Singaraja: Bali's historic northern capital

Singaraja is a historic city on Bali's north coast and a former provincial capital. A town stay can suit local visits or a wider Buleleng itinerary, with a different setting from a Lovina coastal resort.

Colonial-era harbour and architecture

The old harbour district is the heart of Singaraja's historic centre. For centuries this was Bali's main seaport, where traders moved coffee, spices and other goods between the island and the wider region. Walking through the surrounding streets today, you'll pass Dutch-era warehouses, an old stone bridge and rows of colonial-style houses with high ceilings and shuttered windows, many still standing along the roads that lead down to the water.

The city centre reflects this same mix of eras, with government buildings and shopfronts tracing back to the early 20th century sitting alongside newer development. It's an easy area to explore on foot if you want a look at Bali's history outside the temples and rice terraces further south.

Your gateway to Lovina and the north coast

Compare Singaraja town with Lovina to the west or inland village stays for a wider North Bali trip. Sekumpul and the Munduk area are different outings, rather than stops on one assumed hotel-to-waterfall route. Plan each journey from the actual property entrance.

Where to stay in Singaraja

Accommodation in Singaraja is mostly straightforward, practical and well-priced, geared toward travellers passing through rather than resort-style stays. Budget guesthouses and simple hotels make up most of the options.

Options worth checking include Hotel Mandari and Hotel Sentral Bali, both simple hotels close to the city centre; Hotel Putri Sari Bali and Grand Wijaya, both solid budget-to-mid-range picks; and New Garuda Hotel, another well-located budget option. Book ahead during Balinese festival periods and Australian school holidays, when rooms across north Bali fill up faster than the price suggests.