Karang Asem – Mount Agung and Bali's Mother Temple in East Bali
Karang Asem Regency lies at the easternmost tip of Bali province, on the Lombok Strait. The regional capital is Amlapura. Karang Asem is Bali's spiritual centre: Mount Agung (3,142 m – Bali's highest and most sacred mountain) and the Besakih Mother Temple (Pura Besakih – Bali's most important Hindu temple complex) are located here. The Amed coast is a paradise for divers and snorkellers.
Attractions and Activities
Besakih Temple (Pura Besakih) is Bali's Mother Temple – the vast temple complex sits on Mount Agung's slopes and is Bali's most important ceremonial site. The Mount Agung sunrise trek is unforgettable (6–8 hour difficult trek with local guide). Tirta Gangga Water Palace (Taman Tirta Gangga) has beautiful water gardens and pools as a legacy of the Karang Asem kingdom. The Amed coast on the east Balinese coastline is a diving and snorkelling paradise: the Japanese USAT Liberty shipwreck (Tulamben) is one of the world's most famous wreck dive sites. Tenganan Pegringsingan is an ancient Balinese village (Bali Aga) – the last keeper of pre-Hindu Balinese culture.
Culture and Cuisine
Karang Asem is the most authentic region of traditional Balinese life: Hindu ceremonies, temple festivals (odalan), and rice-terrace farming are part of daily life. Tenganan village preserves the unique geringsing (double-ikat weaving) tradition. Cuisine is Balinese: lawar (spiced meat-coconut salad), sate lilit, nasi campur Bali, and tuak (palm wine) are local flavours.
Public Safety
Karang Asem is a safe region. Mount Agung is active – the most recent eruption was 2017–2019; always respect the safety zone and go with a local guide. Lombok Strait currents are strong – use reliable operators at dive sites. Medical care is basic; Denpasar (approx. 2–3 hours) has the nearest more advanced hospital.
Practical Information
From Ngurah Rai Airport, approximately 2–3 hours east by car. The best time to visit is April to October. Accommodation: guesthouses and dive resorts on the Amed coast; simple hotels in Amlapura; boutique accommodation near Sidemen and Tirta Gangga.