Best of The Gate of Heaven and East Bali Tour

While avid hikers will love the blend of mountains and cultural excursions that Bali's eastern region has to offer, those unwilling to take on the ascent up to the peak at Lempuyang Temple can still enjoy the splendid views at the grand Pura Penataran Agung temple at the foot of the mountain. The first to come into view on the pilgrimage, this temple offers an impressive sight with its towering dragon staircases – perfect for photos. The best views are higher up the stairs, where you can see all the way across the green forested slopes and neighboring Mount Agung, Bali's highest peak and abode of Besakih Temple. There are many motorcycle taxis operated by local villagers that can take you up where the asphalt ends at the Penataran Agung for a negotiable fee. They are convenient for those who wish to start their climb quicker, shortening the time on foot from the parking area.

The gardens of Tirta Gangga Water Palace show a unique mix of Balinese and Chinese architecture. The grounds of the water garden (ca 1.2 ha.) consists of three separate complexes each with ponds and many sculptures. The complex on the lowest level has two large ponds and a water tower. At the second complex (middle level) of the Bali water palace are the swimming pools. The third level houses the main complex with the country home of the former Raja. Nowadays one can find a restaurant and four bungalow units in this former country home of Raja A.A. Anglurah Ketut Karangasem. Building water gardens, including the designing and the labor work, was a favorite hobby of the Raja. As many of his visitors did not expect this, of course they were surprised to find the Raja himself working among his laborers, standing knee deep in mud digging out the earth.

Taman Ujung Sukasada complex has a combination of Balinese and European architecture throughout three large ponds connected by long elegant bridges and pathways. The physical features and superb mountainous backdrop to its north, and sea to its southwest, make it a favorite location for pre-wedding and artistic photographers. The name Ujung means extremity in Indonesian and it often makes it easy for locals to describe its location as being one of the island largest historical landmarks and places of interest in the easternmost part of the island.

Lay down and relax in a sundeck with a hat and sunglasses accompanied by fresh young coconut water in a silence, listen into just the sound of the waves. You can get it all at Virgin Beach. This location is rarely visited by tourists and lesser explored by local tourist. Actually, Virgin Beach has several names. Foreign tourists usually call it as Virgin Beach because the beach is far from the crowds and still natural. While other foreign tourists call this beach as White Sand Beach because only this beach around Karangasem city has white sand. Although the actual color of the beach sand is not whiter than Padang Padang Beach or Pandawa Beach. The white sand on this beach depends on the volcanic content of Mount Agung. Yes, Virgin Beach is only about 33 km from Mount Agung. If you drive, it will take around one and a half hours to get here.

Tenganan Village is charming and has some very fascinating authentic traditional festival (ritual dances and gladiator) like Bali Aga of Tenganan often holds the battle between local youths. The people of Tenganan are skilled in the unique technique of weaving, called the double ikat, where the belief in the magical power of the fabric is essential in bringing out the beauty of the ikat cloth. 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 is in the middle of hills, which are western hill (Kauh Hill) and eastern hill (Kangin Hill).

During the tour you will pass this famous temple

During the tour you will pass this famous beach