East Bali: An Underrated Gem
Home to gorgeous beaches, lush rice fields, historic temples, and breathtaking views of the mighty Mount Agung, East Bali is a paradise located far away from the hustle and bustle of the more touristy areas of Bali. Like most travelers who come to Bali, I only knew of the popular hotspots like Ubud, Kuta, Canggu, and Uluwatu. But when I came across a volunteering opportunity in Karangasem, East Bali, I decided to apply immediately, so I could explore the less-touristy side of Bali.
Karangasem, a province located in the East of Bali, is known for its temples, historic sites, and beaches. I volunteered at a school in Padang Kerta, a neighbourhood in Karangasem. Padang Kerta is located about 30 minutes from Candidasa, which is the more popular and touristy part of Karangasem. During my time there as a volunteer, I stayed with a local family, which gave me the opportunity to experience the local culture and cuisine. Each time I walked past the street, I would get curious stares from the locals, indicating that the area rarely sees any tourists. As a traveler, this was a sign that I was in the most authentic part of Bali!
Virgin Beach
A hidden paradise known for its pristine white sands and clear turquoise waters, Virgin Beach is one of Bali’s best-kept secrets. A 10-minute ride from the main street, the road to the beach offers stunning views. I took a 30-minute Gojek ride one sunny afternoon to get here and was absolutely stunned to see the beautiful views this beach had to offer.
Once you get here, you can rent a sunbed and enjoy the view of the ocean with a refreshing drink that you can order at the restaurant nearby. The water is perfect for swimming, or even just dipping your toes in. Despite its growing popularity, the beach still retains its unspoiled charm. I loved it so much that I returned the very next day—this time with the other volunteers from my stay.
Tirta Gangga
A former royal palace named after the sacred river Ganges in India, Tirta Gangga is known for its ornament ponds, water fountains, and unique statues. The most beautiful feature at Tirta Gangga is the stepping stones in the ponds that allow visitors to walk across the water. There are many Koi fish in these ponds; visitors can buy fish food at the entrance if they wish to feed them. The place also has a swimming pond for those you wish to take a dip.
The most enchanting part of Tirta Gangga is the Meditation Centre, an area where you can find life-like sculptures depicting man’s transition from good to evil. On the other side, a shot flight of stairs lead you to a large banyan tree. As scary as these sculptures looked, I felt a sense of peace here. One of the best examples of Balinese architecture, Tirta Gangga is a must-visit place when you come to East Bali.
Bukit Cinta
Surrounded by beautiful rice fields, Bukit Cinta is a popular sunrise spot offering breathtaking views of Mount Agung, an active volcano, and the highest peak in Bali. You can walk through the rice fields and soak in the beautiful views this place offers. Since I was visiting during the rainy season, the clouds obscured my view of Mount Agung as it was cloudy. Nevertheless, I still enjoyed the stunning view of the rice fields.
A highlight from my visit to Bukit Cinta was that I was unable to get a Gojek to go back, so a girl working at the local cafe here offered to drop me to my accommodation – one of the many heartwarming moments that made this trip more memorable!
Taman Ujung
Taman Ujung or Ujung Water Palace is a former palace in Karangasem. Spread across 30 acres of area, Taman Ujung features beautiful gardens, ponds, and historic buildings. A 10-metre-long bridge will lead you to the main building, called Gili Bale. The most important structure at Taman Ujung is a remaining ruin, which sits at the top of a long staircase. Once you climb up these stairs and make it to the top, you will be greeted with stunning views of the entire palace grounds.
Taman Ujung was built by Dutch, Chinese, and Balinese architects, which explains the unique mix of architecture. Compared to Tirta Gangga, Taman Ujung is larger, and far less touristy. If you plan to visit East Bali, I recommend you visit both places, as they are both uniquely beautiful.
I only had five days in East Bali, balancing volunteering with my full-time remote job, which left me with limited time to explore. Still, I made the most out of my time here. East Bali has a lot to offer, and I would love to go back to explore even more places here.
If you are someone who loves to get away from the crowds and explore more underrated places, then East Bali is for you!