Many people visit Bali and never travel further than Kuta and Seminyak in the south of the island. However, outside the heavily touristed areas, there is so much more of Bali to explore.
Head to the east and you will find more authentic Balinese culture, beautiful nature, and a slower pace of life.
Getting to East Bali
Until about 15 years ago, the roads to East Bali were small and winding. Now there is a main artery to the east with Bypass Prof. Ida Bagu Mantra, which takes you all the way from the Sanur area to Goa Lawah temple in Klungkung Regency. This trip takes around 1.5 hours with another 25 minutes if you are headed to Candidasa or 1.5 hours more to Amed.
The best way to get to the eastern towns is by car, either with a driver, or rented yourself. A driver will cost around $50 (US) or to rent a car it will be around $40 (US) a day. Renting a car is a great option if you plan to explore East Bali. Just be warned that the roads can be a little disorganized and local drivers don’t tend to follow ‘western’ rules.
Experiences at Lotus Bungalows
There are tons of fantastic experiences that show off all the different facets of Balinese life and culture. Some of the most booked experiences at Lotus Bungalows are the Balinese classes, led by local people. Spend a morning or afternoon learning to cook, make offerings, and dance in traditional Balinese style.
For a fun experience within the hotel there is the option of a BBQ dinner with Balinese performance that is great for groups and families. If you have never seen a Balinese dance before, this is the perfect way to enjoy the beauty of it.
Cultural Outings
If you like to get out and see what’s around Candidasa there are lots of options as well. Tenganan Village cultural tour will take you to the Bali Aga (original Balinese) village just 10 minutes drive from Lotus Bungalows. You will see the beautifully laid out village, stop and see the famous weavers making gorgeous ikat fabrics, and chat to families that have lived in the same way for centuries.
A little bit further east, Lempuyang Temple makes a beautiful day trip from Candidasa. Lempuyang is one of Bali’s oldest temples and is known for its temple gates that perfectly frame Mount Agung in the background. There is generally a line for photos but if you prefer to go just for the experience, and a bit of a climb, it’s a beautiful place to see some of the history and culture of the island.
The Natural World
East Bali is known for its beauty. With verdant green rice terraces stretching as far as your eyes can see, this is a great place to trek into the countryside. See how rice is planted and grown in the traditional ways, and enjoy the gorgeous scenery.
For a really iconic Bali experience, hiking up Mount Batur or even Mount Agung is a possibility. There is nothing more beautiful than watching the sunrise from the top of one of Bali’s sacred volcanos.
To see the island from a different perspective and enjoy the sea life, fishing or snorkelling on a traditional jukung boat is a great half day or day excursion. You can even get your catch cooked up for you at the end of the day on a barbeque.
Adventure Experiences
Bali has become a haven for adventurous travellers. From diving, to quad bike tours, river rafting, and flying foxes, there are loads of activities in East Bali to get your adrenaline pumping. This can all be arranged through the staff at Lotus Bungalows either when you book or during your stay.
When there is so much to do and see in East Bali, it’s a shame to spend all your time on the island in the areas that are packed full of traffic and tourists. Broaden your horizons and head east for at least part of your stay!
For more information on booking your stay at Lotus Bungalows Candidasa in beautiful East Bali, click HERE.
