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your chance to get out and see the sights
tips on where to go and how to get there for bali and east of bali
Candidasa & Surrounds
 Karangasem has so much potential to support the development of its tourism industry. Its rich natural settings with mountains, hills, rivers, lush rice fields and lovely beaches abound with the unique daily life of the people and their culture make Karangasem worth to visit.
The regency of Karangasem is one of nine regencies in Bali situated in the eastern part of Bali, covering an area of 839,54 sq. kilometers and bordered at the east by Lombok Strait and to the west by Klungkung, Bangli, and Buleleng Regencies. Karangasem itself consists of eight districts named: Karangasem, Manggis, Rendang, Selat, Sidemen, Bebandem, Abang, and Kubu District.
Karangasem has an extraordinary variety of scenic landscapes. Low and high mountain ranges intermingle with upland plains, tropical forests, terraced rice fields, beautiful beaches, culture and historical archeological remains, and the traditional “ Bali Aga” village with their way of life make Karangasem worth visiting.
It is very easy to reach all of the interesting places in Karangasem which are supported by fairly good road conditions, facilities the same at hotels, restaurants, money changers, souvenir shops and others which one would expect in a tourist environment.
Precisely, Karangasem Regency is located between 8º00’00” - 8º41’37,8” south latitude and 115º35’9,8” - 115º54’8,9” east longitude. The total land surface of this regency is 83.954 Hectare and covers 3 administrative villages, 68 traditional villages, 52 community groups, and 526 smaller community groups called “ Dusun”.
The population registration, taken place in 2003, reported that the total population of Karangasem Regency is approximately 388.320 people, consisting of 193.518 men and 194.802 women. People of Karangasem make their living in various ways, some are farmers, fishermen, traders, craftsmen, and even active in the tourism field. People in majority are Hindu followers who live a very religious life, thus ritual activities can be seen almost everyday in this area.
Karangasem regency is an area with a tropical climate, which experiences 2 different seasons of dry season (April-October) and wet season (November-March). The largest rainfall is on October, which is in 166 days, with the average rainfall of 182 mm. Its plantations and animal populations are grouped in a tropical species.
The distance between Karangasem Regency and the International Airport located in Denpasar is about 88 km (53 miles). The two places are connected by a quite good road and along the way, from or to the airport, one can see a stunning panorama of East Bali with its hills and rice fields that are arranged beautifully.
As one of tourist destinations in Bali, Karangasem has so many potentials to support the development of its tourism industry. Its rich nature with mountains, hills, rivers, lush rice fields and lovely beaches abound with the unique daily life of the people and their culture make Karangasem worth a visit.
There are fifteen (15) tourist destinations developed in Karangasem, they are Bukit Jambul, Besakih, Telaga Waja, Iseh, Putung, Puri Agung Karangasem (Karangasem Palace), Tirtagangga, Jemeluk, Tulamben, Sibetan, Taman Ujung, Candidasa, Tenganan Pegeringsingan, Padangbai and Yeh Malet. Those tourist destinations are spread in 3 tourism development areas of Candidasa, Ujung and Tulamben.
Candidasa
HISTORY
Previously, Candidasa was known as Teluk Kehen (Kehen Bay) but when this area was finally opened as a tourism depelovment area, the name Candidasa was introduced.
There is no certain report about the historical backgound of the name, however, it is assumed that the choice of this name is connected with the story of “lingga” inside the temple that lies on top of Candidasa’s hills.
An old manuscript found here mentions that Candidasa Temple was built in the 12th Century and possesses remains called “lingga” inside the temple which is believed to be the symbol of God Siva. In this holy place hermits often received their highest solitude or “heaven” by uttering 10 letters called “Dasa Aksara” (10 = Dasa).
Another story says that the name Candidasa was inspired by a statue near the lingga. It is a statue of Goddess Hariti that is surrounded by 10 children. It is believed that Goddess Hariti could give blessings of welfare and prosperity to the people who pray here.
LOCATION
Candidasa is located at Samuh - Bugbug village, Karangasem District. It is about 65 km from Denpasar and 12 km from Amlapura.
FACILITY
Facilities available here are restaurants, small hotels to star hotels and other facilities needed to support the industry.
DESCRIPTION
Candidasa is well known for its shiny white sand. Tourism industry flourishes significantly in this area with a background of the Indonesian ocean. From this place, one can see Lombok Island and Nusa Penida in the distance and the sparkling light of “Jukung” or traditional boat at night that will always draw one to return again.
Besakih
HISTORY
This temple was intentionally built in a holy village named Hulundang Basukih, which is known today as Besakih village. The name of Besakih was derived from the word “Basuki” or in some old manuscripts written as Basukir or Basukih. The word Basuki itself was taken from the Sanskirt word “Wasuki”, which means “salvation”.
While in the mythology of Samudramanthana it is mentioned that Basuki was the name of a dragon that coiled around the Mandara Mountain.
The old remains say that the Besakih Temple was built by Rsi Markandya and his followers in the 11th Century. At that time, Rsi Markandya intended to go to Mount Agung to build a residence. However, the construction was troubled by the spread of disease which caused the death of his followers. For the safety of his followers, he then constructed a veneration to worship God for a salvation. The veneration was called “Sanggar Basuki”.
LOCATION
The location of Besakih Temple or Pura Agung Besakih is at Besakih village, Rendang district, on the south west of Mount Agung. It is about 44 kms from Amlapura and 62 kms from Denpasar.
FACILITY
Some facilities are available in this area to support the tourism activities in Besakih, like food stalls, fruit stalls and art shops. There is also a quite large parking lot and local guides who will always be ready to give their best service.
Tenganan Pengringsingan
 
HISTORY
Tenganan is one of several ancient villages in Bali, which is usually called “Bali Aga”. There are some versions of story telling us the history of Tenganan village. Some say that the word Tenganan was derived from the word “tengah” or “ngatengahang” which means “move to the inner area”. This derivation of word was having a relation with the movement of the villagers from the seaside to a rural area, in which the position of this village was in the middle of the hills; western hill (Bukit Kauh) and eastern hill (Bukit Kangin).
Another version reveals that the people of Tenganan came from Peneges village, located in Gianyar, precisely near Bedahulu. Based on the folklore, once upon a time a Bedahulu King lost one of his horses. The people looked for it to the east and the horse was finally found dead by Ki Patih Tunjung Biru, the King’s right hand. For his loyalty, the King finally gave Ki Patih Tunjung Biru an authority to govern the as the aroma of the carrion of the horse can be smelled. Ki Patih was an intelligent person, so he cut the carrion into pieces and spread it as far as he could. Thus he received a quite large area.
The word Pegeringsingan was taken from the word “geringsing”. Geringsing is a traditional woven product that can only be found in Tenganan. Geringsing is noticed to be sacred for the belief that it has a magical power to drive away evil or black magic. Geringsing derived from the word “gering” means decease and “sing” means no.
LOCATIONS
Tenganan Pegeringsingan is situated at Manggis district, approximately 65 km from Denpasar (the International Airport of Bali). It is near Candidasa and can be easily reached by public or private vehicles.
FACILITY
Visitors will feel comfortable when visiting this area, some facilities available here are food stalls, good toilets, arts shops and a quite large parking area. If one wishes to have a meal in a restaurant or spend the night near this area, Candidasa is only 3 km from this village.
DESCRIPTION
As an ancient village, Tenganan Pegeringsingan is identical with religious activities. Many temple festivals performed in this village attract visitors, the most famous one being “Mekare-kare” or “Perang Pandan”. This is a ceremonial fight or war using thorny pandanous leaves as the weapon. This festival usually takes place in relation to the celebration of “Sasih Kelima” or the fifth Balinese month. Many other unique customs and culture can be found here and make Tenganan worth the visit.
Padang Bai
HISTORY
The location of Padangbai is in a rural and isolated bay named Padang, which has been used as a harbour for many many years. The name of Padangbai was taken from this bay and by the influence of the Dutch language, the frase Padang Bay turned into Padangbai.
LOCATIONS
This tourist destination is located at Padangbai village, Manggis district, about 53 km from Amlapura. As well as being famous for its tourist attractions, Padangbai is a gateway to enter this island.
FACILITY
Food stalls, small restaurants and small hotels are available here, as well as other facilities needed by visitors to enjoy their visit.
DESCRIPTION
Padangbai is a harbour where small and big ships drop their anchors. This area was developed as a tourist area for attractions such as white sand, the beautiful surroundings and the amazing underwater panorama. The daily life of the traditional fishermen and the busy crowd in the harbour becomes another plus point of this area.
This tourist area is also known for its sacred temples, Silayukti Temple and Tanjung Sari Temple. Silayukti was built by Empu Kuturan and besides these two temples, there is also Penataran Agung Temple, which is located on the west side of Padangbai.
MUST DO IN KARANGASEM!
- Stay at petite cozy hotels like Lotus Bungalows, Kubu Bali Bungalows, or in stunning private villas such as Villa Gils, Villa Sasoon, and Puri Bagus Candidasa.
- Breakfast at Kelapa Mas Restaurant, brunch at Nirwana Restaurant, lunch at Rendezvous Restaurant, and dinner at Seaside Restaurant.
- Have a glass of wine and great choice of cocktails while listening to modern art and jazz music at Vincent’s Bar and Lounge.
- Stop and look at the offerings of Budalkeling village silver and goldsmiths who produce excellent work at reasonable prices.
- Visit Pura Besakih, the most important temple complex of Bali on the slopes of Mount Agung , and Silayukti Temple – a one thousand years old temple which was used as the centre to spread Hinduism in Bali.
- Go to Blue Lagoon, Tulamben, or Amed; the perfect spots for diving, snorkeling, and fishing.
- Don’t miss the regular full moon party on the beaches at Padang Bai with food drinks, dancing and music.
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