Featuring a number of spectacular beauty spots and interesting towns and cities, East Bali is popular with visitors to Indonesia.
Exploring East Bali should be high on the itinerary for most tourists as there is so much to see and do here. For those who are interested in trekking and hiking, it contains some of Indonesia’s highest mountains and volcanoes as well as plenty of pristine jungle to explore, where it is possible to glimpse a wide range of wildlife.
East Bali’s towns are a good place to explore the Balinese culture as most have their own museums and interesting buildings such as forts and temples. There are also a number of picturesque villages located around this region offering visitors an insight into the area’s traditional cultural practices and way of life.
Although East Bali can be slightly lacking when it comes to nightlife, this region is ideal for those who like the quiet life. The pace of life tends to be slower here, allowing plenty of opportunities to simply sit back and soak up the atmosphere and fresh mountain air.
Much of the accommodation in East Bali tends to be rather basic, making it an ideal region for those on a tight budget to explore. However, there are some luxurious places to stay for those with a bit of extra cash, many with balconies offering spectacular mountain views.
Those who enjoy soaking up the sun on the beach should head to Candidasa, where there are a couple of descent stretches of sand to sprawl on as well as holy caves to explore. The sea here is also excellent for water sports such as scuba diving, snorkeling and of course, swimming. Slap on the suntan lotion and relax for a few hours under the sun, sip a cocktail as the sunsets and dine on fresh seafood at one of the town’s modest restaurants.
Other pretty spots of interest include Tirta Gangga, a village featuring a water palace with a beautiful backdrop of mountains and rice terraces. History and art buffs won’t want to miss Besakih, Bali’s holiest temple complex, which is home to the Mother Temple of Bali, while active visitors can climb Bali’s highest active volcano - Mount Agung - to witness the spectacular views from the summit.
Where to Go
- Gunung Agung: Bali’s sacred volcano and highest peak, revered by locals.
- Pura Besakih: Bali’s largest and holiest temple complex on the slopes of Gunung Agung.
- Tenganan: An ancient Balinese village preserving unique customs and crafts.
- Amed: A relaxed coastal village famous for diving and vibrant coral reefs.
- Tirta Gangga: A royal water palace with tranquil pools and tiered fountains.
- Padangbai: A small harbor town with blue lagoons and gateway to the Gilis.
- Sidemen: A serene rural area with lush valleys and traditional weaving villages.
- Tulamben: A diving haven with an accessible WWII shipwreck for underwater exploration.
- Candidasa: A laid-back seaside town with nearby snorkeling and lagoon views.
- Pura Goa Lawah: A unique temple with a bat cave and fascinating spiritual ambiance.
- Amlapura: A quiet town with Balinese royal history and traditional markets.
- Bangli: Known for its ancient temples and scenic rice fields.
- Semarapura: Known for the historic Klungkung Palace and cultural heritage.
- Gianyar: A hub for Balinese arts and crafts, with traditional markets and workshops.
Getting There
Getting to East Bali is pretty simple as visitors can fly straight in to Denpasar’s Ngurah Rai International Airport, which is connected to places such as Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and major Indonesian cities. Buses run from near the airport to most East Bali towns and cities.