Information about Buleleng Bali
Most of the north coast falls under the recency of Buleleng, once Bali´s chief port

This long contact with outside influences is reflected in the ethnic diversity of it´s population and as a starting place for new artistic developments which spread south.

History
The ruling house came to power in the 17th century and conquered parts of Karengasem.
Jembrana, and East Java, forming an alliance with Mengwi that lasted until the end of the 18th century when Karengasem returned to power and took Buleleng. During the mid 1800s the Dutch defeated Buleleng in their first attempt to take Bali. The Dutch made Singaraja Bali´s first capital, which still has some colonial buildings and Chinese Temples.

Singaraja Bali´s chief port in Dutch colonial times. This town received many influences from the foreign traders. Singaraja has a number of Chinese temples and colonial buildings. The Gedong Kertya Library houses a unique collection of Lontar (palm leaf) scriptures written in Balinese covering many issues including traditional literature, medicinal formulas, black magic and many more. There are a number of old books in English, Dutch and Ancient Javanese (Kawi).

Buleleng Harbor This historical but unused harbor is located along the north coast. Old warehouses, an ancient jetty and an arched bridge are all that is left of this one time major seaport. Here a monument has been built in commemoration of Bali´s struggle to defeat the Dutch.

Pulau Menjangan Pulau Menjangan is also called Deer Island. Located about 80 kilometers of Singaraja. One of the most famous marine parks in the world and part of the West Bali National Park. Rare and protected Java Deer inhabit this small island, however visitors usually come for the diving and snorkling.

Pulaki Temple About 55 kilometers west of Singaraja. A large temple on both sides of the road part is perched on craggy rock looking out to sea. The other part climbs into the hills. Both parts house monkeys that are keen on eating almost everything in sight. Balinese women sell fruit to tourists and it seems that grapes are their favourite.

Sing Sing Waterfall Gushing falls in the wet season the water may no run as swiftly in the dry season. The falls are well signposted.

Lovina Just about 10 kilometers west of Singaraja. Buleleng´s main tourist area. Black sand beaches fringed with palm trees open onto a calm sea where travelers can view dolphins, snorkle, dive, sail, fish and swim. A resort area with a full range of accomodation.

Kubutambahan Located about 15 kilometers east of Singaraja. The Maduwe Karang Temple is renowned for carvings of a very imaginative nature. One such carvings is that of a Dutch colonist riding around on a bicylce whose tires are made entirely of petals.

Ponjok Batu The Ponjok Batu Temple (ponjok batu means pile of stone) perches on a rocky cliff next to a beach. A fresh water spring bubbles forth right on the beach.

Sembiran Probably a megalithic village, the culture, dialect and rituals are quite different from the rest of Bali.

Dolphin tours Leave at about 06.00 am by a traditional boat (at a small charge) from Lovina beach area, arranged by the local fishermen community. It takes about two and half hours to return. Those who stay in Kuta area have to leave about 3.00 am early morning from Kuta to get Lovina Beach or 04.00 am from Ubud area. Alternatively, stay one night or more at Lovina Beach before taking a dolphin tour may be preferrable.