You’ll undoubtedly find your own piece of paradise if you look past Bali’s tourist capitals. Have a boat ride and escape the mainland to the Nusa islands, or go into the central highlands for scenic treats and also to be close with character. Coincidentally, these are also popular locations for backpackers in Bali. Whatever your budget, here are a few of our favourite places in Bali to escape the crowds.
Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida provides the real ‘unbeaten path’ experience. As the largest one of Bali’s 3 Nusa islands, Nusa Penida features quite limited tourism infrastructure but guarantees an exotic scenery of natural beauty and cultural attraction through its bare landscapes and mysterious temples. Among the striking temples in Nusa Penida is Goa Giri Putri, also referred to as the Karangsari cave temple. This cave is full of limestone stalagmites and stalactites and meditational spaces. Many ferries and charters to Nusa Penida depart from Padang Bai Harbour from East Bali.
Amed and Tulamben
Amed and Tulamben are distant coastal cities which discuss the barren topography of the easternmost area of Bali. It’s underwater beauty, however, is precious by divers from throughout the world. The village outskirts provide you with beautiful coastal landscapes with quiet beaches and hilly bays lined with traditional jukung fishing ships parked in neat rows. Wake up early for the enchanting sunrises since the fishermen set out of their boats and fill out the shimmering waters with their vibrant sails. Both destinations are from the remote coastal area of East Bali, an approximate hour drive north in the primary Candidasa area.
Tenganan Pegringsingan
Tenganan Pegringsingan is one of the three primaries ‘Bali Aga’ (old Balinese) villages that are located in isolated areas. The village is only several kilometres north-west of Candidasa. It’s known as being the home to the rare geringsing dual ikat weave cloth, produced only in the village and where the village gets its own title. Also, a major highlight here’s the Perang Pandan or even Mekare-kare, which coincides with a temple anniversary around June or even July and sees with village boys coming old battle in favourable fights — using thorny pandan leaves as weapons. To get there, start off at the Candidasa central location. Tenganan village is only a brief drive up a hill.
Penglipuran Village
Penglipuran is among Bali’s legendary mountain village famous for its own row of traditional Balinese homes which are laid out in a uniform and neat row. Penglipuran is among the Bali Aga villages in which the folks today uphold conventional historical values and a pair of rigorous rules. Every family compound comes with a traditional split gateway. Old bricks nevertheless stand in their location. Conventional kitchens are coated in soot in the billowing timber fire hearths, as well as the chemicals have been creatively laid out, every next old fashioned spatial and architectural pair of principles. The village is located at the Bangli regency and is frequently included in routine excursions to Besakih Temple.
Padangbai
Padangbai is one of Bali’s less-visited beaches on the southern shore, mainly thanks to it becoming a transit place for travellers who go on ferry crossings to the nearby island of Lombok. A few who spare some time to learn more about the region are in for good snacks, as the fishing village has several stretches of sand which are rather idyllic. The waters around Padangbai are suitable for snorkelling and diving, and lots of lodgings and hotels for places to stay before exploring East Bali.
Tirta Gangga and Taman Ujung Water Palaces
The imperial palaces of this Karangasem royal household comprise 2 of the island’s famous water palaces and gardens, namely Tirta Gangga and Taman Ujung. The former royal hillside retreat is currently open to the general public, covering 1.2 hectares of mountain spring-fed pools, ponds and fountains among beautiful gardens lawns adorned with stepping stone, intricate gardens and tropical gardens. Mount Agung and also the Indian Ocean serve as perfect backgrounds to this exotic site.
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