Billy Bagus
Apr 24, 2025
When people dream of Bali, they often imagine the yoga retreats of Ubud or the beach clubs of Seminyak. But there's another side of the island that feels like stepping into a different world—Eastern Bali, where authenticity still lives in the rhythm of village life, the silence of jungle mornings, and the gentle waves of hidden beaches. From mesmerizing dive sites to towering volcanoes and sacred temples, here’s why this region should be your next destination!
Where authenticity still lives in the rhythm of village life, the silence of jungle mornings, and the gentle waves of hidden beaches.
Authentic Balinese Culture in Tranquil Villages
In the villages of Eastern Bali, tradition isn’t a performance for tourists—it’s a way of life. Places like Sidemen offer a rare glimpse into Bali’s agricultural roots, where locals still farm, weave songket textiles by hand, and live in harmony with nature. Nearby Tenganan, one of the island’s oldest Bali Aga villages, holds fast to its pre-Hindu customs, unique architecture, and intricate geringsing double ikat weaving. These communities preserve a Bali that feels untouched by time—and invite visitors to experience it firsthand.
Bali’s Best Landscapes: Rice Fields, Waterfalls & Jungle Trails
Eastern Bali is a feast for the senses. The lush Sidemen Valley is stitched with terraced rice paddies and winding footpaths, while the jungle conceals natural wonders like Tukad Cepung Waterfall, where sunbeams filter through the cliffs like light from another world. Nature here is unspoiled and immersive—perfect for hiking, photography, or simply finding a quiet place to breathe deeply. It’s not about rushing from one attraction to the next—it’s about surrendering to the land and letting it reveal its beauty slowly.
Eco-Friendly, Slow Travel Paradise
This side of Bali speaks to those craving connection and quiet. Forget high-rise hotels—eco-lodges, bamboo cottages, and homestays are the norm here, often run by families who share their homes, culture, and meals. From yoga in open-air pavilions overlooking rice fields to cooking classes with fresh ingredients picked that morning, Eastern Bali supports sustainable, mindful travel. It’s not just a place to visit—it’s a place to belong, even if only for a while.
Pristine Beaches Without the Crowds
If you're looking for beaches where you don’t have to elbow your way to the shoreline, Eastern Bali is your dream. The region boasts secluded coves, volcanic black sands, and even hidden white-sand gems like Virgin Beach (Pantai Pasir Putih) near Candidasa. These beaches are serene and simple—lined with palm trees, dotted with fishing boats, and free from loud music or beach clubs. The waters are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or just sinking into a hammock with nothing but the sound of waves for company.
Spiritual Landmarks Steeped in History
Eastern Bali is spiritually rich, home to some of the island’s most sacred and scenic temples. Besakih Temple, known as the "Mother Temple," is a sprawling complex on the slopes of Mount Agung and a powerful center of worship. Not far away, the Lempuyang Temple—with its iconic “Gates of Heaven”—draws both pilgrims and photographers. Then there's Tirta Gangga (picture above), a former royal water palace where koi-filled pools and stone fountains offer a peaceful escape. These sites aren’t just beautiful—they’re deeply moving, infused with centuries of belief and ritual.
The Sacred Majesty of Mount Agung
No feature dominates Eastern Bali like Mount Agung, Bali’s tallest and holiest volcano. Its presence is spiritual, magnetic, and awe-inspiring. For locals, it is the navel of the universe; for trekkers, it offers one of the most challenging and rewarding climbs in Indonesia. Sunrise treks to the summit reveal a view so expansive it stretches across neighboring islands. Even if you never set foot on its slopes, Agung’s silhouette at dawn—wrapped in mist and mystery—leaves a lasting impression on every soul that sees it.
World-Class Diving Sites
Eastern Bali holds treasures beneath the surface, too. The USAT Liberty Wreck in Tulamben is one of the most famous and accessible dive sites in the world—resting just meters from the shore and bursting with marine life. A short drive away, Amed offers colorful coral reefs, artificial reef installations, and gentle currents perfect for both divers and snorkelers. With visibility often exceeding 20 meters and a rich variety of sea creatures, Eastern Bali is a hidden gem for underwater adventurers.
Eastern Bali isn’t about chasing the next big Instagram trend—it’s about reconnecting with what truly matters. Nature, culture, spirit, and stillness. Whether you’re diving through shipwrecks, walking through emerald rice fields, or sitting in the quiet of a centuries-old temple, you’ll find yourself closer to the essence of Bali here than anywhere else on the island.
