Staying in Buleleng

SINGARAJA - LOVINA BEACH INCLUDED
This Regency sprawls over the full length of Bali's north coast. It is hot, dry and fringed with black sand beaches and coconut palms. It meet Karangasem in the northeast coast into the untouched jungle territory of Bali's National Park, on the west end of the island. The Regency has been more exposed to foreign influences in the recent past. Buleleng was a port for traiding boats coming east on the route to Spice Island and where Chinese, Arabic, European , and Bugis merchant came to exchange opium, arms , and "kepeng " for Balinese rice, fruits, cattle , and slaves. In 1882, the Dutch made Bali and Lombok into a combined Residency and singaraja became the capital city.

SINGARAJA
The originalcapital of Bali, Singaraja is right on the sea, and its harbor has been key to local development. A bustling center of local commerce, its people are noisy, open, and friendly, and reflect their local climate.

Eating out in Singaraja
The Taman Lila complex on J1. A. Yani has a row of restaurants serving mostly Chinese food. Best known are the Gandhi restaurant, No. 25H, with an extensive menu and moderate prices. Try the nasi goreng kepiting (fried rice crab) or the shrimp sate. Just beside Gandhi is Kartika, No. 251. Further west are two intimate restaurants frequented by local lovers: Cafetaria 99 and next door, Arina.

Most hotels can arrange water sports, not only for the Lovina area, but for Pulau Menjangan to the west can be arranged. Activity possibilities : snorkeling: Trip to the dolphins: Fishing trip: other water sports,diving

A MUST SEE PLACES - IN BULELENG

LOVINA & MENJANGAN ISLAND
About 10 kilometers west of Singaraja. The black sand beach is safe and a wonderful place for swimming and snorkeling. Lovina also offers dolphin viewing. Menjangan Island, part of the West Bali National Park has the most beautiful coral reefs in Bali. A long with the bearby Labuan Lalang, this is a great place for diving and snorkeling

YEH SANEH
A litte further east on the coast is Yeh Saneh, an idyllic spot that few people know about. Only a few maters from the splash of the surf is a cool freshwater spring around whichhas been built a large pool and gardens for bathers and picnickers.

GITGITWATERFALLS
To the south of Singaraja is Gitgit Waterfall, Bali's highest waterfall. This beautiful wilderness area is a must for nature lovers who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the larger towns. This is a perfect place to take photographs of bali's magical scenery

While it is possible to make a day-trip to the north coast, it's a very long drive and you really need to stay longer to see the area. Best to base yourself in the Lovina resort area, with its many hotels and restaurants. Besides Lovina, both Singaraja and Air Sanih have accommodations. See map on p. 190-19.1.
Prices in US dollars. AC = Air conditioning. Telephone code is 0362.