The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (Kemenparekraf) together with the Bali government are trying to evenly distribute tourists by introducing North Bali. One of the factors causing this uneven distribution of tourists is access to the location.
Bali is included in the list of the worldâs favorite tourist destinations that are declared to be experiencing overtourism. One striking fact is the severe traffic jam on the road to I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport at the end of last year.
However, the Indonesian and Bali governments do not agree. They agree that this condition is caused by the uneven distribution of tourists on the Island of the Gods. Tourists prefer to travel and vacation in the southern Bali area, starting from Seminyak, Kuta, Legian, Jimbaran, Benoa, Nusa Dua, Uluwatu, to Pecatu.
This area is indeed easier to reach from the airport. It only takes one hour from the gate of I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport by car.
The facilities are also more complete. Many choices of beach clubs, hotels, cafes, etc.
Well, now the government is trying to evenly distribute tourism in Bali. A number of developments are being accelerated.
Tourist destinations in North Bali are claimed to be no less than South Bali. Among them, Lovina Beach with its dolphin conservation, Handara Gate with its exotic gate, and Pemuteran Village with its turtle and coral conservation.
North Bali tourism infographic 1 (detikcom infographic)
However, one weakness of North Bali that makes tourists put the area in second place is the long distance from the airport. Moreover, the roads are narrow.
âOf course we hope for faster accessibility. Now what is called a toll road is being built which is in the process of the Gilimanuk-Mengwi Toll Road, later this can speed things up,â said Gede Dody Sukma Aktiva Askara, head of the Buleleng Regency Tourism Office, some time ago
âThen to speed up our accessibility in North Bali, from the land transportation side, a shortcut has been built from Bedugul to Singaraja city in the Lovina area. So the winding road has been reduced in bends, some bends have been reduced from 16 bends to 5 bends with a gentle degree. Well, this will continue to be built down, hopefully it will continue so that passengers donât get drunk when they reach Singaraja City,â said Dody.
If the governmentâs plan is carried out, PUPR Minister Basuki Hadimuljono ensured that the Gilimanuk-Mengwi Toll Road project will continue in September 2024.
Unlike the South Bali area which is busy with entertainment, North Bali tends to be quieter and focuses on conservation tourism. Hiking, diving and planting activities are also their mainstays to attract tourists there.
In fact, North Bali tourism is in demand by European tourists. From year to year, the most foreign tourists come from Europe.
âMost European tourists. The highest at the moment is from France. Next is followed by Chinese tourists. This month alone the number of French tourists is 9,000, while there are 6,000 Chinese tourists,â said Gede Dody
Dody admitted that the number is very small when compared to the arrival of foreign tourists to Bali.
âIf we compare it with the arrival of tourists through Ngurah Rai Airport, we are in the 8% position. Then from those who stay, the average Land of stay is 2.5 percent,â he said.
Tourist destinations
North Bali has many cool tourist destinations for those who want an exciting vacation. Starting from its stunning underwater to its rich tourist villages.
1. Handara Gate, an iconic gate that went viral on social media
Handara Gate is located on Jln. Raya Singaraja-Denpasar, Pancasari, Sukasada District, Buleleng Regency. If you travel from I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport, it takes four hours to get here.
The iconic Handara Gate has gone viral on social media. The photos there are so beautiful, netizens often call it âGate to the Heavenâ.
2. Pemuteran Tourism Village
There are many activities that can be done in Pemuteran Village. Starting from snorkeling to trekking.
In this village, there is a coral reef conservation that certainly makes the underwater beautiful. For those of you who like snorkeling, it is very suitable to come and learn about coral reefs here.
In this village, there is also a Turtle Project, a turtle hatchery managed by an organization that collaborates with the local community. Turtle eggs obtained by fishermen will be collected here until they are bred. Later, after 2-3 months, these hatchlings are released into the sea.
Pemuteran Village has a black sand beach. Even so, relaxing in the afternoon here can also be a fun activity.
3. Les Village
Les Village also has many exciting activities, from snorkeling to seeing the distillation of arak.
4. Lovina Beach
Dolphins at Lovina Beach (aRifkianto Nugroho/detikcom)
Beach
Lovina is known as a wild dolphin conservation area. The tourist attraction offered is seeing a group of dolphins swimming in the ocean.
If taken from I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport, it takes about 2.5-3 hours with a distance of almost 100 km by car to this point. detikcom also departed from Lovina Beach Club some time ago.
5. Banyumala Waterfall
There are many waterfall spots that can be visited in North Bali, and one of them is Banyumala Waterfall. This destination is located in Wanagiri Village, Sukasada District, Buleleng Regency.
If taken from Ubud, it takes almost 2 hours by motorbike. And if taken from Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, it only takes 30 minutes.
6. Ulun Danu Bratan Temple
Ulun Danu Temple in Bali Photo: (Teguh Tofik Hidayat/dâTraveler)
Ulun Danu Temple is one of the temples that is popular among tourists in Bali. This temple is located at Lake Beratan, Tabanan. If you travel from Ubud, it takes about 50 minutes by car.
The attraction of this temple is the beauty of the templeâs location surrounded by mountains and lakes. And its location in the highlands makes the air here feel cool during the day. The entrance ticket to the temple is IDR 40 thousand on weekdays, IDR 50 thousand on weekends.
7. Lake Buyan
Lake Buyan is one of the largest lakes in Bali. Located in the Bedugul highlands, this lake is surrounded by dense forests and rows of hills, creating a beautiful and refreshing backdrop.
Note for travelers, one or two nights are not enough to visit North Bali. Because the distance to the tourist attractions is quite time consuming.
However, if you want to come and feel all the excitement in North Bali, at least you can stay there for a week. But, if you can only stay for one or two nights, travelers must decide what kind of tour they want.
For example, if you just want to snorkel, you can come to Pemuteran Village or Les Village. If you want to see dolphins, just go to Lovina Beach and stay around there.
source https://travel.detik.com/domestic-destination/d-7508440/agar-bali-utara-tidak-lagi-menjadi-nomor-dua.