LOVINALIFE ROOM & CAFE

Kaliasem is the liveliest of a long string of coastal villages collectively known as Lovina, and Lovinalife Hotel and Café is an excellent base for exploring Bali’s north coast. Resting in the shadow of Bali’s central volcanic mountain range, which isolates it from the south, the climate is dryer and less humid here. Lovina Bay presents a pretty, black volcanic sand beach fringed by coconut palms against a backdrop of forested hills and distant mountains; the sea is calm and free of strong currents and waves, making it great for swimming, while the reef offers some good snorkelling. Here, you will see the fishermen bring their boats right up to the shore to unload their catch, selling to vendors and restaurants. Lovina is famous for the spotted, spinner, and bottlenose dolphins that gather and play in large schools in the bay. Within five minutes’ walk of the hotel is a dolphin statue beside the beach, dedicated to the beautiful creatures that have been drawing visitors here for many years. A memorable activity is to go on an early morning dolphin-watching excursion in a traditional, outrigger ‘jukung’ fishing boat. Krisna Funtastic Land amusement park is located just four kilometres from Lovinalife, behind the Krisna Oleh-Oleh souvenir store. Offering some 16 amusement rides with varying levels of excitement, it has the quaint feel of a summer fair, rather than the thrill of Disneyland, but will nevertheless be one of the highlights of your children’s trip to Bali’s north coast. For the little ones, a classic miniature train and bumper cars provide fun experiences at a gentler pace. For the adrenaline junkies in the family, try the Airborne Shoot or the Flying Cakra.  In addition to the rides, the Krisna Funtastic Land also features landscaped gardens and elaborate light displays; it is open daily from 4pm until 10pm.