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Blue Lagoon Beach
On the far side of Padangbai's eastern headland, about a 500m walk from the town centre, is this small sandy beach. It has a couple of warungs and gentle, family-friendly surf.
East Bali
Exploring east Bali is one of the island's great pleasures. Rice terraces spill down hillsides, wild volcanic beaches are pounded by surf and traditional villages are barely touched by modernity. Watching over this region is Gunung Agung, the 10,308ft (3142m) active volcano known as the 'Navel of the World' and 'Mother Mountain'.
Temples, palaces and whimsically designed water gardens are dotted throughout the landscape. Two of the temples – Pura Besakih and Pura Lempuyang – are among Bali's most important pilgrimage sites, and evocative reminders of the island's royal dynasties can be found in Klungkung (Semarapura), in Amlapura and at Tirta Gangga.
Up on the northeast coast, Amed and Tulamben are laid-back beach destinations for those keen to escape the crowds on the south coast. Diving, snorkelling, enjoying yoga and lazing by swimming pools are the priorities up here, and can be enjoyed by travelers on every budget.
Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout East Bali.
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Pantai Pasir Putih
The most popular 'secret' beach on Bali, Pantai Pasir Putih (White Sand Beach) lives up to its name. Once a mooring spot for local fishing boats, this long crescent of white sand backed by coconut palms is now a popular tourist attraction, with thatched beach warungs and cafes lining the sand and souvenir stalls clustered around the car park. Sun lounges await bikini-clad bottoms. The water is safe for swimming and you can rent snorkelling gear to explore the sparkling aquamarine water. From JI Raya Perasi (the main highway), look for the large 'White Sand Beach' sign and then turn off the main road and follow a paved track for 1.2km to a large dirt parking area; other tracks are signed 'Virgin Beach'. Locals will collect an access fee (10,000Rp per person including parking). Cars and motorbikes are barred from driving close to the beach. There's a track down to the sand from the parking area.
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Bias Tugal
Walk southwest from the ferry terminal and follow the trail up the hill for about 1.3km to Bias Tugal, also known as Pantai Kecil (Little Beach), on the exposed coast outside the bay. Be careful in the water as it is subject to strong currents. There are a couple of daytime warung here.
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Pura Silayukti
See the place where Empu Kuturan – who introduced the caste system to Bali in the 11th century – is said to have lived by following a path up to this headland at the northeast corner of Padangbai's bay. From the three temples here, you'll have good views.
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Pura Candidasa
Candidasa's temple is on the hillside across from the lagoon at the eastern end of the village strip. It has twin temples devoted to the male-female gods Shiva and Hariti.
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Pura Penataran
A small Hindu temple in the western section of Padangbai; to find it, continue walking past the mosque.