Best of East Bali Gate of Heaven Lempuyang Temple, Tirta Gangga and Taman Ujung

Taman Ujung is the water palace built by the last King of Karangasem, I Gusti Bagus Djelantik in 1919. The architect was a Dutch van Den Hentz and a Chinese Loto Ang. This development also involves the Balinese architect. Resting in the vast pool is a series of intriguing, romantic pavilions linked by bridges, archways, and a shaded avenue of mango and fangipany trees. The grounds destroyed in the explosion of nearby Mt. Agung in 1963 and further ruined by an earthquake in 1979. The government and royal family have since restored Taman Ujung. Wander into the rooms of the palace itself, or climb the terraces for a bird’s-eye view of the grounds. And while you may be the only tourists around, you’ll probably catch a glimpse of newlyweds posing for wedding pictures. Taman Ujung is so beautiful that has caught the eye of many a fanciful Asian brides.

In the middle of rice fields and surrounded by jade green hills, Tirta Gangga nestles peacefully and timelessly. Tirta Gangga is a royal water garden of the Karangasem royal family consisting a fabled maze of spine-tingling, cold bathing pools and basin, spouts, tiered pagoda fountain, stone carvings and lush gardens showcasing a blend of Chinese and Balinese architecture. The watergarden was constructed in 1948 on the initiative of the King of Karangasem, Anak Agung Anglurah Ketut Karangasem. Before the water garden was constructed, the spring was already there, which was used by the people to fulfill their basic needs for water but also it was believed to be sacred water to purify any bad energy around the area.Taking a relaxing walk or dipping your feet into the cold water is as enjoyable as taking some snapshots of the picturesque scene.

Lempuyang means ‘The Lights of God’. A complex of seven temples, the most spectacular of which is Pura Agung Lempuyang Tara Penah, nestled on the hillside 11 km from Tirta Gangga. Here, the dazzling white split gate perfectly frames Mt Agung, and the temple guardians – three pairs of colossal sea serpents – border a trio of towering staircases. One kilometer further on, a stairway of 1700 steps winds through the forest up to the temple of Lempuyang Luhur, 768 meters above sea level on the top of Belibis Hill. The climb takes about 2 hours. This is one of Bali’s oldest and most important temples and the intense spiritual energy of this place is almost tangible.

One of East Bali’s new discoveries, Pasir Putih – the imaginatively named White Sand Beach is a hidden beach fringed by a coconut grove and flanked by green headlands with a sheer cliff behind, you feel like you have stepped back in time. The tranquil ambience, complete with the simple grass roofed eateries, is reminiscent of the Bali of the 1970s. A strip of white sands leads to a brilliant blue sea. White umbrellas and loungers await guests and the atmosphere is tropical paradise. No hotels mar the perfect peace of this 500 meter long beach. The water are clear blue and the coconut palms provide shade and picturesque factor. At the southern end, a line of fishing outriggers (jukung) show that this is still a working beach. This is the place for a truly relaxation and enjoyment. It is a hidden beach of Pasir Putih, meaning the white sands known as Virgin Beach. Fringed by coconut grove and flanked by green headlands with a sheer cliff behind, you will feel like you have stepped back in time. The tranquil ambiance, complete with the simple grass roofed eateries, is reminiscent of the Bali of the 1970s.