With its rich past and diverse landscape, East Bali provides an interesting insight into the island’s history and traditional life. The area is home to some of island’s best diving spots as well as some of its most important historical sites, offering many opportunities to immerse yourself in authentic village life.
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In Klungkung, you’ll find the floating pavilion of Bale Kampang and the Semaraya Museum, which will bring you back to the times when it was the capital of Bali’s most important kingdom. Discover the secrets of ikat and songket weaving techniques in Sidemen, a lovely town surrounded by a mountainous landscape. Nearby is Bangli, a quiet village known for its forests, waterfalls and beautiful views over Mount Agung. Going east is Padang Bai, a lively fishermen’s town and gateway to the Gili islands.
A variety of diving and snorkelling spots are easily accessible, for instance Amuk Bay, where you can dive with manta rays and sharks. Stop in at Candidasa to relax; chill out on some quiet, hidden beaches or experience rural life towards Amlapura and Tirtagangga, where in the amazing water palace, you can admire the 11-storey fountain and elegant gardens. Take some time to explore the surroundings and get lost as you discover the traditional Bali aga villages of Bugbug, Timbrah and Bebandem and cross Buddhist monasteries, Hindu temples, centenary sacred trees and colourful local markets.
If you’re passionate about diving, head to Amed, a lovely tourist town and great base to explore the underwater world around Tulamben. The area offers shallow reefs, popular among snorkelers and freedivers, as well as challenging sites featuring cliffs and strong currents for the more advanced divers. Check the Liberty wreck and swim with ghost seahorses, blue ribbon eels and lionfish, while you will find sharks in Batu Kelebit and unparalleled muck diving in Kubu.
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