Bali, Indonesia (Part 3). Discovering the East Coast of Bali.
During the following days, we rented a moped to tour Bali independently. Up past Padang Bai on the East coast of Bali -where fast boats leave for the neighbouring island of Lembongan, or to Lombok and the Gili Islands a couple of hours away- you’ll discover quiet beaches, and some wonderful scenery.
The East Coast of Bali
Bali’s largest temple, Pura Besakih is an ancient sacred sanctuary, sitting high up on the mystical Mount Agung, and the holiest Hindu temple in Bali. This is the true Bali where time stands still… tropical countryside, off trail rice fields, and quiet rural villages such as Sideman (one of Bali’s hidden gems).
The virgin white sands of Prasi Beach are hidden away on Bali’s east coast, a 20-minute drive from Candidasa. The clear blue sea is great for swimming and snorkeling.
Follow the eastern coastal road up to Amlapura a thriving market town in the hills, and on to Tirta Gangga water palace gardens, a fascinating maze of pools and fountains.
I wished I could have stayed longer, to walk the routes though the rice fields down to the east coast. Like all places of tourist interest in Bali, you can a hire local guide if you wish, a gesture which helps local economy.
Grabbing something to eat in Bali is simple! For lunch just stop at a wayside stall and grab a charcoal grilled corn-on-the-cob, some homemade pastries and some exotic fruit…. Healthy, cheap, delicious and fast!
Amed – Diving on Bali’s East Coast
Our next stop was Amed and the black sand beaches of Bali‘s eastern coast. Amed is an outlying fishermen’s village framed by a succession of volcanic sand bays lined with outrigger boats.
There are a number of good dive sites in this area and it’s becoming a popular place to learn free-diving. The underwater scenes of coral and colourful fish are amazing.
Amed is great for a get-away-holiday although it’s off the beaten path, there are hostels and hotels not far away. This is also a stop-off before getting the ferry directly to Gili Meno Island, Gili Tragwan, Gila Air or Lombok.
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We rented a moped to tour Bali independently… Up past Padang Bai – where fast boats leave for the neighbouring island of Lembongan, or to Lombok and the Gili Islands a couple of hours away – you’ll discover quiet beaches, and some extraordinanary sites.
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Lombok – Pink Beach + Tanjung Luar Fish Market
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Awesome article! Love the colorful photos!