Lovina gains popularity with tourists

Lovina gains popularity with tourists

Wahyuni Kamah, Contributor, Denpasar

Lovina may not be as popular as Kuta or Ubud for either local
or foreign tourists. The name itself is quite strange, even to
the Balinese. It was Singarajan poet A.A. Panji Tisna, author of
the popular novel Sukreni Gadis Bali (Sukreni, Balinese Girl),
who came up with the name, which stands for "Love Indonesia".

Located seven kilometers west of Singaraja, the capital of
Buleleng Regency in North Bali, Lovina was just a fishing village
twenty years ago and the people relied solely on agriculture and
fishing for their livelihoods.

Now the area, which extends from Anturan in the east to
Temukus in the west, boasts luxury hotels, a wide range of
accommodation and good value restaurants. The foreign tourists
who now flock here have changed the face of Lovina.

Even so, people can still find poor fishing villages, witness
traditional village life, watch genuine cultural performances,
visit the area's natural wonders and savor the tasty local food.

With its black sandy beach, Lovina is striving to build an
image as an alternative tourist destination, featuring both
water-based activities and cultural attractions.

Here, numerous guides offer dolphin tours just off Lovina's
shoreline, where the creatures are frequently spotted early in
the morning. Local residents have gone so far as to adopt the
dolphin as the town mascot and have even constructed a dolphin
statue at Lovina beach.

Tourists wishing to join a dolphin tour can go to the
Kalibukbuk area, where the boat operators are experienced and
professional.

One operator named Nana, for instance, is even willing to
return half the cost of the tour if no dolphins are spotted
during the trip. "You get a money back guarantee. You only pay
for the fuel," he said.

Nana, who has been in the business for more than seven years,
also offers snorkeling after the tour. "I'll take you to a
beautiful coral reef and the habitat of aquarium fish," he said.

A dolphin tour, including snorkeling, takes about two hours,
with prices ranging from Rp 50,000 (US$4.80) to Rp 60,000 per
person. But tourists still need to bargain.

Most boats used in the tour are traditional, bamboo models
with a motor attached. The boats usually leave the beach at 6
a.m., and head straight for the waters where the dolphins usually
swim. Once there, the tourists wait expectantly for the dolphins
to appear, which they will do if the sky is clear and the seas
are not too rough. Unfortunately, some of them quickly disappear
when the boats start approaching.

Another attraction you can find in Lovina is the Sapi
Gerumbungan cow race, which takes place on a muddy track. Unlike
other similar races, at the end of the race spectators who want
to take the riders' place are invited to join in.

Despite the small number of spectators, the show always goes
ahead. According to the local organizer, the race is held twice a
week in peak season and once a week during the low season.

"We should be smart enough to entertain the tourists who stay
in our home stays," said Agung, one of the home stay owners in
Lovina. "And I offer them new spots to visit that haven't been
promoted."

Staying in Lovina means being free of traffic jams, while
witnessing traditional village life and enjoying the quiet
atmosphere.