East Bali Historical Site

East Bali should be high on the itinerary for most travellers, with a wealth to see and do. Trekkers and hikers will find some of Indonesia’s highest mountains and volcanoes here, along with pristine jungle to explore and a wide range of wildlife to glimpse. The region’s towns are a fine place to encounter Balinese culture, most with their own museums and buildings such as forts and temples, while picturesque villages offer an insight into traditional cultural practices and daily life.

Nightlife is limited, which suits those after a quieter break; the pace of life is slower, leaving plenty of opportunity to sit back and soak up the fresh mountain air. Much of the accommodation is fairly basic, making the region ideal for travellers on a tight budget, though some luxurious places to stay offer balconies with spectacular mountain views.

Sun-seekers should head to Candi Dasa, with its stretches of sand and holy caves and good water for diving, snorkelling and swimming. Other spots of interest include Tirta Gangga, a village with a water palace set against mountains and rice terraces; Besakih, Bali’s holiest temple complex and home to the Mother Temple; and Mount Agung, the island’s highest active volcano, which active visitors can climb for spectacular summit views.

The primary entry points are the provincial town of Amlapura (Karangasem) and the port/airport at Denpasar for longer transfers. From Denpasar or Ubud, hire a car or use intercity shuttle services toward Karangasem; expect 2-4 hour drives depending on traffic and destinations. Local minibuses and private drivers operate between major East Bali towns.

East Bali rewards travellers who venture beyond the beach, packing mountains, temples and traditional villages into a compact, unhurried region.

• Gunung Agung: Bali’s sacred volcano and highest peak, climbed at dawn for spectacular summit views.
• Pura Besakih: The island’s largest and holiest temple complex, on the slopes of Gunung Agung.
• Tirta Gangga: A royal water palace with tranquil pools and tiered fountains, set against mountains and rice terraces.
• Amlapura: The regional capital, with Balinese royal history, traditional markets and the nearby water palace and gardens of Taman Ujung.
• Sidemen: A serene rural valley of lush rice terraces and traditional weaving villages.
• Tulamben: A diving haven built around an accessible WWII shipwreck, the USAT Liberty.
• Amed: A relaxed coastal strip famed for diving and vibrant coral reefs.
• Tenganan: An ancient Bali Aga village preserving unique customs and double-ikat weaving.
• Padangbai: A small harbour town with a blue lagoon and the gateway to Lombok and the Gili Islands.
• Candi Dasa: A laid-back seaside town with snorkelling, holy caves and lagoon views.
• Pura Goa Lawah: A striking bat-cave temple with a fascinating spiritual atmosphere.

• Hire a local driver from Amlapura (Karangasem) to reach the coast and temples-roads can be narrow and confusing.
• Visit the Tirta Gangga water palace early morning to avoid tour buses and catch the light on terraced pools.
• Respect temple protocols: sarongs or temple attire may be required at certain sites, and offerings are a constant presence.