Lovina Beach

Lovina Beach (or often simply Lovina) is a coastal area on the northwestern side of the island of Bali, Indonesia. The coastal strip stretches from 5 km west of the city of Singaraja to 15 km west. Singaraja is the seat of Buleleng Regency. The Lovina area contains the small villages (from east to west) of Pemaron, Tukad Mungga, Anturan, Banyualit, Kalibukbuk, Kaliasem and Temukus. It is becoming more popular with tourists but remains far quieter than the tourist hotspots of the island's south side.

The area takes its name from a home owned by Pandji Tisna, a Regent of Buleleng and pioneer of tourism to Bali in the early 1950s.

Popular activities for visitors include early-morning boat trips off the coast to see dolphins.

History

Around the 1950s, Anak Agung Panji Tisna, had traveled to several countries in Europe and Asia. He stayed several weeks in Bombay (now Mumbai). What attracts him most was the life of the people in India. By observing the people way of life in the area, then he got the thought and the outlook for Bali, especially the development of social welfare, especially in the Buleleng region. While he was in Bombay, Panji Tisna saw a place that beautifully laid out as a spot for leisure on the beach. The land has much similarity with which he owned on Kampung Baru Beach – Buleleng – North Bali, that also lies between two rivers. Panji Tina’s inspiration arises to create a resort like that. The land already in hand.

Returning from abroad in 1953, Anak Agung Panji Tisna immediately declared his muse and began to build on his land, a cottage called Guesthouse "LOVINA". The place was designed for the "travelers" or tourists for a vacation. The guesthouse was furnished with 3 bedrooms and a small restaurant near the sea. Some business observers claim cynically, that the plan of Panji Tisna will not work as expected. The time was too early to make business of such a kind, on a secluded beach such as the beach of Tukad Cebol. Local cultural observer states, "Lovina" was a foreign word, not Balinese. Furthermore, there is no letter "v" in Balinese alphabet. Another comment say, do not use the word "Lovina". “Lovina” must be deleted. Anak Agung Panji Tisna, in 1959, sold the Lovina Guesthouse to his kin, Anak Agung Ngurah Sentanu, 22 years, as the owner and manager of Lovina. Business is going pretty well. However, there are no travelers or tourists. Only a few of Panji Tisna’s friends came from America and Europe, as well as the regional government officials and businessmen from Singaraja for a vacation. Feel lucky too, because on special days such as Sundays and holidays, also on holidays such as Galungan and Kuningan, many people including students came to enjoy the natural atmosphere on the beach of Tukad Cebol.

"Karma" in the life of Lovina.

Singaraja was the capital city for Bali - Lombok, and Nusa Kecil, maintaining a steady state as a center of government and commerce activities for so long. However, such conditions suddenly change. In early 1960, the capital moved to Denpasar. Singaraja was left as a deserted city. Construction activities, and trade plummeted in Singaraja. It needs years to get back to the normal conditions in North Bali. The young manager, Ngurah Sentanu had the worst experience in running the "Lovina Guesthouse". But he accepted the task and mandate from Panji Tisna. What the business analysts had foreseen is correct. However, is there really something wrong with Lovina?

The beginning of tourism in Bali.

Bali Beach Hotel built in 1963, since then tourism became popular in Bali. Construction of tourism facilities such as hotels and restaurants began to spread throughout Bali. Tourists flock to Bali after the Ngurah Rai International Airport opened in 1970. Buleleng programmed so that the government encouraged the tourism sector as one of the mainstay for economic progress and social welfare. In the meantime, the spotlight focused on the role of Lovina in the field of tourism, emerging pros and cons.

North Bali starts to squirm.

In the Eastern part of Buleleng regency, the natural fresh water pool of Yeh Sanih, in the village of Bukti being extensively renovated, rose as a rival to Lovina. The development of Yeh Sanih got more support than Lovina, both by the government officials and the tourism observer. That is because Yeh Sanih is indigenous. Meanwhile, the travel agents choose Lovina, as demanded by most of the tourists.

Lovina banned officially.

Development of tourism in Bali was increased rapidly in 1980, urged the government to form the Tourist Areas, such as tourist area "Kuta" and "Sanur". In Buleleng district, "Kalibukbuk" and "Air Sanih" formed as Tourist Areas. The Governor of Bali pointed out, that the Bali culture and tourism rooted by using the name of the original village. Also said that "Lovina" is not recognized, it should discontinued. The tourist businesses, therefore, began using the local names like Angsoka, Nirvana, Lila Cita, Banyualit, Kalibukbuk, Aditya, Ayodia, and other local names. Meanwhile, Anak Agung Panji Tisna built a hotel with the name "Tasik Madu", that means "Sea of Honey", 100 meters west of Lovina, which form the alternative destination, without the presence of Lovina. Once renovated, the "Lovina Guesthouse" opened using an alias name, "Permata Cottage". Eversince, "Lovina" locked safely by the owner, Anak Agung Ngurah Sentanu.

Hidden for 10 years, Lovina came back as "mascot".

Lovina has already known as a tourist destination in North Bali. Tourist businesses demanded the presence of Lovina. The historical Lovina that ever had to be "Permata Cottages" was back with original name "Lovina Beach Hotel". Then in 1990, Lovina "covers" not less than 6 native beaches in 2 (two) different District areas. In Buleleng District, there is the Binaria Beach in Kalibukbuk village, the Banyualit Beach in Banyualit village, the Kubu Gembong Beach of Anturan / Tukadmungga village, the Hepi Beach of Tukadmungga village, and the Pemaron Beach in Pemaron village. In the Banjar District, there is the Kampung Baru /Tukad Cebol Beach in Kaliasem village, this is the birthplace of Lovina, and the Temukus coastal village. All six beaches / villages combine to "Lovina Beach". Meanwhile, the official name is "Kalibukbuk Tourism Area".

Lovina brought blessing for the community.

In the beginning, Lovina was rejected, not recognized, suspicion. However, the reality now, Lovina was a blessing to many people. The dream of Anak Agung Panji Tisna has materialized at last. The "Lovina Beach Hotel", is still existed and running until now.

The Meaning of Lovina.

"Love" and "Ina" which translates as "Love Indonesia", is not true in the context of Panji Tisna. The term "INA" stands for the Indonesian contingent or group of athletes for the Asian Games 1963. Meanwhile, Lovina founded in 1953. According to Panji Tisna, “Lovina” has a philosophical meaning, a mixture of two-syllable word "Love" and "Ina". The word "Love" from the English meaning genuine love and "Ina" a Balinese word means "Mother". The meaning of "Lovina", according to Anak Agung Panji Tisna, is "Love Mom" or virtuous meaning is "Love Mother Earth".