North Bali Blog

I first visited Bali with my family in 2011, and I fell in love with it straight away. The warmth, the friendly people, the culture… there was so much to love. Back then, I had no idea how often I would return. These days, Bali has felt like my second home for many years.

Its spirituality and ceremonies fascinate me most. The little offerings, the flowers, the scent of incense and the way families and neighbours come together. I love watching and learning more about what is happening and why. You can read more about this in my blog about Balinese ceremonies.

I visit Bali regularly, and our team at Villa Bima Sena feels like family. Coming back means seeing familiar faces, catching up and hearing how everyone is doing. And then? Shoes off, step outside and enjoy life by the sea.

My favourite moment at the villa is early in the morning, when everything is still quiet. Usually, only the gardener is already at work. I walk barefoot towards the pool and beach with a lovely cup of coffee. A little time to watch the sea before Ayu and Sepi arrive and the day begins. Over the past few years, I’ve also started enjoying morning meditation. Twenty minutes with the sound of the sea in the background. Bliss.

Those little moments are part of what I’d love to share with you. You don’t need to spend your whole Bali holiday in the north. You’re very welcome at Villa Bima Sena for just two or three nights too. Enjoy a waterfall trip, an early morning on the water or simply some lovely downtime by your own pool. A short stay in North Bali fits beautifully into a holiday exploring different parts of the island. Although I completely understand if you end up wishing you could stay longer!

But I don’t spend all my time by the pool, although I’m quite happy to spend a whole day there. I love exploring too. Sekumpul Waterfalls, Menjangan Island, the Buddhist monastery and, of course, the dolphins are among my favourites. Being out at sea early in the morning, when dorsal fins suddenly appear all around you and you hardly know where to look… it never loses its magic. I share these experiences in my blogs about dolphins and exploring North Bali.

Sometimes, an outing is simply a trip to Lovina for a cappuccino and a slice of banana cake. I have a few favourite cafés there. You can even find a croissant with cream. Another little thing that makes me very happy.

My latest favourite is heading towards Munduk very early in the morning. The red glow of sunrise, the mist over the lakes and Bali slowly waking up. As the light changes along the way, there’s so much beauty to take in. That’s something I’m happy to get out of bed early for.

There’s still plenty on my wish list too. Mount Batur, for example. I haven’t made it there yet! Even after all these years, there is still so much of Bali I want to discover.

Sometimes, I spend a night in the south. I enjoy finding a lovely restaurant or a beautiful spot there too. But I’m always happy when I’m heading north again. As soon as the busy roads are behind me, I can feel myself relax. This is where I find the space, the slower pace and the everyday Balinese life I love so much.

If you’re visiting Bali from Australia, perhaps you already have a favourite place in the south. I hope my stories tempt you to add North Bali to your next trip. Two or three nights at Villa Bima Sena can fit beautifully alongside a stay in Ubud, Sanur or Canggu. And the journey itself can become part of your holiday, with stops at places you’d love to see along the way.

Of course, wherever you’re travelling from, you’re very welcome. Whether it’s your first visit to Bali or you’ve been coming here for years, I hope my blogs help you discover somewhere new or find a different way to enjoy the island.

Through these blogs, I’d like to introduce you to my Bali: its ceremonies and dolphins, beautiful day trips, delicious food and practical travel tips. Whether you’re planning a short stay in North Bali or a longer holiday, I hope you’ll find ideas that make you think, “Yes, I’d love to do that.”

I’ll also share things I’ve learnt through experience, sometimes the hard way. Our team contributes local knowledge and stories too, because they know so many things that I don’t.

If you’d like to spend a few nights at Villa Bima Sena, send me your travel dates and tell me who’s coming along. I’m happy to check availability and help you think about how a stay in North Bali could fit into your plans.

And if there’s something you’re curious about, or a topic you’d like me to cover, please let me know. Your question might just inspire my next blog!

Om Swastiastu 🌺
Cheers and take care 🙏

Karin