The major attractions of western Buleleng are mainly concentrated
between Singaraja and the village of Seririt, 21 kms west along
the coast, as well as in the hills to the south.
Six km west of Singaraja, the popular beach resort of Lovina is
a long stretch of black sand bordering the coastal villages of
Anturan, Tukad Mungga, Kalibukbuk, Kaliasem and Temukus. Numerous
hotels and restaurants have sprung up here, lining the coast for
some 7 km. The pace of life at Lovina reflects the calmness and
safety of the sea. This is an excellent spot for swimming and
snorkeling, particularly near the reef, and local boats are for
hire. The sunsets at Lovina are particularly spectacular.
The name "Lovina" was coined by the last king of Buleleng.
A convert to Christianity, he gave the name to a small tract of
land that he purchased at Kaliasem, where he built the Tasik Madu
("Sea of Honey") Hotel in the 1960s. The name Lovina
signifies the "love" that is contained "in"
the heart of all people.
From Temukus it is 3 kms to the twin villages of Dencarik and
Banjar. Pass through Dencarik to the neighboring village of Banjar
Tegeha, home of the splendid Buddhist Brahma Arama Vihara. This
wihara is the residence of Bali's only Buddhist monk and it plays
a central role in Buddhist religious life
and education. Opened in 1971, it replace another founded in Banjar
in 1958. It combines architectural and iconographic elements found
throughout the Buddhist world. Quiet, cool, and set high in the
hills, it commands a view down to the ocean. For 10 days each
April and September the wihara is closed to the public while people
from around the world assemble here to practice meditation. Visitors
are requested to dress in a respectful manner, to speak softly,
and to remove their shoes before entering.
Banjar is also the site of the so-called Air Panas, a sacred hot-spring.
In 1985 the sulphurous spring water was channeled into public
bathing area consisting of 3 pools, set in a tasteful blend of
jungle and garden. The water is a pleasant 38' C. There are changing
rooms, showers, toilets and a restaurant.
If traveling by public transport, it is easy to reach the wihara
and Air Panas from main road. At the entrance to Dencarik and
Banjar you can pay a man to take you there by motorbike.
Just 3 km west of Banjar lies Seririt; the former commercial center
of Buleleng. It was devastated by an earthquake in 1976 and was
subsequently rebuilt. Seririt does not in itself warrant a visit.
However, if you have private transport, there are two scenic drives
worth taking that commence there.
Turn south at Seririt and follow the r as it climbs through the
villages of Bubunan petemon, Ringdikit and Rangdu. The further
one ventures along this road the more impressive the scenery becomes.
At Rangdu you may take a right turn at the T-intersection, which
leads to Denpasar via Pupuan. Alternatively, you may choose to
continue along the road from Rangdu to Mayong, Gunungsari, Banyuatis
and Kayuputih, spectacular views are to be had of rice terraces,
coffee and clove plantations, the surrounding hills and, behind,
the Buleleng coast. From Kayuputih it is a further 13 km to Munduk,
located 1200 m above sea level. Although presently undergoing
repair, the road between Kayuputih and Munduk is neither for the
faint-of-heart nor for vehicles with bald tyres. It comprises
a series of narrow hair-pin turns and alternates between asphalt
and dirt, with many deep potholes.
From Munduk the road runs atop hills that surround two lakes -
Tamblingan and Buyan (the latter is also visible on the left hand
side of the approach to Singaraja from Bedugul). These lakes were
one body of water until a landslide split them in 1818. The road
then emerges at Wanagiri near l1ancasari, just north of Bedugul.
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