East Bali Travel Guide (Karangasem & Amed) — Routes, Must-See Spots & Smart Hotel Voucher Savings

East Bali, especially the regions of Karangasem and Amed, is a far calmer paradise than the busy south. Here you will find royal water palaces, the iconic Gates of Heaven, the rice terraces of Sidemen, and a stunning underwater world. This guide covers routes, must-see spots, estimated costs, and how to save with hotel vouchers.

Must-See Spots in Karangasem

• Tirta Gangga Water Palace — a former royal water palace with iconic ponds and stepping stones. Open around 07:00–18:00; foreign tourist tickets are about IDR 90,000 (domestic around IDR 45,000), including swimming access. Maps
• Taman Ujung (Soekasada Ujung) — a royal water garden with wide ponds set against the sea and mountains. Tickets around IDR 50,000, open about 07:00–19:00.
• Lempuyang Temple (Gates of Heaven) — Bali's most photographed sky gate. Tickets around IDR 55,000–75,000 including a shuttle; arrive very early (06:00) as queues are long. Maps
• Besakih Temple — the largest and holiest temple in Bali on the slopes of Mount Agung. Combined tickets around IDR 60,000–150,000 including a shuttle; dress modestly and rent a sarong.

Beaches & Nature

• Virgin Beach / Pantai Perasi (Bugbug) — clear white-sand beach, entry fee around IDR 10,000–20,000, ideal for relaxed swimming.
• Bukit Asah Bugbug — a green hill facing the sea, popular for camping and sunrise, entry around IDR 10,000.
• Sidemen Valley — green rice terraces backed by Mount Agung, free to explore, perfect for trekking and quiet stays.

Underwater Paradise: Amed & Tulamben

• Amed — a diving and snorkeling area with calm water. The Japanese Shipwreck is reachable straight from the beach. Snorkeling around IDR 150,000–250,000, dive packages from about IDR 450,000.
• Tulamben — home of the legendary USS Liberty Shipwreck, one of the best dive spots in the world. Area entry around IDR 15,000, fun dive packages from about IDR 500,000.

2–3 Day Itinerary & Tips

• Day 1: Lempuyang Temple in the morning, then Tirta Gangga and Taman Ujung, stay in Candidasa.
• Day 2: Virgin Beach and Bukit Asah, head to Amed in the afternoon for sunset snorkeling, stay in Amed.
• Day 3: Morning dive in Tulamben, stop at Besakih Temple or Sidemen before heading back.
• Transport: a car plus driver at around IDR 600,000–800,000 per day is the most comfortable; scooter rental around IDR 70,000–100,000 for the flexible.
• Best time: dry season April–October; come early to avoid heat and crowds.
• Where to stay: Candidasa (central and complete), Amed (near the sea), Sidemen (quiet and natural).

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