Pepe Homestay: Live with Locals, Where Dolphins and North Bali Share Their Stories

Sunrise, Dolphins & Ocean Adventures

Penimbangan Beach is famous for its early morning dolphin tours. Picture this: a golden sunrise lighting up the sea, gentle waves beneath your boat, and dolphins leaping in the distance—you might even think you can hear them sing. While many people associate sunset with Bali’s beaches, it’s sunrise that truly shines here.

With our proximity to the shore, Pepe Homestay is one of the best-located and most budget-friendly places to stay for dolphin watching in North Bali. Local boat tours here are often more affordable than in other areas, offering a more authentic and community-based experience.

We recommend trusted local operators like Captain Mola Mola and Ngedolphin, who offer dolphin tours, snorkeling, diving, paddling, fishing, and more—so you can make the most of your time at sea.

Penimbangan Beach is also an environmental conservation area, especially known for coral reef protection and sea turtle preservation. Since 2016, the local community has formed the “Penimbangan Turtle Guardians”, a passionate group of fishermen and environmental activists dedicated to protecting sea turtles and marine ecosystems.

Sacred Temples & Spiritual Springs
– “Here is where I weigh”

Not far from Pepe Homestay stands Pura Segara Penimbangan, a sacred sea temple that holds a quiet strength in its presence. It is said that Ki Barak Panji Sakti, the great warrior-king of Buleleng, came here in moments of contemplation—seeking guidance, clarity, and spiritual balance. Located at the midpoint between East and West Buleleng, the temple symbolizes a place of Equilibrium—where land meets sea, and power meets humility. “Here is where I weigh” – is attributed to Ki Barak Panji Sakti, reflecting on Penimbangan’s name and his search for balance. “Penimbangan” comes from the root “timbang”, meaning “to weigh”. Spiritually, it speaks to weighing not only decisions but also the harmony between body and spirit, tradition and change.

Although there are no written records of its origin, this ancient sea temple continues to be lovingly maintained by the local community as a sanctuary for reflection, prayers, ceremonies, and silent offerings. Visitors often describe a sacred energy in the air, especially during sunrise, when the ocean glows golden and the temple casts its shadow across the shimmering shore.

Just 8 meters from the shoreline lies a rare and sacred natural wonder: three freshwater springs emerge directly from beneath the sea. Despite being surrounded by saltwater, these springs release fresh, clean water—a powerful symbol of life and resilience. The site is deeply spiritual and often used for Melukat, a Balinese Hindu purification ritual where devotees immerse themselves in the sea, believing the sacred water cleanses the body, mind, and spirit.

Further inland, near the main road, is Mumbul Penimbangan Water Spring. Known for its strong and consistent flow throughout the year—even in the dry season—this spring is not only a spiritual site but also a vital source of fresh water for the surrounding community.

Together, these coastal and inland springs create a beautiful blend of nature, spirituality, and sustainability—making Penimbangan Beach a truly special place.