THE GUIDE - The Rough Guide to Bali and Lombok - page 324

GETTING AROUND
By bemo Bemos ply the main Lovina road, Jl Raya, fairly frequently during daylight hours
(Rp5000 for a local ride within the Lovina area).
By car, motorbike or bike Cars or motorbikes are available everywhere - it's probably easi-
est to source one through your accommodation. For bicycles, there are several travel agencies
on Jl Mawar.
ACTIVITIES
Buffalo races Lovina has a weakness for buffalo races ( sapi gerumbungan ) in Kaliasem, one
of the few places on Bali where this colourful tradition can still be seen. They're usually
staged on Independence Day (Aug 17), and in Sept (along with various other cultural per-
formances) - source information at the tourist office.
Diving and snorkelling Situated between Pemuteran and Pulau Menjangan to the west and
Tulamben and Amed to the east, Lovina is well placed for diving. The local reef has a repu-
tation as being dull for experienced divers, though there's an excellent range of fish, a small
wooden wreck and an artificial reef that's encouraging coral growth. Spice Dive ( 0362
41512, balispicedive.com ) , on the Kaliasem beachfront and on Jl Bina Ria, is Lovina's
longest-established dive centre. It charges from $25 for local dives or $45-60 to Menjangan,
Tulamben or Amed. Snorkelling can be arranged through any hotel, with boat skippers on
the beach (around Rp70,000/person for up to 2hr) or with dive centres. Spice Dive runs snor-
kelling day-trips to Menjangan and Tulamben ($25).
Dolphin trips Lovina is famous (or should that be infamous) for its dawn trips to spot the
resident dolphins. And depending on who you talk to, they're either grossly overrated, hilari-
ous or one of the best things on Bali. A flotilla of traditional prahu head out to sea at sunrise,
until one skipper spots a dolphin and the entire fleet chases after it - if the dolphin has any
sense it dives quickly. What you'll see is the luck of the draw: on some days there is little
to see, on others the dolphins cavort under the boats. Either way, the trip offers lovely views
of the coast and mountains. Prices are fixed at Rp60,000/person for the 2hr excursion; book
directly with skippers on the beach or through your accommodation.
Trekking The most interesting trek is the hike to Sekumpul Falls and nearby villages,
30km east of Lovina. Any number of guides will be more than happy to provide a full-
day outing for Rp300,000-450,000/person including lunch, depending on distances. Try
Maha Nara ( 0362 27080, mahanara.com ) or Komang Dodik ( 0877 6291 5128,
[e-mail] ). Adjani ( 0812 3623 2019, adjanibali.com ) leads half-day
hikes (Rp310,000/person) in the hills around the traditional Bali Aga village of Sidetapa, in-
cluding a visit to the Buddhist monastery and hot springs in Banjar .