KARANGASEM REGENCY

Karangasem is the name given to the very eastern district of Bali that encompasses Amed, Tulamben and the rest of the north east of the island. There are some of Bali’s nicest beaches in this area as well as the impressive Gunung Agung Mountain that dominates the view from almost every angle when looking inland. Karangasem makes a perfect location for a visit away from the tourist areas and is beautiful in both its physical scenery and landscapes and the traditional Balinese culture that inhabits the area. the impressive Gunung Agung towers above the land at 3142 meters and is an amazing adventure that requires 3 to 4 days with a guide to climb the peak from which the views of Bali are pretty much unbeatable. The hike is timed in order to view the sunrise when reaching the top of the peak allowing you to stand and watch the day dawn over Bali as the entire island lights up, this is a magnificent experience that is highly cost effective as a life experience. The Gunung Agung last erupted in 1963 and considered active although another eruption is not expected for much longer than a lifetime. The last eruption did however push the Liberty wreck that had previously beached in Tulamben off the beach into the water where it remains to this day in excellent condition with its guns in place and completely covered with coral and small fishes of a multitude of different colors. There are also larger shoals of fish that create whirlwind effects that are fantastic to witness and although Tulamben is some 3 hours drive from most of the southerly tourist areas, the wreck and the nearby wall drop off of huge fans and other sea life are among the cheapest, most impressive and easiest dives that Bali has to offer. This is due to not requiring any kind of boat trip, just simply swimming in off the beach down to a shallow depth of around 10 –15 meters, diving the wreck and then swimming back up the beach to get out.

Most of the area is littered with volcanic rock from the last eruption although the plant life is again in full bloom. The eruptions devastated the whole area and wiped out entire villages although today there is little evidence of this unless you specifically go in such of it. Surprisingly the village of Besakih located just 6 kilometers from the blast has suffered little damage and of course the local people put this down to the gods.

Karangasem is an area of diversity with some barren coastlines in the north and many of the most beautiful beaches and views from the mountaintops that you can find in Bali. There is much to do and see in this area and maybe due to its distance from the tourist center it is massively unvisited. For those who do explore Karangasem's jewels, this lack of visitor serves as just another of the main attractions.

Recommended 3 star hotels
Adi Dharma Hotel,  All Seasons Legian Bali, Aneka Kuta Beach, Aston Inn Tuban, Bali Rani Hotel, Bounty Hotel, Cahaya Dewata Resort, Candi Beach Cottage, Diwangkara Holiday Villa, Grand BaliSani Suites, Griya Santrian, Harris Resort Kuta, Harris Resort Tuban, Inna Sindhu Beach, Kind Villa Bintang, Kuta Beach Club Hotel, Kuta Lagoon Resort, Legian Paradiso Hotel, Melasti Beach Resort, Parigata Resort, Puri Raja Hotel, Rama Candidasa Resort, Ramayana Resort, Resor Seminyak, Risata Bali Resort, Samsara Hotel, Sari Segara Resort, Segara Village Hotel, Sunari Villas, The Lokha Legian, The Rani Hotel, The Vira Bali Hotel, White Rose Hotel, Wina Holiday Villa Kuta, 

Bali Surfing - Bali Beaches - Things to do in Bali - Bali Night Life - Bali Restaurants - Bali Shopping - Bali Transport - Bali History - Bali Geography - Balinese People -

Travel destination and regencies
Badung - Bangli - Buleleng -  Denpasar - Gianyar - Jembrana - Karangasem - Klungkung - 

Places of interest
Alas Kedaton - Badung Market, Batubulan,  Beratan Lake - Besakih Temple - Celuk - Goa Gajah, Jatiluwih - Kintamani - Mas Village - Penglipuran Village - Sangeh - Tanjung Benoa - Tirta Empul - Ubud Monkey Forest - Uluwatu - Bali Eco Tourism - Rambut Siwi Temple - Kertha Gosa - Puri Saren - Batukaru Temple - Banjar -