Bali's east coast from Sanur to Candi Dasa has been largely ignored until recently, even though it offers spectacular views, beaches, surf breaks, volcanoes, diving and ancient temples.
Some would argue the main reason Bali's east coast has not been developed as much as the south and south western coasts has been access, or lack thereof. Others might claim it's been down to politics.
Gapura Bali reported last year that newly elected Governor Koster planned to implement a 'Grand Design for Tourism' initiative. Under the banner of One Island - One Management the new administration would move for a greater and more equitable distribution of the tourism industry's benefits.
Currently most of Bali's hotels, luxury facilities and employment are concentrated in the south, particularly in the regency of Badung, which covers the areas of Canggu south to Seminyak, Kuta, The Bukit and Nusa Dua, leaving the rest of the island behind in terms of quality of life, education and opportunities.
Views of Gunung Agung from Tulamben on Bali's northeast coast. Image by David Petit on Flickr.
Under One Island - One Management, Bali's less developed east, west and north coasts and central highlands are being given a much needed and long awaited boost.
Radar Bali is reporting the Karangasem Regency Government, in charge of the east coast region, has agreed to continue the dual carriageway known as Jalan ByPass IB Mantra all the way to Padang Bai, Manggis and Karangasem further north.
This is an idea publicly supported by President Jokowi and work is slated to begin on the Kusamba-Padang Bai section of the highway extension in 2020.
The significance of developing Bali's east coast may not be immediately apparent, but it is a necessary part of delivering the island's long-term development plans, which include building a new airport in the northeast and completing infrastructure projects that support it, particularly Seraya Ring Road.
According to Tribun Bali there has been progress around the villages of Jasri and Tumbu, but not on the Seraya - Culik section, which is why the Karangasem administration has submitted proposals for a IDR 231 billion, 38.95 kilometre road, from Jasri - Tumbu - Seraya - Culik in the district of Abang.
Goa Lawah Temple - also known as the Bat Cave! Image by Jorge Lascar on Flickr.
According to I Made Sujana Erawan, Head of the Regional Planning and Development Agency (Bappeda), Setda Karangasem, this new road extension is vital for Karangasem as it would support the development of tourism, particularly spiritual tourism in the area and encourage much needed investment.
Karangasem is home to Mount Agung and Bali's most sacred temple of Besakih, which is located high on the volcano's slopes as well as Pura Lempuyang Luhur, Tirtagangga Royal Water Gardens, Taman Ujung Water Palace and Goa Lawah (translated as the Bat Cave!) All of which attract large numbers of domestic visitors.
Padang Bai is a major ferry terminal to nearby Lombok and close to the stalled cruise ship terminal at Tanah Ampo, which despite significant cash injections, has still failed to materialize some 10-years after first being proposed. But this could change with the One Island - One Management administration.
The WWII Liberty wreck off the coast of Tulamben is one of Bali's most popular dive spots. Image by David Petit on Flickr.
Bali's east coast has a number of other attractions, which the local administration is keen to expose. These include the traditional village of Tenganan, Candi Dasa and Amed.
East Coast at a Glance:
Tenganan
The traditional village of Tenganan is just west of Candi Dasa and home for some of the Bali's indigenous people commonly grouped as Bali Aga. They have remained relatively isolated from the rest of the island, speak a different language and uphold unique cultural traditions and ceremonies found nowhere else in Bali. The village of Trunyan on the shores of Lake Batur in Kintamani is the other remaining home of the Bali Aga.
Candi Dasa
Built along a strip of white sand beach and a lagoon, Candi Dasa is popular with snorkelers, divers and those looking for a more peaceful base to explore east Bali's many cultural attractions, while still being close to bars, restaurants, hotels and resorts. It is the area's most popular tourist destination. Taman Ujung Water palace, Tirta Gangga Royal Water Gardens and Tenganan are all easily accessible.
Beachfront views in Candi Dasa take in the might Gunung Agung volcano. Image by Martin Fuhrmann on Pixabay.
Amed
North of Candi Dasa is the once sleepy fishing village of Amed, now famous for its diving and snorkeling, black sand beaches, salt farms and developing tourism industry. The nearby USS Liberty wreck in Tulamben around 20-kilometres away is the area's most famous dive spot.
Sources: Radar Bali, Tribun Bali, Bali Tourism, Bali-Indonesia, Gapura Bali
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