Go to East Bali's

East Bali is a stunning area of the island that must be discovered because of its less traveled routes and slightly off-the-beaten-path attitudes.

It's also the region of Bali that is frequently overlooked amid the flash and glam of Seminyak bali or the hustle of Canggu's boho beach clubs because of its lovely sea breezes, diving meccas, calm village life, and unspoilt scenery. But wise visitors who stop by this stunning region of Bali (instead of merely passing through to get to the Gilis) are rewarded in a variety of ways.

Here is our tour to East Bali, which includes all the greatest activities and destinations to see on the peaceful side of the island, in order to give you a taste of this less well-known neighborhood.

1. Admire Mount Agung, the tallest peak in Bali

Mount Agung, the highest point on the island of Bali, is a magnificent active volcano that lives up to its name (Agung means "holy" in Indonesian). Climbing Mount Agung allows you to linger above the clouds and see Mount Rinjani on the neighboring island of Lombok from a completely different perspective because it is nearly 3,000 meters above sea level.

Those who are willing to start the hike at night will be rewarded with a magnificent dawn; just be ready to hike up for roughly six hours! For others who are less brave, merely taking in Mount Agung's splendor is a must-do; fortunately, it dominates the horizon and serves as a background for the majority of east Bali's beaches.

2. Explore Pura Lempuyang's "Bridge to Heaven" for a glimpse.

The most impressive temple on the island and the oldest Hindu temple in Bali is Pura Lempuyang. A journey to east Bali wouldn't be complete without visiting the most well-known temples on the island.

This temple, also referred to as the "Gateway to Heaven," is located in Karangasem, perched atop Mount Lempuyang, with a series of seven climbing temples along the mountainside. The stunning valleys, mountains, and ocean views are worth the 1,700 steps uphill, though. Other breathtaking temple locations are Tanah Lot's ocean temple in the west and Pura Luhur Uluwatu, which is located in the south and is perched high above the world-famous surf breaks at Uluwatu.

3. Swim in the waterfall's natural pools at Tukad Cepung.

Lighting is crucial for photographs, and Bali's Tukad Cepung waterfall has it down well. Tukad Cepung is renowned for its heavenly streams of light, which erupt from the rock just as the sun is at a specific point in the sky.

Tukad Cepung is undoubtedly skilled with a camera. Tukad Cepung is quickly becoming a must-visit location for everyone's Instagram feeds because of the wall of water that rushes from the divine-like beams above and the fact that it is situated inside this ravine-like cove. The best advice is to combine it with a visit to the nearby Tibumana Waterfall, which is only a 30-minute drive away.

4. Visit Amed to dive and snorkel

East Bali's coastline is home to some of Indonesia's top diving locations and most diverse marine life. Divers, snorkelers, and free divers have an abundance of options in Amed, including natural coral reefs, artificial reefs made of shipwrecks, and colorful walls that drop more than 50 meters.

See the US Liberty shipwreck in Tulamben; it went down in 1942 and is now covered in coral life 20 meters under the surface. Alternatively, travel a few miles to the smaller Japanese shipwreck.

5. At Sidemen Valley, take in the scenery.

Would you like to get outside? Make your way to Sidemen Valley, a lush, unexplored region with emerald-green rice terraces, towering volcanoes, quaint towns, and active farms. It is the ideal temperature to explore mountaintop temples, go on adventures through jungle-fringed rice fields, and hike to the top of active volcanoes because it is a little cooler than Bali's sun-drenched shoreline.

Spend a couple of nights here and get a room at one of Sidemen's stunning boutique hotels, such as the adults-only Samanvaya Luxury Resort & Spa, the bamboo cottages at Hideout Bali, or the Patal Kikian Villas, which has one of Bali's best infinity pools with a view of Mount Agung.

6. At the botanical gardens in East Bali, there is plenty of vegetation.

The vegetation in the hills of East Bali is distinct from that in the south due to the colder temperatures; just to give you an idea, marigolds, dandelions, orchids, and lotus are common. It should come as no surprise that every neighborhood in East Bali has a botanical garden or flower field, with Taman Ujung being the largest of these.

Taman Ujung is a magical complex of white royal buildings connected by fanciful bridges that floats over three ponds. The environment may appear fragile, but given that it withstood both an earthquake in 1979 and a volcanic eruption by Mount Agung in 1963, it is a model of fortitude. At the base of Mount Agung, in Taman Edelweiss Bali, you'll find fields of these snow-white, delicate flowers, giving off a somewhat European vibe.

7. Visit Besakih Village for a cultural experience.

Blossom power! Marigolds play a significant role in Balinese culture and are used in all significant Hindu rites. As a result, they are planted across the highlands of Bali in various locations, with several little, golden fields dotting the sides of the highways.

But, head to Besakih, which is halfway between Kintamani and Bedugul, to find Bali's most picturesque marigold viewing location. The miles-long fields here form a golden horizon that shines in the Bali sunshine. Don't forget to make a cultural trip out of it by visiting Besakih Temple, one of Bali's holiest Hindu temples, while you're there-one that's for the photo album.

8. Make a stop at Bali's Tirta Gangga water palace

You've definitely seen pictures of the flowing gowns, stone carvings, and hundreds of vibrant Koi fish on Instagram. These well-liked images, however, were captured at Bali's beautiful water palace, Tirta Gangga.

It's a charming palace that honors Hindu traditions by bearing the name of an Indian river, and it's definitely a worthwhile place to spend an hour or two. The palace is even more historic because it withstood both time and the 1963 volcanic eruption. Leap over the stones that surround the water features, or for a modest fee, plunge into the cool water that bubbles up from underground springs. Let's plan the trip

9. Visit the many traditional markets and shop until you drop.

One of the best areas on the island to truly experience Balinese culture is East Bali. Thus it comes as no surprise that visiting a local market is essential while you're nearby. You can find tiny pieces of paradise made by Bali's many skilled local artisans and craftsmen among the noise and bustle of these local markets, and they are unquestionably worth every penny.

Visit the neighborhood markets and shop to your heart's content, or simply observe as the locals hand-weave a variety of canang goods, whether you're seeking for one-of-a-kind presents and souvenirs or fresh organic fruit (pictured above). Who knows, they might even demonstrate it for you!

10. Discover the charming seaside communities of East Bali.

Eastern coastal areas of Bali, including as Sanur, Padang Bai, and Candidasa, are widely renowned for their quaint, laid-back atmospheres, family-friendly restaurants, and other amenities.

This region is where you can escape the traffic and the throng and instead take in a calmer pace of island life by the sea, whether you're traveling alone or with the kids. The east coast is the ideal location to see a magnificent golden sunrise, so start your day early!