The eastern part of Bali is as diverse as the rest of it and you can find more wonderful temples while passing by some spectacular secluded beaches and rice fields. Most significantly, this region encompasses two of the highest volcanoes of the island, out of the primary four, Mount Agung and Mount Batur. These occasionally smoke- and ash-emitting active volcanoes are considered sacred by the Balinese people. Hence you’ll find one of the most significant temples of Bali, Lempuyang Temple, facing Mount Agung, on Mount Lempuyang.
Blue Lagoon Beach
This lagoon with its warm, crystal clear water is an exceptional spot to spend a couple of hours swimming and snorkeling. It is tucked just behind the popular Padang Bai Port. This is a small secluded beach with a few sun beds and a couple of cafes available overlooking the bay.
Lembongan island
If a day of snorkeling around Lembongan island, swimming with Manta rays and spotting turtles with a variety of fish all around you sounds like something you’d like to do, we can recommend the trip we did. We decided to join Lembongan Snorkeling Trips and let them guide us through the day, including a ferry ride to the island, a fast boat-ride to 3 different snorkeling spots, followed by a quick drive around the island. They also provided a lovely Indonesian lunch and refreshments.
Dream Beach at Lembongan island
This beach is well protected from the swell and offers crystal clear blue waters. Fairly popular as it also has a nice Beach Club.
Lempuyang Temple
A 2-3-hour drive from Ubud to the far east of Bali will lead you to Penataran Lempuyang. This is a highly regarded temple on the slope of Mount Lempuyang overlooking the holy Mount Agung.
Sarongs are a must here, bring your own or rent one at entry. Entry fee is at your discretion.
Most visitors gather here early morning to capture the clearest views of Mount Agung during sunrise. However, we decided to come here for sunset to avoid the crowds (and waking up at 3am). Mount Agung was disguised by a continuously moving wall of clouds, revealing the mountain peak every so slightly. The quickly moving clouds cover parts of the temple and give an eerie feeling to this ancient temple.
Sunset Mount Agung covered in thick clouds
‘Gate of Heaven’ where people take the instagram famous reflection photo.
Taman Tirtagangga
This attractive royal water palace, with lots of interesting sculptures, fountains and exotic architecture, offers a great photography stop-over. You could easily spend up to an hour here exploring and capturing all the different ponds, fountains and bridges from different angles.
Tirtagangga Rice Terraces
Surrounding Tirtagangga palace, you can find these extensive rice terraces. There are some spots to park along the road where you can appreciate this landscape from.
