Ultimate Bali in 9 Days – Day 7
Have you ever decided to add a place in your itinerary after getting influenced by its pictures on Instagram? I have done that quite a few times. Especially when it was about planning a trip to Bali, I was actually hovering over so many incredible pictures of captivating places of Bali in Instagram. There I came across East Bali – one of the island’s great pleasures. East Bali is popular with tourists because of its beautiful landscapes, water gardens, and sacred temples, but still remains much less developed than the South like Kuta, Seminyak, or Canggu or the Central Ubud. In our Bali trip, first we explored Uluwatu, then Ubud, and then headed to Sidemen – hidden gem in East Bali. There, we stayed in Samanvaya Luxury Resort and Spa for 2 nights. We dedicated one day to explore the region and bring to you the best Instagrammable places of East Bali.
Highlights of the Day
- Lepuyang Luhur Temple
- Tirta Gangga Water Palace
- Besakih Temple
- Tukad Cepung Waterfall
- Sidemen Rice Terraces
East Bali Day Tour from Sidemen
East Bali boasts an unspoilt old Bali scenery that is really charming and mesmerizing. You can stroll by the rice terraces spilling down the hillsides, marvel at the reminiscent reminders of the island’s royal dynasties like whimsical water gardens and palaces, visit the sacred temples and traditional villages that have kept themselves away from modernity – everything under the shade of Mount Agung, the highest point of Bali, also an active volcano, known as the “Mother Mountain”.
We hired a car with an English-speaking driver-cum-guide to take us around East Bali for 10 h. This cost us around Rp 800,000. Here is the list of top 5 destinations in East Bali that are aesthetically-pleasing for you. In other words, here is a list of top 5 Instagrammable locations in East Bali.
1. Lempuyang Luhur Temple – Gate of Heaven
Our first stop of the day was Lempayung Luhur Temple, also known as Pura Pentaran Agung Lempayung or Pura Lempayung Luhur. Lempayung Luhur temple is one of the oldest temples in Bali and is also one of the island’s nine directional temples. It is believed to protect the native Balinese from evil spirits coming in from the east.
It took us around 1.5 h to reach the temple from Samanvaya. We left at 4.30 AM in the morning to catch the glimpse of sunrise at the temple. However, even though we reached at 6 AM, we could not get lucky to see the sunrise as the sky was cloudy. Nevertheless, we did not miss the incredible photo opportunities from the Gate of Heaven. It is located half way up to the main temple. To reach the main temple, you need 2 h in hand, as you have to climb 1,700 steep stairs to get to it. It is worth the climb to the top for the incredible views. But, tourists mostly flock there to visit the Gate of Heaven. There is no entrance fee. However, you will be asked to give donation and also rent a sarong for Rp 10,000 each before entering the temple.
2. Tirta Gangga – Royal Water Palace
Within a distance of 10 km from Lempuyang Temple, you will come across Tirta Gangga Royal Water Palace. The name “Tirta Gangga” literally means “water from the Ganges”, the holy river in India. It was built by the last king of Karangasem Regency in 1948 and is now open to the public. It features a labyrinth of pools, ponds, and fountains surrounded by neatly cut lawns adorned with lush gardens, stone carvings, and ornate statues. This park is pretty massive, so give yourself some time to relax and stroll around. The entrance fee is Rp 40,000 per person.
3. Besakih Temple – The Most Important Temple of Bali
Next, our driver drove about an hour to the west of Mount Agung. Finally, we reached the most important temple in Bali at around 9.30 AM. It is Bali’s “Mother Temple” – Besakih Temple, locally known as Pura Besakih. The temple is situated 1,000 m high on the southwestern slopes of Mount Agung for over 1,000 years. It is the largest and the holiest temple in all of Bali, and is the primal center for all ceremonial activities. Please note many of the inner courtyards are reserved for religious pilgrims and are closed to the public. The entrance fee is Rp 60,000 per person. It includes a sarong for rent and a guide.
4. Tukad Cepung Waterfall – Secret Waterfall
At a distance of around 20 km south from Besakih Temple, lies the most photogenic waterfall of Bali – Tukad Cepung. The waterfall is still known as secret waterfall; however it is getting insanely popular over Instagram. It is a magnificent waterfall inside a cave system that looks unusual when spectacular beam of sun rays hit the top of the waterfall while lighting up the cave. I have never seen such unusual sight. It is the most photogenic of all waterfalls in Bali. The entrance fee is Rp 15,000 per person. Note that the best time to visit this waterfall is from 9 AM to 11 AM for the sun rays.
Break at Samanvaya
After this epic East Bali tour, our driver dropped us back at Samanvaya by 12.30 PM. Samanvaya is just 45 min drive from the waterfall. As we came back, we headed to the washroom to take bath after the waterfall experience. Soon after that, the friendly staff at Samanvaya delivered our brunch at our room. We were certainly feeling hungry.
The smoothie bowls filled our heart and stomach, both. We soon fell asleep and woke up when our staff knocked at our door at around 3 PM. Wayan was waiting to take us on a nature walk across the rice terraces. We got ready quickly and joined him.
5. Sidemen Rice Terraces – Nature Walk
The final location of the day is the captivating rice terraces of Sidemen village. You cannot really spend your time in Sidemen without hiking through the rice fields as you are pretty much surrounded by them. But it is highly recommended to take a local guide with you to get the best of the experience. Wayan was our guide who took us through the rice fields, over a village, and through a river. The overall nature walk took around 2 h. Thanks to Samanvaya for arranging this!
Relax in Samanvaya Luxury Resort and Spa
We reached back at our luxurious resort at around 6 PM. It was our last night in Samanvaya. Moreover, we had a jampacked day exploring all the wonderful locations of East Bali. We surely deserved to relax for the rest of the evening. We spent some time by the pool, had dinner at the restaurant of the resort, and soon headed to sleep. Trust me, we had the best sleep!
NET EXPENSE FOR 1 PERSON (IN IDR)
Let us have a look at the expenses of Day 7 in Indonesia – East Bali, Bali.
- Car with driver including fuel, toll, and parking fees: 400,000
- Entrance fee of all locations: 135,000
- Food and miscellaneous: 125,000
Total expense (roughly): 660,000 IDR
For a more customized itinerary, whether for solo or couple or group of any number of people, feel free to contact me on Contact Us page.
If you are planning for a much-organized, tastefully-curated, stress-free yet exciting vacation, consider booking your holidays at Travel Love Repeat. It is going to be a treat for sure!
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a bad picture of Bali. It looks like everywhere you point your camera, you’re bound to get a great shot. I really like your pictures of the secret waterfall and the journey to it. The light coming in is really mystical and makes it look like you were transported to another world, full of beauty and mystery.
Yes, that waterfall is dreamy.
Wow, all of these photos just looks so incredible. Especially the Gate of Heaven – it really does look how you would visualize a gate to heaven!! The secret waterfalls too, just wow! Bali has forever been on my list of places to go to and this post has moved it right to the top of my list now.
You must visit Bali, soon!
Gorgeous! My favourite of all these places is definitely the jungle with the secret waterfall, it feels so mysterious and magical with this light and it gives you space to be super creative!
The waterfall is extremely captivating.
Wow, you’re giving me reason to head back for a 3rd time to Bali! I’ve seen the Gate of Heaven photo so many times, so it’s good to actually know it’s name. Love the waterfall shots too, they’re very Instagrammable!
You must head to East Bali on your 3rd trip to Bali, Lisa.
These are really instagrammable Bali at its best. All the places look so surreal and stunning. Your pictures capture the ethereal spirit of these places in vibrant colours. Though all the 5 places are unique and have their own aura, am loving the vibes of the Gates of heaven. The other place that has captivated me with the pictures are the Sidemen Rice Terraces, it looks so enchanting.
Bali is just too photogenic.
Yes!!! These are fantastic Instragrammable locations — I haven’t seen most of them before, but it’s making me want to go to Bali just to experience them firsthand. I love the pictures with water reflecting the images — they are the most magical!
Couldn’t agree with you more, Tami.
I see so many wonderful photos from Bali, nice to find out where the most popular ones are taken. I love the dragon gates at Lempayung Luhur Temple, with the stairs between them. But I was disappointed to learn recently that what I thought was water at the Gate of Heaven is just a man holding a mirror when he takes the photo! Feels like such a let down! Definitely want to visit Tirta Gangga, what fun to step across the stones. I would say that Besakih Temple looks like a must do on a cultural level but I’m not finding it so photogenic on an aesthetic level. Love both the Tukad Cepung Waterfall and the views from Samanvaya.
Hahhahahaa yes Kavita, it’s the mirror that he holds, no water there. Just a photo trick!
I loved all the creatively shot pictures, especially the first one which is shot at the Dragon Temple. It looks larger than life! Bali indeed is a photogenic place. The gate of heaven is already gaining lot of attention, due to, as you said, exposure on social media! After seeing your pictures, I am inspired to visit Bali!
Bali is so picturesque!
Cool, great wheel. I’ve been to a few of these places back in 2014. The steps look nice as well!
Glad that you liked it.
I have never seen a bad picture of Bali and even in this part of the island every place looks so pretty. i especially love the waterfall and the way how you captured the light.
Neither do I, never seen a bad picture of Bali.
Beautiful pictures Shreya and I’m amazed to see the places you’ve discovered on your trip to Bali! Gate of Heaven looks amazing and what a great idea to visit during sunrise, it seems like you were lucky to have the whole place to yourself and your pictures are absolutely mesmerizing! I also love the ones you’ve taken at Tukad Cepung Waterfall. What a gorgeous place. I missed out such lovely places in Bali!
Never mind, Medha! Always a next time.
We spent a week in Bali. But your blog post showed me several spots that we missed. The Lempayung Luhur Temple certainly looked like a great spot to start your day. I do love the reflections you got in your photos. Certainly sad that we missed the Royal Water Palace. We passed on most of the more popular waterfalls and found one off the beaten path when we visited. Thanks for taking me back to Bali.
Glad you liked it.
Answering your question in 1st line – Yes, guilty as charged. Done it a couple times!
Thanks for this list of places. Indeed you’ve got some instagram worthy pics! Just too good.
The thing about Lempuyang Luhur Temple is its filled with so much history and heritage AND its so good looking.!
My 2nd option is definitely Tukad Cepung Waterfall. The way the sunrays fall in is just so magical!
You will fall in love with Bali, Bhushavali, I bet.
Man! These images are so gorgeous, super motivating for me to accept the fact that this is a very long flight for me and go anyway! I really want to play on the stepping stones at Tirta Gangga
How about running on the stones and taking a timelapse video?
This is very timely! We’re off to Bali in 2 weeks and yes, the goal is to have fun and ofcourse, capture really good photos. Taking note of all these locations you mentioned. Hope we can visit all of them. Thank you for sharing.
Have a safe trip, Clarice.
Bali is one of my favorite places and every time you put together your amazing pictures, it makes me nostalgic. I loved the umbrella and the hat shot. You have actually planned your pictures really well. The dragon fruit smoothie sounds yummy.
Glad that you like them.
Wow Bali has some awesome instagrammable spots! I always see the one temple with the mountain in the back ground but Dragon temple is my favorite for sure. So beautiful
It’s too popular, that’s why.
I planned my trip to Bali reading your blog only. It is very informative and detailed. You are inspiration for my work.
Glad to know that Priyanka.
Very nice pictures! Even if you do not share them on instagram. I would love a walk through the Sidemen Rice Terraces, they look incredibly lush and green.
I understand, they are such a beauty!