Karangasem

The Basics

Visitors who explore Karangasem independently often stay in Candidasa or Amed, although Tirta Gangga and Sidemen also offer accommodations, some with rice-field views. Many visitors take in the regency’s diverse attractions on an east Bali tour, whether with a private driver, in a retro Volkswagen, or as a small group. Some Karangasem tours focus on temples and palaces, some hone in on the photogenic landscapes, while others focus on historic villages such as Tenganan.

Things to Know Before You Go

• History buffs appreciate Karangasem’s historic architecture, spiritual sites, and generally unspoiled culture.

• It typically takes a minimum of two hours to reach Amlapura from Kuta. Don’t be too ambitious about how much of Karangasem you can see in a day.

• Serious scuba divers aiming to explore the USAT Liberty wreck should spend the night in Amed and get an early start the next day to avoid day trip crowds from south Bali.

How to Get There

Perama shuttle buses stop in Candidasa, Amed, Tulamben, and Tirta Gangga, with connections to Ubud, Sanur, Kuta, and Lombok. Public buses from Batubulan in Denpasar and Singaraja in the north run to Amlapura. If you want to see more than one destination in Karangasem in a day, you need to drive, join a tour, or hire a driver.

When to Get There

To soak up Karangasem’s volcano vistas and rice-field views at their finest, visit during the dry season (roughly May to early October)—but east Bali can be beautiful on a misty rainy season morning, too. Aim to arrive at popular attractions such as Besakih and Lempuyang temples or Tirta Gangga water palace early in the day to beat the crowds.

Karangasem’s Holy Mountain Mt. Agung

East Bali’s sacred volcano, Mount Agung shapes Bali culture. Traditionally, directions follow not the points of the compass but a speaker’s orientation to the mountain. Its stark profile and spirituality heavily influence Karangasem. When volcanic activity permits, the hike to its 9,944-foot (3,031-meter) summit is as rewarding as it is challenging.

What is the best time of year to visit Karangasem?

The best time to visit Karangasem is in the dry season (June–October). The water temperature is suitable for swimming and surfing year-round. As for Karangasem’s popular attractions, such as Besakih and Lempuyang temples or Tirta Gangga Water Palace, arrive early in the day to beat the crowds.

Where is Karangasem located?

Karangasem is a small regency in the Eastern part of Bali; Amlapura is its district capital. The drive to Karangasem from I Ngurah Rai International Airport takes about two hours. It’s a 1.5-hour drive from Karangasem to Ubud. Besakih Temple and Mount Agung, Bali's highest mountain, are popular destinations.

Is visiting Karangasem worth it?

Yes. Although it’s often overlooked in favor of tourist hubs such as Seminyak, Canggu, and Ubud, East Bali and Karangasem offer lush rice fields, volcanoes, and ancient temples. This is where you’ll find the photogenic Lempuyang Temple, known as The Gateway of Heaven, and Tirta Gangga Water Palace.

How long does it take to tour Karangasem?

Most guided tours spend a day exploring Karangasem’s sites, including Tenganan Village and Tirta Gangga. It takes 1.5–2 hours to reach Karangasem from Seminyak or Kuta. If exploring independently, be realistic about time. The Lempuyang Temple complex, for instance, has seven sanctuaries, which can take four hours to visit.

Does Karangasem have a dress code?

Yes. Karangasem is a Bali spiritual center, which means it's home to temples and villages with deep-rooted religious rituals. Wear proper apparel (shirts covering your shoulders and part of your upper arms), especially to the temples. You must also wear a sarong and waist sash to enter a Balinese temple.

Can you go to Karangasem on your own?

Yes. Visitors who explore Karangasem independently often stay in Candidasa or Amed; Tirta Gangga and Sidemen also offer accommodations. Many join an East Bali tour to better understand Karangasem’s historic architecture, spiritual sites, and culture. The tours focus on temples and palaces, photogenic landscapes, or historic villages such as Tenganan.