East Bali is a part of the island that is rich in natural beauty, cultural heritage, and serene landscapes. If you are planning to be in Bali and have a week to spend in the east, we have some great tips for what to do to make the most of your time.

Day 1: Arrival and Relaxation

Arrival at Ngurah Rai Airport and transfer to Lotus Bungalows Candidasa in East Bali. This takes about an hour and a half by car. If you are arriving from other places in Bali it takes around 1 hour from Ubud or the same from Sanur.

Once you check in, it’s time to settle in and relax. A dip in the pool will refresh you, especially if you have had a long journey.

In the evening enjoy a leisurely walk on the beach if the tide is out and try out some of the delish dishes at Lotus Bungalows restaurant.

Day 2: Candidasa and Surroundings

After a hearty breakfast is a perfect time for snorkeling or diving at Blue Lagoon. This is a lovely beach in Padang Bai and can be reached by car or by boat from Candidasa.

Head back to the hotel for a delicious lunch and a hours’ rest while the sun is at its peak. In the afternoon visit Tenganan Village, one of the oldest Balinese traditional villages. The village is famous for its beautiful hand woven fabrics, which you can also buy straight from the weavers.

Evening is time for another delicious seaside dinner in Candidasa. You could even have a romantic date night set up looking out over the water.

Day 3: Water Palaces and Temples

One of East Bali’s most breathtaking views is from Lempuyang Temple, often referred to as the Gateway to Heaven. The hike starts very early in the morning and can be challenging, but if you are up to it, the sunrise views are some of the most incredible in all of Bali.

If you’ve been out in the morning, a couple of hours of rest might be in order. In the afternoon visit Tirta Gangga, a royal water palace with beautiful ponds and statues. Also close by is Taman Ujung Water Palace, another picturesque water palace with sprawling gardens.

After all that it might be a good evening for an early night.

Day 4: Amed – Beaches and Diving

Wake up bright and early and drive to Amed, which is about 1 hour away. Jemeluk Beach is a great place to chill and enjoy snorkeling right off the beach. The coral reefs and marine life here are spectacular. You can either snorkel or dive at the Japanese Shipwreck later in the afternoon.

Amed is known for its fresh seafood barbeque on the beach, so don’t miss a great feed before you drive back to Candidasa.

Day 5: Sidemen Valley Exploration

After a day in the sea, it’s time to enjoy the inland area of East Bali. Sidemen is known for its lush rice terraces and traditional villages. You can take a guided trekking tour through the rice fields, offering insights into local agriculture and breathtaking views.

In the afternoon there are local weaving workshops in the area to see traditional Balinese textile production.

Day 6: Outdoor Adventures

For action-lovers a white-water rafting trip on the Telaga Waja River is a great way to see some of East Bali you wouldn’t normally see. In the same area is Besakih Temple, the largest and most important temple in Bali. You can learn about Balinese Hinduism and admire the intricate temple buildings.

On the way back to Candidasa from Besakih Temple stop at a local coffee and spice plantation. You can fresh taste coffee and see how spices are grown in the region.

Day 7: Coastal Serenity

By this point you have had a pretty action packed week so it’s time to relax. Spa treatments are a great way to refresh your body and mind, and they are extremely affordable in Bali.

If you want to have a last trip to the beach, Virgin Beach (Pasir Putih) is a beautiful white sand beach about 15 minutes from Candidasa. Afterwards a final dinner at Lotus Bungalows is the perfect end to the week.

This itinerary is a great balance of relaxation, cultural exploration, and adventure. You get a little bit of everything and every type of traveler should be happy. Does this sound like a great week in East Bali for you? Is there anything else you would add to it? Let us know in the comments box below.