Exploring East Bali Sacred Temples Volcanic Views and Coastal Villages Await

In East Bali, the world grows quieter. The air carries the scent of clove trees and sea wind, and the pace of life moves with ancient rhythms. Unlike the bustling hubs of the south, East Bali is where the island whispers instead of shouts—offering travelers sacred silence, unspoiled nature, and profound connection.

This region isn’t just an escape; it’s an awakening. From the towering majesty of Mount Agung to the reflective waters of Tirta Gangga, East Bali invites you to walk with reverence. It asks you to see more than beauty—to feel the pulse of ritual, the dignity of community, and the strength of tradition.

If you’re ready to explore a Bali that feels deeply rooted, raw, and resplendent, this journey is for you.

1. Besakih Temple: The Mother of All Temples 🛕

Rising from the fertile slopes of Mount Agung, Besakih is not only Bali’s largest and holiest temple—it is the spiritual heart of the island. A pilgrimage site for centuries, it’s a place where prayers rise like incense into the clouds.

• Explore over 80 temple structures interconnected by stairways and courtyards
• Witness processions dressed in white and gold during sacred ceremonies
• Learn about the cosmic layout aligned with Mount Agung, symbolizing the connection between humans, nature, and the divine

Besakih isn’t just a destination—it’s a journey into Bali’s spiritual architecture and symbolic cosmology. Each corner of the complex represents one aspect of Hindu belief, from the realms of gods to the everyday life of devotees. Pilgrims bring offerings, prayers, and hopes into its quiet courtyards, often traveling from distant villages barefoot.

To walk through Besakih is to walk through layers of sacred time. As you pass between carved gates and ascend toward its highest point, you may feel a shift—not just in altitude, but in energy. It’s a space where even silence becomes sacred.

Visit early in the morning, when the mountain mist lingers and offerings are still fresh. Here, every step is sacred., when the mountain mist lingers and offerings are still fresh. Here, every step is sacred.

2. Tirta Gangga: Royal Waters and Reflections 💧

Once a royal palace, Tirta Gangga is now one of East Bali’s most serene and photogenic destinations. Its koi-filled pools, tiered fountains, and stone pathways form a living artwork where water itself becomes holy.

• Walk barefoot on stepping stones across lotus ponds
• Visit the sacred spring where locals come to cleanse and pray
• Admire traditional Balinese architecture amidst flowering gardens

Once used by the Karangasem royal family for spiritual cleansing, the name Tirta Gangga means ‘holy water from the Ganges.’ Today, it continues to carry deep religious significance, and is used during high ceremonies for purifying the soul.

Let yourself wander without rush. The gentle murmur of water, chirping of birds, and fragrant blooms offer a moment of mindful reprieve. This garden temple isn’t loud in its beauty—it whispers it with grace.

This is a place for quiet wonder—where you can sit beside ancient water and feel your thoughts settle like the surface of a still pool.—where you can sit beside ancient water and feel your thoughts settle like the surface of a still pool.

3. Amed and Tulamben: Coastal Charm and Underwater Magic 🐠

On Bali’s eastern shorelines lie fishing villages like Amed and Tulamben, where volcanic sand meets some of the island’s best snorkeling and diving. Life moves slowly here—measured by tides, not clocks.

• Dive the famous USAT Liberty shipwreck, now a vibrant coral reef
• Snorkel straight off the beach in Jemeluk Bay
• Watch local fishermen return in colorful jukung boats

Life in Amed and Tulamben remains beautifully unhurried. The roads wind past salt farms, temple shrines, and sleepy cafés where local children giggle over board games while elders mend fishing nets. It’s the kind of place where you can truly lose the clock.

At dusk, the horizon burns gold and purple as fishermen bring in their catch. There’s no better time to sit at a warung by the sea, sip on fresh coconut, and watch life unfold in its slow, grounded rhythm.

These coastal villages are more than scenic—they’re soulful. Stay a while, eat fresh-caught grilled fish, and listen to the ocean’s lullaby. are more than scenic—they’re soulful. Stay a while, eat fresh-caught grilled fish, and listen to the ocean’s lullaby.

4. Sidemen Valley: Bali Before the Buzz 🌿

Tucked between mountains and rice fields, Sidemen Valley feels like a love letter to old Bali. This is a place of quiet devotion, where artists weave ikat fabric by hand, farmers offer prayers in the paddies, and the sound of gamelan drifts from village halls.

• Hike through rice terraces and bamboo forests with a local guide
• Visit traditional weavers and learn the stories behind each motif
• Meditate or journal in a riverside eco-retreat

Every element in Sidemen tells a story—from the way farmers arrange their offerings at dawn, to the gentle pace at which artisans stretch and dye fabrics using natural pigments. It is a living canvas of devotion.

This is a place where mornings begin with birdsong, and days end in golden light across endless terraces. Here, you’ll rediscover the joy of quiet moments—perhaps journaling beside a stream or simply observing nature breathe.

If your soul is craving stillness, Sidemen is your sanctuary., Sidemen is your sanctuary.

5. Lempuyang Temple: The Gateway to the Gods 🌤️

Perched high on the mountain ridge, Lempuyang Temple is famous for its split gate framing Mount Agung—but it offers more than a photo. It is one of Bali’s oldest and most spiritually potent sites.

• Climb over 1,700 steps to the main temple for a true pilgrimage
• Respect the temple’s energy by dressing appropriately and arriving with humility
• Experience breathtaking views and spiritual quietude

Many travelers only visit the lower gate—the famed “Gateway to Heaven”—for its iconic photo framing Mount Agung. But Lempuyang is a complex of seven temples, and the journey to its peak offers not only spiritual reward but awe-inspiring solitude.

The higher you climb, the more tranquil the air becomes. Monkeys leap between banyan trees, and the scent of incense greets you at each shrine. It’s a rare blend of pilgrimage and panoramic wonder.

Beyond the selfie lies a sacred path—walk it with intention. lies a sacred path—walk it with intention.

🏨 Tranquil Stays in East Bali

• Amankila – Candidasa
  A cliffside palace with tiered infinity pools and private beach access, offering unmatched elegance and tranquility.
• Wapa di Ume Sidemen – Sidemen
  A peaceful riverside haven surrounded by rice fields—ideal for slow mornings and spiritual connection.
• The Kayon Jungle Resort – Payangan
  An adults-only retreat elevated above the trees, perfect for romantic immersion and jungle seclusion.
• Anantara Ubud Bali Resort – Ubud Outskirts
  Balancing modern design and cultural depth with majestic views over verdant hills.
• Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve – Ubud
  A sacred riverside retreat offering curated Balinese journeys steeped in tradition and luxury.

East Bali is a place that doesn’t clamor for attention—it earns it. Through stillness. Through ceremony. Through the kind of beauty that lingers long after you’ve left.

If you’re seeking something more than a holiday—if you’re longing for soul-level connection, for depth, for discovery—then East Bali awaits with open arms and ancient grace.

Curated by BaliExpertGuide.com: where every journey honors Bali’s timeless spirit.

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