It’s easy to get seduced by the glamour of south Bali with its trendy restaurants and uber-cool beach clubs, but if you have something a little quieter in mind for your Bali holiday, the pristine Sunrise Coast on the island’s eastern shores has a charm of its own.
Peaceful coastal villages nestle amidst banana plantations, lush green rice fields and exotic palm-fringed black sand beaches. A trio of volcanos looming in the distance makes stunning backdrops, especially when bathed in the pearly pink light of a Balinese sunrise.
TOP THINGS TO DO
The atmospheric seaside town of Candidasa is situated mid-way up the east coast, 60km from the airport. Local art shops sell paintings, handicrafts and wood carvings, while casual open-air restaurants are strung along the shore, some with candlelit tables right on the beach. Make sure you check out the main temple, with a dreamy location on the edge of a lotus-filled lagoon.
Adventure-seekers can trek to the summit of Mount Agung, the island’s highest peak, while water enthusiasts can explore Bali’s best dive sites, such as the HMS Liberty Wreck. Adrenalin junkies can get their kicks on a shark dive, or glide through the water with manta rays. The cool waters of Tirta Gangga, an elaborate water palace tucked into the nearby hills, makes for a gentle respite with spring–fed pools and water fountains carved from stone.
A few kilometres inland from Candidasa, the 700-year-old walled village of Tenganan is home to the Bali Aga, the island’s first inhabitants. It is a popular cultural attraction these days, but still provides a fascinating glimpse into a traditional way of life and is justly famed for its beautiful ikat weavings.
The small coastal village of Jasri is home to Charly’s chocolate factory. You won’t find Willy Wonka, but you will find delicious chocolate (try the Narkabo dark chocolate nibbles) and great photo opportunities thanks to a quirky assortment of cone-shaped bamboo houses clustered in a grove of coconut palms right on the beach. Nearby, a bumpy dirt road winds through the verdant forest to emerge at Pasir Putih (white sand) rightly crowned as Bali’s most beautiful beach. Bathe in the turquoise sea, soak up the rays from a deckchair and indulge in fresh fish for lunch, barbecued right in front of you.
Bias Tugel, another fabulous beach, is located further south in the pretty fishing village of Padang Bali. Tucked between two headlands, it has everything you expect from a tropical beach, and a kickback to old-school Bali with simple beach shacks serving fresh coconuts, nasi goreng and banana pancakes. Blue Lagoon is close by, a narrow, picturesque cove with a pretty coral reef. You can rent snorkelling gear from one of the cafes on the hillside and explore delightful marine life here.
The 1000-year-old temple Pura Goa Lawah clings to the coast at Pesinggahan and is known as the ‘bat temple’ due to the thousands of bats that live here. According to legend, its dark tunnels are home to a giant dragon-like snake that feeds off bats. You will often spot colourful Balinese ceremonies at the temple, particularly on full moon nights.
This region is renowned for its sate lilit – a local delicacy of spicy fish sate grilled on lemongrass stalks. Head to Warung Mertha Sari for a delicious Balinese meal of skewers, fish soup, steamed fish in banana leaf parcels, and a fiery sambal matah (hot sauce.)
BEST BEACHFRONT VILLAS
There is much to enjoy on Bali’s east coast, and you may want to stay around for a while. Why not treat yourselves to a special Bali hideaway and check into a luxury beachfront villa? Most villas come with service staff and the option of hiring a cook, so all your needs are taken care of.
If panoramic ocean views appeal, check out Villa Asada which sprawls across a hilltop at Labuan Amuk Bay on the outskirts of Candidasa. The infinity-edge swimming pool is perfectly positioned to enjoy the seascape.
A collection of traditional fishing villages, Ketewel is just 30km from Bali International Airport. Beaches here are often deserted and surfers will usually find they have a whole break to themselves. Saba is renowned for its gamelan music, legong dancers, and a famous temple which rises directly from the shimmering black sand. Those looking for a rejuvenating Bali holiday will love nearby Villa Ylang Ylang, a lavish seaside retreat with options for yoga, spa treatments and health-conscious dining.
Pabean Beach is reached via a sun-dappled lane that meanders through tobacco plantations, emerald rice fields and banana groves. Villa Bayu Gita has a stunning infinity pool right on the beach as well as a home cinema and well-equipped gym.
From Ketewel, it’s just a quick hop up the hill to Ubud, the arts and cultural centre of Bali, or to Bali Marine Safari Park, home to tigers, elephants and lions. At the salt pans on the beach at Kusamba, you can see farmers using ancient techniques to craft 100% natural sea salt by sun and wind evaporation.
Sanur is the southern-most town on the east coast and retains its laid-back charm with leafy streets, art galleries, cosy cafes and seafront promenade. The calm lagoon-like waters and golden sand make it a popular spot for families.
A holiday on the Sunrise Coast will reveal the real Bali, a place of ancient villages, colourful Hindu pageantry and traditional way of life. For your next Balinese vacation, head east on a journey of discovery and find out what you have been missing.
Fulfil your beachfront fantasies by booking one of our Bali villas.
