Away from the tourist-packed, chaotic, happening places of Bali lies a mystical land. Quite forgotten by everyone, Eastern Bali is a world in itself. The black sand beaches, spill down mountains, gigantic volcanoes, ancient temples, lush rice terraces offer nothing less than tranquillity and food for the soul. For all those who wish to spend a day or two in the arms of nature, exploring the rich historical heritage of Bali, basking in the natural sensations of the volcanic mountains and crystalline beaches and absorbing the traditional lifestyle in the typical Balinese villages, a trip to the Eastern Bali is compulsory.
Traditional Culture at Tenganan Village
Would you like to discover the real Bali? The untouched, traditional culture? Then a visit to Tenganan village is probably something for you. This village is located in the southeast of Bali. Tenganan is four kilometres inland from Candidasa and a one-hour drive from Denpasar. The residents of Tenganan are Bali Aga, they still live according to the old rules of animism, before the rise of Hinduism.
The houses in this village are designed and built according to the traditional way. Also, the village people still hold the traditional religious ritual ceremonies and live the ancient Balinese lifestyle of using every means to keep their lifestyle pure and clean. The Tenganese people who move out of the village are not welcomed back, nor are their spouses if the village people get married to outsiders.
The unique thing about this village is the double Ikat; a technique in which both warp and the weft are dyed with a specific pattern before stringing on the loom, and in Indonesia, it is only made in Tenganan. Double Ikat weaving requires a lot of skill for precise patterns to be woven and is considered the premier form of Ikat.
Unwind at the Hideout Bamboo Treehouse
It’s quite an experience to spend a night in one of these bamboo houses. This hideout is truly an adventurous experience, rustic and authentic right in the middle of Balinese village life. The accommodations are 90 minutes away from Ubud and 2 hours from Denpasar. Located so far away from the crowds, the nearest quiet town is Amlapura, which is 30 minutes away. There is no nightlife here! No bars, clubs, coffee houses or shops with Western products or Western food. Sleep here in the middle of rice fields in a quiet location next to a flowing river.
Into the Bat Cave
Pura Goa Lawah is a temple built around a cave opening, which is inhabited by thousands of bats and, if the local legend is true, a giant king snake wearing a crown. This is why the temple hence its name the Goa Lawah or Bat cave. It’s one of Bali’s nine directional temples and is said to guard against evil spirits from the ocean. The temple is known as one of the most peaceful temples in Bali, as it was built by Dang Hyang Niratha, a Hindu priest.
From the cave, you can see the beautiful coast with the blue ocean with Nusa Penida Island as a backdrop. This cave is apposite to the beautiful beach with black sand along the coastal area. Goa Lawah Klungkung is located in approximately 90-minutes’ drive from Denpasar City.
Agricultural life at Sideman
Situated at the foothills of the majestic Mount Agung, Sidemen Village invites travellers to experience a rural side of Bali; agricultural life with refreshing green views. The village is surrounded by rice farms. At this place, you will meet friendly locals while you imagine yourself among the rice fields. This is also not a party destination, so at this location, you will get rid of all the hustle and bustle of the cities.
You can book a hike through the rice fields here, this will bring you a whole new experience. The accommodation here is centralised in one area, which most of them overlook the magnificent rice fields.
If you are planning on going here for one or a few days, you should book a small car with a driver or rent a scooter because the roads are very narrow. It’s important to blend mix with the locals and wear proper clothing. Sideman is a two-hour ride away from Denpasar.
Fresh Air at Pasir Putih Beach
Pasir Putih, which means white sand, is therefore not unexpectedly known as a beautiful white beach. This is a great off-the-beaten-path spot for enjoying easy beach life and snacks at the local warungs. Bear in mind that the beach is difficult to reach and that there are no villas or hotels around the beach. The beach is on the main road on the way to Perasi, a small village, where you must carefully follow the route or ask the locals for directions. To make it a little easier you could rent a car with a driver who knows the area. From Denpasar, it’s a 90-minutes’ drive to Pasir Putih Beach.
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