Visiting a hot spring is a must during your Bali holiday to truly make it a relaxing trip. Unwind in warm sulfuric waters as you cleanse and heal yourself while being surrounded by beautiful scenery.
Banjar Hot Springs is one of the best natural hot springs to visit in North Bali. It’s just a 20-minute drive from Lovina, making it a wonderful stop during a North Bali Day Tour.
About Banjar Hot Springs
Banjar Hot Springs, or Air Panas Banjar, is fantastic destination that includes a cultural exprience and a healing experience, while having fun in the sun. The hot springs date back several hundred years all the way back to the Dutch colonial times.
Most of its history is quite unknown but it is known to have been used over the centuries by Balinese spiritual and cleansing purposes. The sulphuric waters are said to have healing properties, so taking a dip in pastel green waters may just be what your spirit needs.
Upon entering, you’ll notice there are three main pool areas at Banjar Hot Springs – each varying in temperature and size. The entire location is scattered with Balinese stone design and covered with tropical vegetation.
The first, which is the most upper pool, contains the warmest waters. This is where you’ll find some stone dragon mouths which sulphuric water pours from. There is a stone ledge a few feet under the water which you can sit on and relax. The water here is quite shallow and great for kids.
The main pool is hard to miss. It’s the largest of the three pools and also has some more dragon heads along the wall. The pool depth varies from waist high on one end to 2m on the other – making it a great spot to float around in the warm water.
The third pool at Banjar Hot Springs, which is the lowest and smallest, sits closer to the entrance bridge. It’s the least warm of the three pools and usually the last dip before getting out. It’s quite small so it can get cramped in there if it’s crowded.
Banjar Hot Springs Location
Banjar Hot Springs is named after the regency it’s located in – Banjar Regency. It’s a small traditional Balinese area in North Bali and is relatively untouched by mass tourism.
The hot spring is just a 20-minute drive west from Lovina Beach, about a 1-hour trip from Pemuteran, and 45 minutes from Singaraja.
On Google Maps, you can find it under “Banjar Hot Spring” and the address is Jalan Banjar, Banjar, Kec. Banjar, Kabupaten Buleleng, Bali, 81151.
You can visit Banjar Hot Springs during a Lovina Dolphin Watching Tour or you can simply book a private car and driver for a North Bali Day Tour and have them take you there during your tour.
Entrance fee for Banjar Hot Springs
The entrance fee for Banjar Hot Springs is just 45k IDR (about $4.50 AUD) for tourists. This grants you entrance and you can stay as long as you wish. The fee is paid at the ticket booth by the parking lot and you’ll be asked to provide the ticket at the gate after walking through the market.
I reckon 2 hours is a good amount of time to relax and unwind in the sulphuric pools, but I do know of others who treat it like a visit to a beach club – going for a dip, relaxing in the sun, and jumping back in the waters.
Facilities at Banjar Hot Springs
You won’t have to stress about hiding behind the bushes to change. There are several changing rooms and showers available for you to use for free (included in the entrance ticket). Keep in mind these are the most basic changing rooms and some of them aren’t well maintained, but they get the job done.
You can also rent out a locker to store your bags, change of clothes, and other belongings. There is staff sitting at a desk by the lockers who you’ll need to pay the IDR 5k (about AUD $0.50) to rent the locker. He’s also keeping guard to make sure no one’s trying to break in your locker.
I have heard of massage services available on-site but I’ve yet to come across any signs selling them. I may have missed it but in case you do feel like getting a massage, feel free to ask one of the friendly staff.
Eating at Banjar Hot Springs
Banjar Hot Springs is tucked away from the main roads so if you’re hungry you can grab a bite at the restaurant, Restoran Komala Tirta. The restaurant mainly serves local Indonesian food like Mie Goreng and Nasi Goreng, but don’t expect anything fancy or luxurious.
It’s situated at the top of Banjar Hot Springs overlooking the pools so it’s quite a nice view of the surroundings. Food prices range from 40k IDR and up so you won’t be overspending. There’s also electrical outlets if you need to charge your phone.
Keep in mind, the restaurant does not accept credit cards or debit cards. It’s cash only. Stop by an ATM on the way to Banjar to withdraw some extra IDR cash just in case. My first time eating at the restaurant at Banjar Hot Springs was a bit of a headache as I was unaware they didn’t accept cards.
Shopping at Banjar Hot Springs
At the entrance after the parking lot area, there is also a small ‘market’ with about 20 vendors. Here they sell swimming clothes, bikinis, and towels – a smart way to capitalize on those who forgot! You can also grab some souvenirs and gifts to take back home.
Expect to be greeted and called over to buy something. If you’re not interested, you can simply say no. They’re quite friendly and not pushy. You can also negotiate a bit if you feel like buying something.
Where else can I visit?
If you’re planning on spending a day exploring North Bali, read my Lovina Guide on fun things to do in or near Lovina (just a short 20-minute drive away). You can chow down on some fresh seafood, visit a massive Buddhist temple (Brahmavihara-Arama), or even try some water sports at Krisna Osea Park.
You can also visit a few of the best waterfalls in Bali – Gitgit Waterfall, and Aling-Aling Waterfall, both within driving distance from Banjar Hot Springs.
On the way back to your hotel or villa from Banjar Hot Springs, you can pass through Bedugul to visit Ulun Danu Beratan, Bali’s famous floating temple, and the picturesque Handarah Golf Course Gates for a quick photo opportunity.
How to get to Banjar Hot Springs
Since it’s located in North Bali, Banjar Hot Springs might be a bit of a journey to get to from South Bali. To remove some of the stress of getting there, book a private car and driver. You’ll be picked up in a clean, air-conditioned SUV, by a friendly, English-speaking driver, and take to any of the destinations you choose during the day.
Here are some average times to takes to get to Banjar Hot Springs (by car) from a few main areas in Bali:
- Bali Airport: 3 hrs
- Canggu: 2 hrs 30 mins
- Kuta / Legian: 3 hrs
- Nusa Dua: 3 hrs 30 mins
- Sanur: 3 hrs
- Seminyak: 3 hrs
- Ubud: 2 hrs 40 mins
- Uluwatu: 3 hrs 40 mins
It can be a back pain of a ride if you’re renting a scooter in Bali and planning on making the journey to North Bali on two wheels – especially if you’re starting the trip from further south like Nusa Dua or Uluwatu.
However, majority of the ride is quite simply with most of it being one long stretch of road towards the North. Perhaps you can stop over in Bedugul and enjoy the scenery during a rest stop.
FAQs
How much is the entrance fee to Banjar Hot Springs?
The entrance fee is IDR 45k. The payment is done at the entrance near the parking lot and is cash only.
What time is Banjar Hot Springs open?
You can visit anytime between 8:30 am and 5:30 pm. The hot springs are not open at night.
What to bring to Banjar Hot Springs?
Bring an extra change of clothes and a towel. If you forgot or you are traveling light, you can easily buy some clothes or towels on the way in from the little market at the entrance.
Are there lockers at Banjar Hot Springs?
You can rent one of the lockers to keep your bags, phones, and wallets. The locker rental fee is just IDR 5k. If you really need to save 50 cents, you can simply keep your stuff near the pool area as many others do – but better to be safe than sorry.
How long can I stay at Banjar Hot Springs?
Stay for as long as you wish. Although 1.5 – 2 hours should be enough time to truly appreciate the place.
Are there ATMs in Banjar Hot Springs?
There are currently no ATMs on location so you will need to bring extra cash with you. The restaurant accepts cash only. But you shouldn’t have a hard time finding a Bali ATM as there are many bank-owned ATMS between Lovina and Banjar.
When is the best time to visit Banjar Hot Springs?
It’s a wonderful place to visit regardless of the time of year you’re visiting Bali. Remember, Bali is a tropical island, so it will be relatively hot all year round. If it rains, you can always seek shelter at the restaurant or under the restaurant.
