Lovina Sunrise Dolphin & Banyumala Waterfall Tour: 2025 Review

Is This Bali Day Trip Actually Worth the Hype?

So, you’re thinking about that classic Bali experience, the Lovina sunrise and dolphin spotting trip. Well, it’s honestly one of those things you see on every list of stuff to do in Bali, you know? The idea of it is really wonderful, basically watching the sun come up from a tiny boat while dolphins swim around. As a matter of fact, we decided to check out the version for 2025 that pairs it with a stop at the Banyumala Twin Waterfall. I mean, what you get is a day that’s literally split into two very different feelings. It starts with this pretty lively, sometimes a bit chaotic, chase on the water, and it kind of ends with a super peaceful time at a waterfall. To be honest, it’s a full-on day, and it’s almost a little tiring, so you should really know what you’re getting into.

That Super Early Wake-Up Call and the Drive North

Alright, let’s be real for a second, you will have to wake up at a time that feels a little bit crazy. So, your alarm is probably going off around 2 or 3 in the morning, which frankly feels like the middle of the night. Still, your driver usually shows up with a smile, ready to go, and you just sort of stumble into a cool, air-conditioned car. The drive up to Lovina is, you know, really dark and pretty long, sometimes taking a couple of hours if you’re coming from the south like Kuta or Ubud. At the end of the day, it’s just part of the whole adventure. You can basically try to get a little more sleep in the car, or you could just watch the quiet, sleeping villages of Bali go by your window. It’s kind of a unique way to see the island before it properly wakes up, anyway.

Out on the Bali Sea: The Hunt for Dolphins

So, you finally get to Lovina Beach, and it’s still completely dark, and you know, there’s a little bit of energy in the air. You’ll pretty much be led to your boat, which is usually a traditional outrigger called a jukung. I mean, climbing into one of these skinny boats in the dark is an experience in itself, right? Then your boat captain starts the motor, and you head out onto the really calm, black water with a whole crowd of other boats. Honestly, as the sky starts to get just a little bit lighter, you start to see them – pods of dolphins jumping out of the water. It’s actually very exciting when you spot the first one. We should be clear, though; sometimes there are a lot of boats, and they all kind of head towards the dolphins at once, which can feel a bit crowded, sort of.

I mean, seeing the dolphins in their natural home is amazing, but you have to be okay with sharing that moment. There’s really a big collection of boats, and it can feel more like a chase than a quiet viewing at times, you know?

A Sunrise Like No Other, Right From the Water

Anyway, even with all the boat activity, the sunrise itself is seriously spectacular. I mean, the sky starts to change from a deep purple to pinks and then these really bright oranges. Seeing all those colors reflect on the surface of the sea is almost magical, and you get a completely clear view of it all. As a matter of fact, the profile of the volcanoes on the main island of Java can often be seen in the distance, which is just a huge bonus. So, even if the dolphin spotting feels a bit hectic for your taste, that moment when the sun first peeks over the horizon is totally worth the early start. You should really have your camera ready because it’s a moment you’ll definitely want to remember.

Switching Gears: The Trip to Banyumala Waterfall

Alright, so once you’re back on solid ground after the sunrise adventure, the day is really just getting started. Your driver is usually waiting, and then you begin the next part of your trip, heading inland towards the highlands. It’s pretty amazing how the scenery just completely transforms, you know? You basically leave the coast behind and start climbing up these winding roads surrounded by a lot of greenery and clove plantations. The air gets noticeably cooler and fresher, which is a nice change. At the end of the day, to get to Banyumala Waterfall, you need to take a little bit of a walk down a nature path. It’s not a super hard trek, but it’s a bit steep in some spots, so just wear some good shoes, right?

Finding Peace at Banyumala Twin Waterfall

I mean, after you walk down that path, you finally hear it before you see it: the sound of falling water. And honestly, Banyumala is stunning. It’s called the Twin Waterfall because there are two main streams of water that flow down a rock face covered in green plants, sort of like a beautiful liquid curtain. These streams flow into this really amazing, clear turquoise pool at the bottom that is basically just begging you to jump in. You absolutely can swim here, and the water is incredibly refreshing, especially after the warm morning out on the sea. Unlike the busy dolphin watching part of the day, this spot is often very quiet and peaceful. You can just sort of float in the pool, listen to the sounds of the jungle, and pretty much relax.

A Few Handy Tips for Your Day Trip

So, if you’re thinking about doing this whole day trip, here are a few things that might actually help you out. It’s kind of a long day, so being prepared is a good idea, you know? Planning ahead a little bit can make a huge difference in how much you enjoy everything.

• What to Put On: Seriously, just wear comfortable clothes and bring your swimsuit. A light jacket is a good idea for the really early morning because it can be a little chilly on the water before the sun is up.
• Things to Pack: You will want to bring sunscreen, a hat, and some sunglasses for the boat part of the day. Also, a towel and a change of clothes for after you swim at the waterfall is a very good idea. Don’t forget your camera, and maybe a waterproof bag for your phone and stuff.
• About the Dolphins: To be honest, these are wild animals, so seeing them is never 100% guaranteed. Most days they do show up, but just go with an open mind, right?
• Walking to the Waterfall: The path to Banyumala is pretty well-maintained, but you should still wear sturdy sandals or sneakers instead of flip-flops. It just makes the walk down and back up a lot easier and safer, anyway.
• Bringing Some Cash: It’s a smart move to have a little bit of Indonesian Rupiah on you for small things, like maybe buying a drink or tipping your boat captain if you feel they did a great job.

So, here’s a quick look at the main things to keep in mind about this trip.

• The day starts extremely early, so you have to be ready for a pre-dawn wake-up call.
• The dolphin watching can be very busy with lots of boats, so you know, manage your expectations for a quiet, solitary experience.
• The sunrise from the traditional jukung boat is absolutely a highlight and really beautiful.
• Banyumala Waterfall offers a very different, much more calm and relaxing feeling compared to the morning’s activity.
• Basically, you should be prepared for a long but very full day that shows you two completely different sides of North Bali.

Read our full review: Lovina Sunrise Dolphin and Banyumala Waterfall Day Trip Review [Full Review and Details]
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