8 Best Tours in East Bali

Discover some of East Bali’s most remote coastal villages on this half-day tour. This region has tranquil stretches of sand that can vary from dark volcanic black to pebbly or glistening white. You can also enjoy sunbathing, snorkelling, swimming, and even deepen your knowledge of the local culture at these great beaches. Kusamba, for instance, shows you how salt is traditionally harvested.

Further east to the coasts of Padangbai, you’ll be treated to wonderfully secluded bays, such as the beach of Bias Tugel with its white sand and crystal-clear waters. Another exotic beach included on this trip is Pasir Putih, also nicknamed Virgin Beach and Secret Beach. The tour takes up about 8 hours.

Telaga Waja is a popular river that winds through the hilly terrain of the Karangasem regency in East Bali. It offers a ‘more serious’ white water rafting challenge compared to Ayung River in Ubud. Plus, it’s perfect for those looking for an adventurous time out in the Bali outback, featuring various natural and cultural highlights along its 14-km course.

First, you’ll team up with a local guide who’ll show you how to ‘tame’ the rapids. Throughout the course, you’ll pass bamboo bridges, shoot over waterfalls, and spin through lazy sections of calmer water. At the end of your adventure, you’ll enjoy a delicious Indonesian buffet-style lunch, overlooking the river and valley you’ve just conquered. The rafting adventure takes up to 8 hours.

East Bali’s main attractions include a collection of magnificent water palaces. This tour takes you to see not only these wonderful landmarks, but also some of the strikingly black sand beaches where salt is traditionally harvested. The tour takes you back in time at one of the traditional villages where culture and old ways live on.

Historical sites include Kerta Gosa, also known as the ‘hall of justice’. It features pavilions surrounded by moats and with ceilings heavily adorned in ancient wayang shadow puppet-like Kamasan-style paintings. You’ll also visit Tenganan Pegringsingan, one of Bali’s ancient villages that’s home to the heritage gringsing double-ikat weave cloth.

The royal Karangasem heritage full-day tour takes you on a journey that includes a visit to the home of the Karangasem royal family. You’ll be able to witness the wonderful traditional architectural features that are considered among the best examples on the island.

Grand palaces and expansive water gardens combine Balinese, Chinese, and European designs, such as that of Taman Sukasada Ujung, where a large water palace complex is set at the foot of Mount Agung – the vast complex with the mountain looming in the distance can be a breathtaking sight. Tirta Gangga, another palatial complex, is also featured on this full-day tour.

On a full-day tour of Bali’s east, you’ll get to venture out and discover culturally rich villages sprinkled throughout vast, lush landscapes. There are also artisan hamlets where you can see craftsmen at work or observe elaborate traditional architecture from up close. Your cultural journey starts with a scenic drive past rolling emerald rice terraces and lush plantations, before arriving at Kamasan, which is renowned for its unique painting style.

Next stop is the town of Klungkung, home to Kerta Gosa, which is also known as the ancient royal court of justice. After marvelling at the intricate ceiling paintings at Kerta Gosa, meet the residents of Tihingan village, who are masters of making traditional gamelan instruments.

You can go on a private biking adventure in East Bali and enjoy a delightful blend of cultural highlights and stunning scenery. You’ll get to visit the island's ‘mother temple’ of Besakih, and then pedal down through plantations and rural Balinese villages while taking in the grand landscapes. Before heading to Besakih, your tour starts off with a visit to the Kerta Gosa ‘hall of justice’ in the centre of Klungkung town.

After your lunch break, cruise down through the beautiful rice paddy-growing village of Sidemen. Feel free to stop at a vantage point for a memorable shot over the lush greenery. You’ll also bike through fragrant plantations growing coffee, cocoa, cloves, and various exotic tropical fruits.