Get to Bali and then to Lovina. If you are entering Bali, you are most likely either flying directly there or taking the overnight bus and ferry from Surabaya or Probolingo/Gunung Bromo in East Java. If you are on the overnight bus, your visit to Lovina is simple. The bus will drive right past Lovina on the way to southern Bali, so simply inform the bus driver you want to get out there. If you have flown to Bali, you will first arrive in Denpasar, the provincial capital of Bali and home to its international airport. From here, you can arrange a taxi and driver, a seat on a tourist mini-bus, or just improvise your way across the island on bemos (mini-buses converted to local public transportation). These options have various levels of expense and their fair share of trouble, with the bemo rides being the cheapest, but also most time-consuming and difficult.
Pick out where to stay. The center of Lovina Beach is occupied by the village of Kalibukbuk. There are two main streets accessing the beach here, plus a third about half a kilometer up the main road. This is where all the budget accommodations are, as well as all the bars and most of the restaurants. Compared to other beaches in Bali, it is all very small and sleepy. Extending in both directions from Kalibukbuk are a handful of 3- and 4-star beach resorts.
Check out the beach scene. The main reason Lovina is the slowest of Bali's beach options is because it is less attractive than some of Bali's other beaches. It is a simple volcanic black sand affair, with tranquil waters that are clean, but look black because of the sand base. It is still a pleasant and attractive beach. There is also good snorkeling and local fishermen will offer to take you for a sunrise ride out to see the dolphins offshore.
Check out the inland scene. Foremost among these is Air Banjar, the area's volcanic hot springs. These are so good they attract tourists on package day tours from other parts of Bali. Getting there is easy--either rent a bicycle or motor scooter, hitch a ride on a passing scooter, or hop on a bemo and ride down to the access road. There is a modest fee for use of the springs. Nearby is the only Buddhist monastery in Bali, so pay it a visit while you are in the area.
Take in a cockfight. If animal bloodsports are your thing, the locals are very big on cockfighting. If you manage to befriend any local Balinese man, you are certain to be invited to one.
Mind the people. Tourism is depressed on Bali and in an out-of-the-way place like Lovina Beach, the bite is especially hard. Most of these people are simply hawking tourist knick-knacks and dolphin trips. They are for the most part honest and just trying to make a living, but collectively the hawkers and touts are a persistent nuisance, so be prepared for them.
Eat the seafood. The local seafood is spectacular and a few of the restaurants in Lovina that specialize in it are excellent. Don't miss the chance to eat fresh seafood in this sleepy beach town.
