Scooter Rental in Singaraja: Exploring Buleleng & North Bali

Most travellers head straight to Lovina and skip Singaraja. Yet this city is the historic heart of North Bali: an old harbour where ships docked in colonial times, the Gedong Kirtya palm-leaf manuscript library, and uniquely carved temples nearby. Singaraja is also a university town with many long-term residents. This guide is for anyone who wants to explore Singaraja and its surroundings by scooter, whether for two days or two months.

Singaraja or Lovina: where to stay?

Lovina is a beach resort area about 10 km west of Singaraja, with dolphin tours, cafés and beachfront accommodation. Singaraja is the city: markets, campuses, government offices, repair shops and local food. If you want beaches and relaxation, stay in Lovina and read our Lovina scooter rental guide. If you work, study, or want a city feel with more local prices, Singaraja suits you better. The two are only about 15–20 minutes apart by scooter.

Sights in the city

• Buleleng Old Harbour. The old harbour on the city's waterfront is now a public space with the Yudha Mandala Tama Monument and colonial-style buildings. Best in the late afternoon.
• Gedong Kirtya. A palm-leaf manuscript library founded in 1928 that holds thousands of lontar manuscripts and inscriptions. It is in the Sasana Budaya complex, near Puri Agung Buleleng.
• Puri Agung Buleleng. The former royal palace of Buleleng in the city centre.
• City Park and the Singa Ambara Raja Monument. A winged lion statue that is the city's symbol.
• Food. Try Singaraja's siobak (braised pork) and tipat blayag (rice cake in thick sauce) at local warungs.

Favourite scooter trips from Singaraja

Pura Meduwe Karang in Kubutambahan is famous for its relief of a man on a bicycle, often linked to visits by Europeans to North Bali in the early 20th century. Pura Beji Sangsit is known for the intricate sandstone carving typical of Buleleng. You can combine both in a half-day loop to the east. Respect temple dress: wear a sarong and sash (usually available on site) and do not enter while a ceremony is under way.

A half-day loop to the east

A simple morning route: from the city centre to Pura Beji Sangsit (about 15 minutes), on to Pura Meduwe Karang in Kubutambahan (about 10 minutes), then back to the city for lunch near Buleleng Old Harbour. It is about 30 km in total on flat roads, fine even on a BeAT. In the afternoon, ride up to Gitgit Waterfall on the Bedugul road, which climbs but is short.

Go to Sekumpul in the morning. The road to the village is steep and narrow, and reaching the waterfall means hundreds of steps. Park in the village's official parking area, then consider a local guide for the walk down to the falls.

Getting to Singaraja from South Bali

There are three main routes from Denpasar and South Bali to Singaraja:

1. Via Bedugul (most common). Denpasar–Mengwi–Bedugul–Gitgit–Singaraja, about 80 km, about 2.5–3 hours. The route has long climbs and many bends, and is often foggy in the afternoon. Views include Lake Beratan and Ulun Danu Beratan Temple.
2. Via Kintamani. Through Ubud and Kintamani, then down to Kubutambahan. Good if you are also visiting Mount Batur. The descent is long, so your brakes must be in top shape.
3. Via Pupuan–Seririt (west). Quieter, through coffee and clove plantations, and convenient if you come from Tabanan or Jembrana.

Riding that far is tiring, especially two-up with luggage. A more comfortable option: take a shuttle or travel minibus to Singaraja, then rent a scooter when you arrive. Check the Denpasar to Singaraja schedules and prices. If you still want to ride via Bedugul, read the Bedugul–Munduk scooter route and choose a scooter of at least 125 cc, such as the Honda Vario or Yamaha NMAX.

Monthly rental for students and workers

Singaraja has several campuses, including Ganesha University of Education (Undiksha), so many newcomers stay for months and rent a scooter monthly. To stay safe:

• Make sure the original STNK (registration) is there and its tax is valid for the whole rental period.
• Ask who pays for routine servicing and oil changes.
• Record the deposit amount and return conditions in writing or in a chat.
• For daily use around town, a BeAT or Scoopy is the most fuel-efficient.

General tips for long-term rentals are in monthly scooter rental in Bali.

Riding tips for North Bali

• The north coast highway (Gilimanuk–Singaraja–Amlapura) carries trucks and intercity buses. Keep to the left lane and overtake only on straight roads.
• North Bali is drier and hotter in the middle of the day. Carry drinking water and wear a light jacket or gloves to protect your skin from the sun.
• The roads to Gitgit and Bedugul can suddenly turn rainy and foggy. Keep a raincoat under the seat.
• There are petrol stations in town, but fewer in the hills. Fill up before heading to Sekumpul or the lakes.

How to book

The nearest SiapPergi area page is scooter rental in Lovina. Choose a model there, then give your Singaraja address when you book via WhatsApp. Delivery to the city and its cost are confirmed before you pay. To compare prices with other areas of Bali, open the scooter rental in Bali page.