East Bali is one of the major tourist attractions in Indonesia where tourists come swarming in from all over the world. Everything from the natural beauty of the lush green mountains to the rich blue beaches and mystic temples has an inviting charm of its own. This side of the Bali Island is so exquisitely put together by nature that you cannot get enough of exploring the aesthetics and soothing aura of this place. If you are coming to Indonesia and are making a list of places to visit then write East Bali on top of it for it is worth it. Here are some of the attractions of East Bali that you can visit in a day trip from Ubud or South Bali
📍 East Bali Day Trip Overview
- Location: Eastern side of Bali, easily accessible from Ubud or South Bali.
- Highlights: Palace of Klungkung, Rendang Rice Terraces, Candidasa, Bat Cave Temple, and Tenganan Village.
- Vibe: Cultural, historic, and incredibly scenic—far less crowded than the south.
- Ideal For: Culture seekers, photographers, and those looking to explore authentic Bali.
Why Trust This Article?
Indonesia has been my home for the past ten years — not a destination I parachute into for a story. I’ve traveled the archipelago from end to end: more than 20 trips to Raja Ampat and Komodo, expeditions through Halmahera, Alor and the Banda Sea, road trips across Sumba and Flores, and countless journeys around Bali in every season, on every kind of transport from private drivers to the public bus. Along the way I’ve slept in everything from Nihi Sumba, once named the best hotel in the world, to remote island guesthouses with no running water or electricity — so when I tell you whether a place, festival or route is worth your time, it’s measured against the whole country, not a brochure. Everything in this article comes from my own visits, with my own photos, and I update it when things change on the ground. More on how I travel and review on my author page.
The Palace of Klungkung
The Palace of Klungkung in East Bali was made in the 17th century and has survived a lot. It lost many of its parts during the period of Dutch colonization, but still the remnants there are worth visiting and admiring. The main gate, the court of justice and the Kertha Gosa Pavilion are still in their original form and they are preserved so well that going there feels like a visit to the past of Indonesia. The place is beautiful and mystical, so you can get a lot of impressive pictures there as well.
The Rice terraces of Rendang
All the breathtaking shades of green stand proudly in the rice terraces of Rendang where various techniques of cultivating and growing rice are used. You can get a deeper insight into the agricultural practices of Indonesian people there. The fields are so vast and so lovely with ending patches of greenery which leaves you refreshed to your very core. After all, what can be a better rejuvenation spot than vast green fields which have natural beauty and natural healing aura about them?
Candidasa Beach and the salt collectors
East Bali is rich in beach locations and fun-filled activities which you will surely love. The Candidasa Beach is made of black sand and is far from being the most picturesque in Bali but it is a great place for lunch. The mountains and lovely green trees in the surroundings make it picture-perfect while the resort’s restaurants there take care of all your needs.
Near Candidasa, you can also see how salt is being harvested and processed for our daily consumption
The bats cave temple
Located by the side of the road along the sea, the bat temple is one of the most important temples in the region. Towards the end of the temple, you can see a huge cave where thousands of bats live.
The Village of Tenganan
If you are fond of exploring cultures in their rawest and unrefined forms then you will love glimpses of Indonesian culture in the Village of Tenganan where the native Indonesian tribe, Bali Aga, lives and still practices the centuries-old traditions. The women can still be seen with platters of exotic fruits on their heads while the local animals casually stroll past you in the streets. The village has become a tourist attraction so expect to see many craft sellers through the village.
Don’t miss the honey house at the end of the village. The honey man is full of wonderful stories and his honey is delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions: Exploring East Bali
What are the best places to visit in East Bali?
If you are looking for places to visit in East Bali, start with the Palace of Klungkung and the traditional Bali Aga village of Tenganan. Other top East Bali attractions include the Bat Cave Temple (Goa Lawah) and the stunning rice terraces of Rendang. Together, these make up some of the best places to visit in East Bali.
What are the best day trips East Bali has to offer?
An East Bali day tour is highly recommended if you are staying in Ubud or the southern beaches. A classic East Bali trip usually combines cultural sites with natural scenery. To build a solid East Bali itinerary, simply follow the coastal road to Candidasa, stopping at the historic pavilions and salt farms along the way.
What to do in East Bali for nature lovers?
When wondering what to do in East Bali or what to see in East Bali regarding nature, the Rendang rice terraces are a must. Exploring the black sand beaches of Candidasa and watching traditional salt harvesting are also great East Bali things to do. The natural beauty of eastern Bali is generally much more untouched than the bustling south.
2 thoughts on “Exploring East Bali in one day”
I also enjoyed myself while I was visiting this kind of places.
I loved the Village of Tenganan! I hope the tourists aren’t bothering them too much these days, but maybe they are making more income with selling their crafts and other items 🙂