The first seaside resort to appear in Bali in the mid-1970’s and named after the word ‘love’ in 1953 by Anak Agung Panji Tisna the raja of Buleleng, Lovina is actually the name of the group of seven traditional fishing hamlets that stretch across 10km of narrow, unbroken black sand beach on the north coast of Bali - Temukus, Kalibukbuk, Anturan, Pemaron, Tukad Mungga, Banyualit and Kaliasem. Kalibukuk is the main hub of this area and is often thought of "Lovina town centre". The main activities in this quiet area are dolphin watching, diving and snorkeling as well as relaxing and sunset gazing, while in the hills of Lovina there are several trekking trails and traditional villages.

The whole stretch of coast here is fringed by quite narrow black sand beaches, which are accessed by a multitude of small lanes that run perpendicular to the east-west coast road. The beaches are generally safe for swimming, and the waters of Bali's north coast, in direct contrast to the crashing surf of the south, are relatively calm. Nearby to the west in the village of Banjar are the charming, therapeutic and uncrowded Banjar Hot Springs and Buddhist monastery Brahma-Asrama Vihara that was founded by Bhikku Giri Rakhita, one of Bali’s few Buddhist monks. Lovina also has a large number of cafes. Some of these establishments are not just selling tea and sandwiches. They often provide loud, live music in which patrons can participate and it's not unusual to see foreigners jamming with locals.