Here at The Bali Sun, we are big advocates for North Bali as a travel destination. This part of the island really has it all. Incredible jungles home to pristine waterfalls, exceptional beaches, gorgeous accommodation, authentic cultural experiences…no crowds…need we go on?
While noteworthy North Bali charms can be found on land, it’s fair to say the region’s biggest attraction can be found under the water.
Bali is home to some pretty incredible marine tourism experiences. As an archipelago nation, Indonesia is one of the best destinations in the world for ocean lovers. While Bali’s best-known dive sites may be found over in Amed or off the shores of Nusa Penida, North Bali is perhaps the most overlooked marine biodiversity hotspot in the province.
Those familiar with North Bali will already be familiar with destinations like Lovina Beach, the launch point for many sunrise dolphin-watching tours, or Pemuteran Village, which has won awards for its coral conservation efforts. Very few tourists have heard of Umeanyar Village, and let us tell you now, you’re going to want to add this emerging travel gem to your itinerary.
Umeanyar Village in Buleleng Regency has just started developing itself as a nature, culture, and religion-based tourism village after being officially designated as a tourism village through a Decree (SK) by the Regent of Buleleng.
This small community is sitting on so much potential, from underwater tourism, dolphin tours, to agrotourism and spiritual tourism.
Speaking to reporters, the Head of Umeanyar Village, Putu Edy Mulyana, said that one of the village’s leading selling points lies in the Purijati Dive Site diving area, known as the habitat of the mimic octopus, a rare species found only in certain locations in the world.
He explained, “This mimic octopus is only found in our area and in the Bunaken area, Sulawesi. This is a very limited species.”
He explained how the presence of all this unique marine life is a special attraction for diving tourists and marine tourism enthusiasts. To help maintain its sustainability, the village, together with environmental communities and community watchdog groups (Pokmaswas), has taken a series of stringent conservation measures.
In the specially designated diving area, boundary buoys have been installed to prevent disturbances to the activities of fishermen and tourists. The community has also built hexagon-shaped fish houses and installed underwater concrete structures to protect the coral reef area. Mulyana added, “We have also sterilized the area from the practice of fishing using poison. Now it is much more protected.”
It is also possible for tourists visiting Umeanyar Village to organise sunrise dolphin watching tours with local boat operators, which has become the picture-postcard of North Bali.
The community not only wants to rely on marine tourism, but has also begun developing agrotourism. Around 80 hectares of active agricultural land are planted with rice and secondary crops, including grape-picking tours that are starting to attract tourists.
Tourists planning a trip to Umeanyar Village need not think about everything; the community has everything organized and is ready to receive guests. The community now has around 34 villas and one three-star hotel.
The village government is currently developing an integrated tour package with the Buleleng Regency Tourism Office and local tourism businesses, though independent travelers can easily arrange experiences here.
Visiting tourists will be invited to enjoy a full-day village experience, ranging from dolphin watching and enjoying freshly caught seafood to witnessing the cultural activities of the village community. Mulyana concluded, “We want the concept of this tourist village to remain natural, at one with nature and the community’s culture.”
Umeanyar Village is a 30-minute drive from Lovina Beach. Top hotel options include Mayo Resort North Bali, Zen Resort Bali, and Nalika Beach Resort.
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