Ambiance & landscapes
East Bali seduces with its peaceful atmosphere and contrasting landscapes. Sidemen enchants with vast verdant terraced rice paddies descending to the valley, dotted with small traditional villages. Amed offers volcanic coasts of black sand bordered by coconut palms, while Candidasa provides calm lagoons and lush hills. Tulamben, dominated by Mount Agung, reveals exceptional seabeds near the beaches. This zone alternates imposing mountains, undulating rice terraces and wild shores, creating a spectacular and soothing natural setting far from mass tourism.
Things to see and do
Explore Sidemen rice terraces on guided hikes, dive the Liberty wreck at Tulamben, a famous beach-accessible dive site. In Amed, snorkel to observe turtles and colourful fish. Visit peaceful Pura Candidasa temple and surroundings, or head out on an excursion to Mount Agung for a dawn hike. Do not miss Sidemen's traditional villages to discover local crafts and Balinese ceremonies, as well as natural hot springs near Candidasa.
Where to eat and drink
Local warungs offer specialities such as spicy nasi goreng, fresh grilled fish of the day and babi guling. In Amed, savour seafood with homemade sambal facing the ocean. Sidemen provides organic cafés with tropical fruit juices and vegetarian gado-gado. Candidasa features restaurants serving Balinese laksa and coconut-based desserts. Fresh mango or papaya juices perfectly accompany these simple and tasty meals.
Transport & access
Access from Denpasar airport takes approximately two to three hours by private car or taxi. Winding roads cross villages and rice terraces, ideal by rental scooter for greater freedom. Shuttles or private drivers are recommended for journeys between Sidemen, Amed and Tulamben. Ferries from Lombok sometimes arrive at Padangbai near Candidasa, facilitating inter-island travel. A GPS or local driver helps navigate narrow lanes.
Who is it for?
This zone suits divers and snorkellers seeking accessible spots perfectly. Honeymoon couples appreciate the calm of sea-view villas. Nature lovers and hikers enjoy rice terraces and volcanoes. Travellers seeking authenticity discover traditional Balinese culture in the villages. Finally families find gentle activities and comfortable accommodation amid restful landscapes.