Driving Back From Lovina: Our Favorite Road Trip Stops

The drive back south from Lovina to Ubud or Canggu is far more than just a transit route. It is a winding mountain pass filled with lush highlands, volcanic lakes, and hidden adventures.

My wife, Syd, and I recently took this drive after a quiet 7:00 AM dolphin watching tour. To avoid exhaustion, we highly recommend choosing just 2 stops (at most 3 if you have the energy) for your drive back. If you book a private transfer add-on with Bali Dolphin Tours, our driver will stop at 2–3 of these locations for free (other than the entry ticket fees of course), and the itinerary is fully flexible on the go.

Here is our curated, scan-friendly guide to the best stops along the way.

Gitgit Waterfall

📍 Google Maps Link: View Location on Google Maps

If you've already had enough water activities and just want to view a spectacular cascade without getting wet, choose Gitgit instead. It is a tall, impressive waterfall reached via a pleasant, well-maintained jungle walk lined with small local craft stalls. Entrance is 20,000 IDR per person.

Aling-Aling Waterfall

📍 Google Maps Link: View Location on Google Maps

If you aren't tired of being in the water yet, Aling-Aling is a must. It's a natural jungle playground where I did the cliff jumps (ranging from 5 to 15 meters) and slid down natural stone waterslides while Syd cheered me on from a safe vantage point. Note that locals charge a guide fee of around 125,000 IDR per person if you want to swim/slide, which is well worth it for safety.

Coffee Plantation Tour - Munduk Moding Plantation

📍 Google Maps Link: View Location on Google Maps

This luxury eco-resort in the hills is a working coffee plantation. We toured the organic gardens (where we sampled a sweet-peppery flower directly from the plant) and did a coffee cupping where the Honey Wash roast was my absolute favorite. They also have an excellent restaurant with farm-to-table lunch overlooking the valley, and we loved seeing how they teach recycling to the local kids.

Ulun Danu Beratan Temple

📍 Google Maps Link: View Location on Google Maps

This iconic, mist-shrouded temple sits directly on Lake Beratan in Bedugul, looking as if it floats on the water. The mountain air is wonderfully cool here, making it the perfect peaceful, scenic walk along the lakeside after your morning on the ocean. Entry is 75,000 IDR per person.

Wiwanda Strawberry Farm

📍 Google Maps Link: View Location on Google Maps

Bedugul's cool climate is perfect for strawberries. Syd and I pulled into Wiwanda Strawberry to pick them ourselves straight from the greenhouses—they were the sweetest strawberries I've ever had. You pay a 10,000 IDR entry fee and then pay by the kilo. *Tip: Strawberry farms can close on random days if they are picked clean, so if Wiwanda is closed, just pull over at the next greenhouse you see.*

Jungle Gold Chocolate Factory

📍 Google Maps Link: View Location on Google Maps

A 100% plant-based chocolate factory offering a short educational walk and generous free samples. We tried unique local flavors like chili mango and a surprisingly pleasant *Rendang* dark chocolate that tasted like warm chai spices. Our favorite treat was fresh Bedugul strawberries covered in warm, melted chocolate. You can also pay to customize, pour, and decorate your own chocolate bar to take home.

Wanagiri Twin Lakes Viewpoint

📍 Google Maps Link: View Location on Google Maps

This breezy roadside overlook offers panoramic views of Lake Buyan and Lake Tamblingan from high up in the clouds. Syd and I pulled over here to feel the cool breeze and grab a simple Indonesian lunch (nasi goreng). While the food is basic warung fare, the spectacular misty lake views more than make up for it.

Suggested Itineraries for the Return Drive

To help you plan, here are two sample routes depending on your energy levels:

• Route A: The Scenic Relaxer (Leisurely Pace & Photography)
• Best For: Couples & photography lovers.
• Stops Included: Gitgit Waterfall, Ulun Danu Temple, and Munduk Moding Plantation.
• Highlight: A relaxed, cooler mountain experience focused on breathtaking sights, water temples, fine coffee cupping, and valley views.
• Route B: The Active Explorer (High Energy & Adventure)
• Best For: Thrill-seekers & families.
• Stops Included: Aling-Aling Waterfall, Wiwanda Strawberry, and Jungle Gold Chocolate.
• Highlight: Perfect if you want to jump waterfalls, pick your own fresh strawberries, and make your own custom chocolate bars.

[METADATA]

TAGS: Lovina Road Trip, North Bali Activities, Bali Travel Guide, Munduk Waterfalls, Bedugul

TAKEAWAYS:

• Choose 2-3 stops along the drive to avoid feeling exhausted.
• Book private transfers with Bali Dolphin Tours to get driver stops included for free.
• Visit Wiwanda Strawberry for fresh, hand-picked Bedugul strawberries.
• Jungle Gold chocolate factory offers unique Balinese chocolate flavors like Rendang.

FAQS:

Q: Is there an extra charge for driver stops on the way back?

A: No, when you book a private transfer add-on with Bali Dolphin Tours, you can request 2-3 stops along the way at no additional charge, depending on how long the stops are.

Q: Which waterfall is better: Aling-Aling or Gitgit?

A: Choose Aling-Aling if you want active water sports like sliding and cliff jumping. Choose Gitgit if you want a peaceful walk and beautiful photos without getting in the water.

[/METADATA]