Overview
The former capital has a similar name to the name of the regencies
but it changed into Amlapura after the eruption of Mounnt Agung
in 1963. Like other regencies in Bali, Javanese influenced customs
can still be found in some villages in Karangasem, however, it
is richer in variety and maybe as older. The royal family became
independent from Gelgel after challenging them in the early 1700s.
When South Bali was conquered in the early 1900s by the Dutch,
Karangasem was only supervised.
Agung,
Mount
For Balinese, Mount Agung is the geographical and religious center
of the world. Mount Agung, its highest peak. With an elevation
of 3,014 meters above sea level, the Bali's highest peak can be
climbed between 5 to 8 hours. It is suggested to climb with a
guide and consider not wise to climb during religious ceremonies
take place in Besakih temple that located six kilometers below
on the southwest slope. The last big eruption of the active volcano
was in 1963 that cause big disaster.
Amed
If you travel from Amlapura, Amed is situated before Tulamben
and also a known as a diving spot that has shipwreck located just
10 meters away from the shore. Beside diving, snorkeling or sailing,
some nice tracking can be done through the hill. For the local,
fishing and sea-salt panning is still the main income resource.
The small road along the cost that also goes to Amlapura via Seraya
Kangin and Ujung offer a fascinating view of the cost but about
20 kilometers of the road is considerably bad for small wheel
vehicle.
Balina,
Beach
A simple, quiet resort with a nice wide black sandy beach and
tame waves. Diving excursions in a marine reserve offshore, go
for night fishing with local fishermen using lantern or hike the
beautiful hillside northwest of the area would be a highlight
of your stay here.
Besakih, Temple
Missonary of Danghyang Markandeya, a priest credited with introducing
the tradition of daily offerings and the concept of a single god,
is claimed to be the founder of the Besakih temple in the 8th
century, Bali's biggest and holiest temple. Divided into about
22 separate sanctuaries, it consist over 60 temples and 200 distinct
structures. Each caste and kin group, as well as various sects,
artisan guilds, and aristocratic families, maintains its own sanctuary.
Candidasa,
Beach
A slow and friendly beach resorts and can be a perfect base to
explore all over east Bali as most tourist amenities are available
here. Huge horrendous T-shaped concrete breakwaters were built
to prevent erosion, which becomes an essential problem since 10
years ago.
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