Located to the far east of the island of Bali, Amlapura is surrounded by intense natural beauty, making it a great place to relax for a day or two.
Overlooked by the mighty Mount Agung, Amlampura is a former Dutch colony, and their influence can still be seen in some of the town’s buildings and food, making this a great place to take a break and eat lunch for those simply passing through.
Most visitors to Amlapura tend to stay for a few days as there is plenty to see here such as large palaces and lush water gardens. The town also features one of the world’s most luxurious swimming pools, which is lavishly decorated with fountains and statues. Hiring a bicycle is a great way to explore the area, and there is also plenty of local public transport available.
Getting There
Most visitors to Amlapura will arrive at Ngurah Rai International Airport, which is located just outside the city of Denpasar. There is a large bus station near the airport, with several buses each day traveling to Amlapura (3 hours). It is also possible to catch a bus from Denpasar (3 hours) and along the coast from Candidasa.
Need to Know
- Worth it? Only if you are exploring the area and want to visit the water gardens.
- What to do: visiting the water gardens, climbing to the summit of Mount Agung.
- Best time to go: during the dry season between May and September.
- How long? A day or two is enough time to explore Amlapura.
- Tidbit: Amlapura was originally named Karangasem. The name changed in 1963 after Mount Agung erupted.