Explore North Bali

An ideal exploration of the relatively serene north Bali begins from the island’s eastern shores, driving along Tabanan’s gushing rivers and lush ravines to the surprisingly cool mountain town of Bedugul, which rises more than 4,000 feet above sea level. Serene Lake Beratan fills the ancient crater of Mount Batukaru. Local people honor the goddess of the lake at Ulum Danu Bratan Temple, built on a small strip of land jutting into the lake. Visitors can ride motorized boats around the lake, parasail, go canoeing, banana boating or water skiing across the pristine surface and afterwards, pick up the region’s famous, fist-size strawberries at Candi Kuning market. A walk through tropical rainforest to see Gitgit Waterfall is a nice stop before continuing to the old town of Singaraja. On the way back (during dry season), travelers can stop for Firefly Supper, a six-course torch lit jungle banquet organized by Ben and Blair, a cute couple of expat organic farmers.