Discover the best snorkelling spots, Mount Agung, ancient temples, waterfalls and white sand beaches close to the estate in East Bali

Best places to go to

Bali is a popular destination. Are you seeking to escape busy, touristy places like Kuta and Ubud? East Bali is still unspoilt and authentic. With the lush jungle, green rice terraces and the view of Gunung Agung volcano you can completely de-stress here. But there’s no need to get bored. Snorkelling beginners and experienced divers can explore the colourful underwater world round the coastal village of Amed. In East Bali you will find the most attractive temples, white beaches, waterfalls and Balinese water palaces, without tripping over tourists. Host Gustat knows the best places to go to. He is happy to organise day trips and excursions, and does so meticulously.

Discover East Bali’s colourful underwater world

Amed - best diving spot

Thanks to the calm waters, good visibility and slow currents, Amed is one of Bali’s prime places for diving. For more advanced divers and beginners alike, the underwater world of Amed is a unique experience. There is a vast array of diving schools. If you’re a beginner, it is especially important that you get good instruction. For a pleasant underwater adventure, ask our host Gustat to arrange a diving trip for you. Then you will be sure of booking the right diving school, with experienced instructors and good-quality equipment. You’re not keen on diving? Snorkelling also enables you to discover the amazingly beautiful sea life.

Snorkelling in Bali

You don’t have to go diving to enjoy East Bali’s colourful underwater world. There are plenty of beautiful things to see when snorkelling. Admire the tropical fishes, blue starfish, and you might even encounter a turtle. You can swim from the beach to the lovely coral reefs. Are you inexperienced at snorkelling? Ask Gustat, our host, to book you a tour with an affiliated diving school. A guide not only knows the most attractive places, but also about the currents, as well as being on the alert for passing boats. You can discover the life under water and experience wonderful things, with no worries.

Wreck diving and snorkelling in Bali – the best places

US Liberty Wreck dive

This is an ideal dive for both beginners and more advanced divers. The lowest part of the wreck is at a depth of 30 metres, the topmost just five metres below the sea’s surface, making it a prime snorkelling location. The US Liberty sank off the coast at Tulamben following a Japanese attack in 1942. When Mount Agung volcano erupted, the large freighter cargo ship slid further into the sea. It is now covered with lovely corals. You’ll never tire of swimming among the tropical fish. And you can explore the wreck inside and out. For an unforgettable, great experience it’s worth doing a day trip with a guide.

Japanese Ship Wreck Point

Just off the coast of Amed there is a Japanese ship that was sunk there during the Second World War. Now this wreck is covered with colourful, soft coral, and myriads tropical fish swim around it. The highest point is at a depth of six metres. So you can also see it from close by if you prefer not to dive. The Japanese wreck is smaller than the US Liberty and is much less busy. You can swim out to it from the quiet bay with its black sand. If you stay close to the reef it is fairly safe to snorkel there without a guide.

Visit East Bali’s loveliest white sand beaches

Virgin Beach

At a twenty-minute drive from the estate, you will find one of Bali’s most beautiful beaches.
White Sand Beach is also known as Virgin Beach or Pantai Pasir Putih. It is a nice, quiet, white sandy beach flanked by cliffs and palm trees. It is pleasant to swim in the clear, blue water of the bay. There are loungers for relaxing or sunbathing, and kiosks serve delicious fresh fish. From Virgin Beach you can take a boat trip and admire the coastline from the sea.

Blue Lagoon Beach

A ferry sails from Pandang Bai to Lombok Island. Dotted round Pandang Bai there are small, quiet beaches. Blue Lagoon Beach is worth a visit. Even though it’s more of a small bay with a white beach rather than a ‘real’ blue lagoon, it’s gorgeous. Walk into the sea from the beach and discover the underwater world. Our host can organise good snorkelling equipment and a guide, who will take you a couple of minutes in his boat to one of the top snorkelling locations. All you need to do is enjoy all the lovely corals and tropical fish.

Discover Bali’s unique temples

Gates of Heaven - Lempuyang Temple

Pura Lempuyang is one of the nine most important temples in Bali. It is best known for the Gates of Heaven. Climb the 1700 steps and you will have a fantastic view over the temple and the valley. It is a popular Instagram photo hotspot. Would you like a photo of the Gates of Heaven, but don’t feel like queuing for hours? Lempuyang temple is close to Wangi Felixe estate. Choose a quiet moment and visit the Gates before the tourists get there.

Besakih Temple on the volcano

This temple is set at the foot of the holy volcano, Gunung Agung, and is home to the spirits of Balinese ancestors. Long flights of steps lead to the temples. The Pura Besakih complex comprises more than 200 holy shrines and was built in the 8th century. Protected by the gods, Besakih temple survived the volcanic eruption of Mount Agung in 1963. It is an important religious place for Balinese Hindus. Parts of the complex are open to tourists, the wearing of a sarong is mandatory. The days on which religious ceremonies are held are particularly special. Hindus, dressed in colourful garments, bring offerings of food and flowers.

Discover the royal charm of the Water Palace at Karangasem

TirtaGangga Water Palace

The water palace is a few minutes’ walk from the garden of Wangi Felixe estate. Convenient, because you can go there when it is quiet, as it isn’t big and it attracts many visitors, particularly at the weekend. Not only is it a tourist attraction, TirtaGangga is also a temple where the Balinese bathe in the holy spring. The name TirtaGangga means ‘holy water from the Ganges’. It is a stunning garden with statues, fountains and carp ponds. King Raja had the water palace built as a country residence not far from his palace of Taman Ujung.

Taman Ujung Water Palace

This water palace is less well known than that of TirtaGangga, and is far quieter to visit. Both palaces were built by the Balinese king Raja of Karangasem. Taman Ujung is a remarkable mixture of Chinese, Balinese and Dutch architectural styles. You can walk across the bridges and along the large pools containing statues. Most of the pagodas and pavilions were rebuilt after the eruption of Mount Agung. Ask our private driver to take you to the water palace; it is not easy to reach.

Walk through the rice fields and relieve stress

Sidemen rice fields

Green rice fields characterise the Balinese landscape. You will find the most attractive rice terraces round the village of Sidemen. In this village you undergo the calm of Balinese life. People compare Sidemen with Ubud as it was 20, 30 years ago. Ask our host Gustut to arrange a walk there for you with a guide. Enjoy the vast paddies, the stunning views over the green hills, and Gunung Agung volcano on the horizon. A walk in nature is one of the best ways to relieve stress.

Gembleng Waterfall

Remarkably, tourists haven’t yet discovered this special waterfall in East Bali. You climb it up by way of steps, passing along various plateaus and enjoying the rushing waterfall and unspoilt greenery. You have to scramble a bit at the top across the slippery stones, but the stunning view from the natural infinity pool makes up for it all. The trip from the estate to the Gembleng Waterfall takes you past green rice fields and through the tropical rainforest. Bali at its loveliest!

The most beautiful sunset in Bali – Mount Gunung Agung

Mount Gunung Agung

Everywhere in East Bali the holy volcano of Gunung Agung, or Mount Agung, appears on the horizon. It is a tough climb; even with a guide, and you should be an experienced climber. Not that climbing is a ‘must’. The volcano is just as impressive when seen from the viewing points close to Wangi Felixe estate. The early-morning air is clear enough for a spectacular view of Gunung Agung at sunrise. You’re not an early riser? Restaurant Bali Asli is close to the estate. It serves delicious snacks, and from there you can enjoy the sunset, with the volcano in the background.

Mount Gunung Batur

This volcano – Gunung Batur – is situated at the volcanic crater lake of Batur. If you want to climb Mount Batur, you must be in fairly good shape, though it’s an easier climb than to Gunung Agung. The Sunrise Tour is especially worthwhile. Standing on the top of Mount Batur and seeing the sun coming up is magical. The vastness of the volcanic landscape, the deep blue Lake Batur and the ocean beyond. Sunrise seen from the volcano is definitely one of the highlights of an East Bali holiday.

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