Bali’s Adventure Series: Buleleng North Bali

The land on the other side, that’s north Bali. Although one-sixth of the island’s population lives here, this vast region is overlooked by many visitors who stay trapped in the south Bali−Ubud axis.

The big draw here is the incredible diving and snorkeling at nearby Pulau Menjangan. Arcing around a nearby bay, booming Pemuteran might be Bali’s best beach escape. To the east is Lovina, a sleepy beach strip with cheap hotels and even cheaper sunset beer specials. All along the north coast are interesting little boutique hotels, while inland you’ll find quiet treks to waterfalls.

Getting to north Bali for once lives up to the cliché: it’s half the fun. Routes follow the thinly populated coastlines east and west, or you can go up and over the mountains by any number of routes, marveling at crater lakes and maybe stopping for a misty trek on the way with an average travel time of 3 hour by car depending on the amount of traffic on the road.