East Bali is dominated by the massive presence of Mount Agung (3,142m), Bali’s largest and most spectacular mountain. The area is filled with beautiful scenery and the pace here is more laid back. Our first stop is Goa Lawah, the bat cave temple, one of Bali’s most important, particularly for funeral rites. The temple is right next to the sea and the cave appears to have living and breathing walls due to the huge amount of bats. Nearby is Tenganan, a very old village that has preserved its customs and many of its buildings for centuries. This walled village is populated by the Bali Aga, the indigenous people of Bali and is noticeably different from other villages. Its quiet streets are steeped in age old traditions not found anywhere else.
Candidasa is a laid back town that stretches along the pretty coast at the foot of the mountain. Here we will have a delicious lunch overlooking the Indian Ocean. Our return trip includes a stop at Klungkung, where Bali’s most powerful king once ruled. One of the most important pavilions of the palace has been preserved- the ornately painted Hall of Justice. We can also view this unique style of painting at the nearby village of Kamasan.