Denpasar in 3 Days for Friends - Sunrise dolphin watching at Lovina Beach
In Collaboration with INDO TRIP. Updated on February 13, 2026.
A 3-day active exploration of North Bali and Ijen (East Java): temple visits around Bedugul and Tanah Lot, sunrise dolphin watching at Lovina, snorkeling off Menjangan Island, and a midnight trek to Mount Ijen to view the blue fire and Kawah Ijen crater lake. Accommodation (2 nights twin share), local guide, transport, round-trip ferry, snorkel gear and all admission tickets are included. Meals (l
This itinerary was created in collaboration with INDO TRIP, inspired by the tour 3 day bali north tour with snorkeling dolphin watching and ijen blue fire trek. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Sunrise dolphin watching at Lovina Beach
- Snorkelling around Menjangan Island (West Bali National Park)
- Cultural stops: Tanah Lot and Taman Ayun
- Scenic Lake Beratan (Ulun Danu) and Buyan–Tamblingan viewpoint
- Midnight trek to Mount Ijen for blue fire and the acid crater lake
Itinerary
Day 1
Temples, mountain lakes and a coastal drive to Lovina. Light walking at temples and markets; moderate time in vehicle between stops.
Hotel pickup & transfer toward Tanah Lot
Morning pickup from central-area hotels and drive west toward Tanah Lot Temple.
Tips from local experts:
- Have your room packed the night before to keep pickup quick — driver collects at the agreed hotel time.
- Carry a small daypack with water, hat and a light jacket for coastal breeze at Tanah Lot.
- Confirm pickup point the evening before (lobby or main entrance) so the driver can keep the schedule.
Visit Tanah Lot (Pura Tanah Lot)
Walk the sea-temple precinct and coastal paths to view the temple on its rock outcrop (tide-dependent). Short walk on uneven surfaces and steps.
Tips from local experts:
- Tides affect how close you can get to the base of the rock; follow guide instructions and stay on marked paths.
- Wear non-slip footwear — paths can be wet and uneven near the shore.
- There are small stalls nearby for bottled water and light refreshments if needed.
Visit Taman Ayun (Royal Temple of Mengwi)
Explore the royal temple compound with its gardened moat and tiered meru shrines. Short, easy walking on paved paths.
Tips from local experts:
- Modest dress is required at temple grounds — sarongs are often available to borrow or purchase nearby.
- Bring a camera for the architecture and garden vistas; dawn or morning light is most flattering.
- There are benches and shaded spots for short rests if needed.
Candikuning market visit (fruit & flower market)
Short market stop to see local produce, flowers and regional snacks. Good for quick local photo opportunities and refreshments.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring small change for quick purchases; many stalls accept cash only.
- Try fresh local fruit samples but avoid open ice creams if you have a sensitive stomach.
- Watch for uneven paving in market stalls and keep belongings secure in crowded spots.
Lake Beratan & Pura Ulun Danu Bratan (Bedugul)
Visit the lakeside Ulun Danu Bratan temple and lakeshore viewpoints. Time allocated includes a lunch stop (own expense) en route or nearby.
Tips from local experts:
- Expect cooler temperatures near the lake — bring a light layer for comfort.
- If you plan to buy food locally, choose busy stalls for fresher options.
- Allow extra time for photos at the temple; paths can be narrow so wait for quieter moments.
Buyan & Tamblingan lakes viewpoint (Wanagiri area)
Quick stop at a roadside viewpoint overlooking Lake Buyan and Lake Tamblingan for panoramic photos.
Tips from local experts:
- There may be short, unpaved access paths — sensible shoes recommended.
- Bring sunglasses and a camera with a zoom; lakes are best seen from the viewpoint.
- Small admission or parking fees can apply at some viewpoints — keep small change ready.
Sleeping Buddha statue (Pupuan) & coastal drive to Lovina
Short photo stop near Pupuan for the reclining/sleeping Buddha statue area, then a scenic drive north along the coast to Lovina Beach where you will check into a homestay.
Tips from local experts:
- This stop is brief — if you want longer time for photos tell your guide in advance.
- Expect winding mountain roads; bring motion-sickness remedies if prone to travel sickness.
- Keep hydration handy for the drive; bottled water is easily available from the driver at stops.
Check in and rest (Lovina homestay)
Arrival at homestay or similar standard accommodation in the Lovina area. Evening at leisure; dinner at own expense.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm wake-up arrangements with reception if you prefer a call for the early dolphin trip next morning.
- Bring small rupiah notes for local purchases or tips to staff.
- Homestays may have limited hot water at night; check with host if that is important to you.
Day 2
Early-morning dolphin watching from traditional outriggers, day trip by boat to Menjangan Island for snorkelling, then ferry across to Java and short transfer to accommodation near Banyuwangi for the Ijen trek the following night.
Sunrise dolphin watching (traditional outrigger boat)
Pre-dawn boat trip from Lovina to watch and photograph local dolphins from small traditional boats. Return to hotel for breakfast and check-out.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear layers — mornings on the water are cooler; a light windproof jacket helps.
- Keep camera settings ready (continuous/ burst mode) for moving dolphins and bring a small dry bag for electronics.
- Listen to the boat crew for safe boarding and lifejacket use; boats are small and move quickly.
Transfer to Sumberkima port and boat departure to Menjangan Island
Drive to the Sumberkima/Sumber Kima launch point, board the boat and cross to Menjangan Island for snorkelling in small groups.
Tips from local experts:
- Carry your snorkel gear essentials in a small daypack; larger bags can be left on the support boat.
- Apply reef-safe sunscreen before boarding to protect marine life.
- Follow the crew's briefing on entering/exiting the boat and safe snorkelling signals.
Snorkelling — Sandy Slope (Menjangan Island)
First snorkel session at a sandy-sloped reef area around Menjangan Island (small-group rotations).
Tips from local experts:
- Use the provided snorkel equipment; check fit before entering the water to avoid leaks.
- If you are not a strong swimmer, use a life jacket and stay with the group/snorkel guide.
- Avoid touching corals or marine life — keep a safe distance and photograph with zoom.
Snorkelling — Cave Point (Menjangan Island)
Second snorkel session at a reef area known locally as 'Cave Point'.
Tips from local experts:
- Enter the water from the boat as instructed by guides to protect shallow reef areas.
- Rinse and stow snorkel gear after each session to prevent fogging on the next dive.
- Keep an eye on the guide's flag or signals — groups reboard the same boat.
Lunch box break on board
Packed lunch provided during the boat trip; short rest before further island exploration.
Tips from local experts:
- If you have dietary restrictions, inform the operator ahead of time so they can advise on options.
- Keep used wrappers secured until you can dispose of them onshore — avoid littering at sea.
- Stay hydrated between snorkel sessions; salty sea air can be dehydrating.
Explore Menjangan Island shoreline (Ganesha & Segara Giri Temple views)
Short island visit to view coastal temples and scenic points; time to walk near shore and take photos.
Tips from local experts:
- Respect temple areas and signage; avoid entering restricted zones.
- Watch your step on rocky shores — some areas can be slippery after tides.
- Use insect repellent if you plan to walk vegetation-backed paths onshore.
Final snorkel — Mangrove Point (Menjangan area)
Last snorkeling rotation to see shallow reef life near the mangrove-influenced shoreline.
Tips from local experts:
- Observe shallow coral — avoid standing on or touching coral to prevent damage.
- Rinse off fresh water where available after the final snorkel to remove salt.
- Store camera and electronics in dry bags supplied by the crew during final reboarding.
Return to shore and transfer to Gilimanuk
Boat returns to Sumberkima; then land transfer to Gilimanuk port to catch the inter-island ferry to Java.
Tips from local experts:
- Check that all personal items are retrieved from the boat before disembarking.
- Expect a short wait before ferry boarding; keep passports or ID handy for any checks.
- Motion-sickness medication may help on the ferry crossing if you are sensitive to rolling.
Ferry crossing Gilimanuk → Ketapang (Java)
Approximately 50-minute public ferry crossing from Bali (Gilimanuk) to Ketapang (Banyuwangi) on Java.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep tickets and belongings close during boarding; ferries can be busy and crowded.
- Stay on the vehicle deck only where permitted; follow crew instructions for passenger areas.
- There may be basic food kiosks on the ferry, but bring snacks if you prefer specific items.
Arrive Java — transfer to local accommodation (rest before Ijen)
Disembark at Ketapang and transfer to nearby homestay/hostel in the Banyuwangi area. Afternoon/evening at leisure; dinner at own expense.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm wake-up and pickup time for the Ijen midnight trek with the host or local guide.
- Charge cameras and phones fully — electricity availability at small homestays can be limited overnight.
- Keep a small light bag ready (torch, warm layer, snacks) for the midnight departure.
Day 3
Midnight transfer and guided hike to Mount Ijen for the blue fire, crater rim and summit sunrise; return to parking, breakfast, then road transfer back toward Bali with a lunch stop en route.
Midnight pickup and transfer to Ijen trailhead
Driver collects you around midnight (exact pickup time confirmed locally) and transfers to the Ijen parking/starting area where the guide will brief the group.
Tips from local experts:
- Expect a late-night pickup; get any last-minute items into a small backpack before lights-out.
- Wear layered clothing — temperatures near the crater can be cold before sunrise.
- Bring printed or digital identification as local checkpoints sometimes request it.
Arrival, briefing and start of the Ijen trek
Briefing, safety check and distribution of torchlights and gas masks (provided). Trek begins along the marked route toward the Ijen crater rim (approx. 3 km, mixed ascent).
Tips from local experts:
- Make sure the gas mask fits snugly; it is required near the crater due to sulfur fumes.
- Use a headtorch rather than handheld torch for safer, hands-free walking on rough trail sections.
- Walk at the group's steady pace — the route includes steep stretches; rest when the guide indicates.
Summit arrival — view the blue fire & crater lake
Arrive at the rim before dawn to view the blue fire (if visible) and the turquoise-acidic Kawah Ijen lake; time for photos and guided descent planning.
Tips from local experts:
- Blue fire visibility depends on conditions; follow your guide's direction for the safest viewing vantage points.
- Keep noise low and use red-filtered lights if possible to preserve night vision for photography.
- Do not venture into restricted crater edges; sulfur mining areas have steep drops and unstable ground.
Light breakfast and return to parking
Enjoy a light breakfast at or near the parking area, pack up and begin the road transfer back toward Bali. Check out of local accommodation where required.
Tips from local experts:
- Breakfast will be simple — bring preferred energy snacks if you need more substantial food before travel.
- Allow time to dry and pack wet clothing from the trek to avoid damp luggage on the drive.
- Confirm expected arrival time back in Bali with the driver; traffic and ferry times can affect schedule.
Transfer back to Bali (return journey) with lunch stop en route
Drive from Banyuwangi/Ketapang back to Gilimanuk and onward to your Bali hotel. En-route lunch stop at a local restaurant (own expense). Estimated arrival mid-to-late afternoon depending on ferry and traffic.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep travel documents easily accessible for the ferry crossing from Ketapang to Gilimanuk.
- Plan for roadside stops for restroom breaks and stretching — long drive after an overnight trek.
- Expect arrival times to vary; communicate with your hotel if you require a specific check-in time.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 3 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | 6 |
| Restaurants | 2 |
| Total Activities | 17 |
| Total Places | 17 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Attraction, Culture, Neighborhood, Hotel, Experience, Outdoor, Meal |