Amlapura Temple

Amlapura is the administrative town and capital of Karangasem Regency on the eastern end of Bali, Indonesia. The town is a regional service and market centre for the surrounding coastline and agricultural areas.

Amlapura developed as the seat of the Karangasem kingdom and later grew into a modern administrative centre. The wider region was affected by the 20th-century eruptions of Mount Agung, which shaped settlement and infrastructure patterns in eastern Bali.

The town is on the eastern side of Bali, on the low-lying coastal plain beneath Mount Agung and roughly 60-80 kilometres east-northeast of Denpasar by road. It occupies a practical position for trips into the eastern highlands and to nearby seaside communities.

• Administrative role: Serves as the administrative centre of Karangasem Regency and functions as a practical base for visiting eastern Bali attractions such as Tirta Gangga and coastal villages.
• Access: Located on eastern Bali near the low coastal plain below Mount Agung, it is typically reached by road from Denpasar in around 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic.

Overlooked by the mighty Mount Agung, Amlapura was once a Dutch colony, and that influence can still be seen in some of the town’s buildings and food, making it a pleasant place to pause for lunch when passing through.

Many visitors stay a few days, as there is plenty to see, including grand palaces and lush water gardens. The town is also home to one of the most lavish swimming pools on the island, richly decorated with fountains and statues. Hiring a bicycle is a good way to explore the surrounding area, and there is ample local public transport as well.