Karangasem Places of Interest ~ 6 article(s)

Karangasem Place Of Interest Is Tourism Site And Destination That Very Beautiful And Interesting To Visit

Nestled in the eastern corner of Bali, Karangasem offers an enchanting mix of culture, history, and natural beauty. Far from the crowded tourist hubs, this region is a treasure trove of hidden gems waiting to be explored. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or simply seeking peace, Karangasem has something for everyone.

Karangasem Places of Interest at Karangasem Regency is located in the eastern area of the island of Bali, also known as Amlapura, this place offers a lot of natural charm and very beautiful temples. If from Kuta it takes about two hours to reach this Karangasem location, and Karangasem Regency has a fairly large area. And Karangasem also has two ports that are often used for sea transportation to other islands in Indonesia, including the Padang Bay port which is often used to go to the Gilis, and the Tanah Ampo port which is planned to be used as a port to lean on cruise ships. The tourism objects in Karangasem are very diverse, from waterfall tours, historical buildings, holy temples and also other attractions that are no less interesting. Besides that, there are also beach tours that are often used for snorkeling and diving, as for others such as Blue Lagoon Beach, Labuah Amuk, Amed, Tulamben and others who are civilized in this Karangasem Regency. There is also Mount Agung which is the largest mountain on the island of Bali

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Karangasem Regency Geographically

Geographically, Karangasem Regency is in the position of 8000’00”- 8041’37.8” South Latitude and 115035’9.8”- 115054’8.9”East Longitude. The area of Karangasem Regency is 839.54 Km or 14.90% of the area of Bali Province (5,632.86 Km). From the entire area, about 7,070 Ha. (8.42 %) is paddy field, while 76,884 Ha is not paddy field (91.58%). The area of Karangasem Regency has a very varied topography, in the form of plains, hills, mountains (including Mount Agung). Karangasem has a beach with a length of 87 km, some of which are potential and have been designated as tourist areas. Administratively, Karangasem Regency (in 2009) consists of 8 sub-districts, with 78 villages/kelurahan (75 definitive villages, 3 kelurahan), 532 official banjars, 52 neighborhoods. Meanwhile, according to custom, Karangasem Regency consists of 189 traditional villages with 605 traditional banjars

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Natural Attractions in Karangasem

Tirta Gangga Water Palace

Location: Ababi Village, Karangasem
Highlights:

1. A former royal palace with tiered fountains, koi ponds, and stone sculptures.
2. The iconic stepping stones across the main pool, framed by Mount Agung.
3. Activities: Swim in natural pools, explore nearby rice fields, or dine at the palace café.
   Insider Tip: Visit at sunrise to avoid crowds and capture stunning photos.

White Sand Beach (Pasir Putih)

Location: Bugbug Village
Why Visit?

1. A secluded beach with powdery white sand and turquoise waters.
2. Snorkeling spots teeming with tropical fish near the coral reefs.
3. Local warungs serve grilled seafood and coconut drinks.
   Best Time to Go: Weekdays for solitude; weekends for a lively local vibe.

Lempuyang Temple (Gates of Heaven)

Location: Slope of Mount Lempuyang
Cultural Significance:

1. One of Bali’s nine directional temples, dating back to the 11th century.
2. The famous “Gates of Heaven” reflection shot (bring a donation for the photographers).
   Note: Dress modestly and prepare for a 1.5-hour hike to the main temple.

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Cultural & Historical Sites

Taman Ujung Water Palace

History: Built-in 1919 by the last king of Karangasem, this palace blends Balinese and European architecture.
Must-See: The panoramic views from the stone bridges and pavilions.

Tenganan Pegringsingan Village

Unique Culture:

1. Home to the Bali Aga people, Bali’s indigenous inhabitants.
2. Famous for double ikat weaving (Geringsing textiles), which take years to craft.
   Experience: Attend the Mekare-kare ritual (traditional bamboo stick fighting).

Puri Agung Karangasem (Royal Palace)

Architecture: A mix of Balinese, Chinese, and Dutch colonial styles.
Don’t Miss: The ornate courtyard and historical artifacts from the Karangasem Kingdom.

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Hidden Gems & Off-the-Beaten-Path Spots

Bukit Cinta (Love Hill)

Location: Near Sibetan Village
Why It’s Special:

1. A viewpoint overlooking endless rice terraces and Mount Agung.
2. Perfect for sunrise yoga or quiet picnics.

Keramas Kerang Mas Beach

Secluded Vibes:

1. Black sand beach with fossilized seashells embedded in the rocks.
2. Rarely visited by tourists—ideal for introspection.

Telaga Waja River Rafting

Adventure Alert:

1. Bali’s wildest rafting route with Class III-IV rapids and jungle scenery.
2. Includes a waterfall shower mid-journey.

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Culinary Journey – Must-Try Foods & Warungs

Sate Penyu (Ethical Note: Now Rare & Discouraged)

Cultural Context: Once a royal delicacy, now replaced by sustainable alternatives like sate ikan (fish satay).

Lawar Karangasem

What’s Unique: A spicy mix of minced meat, coconut, and fresh blood (optional), served during ceremonies.

Warung Dharma Sani

Location: Amlapura
Specialty: Babi Guling (suckling pig) with crispy skin and aromatic spices.

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Practical Travel Guide

Getting to Karangasem

1. From Denpasar: 2-hour drive by scooter/car; private transfers cost ~IDR 500K.
2. Public Transport: Bemos (minivans) from Batubulan Station (IDR 50K).

Where to Stay

1. Luxury: Alila Manggis (beachfront suites with organic gardens).
2. Mid-Range: Tirta Ayu Hotel (traditional Balinese architecture).
3. Budget: Homestays in Sidemen Valley (~IDR 150K/night).

3-Day Itinerary

Day 1 – Culture & Nature:

1. Morning: Lempuyang Temple + Tirta Gangga.
2. Afternoon: Taman Ujung + traditional dance performance.

Day 2 – Adventure:

1. White Sand Beach snorkeling + Telaga Waja rafting.

Day 3 – Hidden Karangasem:

1. Tenganan Village + Bukit Cinta + sunset at Keramas Kerang Mas.

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FAQs

Q: Is Karangasem safe for solo travelers?
A: Yes! Locals are friendly, but avoid remote areas at night.

Q: What’s the best way to explore Karangasem?
A: Rent a scooter (IDR 70K/day) for flexibility.

Q: Are credit cards accepted?
A: Mostly cash-only—bring IDR.

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Why Karangasem Should Be Your Next Bali Escape

Karangasem is where Bali’s soul thrives—untouched by mass tourism, rich in heritage, and blessed with jaw-dropping landscapes. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, immersing in rituals, or savoring ancestral recipes, this guide ensures you’ll experience the best of Karangasem’s places of interest.

Ready to Explore? Bookmark this guide, pack your sense of adventure, and dive into Bali’s best-kept secret!

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These are the tourist attractions and destinations in Karangasem Regency that you need to know