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.
Related Features on BALI and LOMBOK
Discovering Bali – Sunrise at Sanur Beach
Sanur is a popular resort, conveniently located on the southeastern coast of Bali, where you can find traditional, beachfront 4* accommodation with true Balinese atmosphere and hospitality. Endless sands fringe a shallow bay which is protected by an off-shore reef…
Discovering Bali – Land of Temples
Discovering the land of Bali – Batur Temple, Tegallalang rice terraces and Ubud The most convenient, hassle-free and an amazingly economical way to see the sights is to hire a chauffeur driven car. Madi picked us up from the lobby in a smart, air-conditioned vehicle and headed inland…
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.
Discovering Bali – Beaches and Sunsets
Discovering the beaches and chasing sunsets in Bali. I just wanted to relax and enjoy beach life. A ride south on our faithful moped took us to Nua Dusa, and reputedly Bali’s best beaches, with sumptuous five-star resorts where you can enjoy luxury of being pampered.
Best Places to Visit in Ubud (Bali)
Have you heard of Ubud in the highlands of Bali? The cultural heart of Indonesia’s favourite island, this mystical town lays in a perfect setting between rice fields and forests where streams cascade into sacred pools…
Gili Meno is a tiny island in Indian Ocean where it meets the Pacific by the Wallace Line, a few kilometres off the northwest coast of Lombok and 35 kilometres east of Bali; sometimes called ‘Robinson Crusoe Island’, it’s just like a castaway island with fabulous, fine white sands…
Lombok – Rinjani Beach Eco Resort
Gliding through the ocean on our improvised ‘taxi’, a small longtail boat, Juan and I left the white sands of Gili Meno Island for the short trip across the waters to Lombok. From the sanctuary of our fabulous desert island retreat, I’d gazed across the straits…
Lombok – Pink Beach + Tanjung Luar Fish Market
Tangsi Beach (Pantai Pink), Lombok. Our second day day in Lombok and we were up before dawn to the haunting sound of the sunrise call to prayers from a mosque in the nearby village. After some Lombok coffee and tropical fruit, it was time to set off for ‘Pink Beach’
Discover the World with
