L

ovina Beach in Buleleng regency, north Bali, has become a favorite site and alternative destination for locals and foreigners alike to vacation during long weekends and over Idul Fitri.

In the last few days, people have flocked the beach, usually taking an early-morning boat trip to watch for dolphins.

More than 300 traditional vessels, locally known as jukung, make for a bright scene along the shore.

Made Jack, a local fisherman, said visitors rented the vessels to watch dolphins.

'€œPeople come here during long weekends or for holidays like Idul Fitri,'€ Made said.

Dolphin watching is one of the attractions offered to tourists visiting Lovina Beach, some 10 kilometers west of Singaraja, the capital of Buleleng regency.

Formerly a quiet fishing village, Lovina '€” which the story says stands for Love Indonesia, has grown into a prolific tourist destination with lines of hotels, villas, restaurants and cafes.

The beach has black sand and the north Bali sea is rich in marine resources and diverse underwater life.

'€œThe Idul Fitri holidays this year have coincided with the summer holidays for European and American tourists,'€ said a tour guide.

Lovina is well-known among tourists from European countries, such as the Netherlands, France and Germany.

During the Dutch colonial period, Singaraja was the capital of Bali and Nusa Tenggara region and was a famed coastal town with a robust sea harbor.

The long holiday season has benefitted local fishermen, hotel and villa owners, as well as restaurants.

More than 1,500 people come to Lovina Beach every day, but during the holidays, this number increases.

Wayan Sadu, a tour guide, said during this peak holiday season, he would take guests out to sea
twice a day.

'€œThe dolphin watch usually takes place early in the morning. But during the holidays, my guests are still asking to watch the dolphins in the afternoon,'€ Wayan said.

A small boat can take four to five people each trip.

'€œUsually, a boat will take only five people on a dolphin tour, from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. After that, the guests can continue their trip snorkeling or diving,'€ Wayan said.

Each person is charged Rp 60,000 (US$5.20) per trip for the tour.

'€œHowever, visiting Lovina Beach is more than just watching dolphins,'€ Wayan said.

'€œThere are so many attractions adjacent to Lovina Beach, such as the Banjar hot springs, the Buddhist monastery also in Banjar village, a local vineyard and many historical temples.'€