, we caught a glimpse of Bali as it is told by the early travelers in the island. We encountered a rush of traditional ceremony where the sound of gambelan music was filling and flying in the air. It was nothing for residents living in the area as it is regular part of their daily lives. But for visitor or tourist, it was amazing to hear that kind of melody not on stage.

The climate is very temperate in this part of Bali. The mountains and volcanoes to the south protect the northern portion of the island from frequent rainfall and contribute to a drier climate and lesser humidity. When it rains, it is usually in the afternoon or early evening for about 1 or 2 hours. It is seldom that it rain for entire day. Therefore, it is definitely possible to visit Bali during the rainy season. Actually, many prefer the rainy season due to the lushness of the vegetation and decreased instansity of the sun.

Having enough sightseeing on the villages, we made our way to the most important Buddhist monastery in Bali, the Brahma Arama Vihara. The Buddhist temple offers a spectacular view complete with golden Buddha statue set in natural surrounding. All visitors are free to participate in the meditation session. Since the monastery is, obviously, aimed for religious service, all visitor are highly advised to behave themselves and pay full respect, especially because all doors in the monastery are opened for everyone. Consisting of the five important complexes , this Buddhist monastery offers a breathtaking view of the hills of Banjar Tegehe village for it blends beautifully with peaceful environment.

To conclude our northern Bali trip we went to the Banjar Hot Spring located 10 minutes drive from the monastery. The hot spring has several swimming pools with carved statues on the wall spewing out the hot water into the pools from overhead. The hot soak in the middle of nature was very refreshing especially after a long drive checking out places in this northern part of the island. A number of shops offering snacks, drinks and souvenirs are also available with in the hot spring compound. And if soaking in the hot water is not enough, you could always have a relaxing massage in a place that is set in the middle of greeneries of the hot spring area through drawbridge.