Lovina

On Bali's north coast, the Lovina holiday resort stretches along several miles of black volcanic coastline, encompassing seven villages, with Kalibukbuk the established tourist centre. Although Lovina is the second largest resort outside of the Kuta region, it is not as developed as the south of the island and retains a rural charm not in evidence in the more commercial areas, with guesthouses prettily situated on the beach or among the rice fields. Ducks, pigs and chickens scratch in the fields and cattle wander along the roads.Colourful Balinese boats take Lovina tourists out to see the sociable dolphins, most active at sunrise, and the reef-protected waters provide a calm environment for snorkelling. Situated between the main diving sites on the north coast of Bali, Lovina is a good base for diving excursions. The black-sand beaches are calm and good for swimming. Bali's only Buddhist monastery, Brahma Vihara Arama, is a few miles away and can be combined with a visit to the delightful Air Panas hot springs at Banjar, another great holiday attraction.