Bali’s Eastern shoreline is an undervalued treasure trove of lush rolling hills, stunning black sand beaches, some of the best diving and snorkelling spots, as well as lots of cultural and historic structures crucial for understanding Balinese Hindus.

For temples and waterfalls, and even wine tours, head East! We are happy to share the most epic things and attractions you can see and do in Eastern Bali, which we discovered after years of living on the island.

Summary Upfront For Your East Bali Day Trip

East Bali is best for families, nature lovers, divers, and people who are not interested in nightlife or shopping. Here, you can expect to see vibrant coral reefs, Balinese temples, remnants of royal palaces, and safely enjoy swimming.

Here are the best things to do and keep in mind when visiting East Bali:

• It takes about 3 hours to reach East Bali from Canggu or Seminyak, and it is best to hire a private driver for a day trip or rent a bike rather than relying on a taxi. It will be hard to get a ride back through any of the apps.
• The best time to visit East Bali is during the dry season (April to November), with a slight exception for waterfalls, which are more powerful and impressive during the rainy season.
• If you only have one day to visit East Bali, check out these spots: Tirta Gangga Water Palace, Bat Cave, and diving or snorkelling at one of the spots (Candidasa, Blue Lagoon, Amed or Tulamben).
• East Bali is the starting point to explore the Nusa Islands: Nusa Penida, Nusa Ceningan, and Nusa Lembongan. It is a short boat ride.
• There are many organised tours offering East Bali Day Tour, but if you know what you want to visit, hiring a driver or getting there yourself can save you time and money.
• Temples and all the other attractions will have a small entrance fee or ask for a donation in exchange for a sarong (for sacred sites). Beaches on the East Coast are mostly free.

Our Favourite Things To Do On East Bali Day Tour

Discover Bali History At Klungkung Palace & Puputan Klungkung Monument

The most epic part of the 17th-century Klungkung palace (Puri Agung Semarapura in Indonesian) is its palace of Justice or Kerta Gosa pavilion. The walls and ceilings of the grand hall contain the original paintings retelling epic tales of cosmic justice and karma.

The complex has a floating pavilion with a lovely pond and Semarajaya Museum, where you can find many artifacts from the Klungkung kingdom.

The entrance fee is around 20,000-50,000 IDR (2-5 AUD)

Across the street is Puputam Klungkung Monument, one of the most painful reminders of the Dutch colonial era for the Balinese. The tall monument commemorates the mass ritual suicide in 1908 of 200+ royal family members and the closest elite who chose to never surrender.

Where Is It? Klungkung Royal Palace, JL. Diponegoro, Semarapura Kangin, 80751 Bali, Indonesia, Central Semarapura, Klungkung, Klungkung Regency, Bali 80761, Indonesia

Visit Bat Cave Temple (Goa Lawah Temple)

This small Hindu temple on the East Coast is one of the most visited ancient temples in Bali. It is a beautiful temple built around a cave opening housing more than a thousand fruit bats – yes, real, alive, bats!

You can visit the temple, but you can’t enter the cave. However, if you come right before sunset (and closing time), you may see all the bats flying out of the cave!

The temple complex is dedicated to Balinese worship of the guardian of the underworld and maintaining the balance of all things on Earth and beyond.

Where Is It? CFX9+9GG, Jl. Raya Goa Lawah, Pesinggahan, Kec. Dawan, Kabupaten Klungkung, Bali 80761, Indonesia

Feel Adventurous At Beji Guwang Hidden Canyon

This secret spot is located around Keramas Beach and Sukawati village and is a must for nature lovers.

You can spend hours exploring canyons, plunging in refreshing natural pools or enjoying the sound of waterfalls.

The adventure is great for families with teens, but bring your comfy shoes (or water shoes) and swimsuit.

Where Is It? 97QQ+XMM, Jl. Sahadewa, Banjar Wangbung, Guwang, Kec. Sukawati, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80582, Indonesia

Watch How Sea Salt Is Made At Salt Farms

East Bali is famous for supplying sea salt to restaurants all over Bali! The farms here still use century-old techniques and drying processes with no fancy machinery.

Your best bet to see how salt is actually made is by visiting the Amed Salt Centre from August to November when they offer the tours. The rest of the year, you can still visit the centre to buy salt, but there may not be someone to answer all your questions or show you around.

Another option is to stop by Kusamba village – this coastal village also produces salt and is much less visited than Amed Salt Centre (so expect better prices but less reliable working hours or lack of proper tours).

Where Is It? Jl. I Ketut Natih, Purwakerti, Kec. Abang, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80852, Indonesia

Visit The Oldest Village In Bali – Tenganan Pegringsingan Village

Tenganan village is one of the oldest traditional villages of the Bali Aga (indigenous Balinese people) in Bali, Indonesia.

It carries on the tradition of double-woven fabric with patterns and prints called geringsing and attracts visitors during the yearly Perang Pandan Battles – a Balinese festival held in early summer, only in this village, which marks coming of age for boys.

It is conveniently just a short bike ride from Candidasa! You won’t find any trendy cafes here, but you will be able to witness firsthand how women weave and the village life looked like in Bali before it became touristy.

Where Is It? GHF8+CGG, Unnamed Road, Tenganan, Kec. Manggis, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80871, Indonesia

Discover Balinese Art At Nyoman Gunarsa Museum

If you need a break from the heat and some more cultural stops on your day trip, this art museum is an amazing thing to do in East Bali.

Three floors cover decades of Balinese art, from paintings to traditional puppets and wood carving. The whole compound is interesting to explore too, with majestic Balinese gates, carved and painted by hand, in Balinese architecture.

If you’re visiting Kerta Gosa, stop by this museum; it is just a short ride outside the town.

Where Is It? Jl. Pertigaan Banda No. 1, Takmung, Banjarangkan, Takmung, Kec. Klungkung, Kabupaten Klungkung, Bali 80716, Indonesia

Don’t Miss These Two Viewpoints: Lahangan Sweet & Bukit Cinta

One of our favourite viewpoints in Bali is Lahangan Sweet – you have a full panoramic view of rainforest, ocean, and, of course, Agung! It is also not far from the Gates of Heaven.

Bukit Cinta Viewpoint in Karangasem is our second favourite. While in South and Central Bali you chase sunsets, on the East Coast you chase sunrise. With Mount Agung as a backdrop, you will get the best pictures at the Bukit Cinta viewpoint early in the morning.

Write Your Name At Lontar Museum

Not far from Bukit Cinta Viewpoint and Karangasem Royal Palace, you will find a unique museum tourists often overlook – Lontar Museum.

Lontar is a traditional way of the Balinese to preserve and pass down generations the sacred scriptures and knowledge – they use old Balinese language (looks nothing like Indonesian!) to etch every symbol on palm leaves.

You can not only learn about this fascinating tradition, but also try to write your name, too.

Where Is It? Desa Adat Dukuh Penaban, Karangasem, Kec. Karangasem, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80811, Indonesia

Find Gamelan Instruments At Tihingan Village

Located super close to Aan Secret Waterfall, this small village is actually the foundation of traditional music – skilful artisans making gamelan instruments live here till today, and you can dive into the history and even visit the workshops!

The gamelan brass and bronze gongs, and percussion have accompanied all Balinese ceremonies and events since Balinese kingdoms existed! Most of the workhops are concentrated in the area around the local market; it won’t take more than an hour to explore this village.

Where Is It? F99M+758, Tihingan, Banjarangkan, Klungkung Regency, Bali 80716, Indonesia

Explore White Sand Beaches Of East Bali

East Bali is mostly known for its volcanic beaches, but if you know where to look, you will find stunning white sand beaches with no crowds, like in bustling tourist areas in South Bali or Uluwatu.

The three beaches you will find golden white sand on the eastern coasts are Pasir Putih White Sand Beach, Bias Tugel Beach, and Virgin Beach.

All three make a great stop if you’re on a road trip, have simple local eateries (warungs) to grab lunch, and even sun loungers and snorkelling gear to get some tan or meet reef fish.

They are all clean, quiet, and easy to access.

Visit Besakih Temple Complex (Mother Temple), Karangasem

The Besakih temple complex sits right on the southern slope of the sacred Mount Agung and is, without a doubt, the most important site for Balinese Hindus.

The grounds cover 23 separate temples, and the whole complex is situated over six levels, all 1000+ meters high above sea level.

Visiting it with a guide and spending 2-3 hours here is crucial for understanding thousands of years of Balinese culture and traditions. Not to worry, you don’t have to pre-book anything; you can find a guide right at the entrance by the parking lot.

Where Is It? Besakih, Rendang, Karangasem Regency, Bali 80863, Indonesia

Feed Koi Fish At Tirta Gangga Water Palace

Built by the last Karangasem royal family in 1946, this water palace sits on one hectare of land.

However, you won’t find the former royal palace as it was in the 20th century, as it was destroyed by a volcanic eruption (Mt Agung is still considered an active volcano) and was completely reconstructed after that.

The complex spans koi-filled ponds with stepping stones, a swimming pool, statues, a temple, a restaurant, and rice terrace views. Can easily spend hours here!

The entrance fee is around IDR 50,000 (5 AUD) depending on your age and visa, and you can buy fish food separately for just a few thousand rupiahs.

Even though there are always a lot of tourists, the place still remains pleasant to visit – we visited it quite a few times over the years.

Where Is It? HHQQ+836, Jalan Raya Abang Desa Adat Jl. Raya Tirta Gangga, Ababi, Kec. Abang, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80852, Indonesia

Stop By Blue Lagoon Beach For A Quick Snorkel

A short drive from Padang Bai, this small cove is great for snorkelling with reef fish and vibrant coral reefs right near the shore.

It’s best in the dry season, April to November, and you can rent gear or book boat trips right on the beach.

Where Is It? FGC7+38M, Padangbai, Manggis, Karangasem Regency, Bali 80871, Indonesia

Test Waters With Telaga Waja White Water Rafting

Adventurous souls, even beginners, can enjoy white water rafting in East Bali – the Telaga Waja river is great for this, with a series of rapids taking you on a 3-hour ride. It is suitable for all levels of adrenaline junkies.

Lots of tours are available that can even take you from Canggu or Nusa Dua, and they often come with a lunch break.

If you’re travelling with friends, it can be a super fun group activity!

Taste Wines At Sababay Winery

Visiting Bali, wine is probably not something you think of, but you will be surprised! Bali-grown grapes and modern Balinese-European collaborations brought to light Sababay white, red, rose, sparkling, and even certified church wine!

You can book a simple wine production tour and tasting or a full romantic picnic in the garden with amazing Indonesian food.

Where Is It? Jalan Professor Doktor Ida Bagus Mantra No.333X Keramas, Medahan, Kec. Blahbatuh, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80581, Indonesia

Have Fun Surfing At Keramas Beach

East Bali’s jewel is most definitely its shining black sand beaches stretching along the Bali sea for kilometres without any crowds!

Keramas is the only surf break in East Bali, where the World Surf League hosts annual contests! It is a powerful right-handed spot, best for shortboards.

The break is friendly, locals surf with foreigners, but they do have a set of rules to make the experience enjoyable and limit the number of surfers allowed in the water.

Where Is It? Pantai Keramas St No.80551, Keramas, Blahbatuh, Gianyar Regency, Bali, Indonesia

Take A Picture At Lempuyang Temple (Gates of Heaven)

Iconic hilltop Hindu temple complex overlooking Mount Agung with Gates Of Heaven framing the volcano peak beautifully. The location is not random – the temple is actually dedicated to the balance between Earth and Heaven and is one of the six holiest Hindu temples in Bali.

To reach it, you need to drive up the mountain to the parking lot, where you need to buy a shuttle ticket that will take you to the temple complex. There, you leave a donation to enter and get a sarong (or you can bring yours). A few steps up the hill, and you are at the Gates of Heaven!

However, we should warn you that this place is extremely touristy, and while the spot is unique and stunning, a 4-hour wait in line and the most expensive entrance fees to take a picture are not for everyone.

To make the most out of your visit, we recommend taking time to actually explore all the temples in the complex, although it means quite a hike, so it isn’t suitable for kids or seniors.

Where Is It? JJ5H+GQF, Jl. Pura Telaga Mas Lempuyang, Tri Buana, Kec. Abang, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80852, Indonesia

Trek Mount Agung With A Local Guide

Trekking Mount Agung is a challenging yet rewarding adventure – you are up against the active volcano, the most sacred mountain in Bali and the legendary place where Balinese believe a dragon lived!

That being said, at certain times of the year, you are actually not allowed to climb it, and at all times, you should be accompanied by a local guide.

The summit is at 3,000+ meters. The hike is considered pretty demanding and will take hours, so you will start around midnight.

However, panoramic views of all Bali and neighbouring islands, including Mount Batur and the lakes, and Mount Rinjani in Lombok, with the first sunrise light, will be well worth it!

Hike Up Bukit Lemped To Have A Picnic

If you love nature and breathtaking views and want to avoid crowds at all costs, pick something most tourists don’t do – hiking.

This little hill, Bukit Lemped, is a beginner-friendly hike that will bring you to a well-maintained hilltop that has sights of the ocean, Agung volcano and 360-degree views of the green valleys. Just a simple nature with no swings to take photos, and no restaurants, so bring your snacks.

Where Is It? GH5F+67, Sengkidu, Manggis, Karangasem Regency, Bali, Indonesia

Step Inside Taman Ujung Water Palace

This lesser-known 20th-century water palace is a must during your Bali trip if you liked Tirta Gangga but wished for a quieter place.

Taman Ujung Water Palace is exactly that, and it feels much larger with elements of Balinese and European architecture, ponds, alleys, bridges, and something Tirta Gangga doesn’t have – ocean views!

The best time to visit this water palace is during golden hour, when you can take amazing pictures. It is also quite popular for wedding photoshoots.

Where Is It? Ujung Water Palace, Tumbu, Karangasem, Karangasem Regency, Bali 80811, Indonesia

Get Lost In Sidemen’s Green Valleys

If you are on a honeymoon, Sidemen is an absolute paradise!

Sunrise walking tours through rice terraces, silversmith and weaving workshops, uninterrupted views of Mount Agung, royal spa treatments, scooter rides or cycling around to find secret waterfalls – this sounds like a perfect plan for a couple’s romantic getaway.

We recommend the Samanvaya Adults-Only resort with an upscale restaurant, art gallery, and spa for your stay in Sidemen.

Stop By Candidasa Lotus Lagoon

Candidasa Lotus Lagoon is a quick stop on your East Bali day trip to marvel at 1000 m2 of ponds filled with lotus flowers and a small garden island in the middle.

It’s free to visit, peaceful, and you can also swing by the temple, Pura Candidasa, right across the street.

Where Is It? Sengkidu, Manggis, Karangasem Regency, Bali, Indonesia

Scuba Dive & Snorkel At Amed

Amed is a small village that has lots of dive schools, cute cafes, and homestays with views of Mount Agung and affordable prices.

Surrounded by lush greenery, it is a remote oasis for yogis, divers, and people who love themselves some peace and quiet.

We recommend staying for a few days to enjoy snorkelling, grilled seafood at Amed Beach, reggae live music, and relaxed vibes.

Jemeluk Bay is probably the most popular site for snorkelling in Amed, with calm waters, reef fish, and an underwater temple. To see something unique, snorkel around the Japanese shipwreck – the easiest to access shipwreck in Bali, even without diving deep!

There is also a hilltop cafe with incredible views of the bay, with rows of fishing boats and Mount Agung peak.

Discover Night Diving

The underwater world is completely different at night, with different tropical fish and creatures to spot, including friendly sharks, if you know where to go.

Around Candidas and Virgin Beach, there are a few caves where you can spot whitetip and blacktip reef sharks.

Night Diving will also be available pretty much at all popular dive sites in Bali (Tulamben, Amed, or Pemuteran in the North).

Dive To See Shipwreck At Tulamben

The famous USAT Liberty shipwreck from WWII in Tulamben is one of the most sought-after diving spots in Bali – just 30 meters off the beach, you can reach one of the world’s fascinating diving sites covered by corals and hosting hundreds of tropical fish.

However, it is fair to say that this spot is best for experienced divers. For beginners, Tulamben’s Emerald Dive Spot will be an amazing adventure.

Add a Boat Trip To the Nusa Islands To Your East Bali Itinerary

We absolutely love the white sand beaches, surfing scene, and amazing sunset views of Nusa Lembongan and the wild nature and thrilling beaches of Nusa Penida. These green islands are just a short 45-minute to 1-hour boat ride from Bali’s eastern port, Padang Bai.

Even a half-day trip here will submerge you into beach living, introduce you to the world’s unique marine life with Mola Mola and huge manta rays, and offer you some of the most iconic viewpoints the whole planet identifies as “Bali”. Think of the T Rex Klenkgking Beach for once!

Visit East Bali Waterfalls On Your Day Trip

Tukad Cepung Waterfall

This postcard-worthy waterfall is super easy to access and is the number one waterfall you have to visit in East Bali.

You pay a small entrance fee at the car park, then take a short walk and a few steep steps, and you will end up in a natural cave with a medium-tall waterfall and sunlight getting in through an opening at the top.

Where Is It? Jl. Tembuku, Tembuku, Kec. Tembuku, Kabupaten Bangli, Bali 80671, Indonesia

Gembleng Waterfall

This is a great waterfall to visit if you are staying in Sidemen or Candidasa. It’s famous among couples for the natural pool perched on a cliff from where you can see the whole valley all the way to the Bali Sea (Indian Ocean)!

The waterfall itself is not that dramatic; it has a gentle slope with water flowing down quirky rocks all year round.

Where Is It? Unnamed Road, Tri Eka Buana, Kec. Sidemen, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80864, Indonesia

Waterfall Bangkiang Djaran

A medium waterfall hidden in the dense rainforest, which very few tourists visit. The water cascades over volcanic rock formations, and the small river takes the water towards the ocean.

There is usually a very small entry fee, aka parking fee, about 5,000 IDR (0.5 AUD).

Where Is It? Br Jelekungkang, Taman Bali, Kec. Bangli, Kabupaten Bangli, Bali 80752, Indonesia

Kanto Lampo Waterfall

The second most epic waterfall in East Bali and probably one of the most visited nature sites in Bali, in general, thanks to the dozens of marvellous water cascades that form this waterfall.

The water flow is very gentle, so you can climb up and take a few photos in a meditating pose! Tickets are 25,000 IDR (2.5 AUD).

Where Is It? Jl. Kaliasem lingk.kelod kangin, Beng, Kec. Gianyar, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80513, Indonesia

Goa Giri Campuhan waterfall

Beautiful setting, very few tourists know about, but the waterfall itself is very similar to Kanto Lampo – cascades, terraced rocks, dense jungle.

Expect to have amazing views of the rice fields, walk across a real bamboo bridge and even get into a cave tunnel to reach this secret waterfall.

Where Is It? Jl. Uluwatu, Tembuku, Kec. Tembuku, Kabupaten Bangli, Bali 80671, Indonesia

Tegenungan Waterfall

If you love waterfalls with natural pools to cool off, check out Tegenungan Waterfall. It is a towering force of nature not far from Keramas Beach, with a few viewpoints and sitting areas.

It has become quite touristy, but the views are still worth it! You will have to hike down to reach it, so wear comfortable shoes. The entrance fee is around 30,000 IDR (3 AUD).

Where Is It? Kemenuh, Sukawati, Gianyar Regency, Bali, Indonesia

Aan Secret Waterfall

Our favourite hidden waterfall in East Bali is Aan, approximately 30-meter tall powerful waterfall near Klungkung and Sidemen with moss-covered canyons and jungles.

Locals used canyons as passages between villages for centuries, but this waterfall was discovered relatively recently, and you can meet Dira, the person who found it, to listen to his stories.

Where Is It? Aan, Banjarangkan, Klungkung Regency, Bali 80716, Indonesia

FAQs

What To Do In Eastern Bali?

There are so many things to do in East Bali: you can visit white and black sand beaches, try scuba diving or snorkelling, and get lost hunting for secret waterfalls.

Or you can focus on history and culture and explore ancient temples, royal water palaces, museums, and still-standing traditional villages.

Is It Worth Going To East Bali?

Absolutely. East Bali is much quieter than the south, offers stunning nature, beaches where you can swim and snorkel, great temples, and better access to authentic Balinese experiences.

Is $1000 Enough For 1 Week In Bali, Indonesia?

Yes, a budget of 1000 USD or AUD per person is enough for a one-week vacation in Bali, even including budget accommodation.

You will be able to visit FINNS beach club to party, buy souvenirs, try local food, go on 2-3 day trips around the island, and indulge in cheap Balinese massages!

Which Side Of Bali Is The Best?

It depends on what you’re looking for, visiting Bali. The south (Canggu, Seminyak, Uluwatu) is best for parties, shopping, surfing and a digital nomad lifestyle. East Bali is ideal for cultural immersion, diving, snorkelling, and nature lovers looking to avoid crowds.

Final Thoughts On Best Things To Do East Bali

While South Bali is fun and a staple tourist destination, to truly say you’ve seen Bali, you have to visit East Bali!

This side of the island holds so much history, from the traditional villages and royal palaces to the last traces of colonial occupancy.

Plus, the road trip will take you through green rice paddies and jungle-covered hills along the coast – a superb setting for an adventure!