Whilst putting West Bali into your new discovery list, never skip Singaraja for another amazing escape. Located in the northwest of Bali, this seaside city offers a lot of opportunities for some outdoor activities, ranging from swimming with sea turtles and sharks and trekking a challenging trail, to discovering a hidden waterfall and trying the most exotic foods. Thus, don’t wait too long for your Singaraja getaway. Here is an informative guide of the 10 best things to do in Singaraja, Indonesia.
1. Trek to Sekumpul Waterfall
Tranquillity with a cool breeze is the correct phrase associated with the secluded waterfall named Sekumpul. Situated in the green valley in Singaraja, the 80-meter (262-foot) tall waterfall offers an incredible panoramic view, ideally good for refreshing your mind. To reach the falls will require great effort, since you have to pass through a challenging trail and deal with dense bushes. The effort will be rewarding though. When you finally reach your destination, you can either swim in or splash cold water over your friends at the beautiful site.
Sekumpul Waterfall
Address: Desa Sekumpul, Singaraja, Buleleng
2. Catch sight of dolphins at Lovina Beach
Take the wonderful chance to catch a glimpse of a group of dolphins jumping through the water. The attraction is only found at Lovina Beach, a nice spot just a 19-minute drive from the city center. Beside dolphin watching, you can chill out on the beach lounge and enjoy fresh coconut water to perfect your day. Lovina Beach is indeed a must-visit place when you discover Singaraja.
The Lovina Bali
Address: Jl. Seririt-Singaraja, Bali
Price: from 75,000 IDR (5.6 USD) to 100,000 IDR (7.5 USD)
Website: The Lovina Bali
3. Jump off a cliff in Aling-Aling Waterfall, Sambangan
Sambangan village in Singaraja has seven fascinating waterfalls, of which one is Aling-Aling Waterfall. The 35-meter (115-foot) waterfall flows in two streams so that you will see twin-like waterfalls, surrounded by lush vegetation. Meanwhile, the turquoise pool at the bottom has 4 meters (13 feet) of depth. Just get ready to jump off the rocky cliff into the pool to trigger your adrenaline. To reach the site, you need to step a hundred stairs.
Aling-Aling Waterfall
Address: Desa Sambangan, Kec. Sukasada, Kab. Singaraja
Price: from 10,000 IDR (0.75 USD)
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4. Visit Lin Gwan Kiong Temple
If you are a Chinese temple enthusiast, visit Lin Gwan Kiong Temple to feed your curiosity. The old Chinese temple dominantly painted in red takes only a 15-minute drive from Lovina Beach to reach. The “klenteng” (the local name for Chinese Buddhist temple) has a historical connection to the Chinese dynasty of Ching. The small gardens surrounded by mural walls are captivating and so are the carved gates.
Gwan Kiong Temple
Address: Jalan Erlangga No.65, Kampung Bugis, Buleleng
Contact Number: +62 036826332
5. Soak in the Banjar Hot Springs
Banjar Hot Springs located only a short walk from Lovina is such a perfect place for relaxing. The gushing sulphuric water flows through the mouth of naga statues (naga is similar to a dragon-like creature). The water is originally from a volcano and has a warm temperature, which is around 37 degrees Celsius (99°F). The locals believe that soaking in the hot spring can heal some diseases.
Banjar Hot Springs
Address: Banjar Village, Singaraja
Opening Hours: 8am to 6pm
Price: 3,000 IDR (0.2 USD)
6. Marvel over Pura Beji's architecture
Singaraja is not only famous for its pristine waterfalls but also the ancient temples, one of which is Pura Beji. It features the artistic Buleleng carvings decorating whole parts of the temple. Get amazed with the floral and vine design on each carving. Although it doesn’t have complicated ornate architecture like the rest of Balinese temples, it indeed is exceptional and has good simple value.
Pura Beji
Address: Jalan Raya Sangsit, Buleleng
7. Bathe in Yeh Sanih
Bathing in Yeh Sanih is recommended for those who are looking for body purification and mind refreshment. The natural swimming pool is located in the east of Singaraja. It’s actually a spring, that’s water flow is from Lake Batur. Besides bathing and meditating in the pool, you can watch Hindu ceremonies and rituals taking place here. The nearby beach is good for chilling out and relaxation.
Yeh Sanih
Address: Jl. Air Sanih, Kubutambahan, Buleleng
Opening Hours: 8am to 6pm
8. Dine out in Cozy Resto
When it comes to lunch time, getting to the local restaurant in Singaraja is an absolutely great idea. Cozy Resto is the right place for your local culinary experience. Pick the special delicacies such as the “plecing kangkung” (steamed water morning glory topped with spicy sauce) and the grilled fish. Delight in them with a sea view from the restaurant. The rice paddy field next to it adds to your food enjoyment, making it all the more perfect.
Cozy Resto
Address: Jln. Pura Segara Penimbangan, Singaraja
Contact Number: +62 36228214
9. Get a culinary experience at Dapur Ibu
Singaraja is famous for its legendary restaurants, one of them is Dapur Ibu. Dapur Ibu, the literal meaning being “the kitchen’s mother,” offers various foods from Chinese, Japanese and Indonesian cuisine. “Ayam cah cabe hijau” (sauteed chicken with green chilli) is a favorite here, among others. The fried rice is also tasty and worth a try. Dapur Ibu looks so homey, comfy and is accessible for anybody.
Dapur Ibu
Address: Jalan Leli, Kaliuntu, Kec. Buleleng, Kabupaten Buleleng
10. Spend reading time at Museum Gedong Kirtya
Museum Gedong Kirtya is one of the must-visit spots suitable for history lovers. It uniquely features with its vast collection, ancient Balinese manuscripts, written on the surface of lontar leaves. Lontar is actually a type of palm tree, native to Indonesia. You can learn a lot of things from the lontar books such as history, mythology, literature, and other aspects of life.
Museum Gedong Kirtya
Address: Jl. Veteran No. 20, Singaraja
Contact Number: +62 036222645
Time for Singaraja to see another Bali
You should consider Singaraja instead of Ubud or Kuta for your Bali getaway. Located in North Bali, the city which literally means “the king of the lion” is always in everybody’s heart. The fascinating hidden waterfalls, the dolphins at Lovina Beach, and the food adventures are always the best. There is no excuse for not discovering Singaraja.