Best Things to Do in East Bali
East Bali is one of the best parts of the island for travelers who want to experience a quieter and more authentic side of Bali. Compared with the busier areas of Seminyak, Canggu, or Kuta, East Bali offers beautiful temples, traditional villages, green rice fields, mountain views, peaceful beaches, and some of Bali’s best snorkeling spots.
From the famous Lempuyang Temple and Tirta Gangga to the beautiful Sidemen Valley, Amed, and Lahangan Sweet, there is plenty to discover.
If you are planning an East Bali day trip or a longer stay, here are some of the best things to do and places to visit.
1. Visit Lempuyang Temple – The Famous Gates of Heaven
Lempuyang Temple is one of the most famous temples in East Bali, best known for its iconic split gates with Mount Agung in the background.
The temple is an important spiritual site for Balinese Hindus, but it is also popular with travelers looking for beautiful mountain scenery and photography.
For the best experience, we recommend starting early in the morning. The earlier you arrive, the better your chance of enjoying cooler weather and beautiful morning light.
Best for: Culture, photography, sunrise, and mountain views.
2. Explore Tirta Gangga Water Palace
Tirta Gangga is a beautiful former royal water palace surrounded by gardens, fountains, ponds, and traditional Balinese architecture.
One of the highlights is walking through the ponds filled with large koi fish. The peaceful gardens make Tirta Gangga a lovely place to slow down and enjoy the atmosphere of East Bali.
It is also easy to combine with Lempuyang Temple and other attractions around Karangasem.
Best for: Photography, culture, gardens, and a relaxing experience.
3. Visit Taman Ujung Water Palace
Another beautiful royal site in Karangasem is Taman Ujung Water Palace.
The complex features large ponds, bridges, gardens, and historic buildings surrounded by hills and coastal scenery. It feels different from Tirta Gangga and offers plenty of beautiful spots for photography.
If you enjoy architecture, history, and peaceful surroundings, Taman Ujung is well worth adding to your East Bali itinerary.
Best for: Photography, history, architecture, and relaxing walks.
4. Enjoy the Views at Lahangan Sweet
If you are looking for one of the best scenic viewpoints in East Bali, Lahangan Sweet is a great choice.
Located in the hills of Karangasem, Lahangan Sweet offers beautiful views toward Mount Agung, the surrounding countryside, and the coastline. Its famous tree-top platforms have also made it a popular photography spot.
Early morning is usually the best time to visit, when the atmosphere is cooler and the light is softer. On a clear day, the combination of mountain, hills, and ocean views can be spectacular.
Lahangan Sweet can be combined with Lempuyang Temple, Tirta Gangga, and Taman Ujung for a scenic East Bali adventure.
Best for: Photography, sunrise, mountain views, and couples.
5. Discover the Peaceful Sidemen Valley
If you want to see a quieter and more traditional side of Bali, spend some time in Sidemen.
The area is surrounded by rice fields, small villages, traditional houses, and beautiful views toward the mountains. Instead of rushing from one attraction to another, Sidemen is a place where you can simply enjoy the scenery and slower pace of Balinese life.
You can also explore local villages, walk through the rice fields, visit traditional weaving communities, or enjoy a peaceful lunch overlooking the valley.
Best for: Nature, culture, rice fields, photography, and a relaxing Bali experience.
6. Visit Besakih Temple – The Mother Temple of Bali
Located on the slopes of Mount Agung, Besakih Temple is considered the largest and most important Hindu temple complex in Bali.
The temple complex consists of many temples spread across the mountain slope, with impressive views of the surrounding landscape.
For travelers interested in Balinese culture and spirituality, Besakih offers a deeper cultural experience than simply visiting a scenic attraction.
Best for: Culture, spirituality, architecture, and mountain scenery.
7. Explore Amed and Enjoy the Underwater World
Amed is one of the best places in East Bali for travelers who enjoy the ocean.
The coastline is known for its traditional fishing villages, black-sand beaches, clear water, and beautiful underwater scenery. Jemeluk Bay is particularly popular for snorkeling and enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of the area.
Amed is also a wonderful place to stay overnight if you want to experience East Bali without rushing.
Best for: Snorkeling, diving, beaches, sunsets, and relaxing.
8. Go Snorkeling at Blue Lagoon & Tanjung Jepun
For an easy snorkeling adventure, Blue Lagoon and Tanjung Jepun near Padangbai are excellent choices.
The snorkeling experience usually includes several spots where you can see colorful fish and coral reefs. It is a good option for travelers who want to add some ocean adventure to their East Bali itinerary without spending a full day diving.
Best for: Snorkeling, families, couples, and first-time snorkelers.
9. Relax at Virgin Beach
If you are looking for a quieter beach experience, Virgin Beach is one of the places we recommend in East Bali.
The beach is surrounded by green hills and has beautiful blue water, making it a nice place to relax after visiting temples and other attractions.
It is a good choice for travelers who want to slow down and enjoy some beach time away from the busier areas of South Bali.
Best for: Beach lovers, swimming, relaxing, and photography.
10. Discover East Bali's Waterfalls
East Bali also has several beautiful waterfalls that are worth exploring if you enjoy nature and short adventures.
Gembleng Waterfall is known for its natural rock pools and beautiful jungle surroundings, while other waterfalls in the region offer a more peaceful and less-developed experience.
The best waterfall depends on your interests, available time, and how much walking you would like to do.
Best for: Nature, swimming, photography, and adventure.
11. Experience Traditional Balinese Villages
One of the best things about traveling through East Bali is seeing everyday Balinese life outside the main tourist areas.
You can find traditional villages, family temples, rice fields, local craftsmen, and small communities where Balinese traditions are still an important part of daily life.
If you have time, visiting a traditional village or local weaving community can make your trip feel more personal and meaningful.
Best for: Culture, local experiences, photography, and slow travel.
12. Try a Traditional Balinese Cooking Experience
Food is another wonderful way to experience Balinese culture.
A traditional cooking class can introduce you to local ingredients, spices, preparation techniques, and some of Bali's most popular dishes.
It is especially enjoyable for travelers who want something more interactive than simply visiting tourist attractions.
Best for: Food lovers, families, couples, and cultural experiences.
13. Enjoy a Scenic Drive Through East Bali
Sometimes, the journey itself is part of the experience.
Driving through East Bali takes you past rice fields, traditional villages, coconut trees, mountain landscapes, and coastal roads. The scenery changes constantly, and there are many beautiful places where you can stop for photos or simply enjoy the view.
This is one reason we recommend a private driver for East Bali. You can take your time, make small stops along the way, and adjust your itinerary depending on the weather and your energy.
Best for: Scenic drives, photography, flexible itineraries, and slow travel.
How Many Days Do You Need for East Bali?
You can visit some of the main East Bali attractions on a full-day trip, but it can be a long day if you try to see too much.
For example, Lempuyang Temple + Lahangan Sweet + Tirta Gangga + Taman Ujung can make a beautiful but fairly busy day.
If you have more time, we recommend staying one or two nights around Sidemen or Amed. This allows you to enjoy the area at a slower pace and include experiences such as snorkeling, village visits, waterfalls, or sunrise viewpoints.
Our Local Tip
East Bali is best enjoyed without rushing.
If Lempuyang Temple is part of your plan, start early. If you love photography, consider adding Lahangan Sweet. If you prefer nature and a slower atmosphere, spend more time in Sidemen. And if you enjoy the ocean, staying overnight in Amed can be a great choice.
Rather than trying to see everything in one day, choose the experiences that match your travel style.
Which East Bali Experience Is Right for You?
For Culture:
Lempuyang Temple → Besakih Temple → Traditional Village
For Nature:
Sidemen → Rice Fields → Waterfall
For Photography:
Lempuyang Temple → Lahangan Sweet → Tirta Gangga → Taman Ujung
For Beach Lovers:
Virgin Beach → Amed → Sunset
For Snorkeling:
Amed → Jemeluk Bay → Blue Lagoon & Tanjung Jepun
For a Relaxed Trip:
Sidemen → Tirta Gangga → Virgin Beach
Explore East Bali Your Way
East Bali is not just about famous temples and Instagram spots. It is about beautiful landscapes, local culture, peaceful villages, fresh air, and discovering a different side of Bali.
Whether you want to visit the famous Lempuyang Temple, take photos at Lahangan Sweet, explore the royal water palaces, walk through the rice fields of Sidemen, or snorkel in Amed, your East Bali experience can be completely customized around your interests.
At Fun Bali Holiday, we can help you create a private East Bali trip with a comfortable private car, local Balinese driver, and flexible itinerary.
Take the stress out of planning Bali.
We Make Bali Easy for You.
