Eastern Bali it is a region Indonesian of the island of Bali.
To know
East Bali is a vast region whose natural habitat ranges from lush forests to black sand beaches, lowlands and an active volcano. The southern part is where the tourist cities of Candidasa and ferries to Lombok to Padang Bai. The great mountain Mount Agung, the highest volcano in Bali, stretches over all of eastern Bali and is home to the holiest of the island's temples, Pura Besakih. At the eastern end is also the beautiful coastal area of Amed.
When to go
East Bali's climate is much drier than other parts of the island. It can get cold on Mount Agung and in Kintamani.
Territories and tourist destinations
Urban centers
- Candidasa - Quiet coastal town with Bali Aga.
- Klungkung - City of great historical and cultural importance.
- Padang Bai - Small port from where ferries leave for Lombok. There is a nice beach nearby.
Other destinations
- Amed - An area of peaceful fishing villages, with black sand beaches and coral reefs, ideal for diving.
- Kintamani - The active volcano Mount Batur.
- Mount Agung - The highest mountain in Bali is the mother temple by Besakih.
- Tirta Gangga - Mountains, the water palace and the spectacular terraced rice fields.
How to get
By car
- From Sanur to Southern Bali up to Kusamba (from which you can easily get to Klungkung, Padang Bai is Candidasa). About an hour of travel.
- From Ubud to Central Bali via Gianyar to Klungkung it takes about 45 minutes.
- From Kintamani in Northern Bali until Klungkung via Bangli. About an hour.
- From Kintamani in Northern Bali up to Besakih e Mount Agung via Suter. About 45 minutes.
- From Singaraja in Northern Bali via Tulamben to Amed. About an hour and a half.
Ferries from Lembar (Lombok) to Padang Bai every hour, all day. The trip takes about 4 hours but can be longer in bad weather and costs 35,000 rupees. Know that these ferries have no particular safety standards.
Perama has a daily ferry from Lombok (Rp 200,000) and Gili Islands (300,000 Rp) for Padang Bai one way including bus transfer.
There are fast connections from Gili Islands to Padang Bai. The service of Gili Cat[link previously not working] it costs Rp 660,000 one way. Duration of the trip 2 hours.
By bus
Use the services of Perama in the areas of Padang Bai, Candidasa is Amed.
There are also private shuttle buses to Candidasa, Padang Bai is Amed from the most important tourist destinations. They are well advertised, and remember to book one day in advance.
Bemos for East Bali depart from the Batubulan Terminal a Denpasar.
How to get around
By car
It is very easy to rent a motorbike, a great way to reach the various beaches.
Another option is to rent a car.
By bus
There are shuttle buses that connect Padang Bai, Candidasa is Amed. Perama it is always to be checked.
What see
Besakih Temple
Besakih Temple (Pura Besakih) is considered the mother temple by the Hindus of Bali. This is the most important temple on the island and is located on the slopes of Mount Agung.
The complex consists of 20 different temples and many other smaller reliquaries spread over 3 kilometers. Each temple has a specific purpose, to worship a particular deity, or to serve people from a particular region of Bali or for the use of a specific caste on the island. The only way to get between the temples is on foot, and there are quite steep steps that climb the slopes of Mount Agung. The show is really exciting, especially during the beautiful days.
Unless you are here to pray or make offerings, the main temples are closed and off-limits. Not a problem because you can see a lot from the outside.
Besakih is one of Bali's main tourist attractions and the area around the entrance has inevitably developed into a small town where people try to make a living from tourists. This is the other side of the coin, with even tourist guides and agencies that advise against visiting. But don't be alarmed, if you behave correctly and courteously and make it clear that you are not hunting for souvenirs you will not be disturbed.
The best way to get to Besakih is from Klungkung in the south. Take the road from the center of Klungkung north for about 20 km through Rendang. Another (splendid) road is from Kintamani taking the road from Penelokan through Suter and turning east (Besakih is signposted) before arriving in the small village of Pempatan.
Coastal villages and beaches
The region has some of the most picturesque and least visited beaches on the island; they have mostly black sand and are very narrow. Around Candidasa there are the most visited ones while Amed at the eastern end of the region it is becoming more and more famous. All along the southern coast from Padang Bai up to beyond Candidasa you will find many villages. Take the time to discover the local way of life. The two small beaches (with white sand) around Padang Bai they are really lovely. Those looking for an experience in a distant place but without giving up certain comforts would do well to go to Amed.
Mount Agung and surroundings
At 3,142 meters above sea level, Mount Agung it is the highest mountain on the island and its presence dominates the entire region. Apart from the presence of the Pura Besakih temple, it is so important to the Balinese that they consider it the seat of the Gods.
There are many ways to visit the mountain. The area around the water palace of Tirta Gangga offers beautiful views of the mountain and the neighboring terraced rice fields. From here you can organize hikes along the slopes and climb to the top. The latter is not to be taken lightly. Other details here.
The road through the valley Sideman / Selat at the foot of Mount Agung is one of the most spectacular on the island. Terraces, lush forest and the mountain itself make this area truly enchanting. In the village of Selat it is very easy to find a guide who can accompany you.
Very different but no less impressive is the road on the coast from Culik (where you turn to go to Amed), Tulamben and beyond. Mount Agung always dominates but here the landscape is an arid plain between the coast and the mountain. Hard to believe that the lush valleys to the south are only 30 kilometers away.
The Bali Aga in Tenganan
On the hills 4 km inland from Candidasa in Tenganan is the famous Bali Aga (original Balinese) village. Its inhabitants have maintained an ancient Balinese pre-Majapahit culture clearly visible in the many differences with the rest of Bali that you will see in Tenganan. The inhabitants maintain a strict observance of traditions, cosmology and animism as well as a rigid social organization. They have to live inside the village, marry someone from the village and the village itself is closed to outsiders after dark. The dialect spoken here is unlike any other on the island and is not even heard in other Bali Aga communities such as those of Trunyan. From an architectural point of view, the differences are also considerable. In short, a visit here is a unique cultural experience.
Those who appreciate craftsmanship will appreciate Tenganan. The fabric called Geringsing it is made here and Indonesia's best baskets are also produced in Tenganan.
The village is signposted along the road from Candidasa and all the drivers know how to get there. Alternatively, look for a ride from Candidasa on a motorbike or walk the 4km. A small fee will be required to enter.
Itineraries
- Ferries from Padang Bai to Lembar, Lombok 24 hours a day.
- Northeast coast road via Tulamben to Singaraja is Lovina.
- Drive north from Kintamani for Singaraja.
What to do
The pools of the Tirta Gangga Water Place they are a large public facility and a great way to cool off.
Eastern Bali offers many opportunities for walking and hiking. The more experienced can climb the Mount Agung. Mount Batur it easily climbs in 2 hours and is one of the easiest active volcanoes to visit in Indonesia. There are also many other scenic walks
Some of Bali's best diving spots are found in this region, particularly towards Tulamben and on the coral reefs dit Amed, Candidasa is Padang Bai. Also great for snorkeling.
How to have fun
TO Candidasa, Padang Bai is Amed there are quiet beach bars. There is also live music in Candidasa almost every night, but due to regulations it ends early in the evening.
At the table
Due to the presence of fishing villages, fish in this region is the best choice when it comes to eating.
A specialty of the area of Candidasa and the satay lilit, minced fish served on a lemon branch. Look for it from dealers along the way.
