Often undervalued by tourist hubs, the Eastern part of Bali island is a true gem. Suppose you are looking for a place to escape the crowds of southern Bali. You have done the right thing and headed east for a tranquil evening surrounded by lush rice fields, volcanoes, and ancient temples.
Though many of East Bali’s attractions have grown in popularity in recent years, the East island of Bali still needs to be discovered, and there are still tranquil oases waiting to be explored. It would be best if you didn’t miss planning your trip here—an in-depth tour of things to do in East Bali from tourist attractions and places.
About East Bali Eastern Part
East Bali has various natural habitats, from lush forests and black sand beaches to barren gravel plains and active volcanoes. On the south coast is the popular seaside resort of Candidasa, with ferries to Lombok from Padang his Bai. Bali’s tallest volcano, the mighty Gunung Agung, towers over eastern Bali and is home to Bali’s holiest Temple, the Pura Besakih. In the Far East, Amed is becoming an increasingly popular and increasingly attractive east Bali coastline.
The road route to East Bali has traditionally been inconvenient. Since 2006, the main route from Sanur to Kusamba has opened, and the situation has changed dramatically. The road cut the travel time from South Bali in half and eased the congested road from Gianyar to Klungkung.
Tirta Gangga Water Gardens – Best East Bali Tour
The water in Tirta Gangga Water Gardens is very clear, as the water in the ponds comes from springs rather than treated water. The springs in Tirta Gangga Water Gardens are considered holy water by the locals and are used in religious ceremonies in the Tirtagangga Park area.
One of the uniqueness of Tirta Ganga water palace is the presence of natural springs. Rejasa Springs has a very large amount of water, which is clear and refreshing. One-third of the Rejasa spring supply is sent to residents’ homes in Amlapura City (the capital of Karangasem regency), and two-thirds fill ponds. The output of pond water is used for agriculture.
When entering the first gate at Tirta Gangga, you will be greeted with statues lined up. Around the pond, stone paths are also provided, arranged so that you can take pictures in the middle of the pond.
Apart from that, in Tirta Gangga Water Palace, Karangasem Bali, there is a water tower with a height of 10 meters. Residents consider the water in this park sacred, and it is still used for traditional events.
Location: Tirta Gangga Water Palace
Besakih Temple
Bali Besakih Temple is the largest Hindu Temple on the island. From the top of the precincts, a panoramic view of nature spreads out, the scenery overlooking the sea is beautiful, and tourists come from all over the world.
The Temple is located in the eastern part of the island, in the countryside of Besakih, Rendang District, Karangasem Province. Bali’s ‘Mother Temple’ climbs more than 900 meters up the slopes of Mount Agung. It has been considered a sacred temple in Bali since prehistoric times.
Tip: Please wear appropriate clothing when entering the temple grounds. Sarong rentals are available for IDR 10,000.
For a day trip, you can start from Dusun Kuning and drive northeast for 30 minutes to Cepung Waterfall, ending the day at visit Pura Besakih. They are all close together and are a great way to discover the East Bali attractions during your visit.
Location: Besakih Temple
Tukad Cepung Waterfall
This waterfall is still the best pristine waterfall among Balinese Hindus. Unlike many waterfalls in Bali, this waterfall is unique in that instead of flowing into a river or stream, it gently cascades down a cliff into a cave.
Just over an hour’s drive from Denpasar and 1.5-2 hours from Kuta, Canggu, and Seminyak. The nearest town is Ubud, which takes less than 45 minutes to reach the falls.
Location: Tukad Cepung
Gunung Agung
Mt Agung attracts climbers visiting Bali, Indonesia, the island of the gods. The highest point at 3142m above sea level, this mountain offers a very challenging climbing experience with beautiful panoramas, arid vegetation, and volcanic rocks.
Local Balinese usually climb Mount Agung for religious reasons. This is known as the Pekerem ceremony, which takes place in the crater area on the largest and, most important remember to stay in the nearest village and learn about the Balinese culture.
Also Read: What You Need To Know Before Trekking to Mount Agung
Diving In Amed
Among the many diving spots in Bali, Amed is holding the best place. Diving activities in Amed include muck diving, underwater macro photography, getting close to marine life, and wreck diving, where you can explore ancient ruins of shipwrecks.
The waters around Amed are known for their gentle and calm waves. This makes it suitable for all levels of diving, from beginner to advanced. Visibility is also a big plus for Amed; you will see the marine life more clearly. There are occasional waves that affect visibility, a great diving activity.
East Bali Rice Terraces – Popular in Bali
Located in the Karangasem Regency in East Bali, Rendang is a picturesque mountain village with beautiful Balinese rice terraces. The whole area is so beautiful with rivers, valleys, and nature that it seems to wake up here. Breathtaking countryside views of the capital, Amprapura, complement your ride.
The rice terraces here guarantee bliss with pristine scenery. It would be best if you visited the rice terraces during the morning hours as it cools down before the afternoon heat hits.
Location : Rendang Village, Jalan Raya Besakih, Karangasem, Bali, Indonesia
Taman Ujung Water Palace
Taman Ujung Water Palace was once the Karangasem Palace. It is within walking distance from Ujung Beach and sits on 10 acres of land. The former palace has the best panoramic views, with Mount Agung in the background.
The palace itself has existed for over 100 years. It has a unique design, unlike most palaces in Bali. Most of the palaces have Balinese features with traditional carvings and statues. Taman Ujung Water Palace combines Balinese, Chinese, and Dutch architectural styles. Most visitors come here during the day or even spend some time enjoying the atmosphere.
The sprawling grounds include:
- Several large pools.
- Colorful flowers.
- Impressive palm trees.
- Historic buildings against majestic Mount Agung and the East Coast.
Location: Taman Ujung Water Palace
Bat cave (Goa Lawah)
Goa Lawah is an ancient temple built in front of the bat cave. It is a popular place for locals travelling east Bali to come with offerings and a short prayer before continuing their journey.
For foreign visitors, it is often included in many temple tours and is one of the first stops on tours to areas within its Regency, such as Candidasa or Karangasem. From Goa Lawah, you can easily see the outline of Nusa Penida island on the horizon.
It’s a small temple complex with hundreds of bats in the main cave/temple area. The sight of many insectivorous bats flying around in the morning is a sight to behold. The cave entrance is also a place of worship, so you can’t go inside.
Location: Goa Lawah
Lotus Lagoon
One of Candidasa’s local landmarks is the Lotus Lagoon. It’s a spectacular sight with vast puddles filled with pink and fuchsia lotus flowers and a small garden island with a statue in the centre.
The lagoon is generally free and accessible from the side of the road. Across the street, on high ground, is the Temple for which the area is named, and he has two shrines under a densely forested hill. You can get a better view of the entire lagoon, with glimpses of Candidasa’s maritime symbolism, the sea, and small offshore rock formations. Candidasa is a great place to stay as it is quite central on the east coast of Bali and has many tourist facilities such as restaurants, mini markets, ATMs, and clinics.
Location: Lotus lagoon
Tip: Remember to visit Bali’s most spectacular beaches, which are about a 15-minute drive east of Candidasa. This beach is also known as Pasir Putih (white sand), Virgin Beach, and Jasri Beach. Its beach could be your best hideout in Bali, Indonesia.
Explore the Eastern Part of Bali
Exploring the Eastern part of Bali is a journey of discovery, where the island’s rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, and captivating traditions come together to create a unique and unforgettable experience. From the majestic water palaces and breathtaking landscape of Mount Agung to the vibrant rice terraces, this region offers various attractions catering to various interests. Whether you seek adventure in the rugged landscapes of Mount Agung, wish to immerse yourself in the spirituality of Bali’s temples, or desire relaxation on the pristine shores, the East provides it all. The authenticity, warmth, and allure of this part of Bali make it a must-visit destination, offering travellers a deeper connection to the heart and soul of this enchanting island. So, for those seeking to uncover the true essence of Bali, the East offers a doorway to a world of wonder and enchantment waiting to be explored and cherished!
