Activities

North Bali is the uncrowded and definitely unhurried part of Bali. The Bali where the cool highlands are speckled with waterfalls, rice paddies, jungle and serene lakes. The Bali with some of the most vigorous music, oldest archeological remains and most impressive temple carvings on the island.  But, above all, the Bali that far from the mass tourism of the South has preserved the traditional Balinese culture and spirit that made the Island of the Gods so popular in the first place.

Highlights of a North Bali daytrip include:

• Pura Beji, Subak temple dedicated to the goddess Dewi Sri, who looks afer irrigated rice fields. It was built in the 15th century and is known for its barong architecture and pink sand-stone carvings
• Pura Dalem Jararaga, a temple dedicated to the god of the death. It is small but interesting and has beautifully carved panels at the main gate
• Kintamani village, located at 1,500 meters above sea level and offering a wonderful view over Mount Batur and its lake
• Singaraja is with two universities the intellectual centre of the North. The wide avenues and colonial buildings remind us of the city’s rich past as the capital and main port of Bali under the Dutch colonial ruling
• Air Terjun Gitgit, about 11 kilometers south of Singaraja. This thundering 40-meter waterfall is impressive, especially at the peak of the rainy season between January and March. The path to the waterfall is lined with souvenir stalls and guides. The popularity of Gitgit has let to the discovery of numerous other lovely but less-visited waterfalls in the area.
• A guided trek through Bali's rainforest around Lake Tamblingan and the crossing of the lake by traditional canoe
• Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and most photographed places in Bali. This Hindu-Buddhist temple was constructed in the 17th century and is located in the highlands of Bedugul. It is built on small islands which makes it completely surrounded by the Bratan Lake. As one of de nine directional temples on the island, Pura Ulun Danu is dedicated to the goddess of the waters, Dewi Danu. Plenty of ceremonies are held here throughout the year to ensure that there is supply of water for farmers all over Bali.
• Bali Botanical Gardens. The gardens, established in 1959 and covering more than 154 hectares, boast an extensive collection of trees and flowers. They are famous for their extensive collection of wild orchids.
• Brahma Vihara Arama, Bali’s single Buddhist monastery
• Enjoying a soothing bath at the magical Air Panas hot springs