History of Lovina

Introduction
Around the 1950s, Anak Agung Panji Tisna (also spelled Pandji Tisna), hastraveled to several countries in Europe and Asia. He stayed several weeks in Bombay (now Mumbai). What attracts him most was the life of the people in India. By observing the people way of life in the area, then he got the thought and the outlook for Bali, especially the development of social welfare, especially in the Buleleng region. While he was in Bombay, Panji Tisna saw a place that beautifully laid out as a spot for leisure on the beach. The land has much similarity with which he owned on Kampung Baru Beach – Buleleng – North Bali, that also lies between two rivers. Panji Tisna’s inspiration arises to create a resort like that. The land already in hand.

Implementation of a Dream
Returning from overseas in 1953, Panji Tisna immediately declared his inspiration and start building a lodge named “LOVINA”. The place made for tourists to stay. Equipped with 3 bedrooms and a small restaurant near the sea.

Lovina Got Cross Wind
Some business observers claim cynically, that the plan of Panji Tisna will not work as expected. The time was too early to make business of such a kind, on a secluded beach such as the beach of Tukad Cebol. Local cultural observer states, “Lovina” was a foreign word, not the pronunciation for the Balinese tongue. Furthermore, there is no letter “v” in Balinese alphabet. Another comment say, do not use the word “Lovina”. “Lovina” must be deleted.

Changing Hands
In 1959, Anak Agung Panji Tisna handed the Lovina Lodging over to his young kin, Anak Agung Ngurah Sentanu, aged 22, who then as owner and manager. Business was going pretty well. However, there were no tourists. Some of Tisna’s friends came from America and Europe, as well as the local government officials and business persons. Feeling lucky on special days such as Sundays and holidays, many people came and enjoy the natural atmosphere of the beach.

Lovina Runs Her Fate
Singaraja city was the capital for Bali – Lombok, and Nusa Kecil, has been maintaining a steady state as the center of government and commerce activities. However, such conditions suddenly change. In early 1960, the capital moved to Denpasar. Singaraja was left as a deserted city. Construction activities, and trade plummeted in Singaraja. It needs years to get back to the normal conditions in North Bali. The young manager, Ngurah Sentanu had the worst experience in running the “Lovina Guesthouse”. But he accepted the task and mandate from Panji Tisna. What the business analysts had foreseen is correct. However, is there really something wrong with Lovina?

The Rise of Tourism in Bali
Bali Beach Hotel built in 1963, since then tourism became popular in Bali. The expansion of tourism facilities such as hotels and restaurants began to spread throughout Bali. Tourists flock to Bali after the Ngurah Rai International Airport opened in 1970. Buleleng programmed so that the government encouraged the tourism sector as one of the mainstay for economic progress and social welfare. In the meantime, the spotlight focused on the role of Lovina in the field of tourism, emerging pros and cons.

The Advent of Tourism, North Bali Began to Squirm
In the Eastern part of Buleleng regency, the natural fresh water pool in the village of Yeh Sanih, rose as a rival to Lovina. The development of Yeh Sanih got more support than Lovina, by the government officials and the tourism observer. That is because Yeh Sanih is indigenous. While the tourists encourage the travel agents to choose Lovina.

Lovina Banned Officially
Development of tourism in Bali was increased rapidly in 1980, urged the government to form the Tourist Destination Areas, such as tourist area “Kuta” and “Sanur”. In Buleleng regency, “Kalibukbuk” and “Air Sanih” formed as Tourist Areas. The Governor of Bali pointed out, that the Bali culture and tourism rooted by using the name of the original village. Also said that “Lovina” is not recognized, it should discontinued. The tourist businesses, therefore, began using the local names like Nirvana, Lila Cita, Angsoka, Banyualit, Kalibukbuk, Aditya, Ayodia, and many other local names. Meanwhile, Anak Agung Panji Tisna build another hotel with the name “Tasik Madu”, that means “Sea of Honey”, 100 meters west of Lovina, which form the alternative destination, without the presence of Lovina. Once renovated, the “Lovina Guesthouse” was opened using an alias name, “Permata Cottage”. Eversince, “Lovina” kept safely by Anak Agung Ngurah Sentanu.

Hidden for 10 Years, Lovina Appeared as “Mascot”
Lovina known as a tourist destination in North Bali. Tourist businesses demanded the presence of Lovina. The historical Lovina that ever had to be “Permata Cottages” was back with its original name “Lovina Beach Hotel”. Then in 1990, Lovina covers not less than 6 native beaches in 2 (two) different District areas. Firstly, in Buleleng District, there is the Binaria Beach in Kalibukbuk village, the Banyualit Beach in Banyualit village, the Kubu Gembong Beach of Anturan/Tukadmungga village, the Hepi Beach of Tukadmungga village, and the Pemaron Beach in Pemaron village. And secondly in the Banjar District, there is the Kampung Baru/Tukad Cebol Beach in Kaliasem village, this is the birthplace of Lovina, and the Temukus coastal village. All six beaches/villages combine to “Lovina Beach”. Meanwhile, the official name is “Kalibukbuk Tourism Area”.

Lovina Brought Blessing for The Community
In the beginning, Lovina was rejected, not recognized, suspicion. However, the reality now, Lovina was a blessing to many people. The dream of Anak Agung Panji Tisna has materialized. The historical “Lovina Beach Hotel”, well maintained until now.

The Meaning of “LOVINA”
The words “Love” and “Ina”, interpreted as Love Indonesia, That is wrong in context to Panji Tisna. Lovina = Love Indonesia? LOVE + INA? INA is the abbreviation for the Indonesian contingent for the Asian Games 1953. Remember that, Lovina was established in 1953

According to Panji Tisna, Lovina has a philosophical meaning. It has a mixture of two syllables “Love” and “Ina”. English word “Love”, and “Ina” a Balinese word means “mother”. The meaning of Lovina according Panji Tisna is “Love your Mother” or virtuous meaning is “Love Mother Earth”.

That is the history of Lovina, derived from Anak Agung Panji Tisna.