Villa di Bias is a great base to explore East Bali. Below you’ll find suggested places to visit, approximate travel times from the villa, the best time of day to go, and ready made 8 hour day tours.

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Quick planning info:

 

• Travel times are approximate and can change with traffic, ceremonies, and weather.

• For viewpoints and temples: start early for cooler air and clearer Mount Agung views.

• For snorkeling: mornings are usually the calmest and clearest.

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1. Tirta Gangga Water Palace

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Just outside Amlapura, Tirta Gangga is a beautiful water palace with ponds, fountains, stepping stones, and lush gardens, one of Karangasem’s classic sights and very close to the villa.

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Time from villa: ~5–10 minutes

Best time: 08:00–10:00 (cooler, better photos)

 

2. Taman Ujung Water Palace

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Taman Ujung (Ujung Water Palace) is the “sister site” to Tirta Gangga, built by the late Raja of Karangasem. The complex features wide pools, historic structures, and open gardens, with views toward the eastern coastline and Mount Agung.

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Time from villa: ~20–30 minutes

Best time: 15:30–17:30 (soft light, less heat)

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3. Lempuyang Temple (Gates of Heaven)

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If you’re up for a bit of walking, Pura Luhur Lempuyang is one of East Bali’s most famous viewpoints. There are around 1,700 steps, but you don’t need to climb to the very top to enjoy stunning scenery, many visitors come for the iconic gate and mountain views.

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Time from villa: ~20–35 minutes

Best time: 05.00 (best visibility; usually shorter queues)

 

4. Besakih Temple (Mother Temple of Bali)

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Besakih is Bali’s most important temple complex on the slopes of Mount Agung. A memorable cultural visit, especially in the morning when it’s cooler and the views are clearer.

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Time from villa: ~45–70 minutes

Best time: 08:00–10:30 (cooler and clearer)

 

5. Tenganan Ancient Village (Bali Aga Village)

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Tenganan is a traditional Bali Aga village known for its unique culture and weaving traditions. Great to combine with Candidasa or the beaches nearby.

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Time from villa: ~30–45 minutes

Best time: 09:00–11:30 (cooler; village activities are active)

 

6. Samsara Living Museum (Award-Winning)

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Samsara Living Museum is a hands-on “living museum” experience in Karangasem, where guests can learn about Balinese life stages and join cultural workshops (activities may require booking).

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Time from villa: ~25–35 minutes

Best time: 10:00–13:00 (comfortable timing; good option in rainy season too)

Typical visiting hours: often listed around 09:00–15:30 (please confirm on the day)

 

7. Dukuh Penaban Tourism Village (Award-Winning) – Museum Pustaka Lontar

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Dukuh Penaban is a cultural tourism village where you can visit Museum Pustaka Lontar, a community museum preserving lontar (palm leaf manuscripts) and local knowledge.

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Time from villa: ~20–30 minutes

Best time: 09:00–12:00 (cooler and easier for cultural visits)

Typical visiting hours: often listed around 08:00–17:00 (please confirm on the day)

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8. Amed (Snorkeling / Sunrise Coast)

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A very nice motorbike trip is to go to Amed for snorkeling. Amed is one of the best places in Bali for easy snorkeling and relaxed seaside vibes. It’s perfect for a half day or full day trip, especially if you want clear water and a quieter atmosphere than the south. If your holiday is short, Amed works best when combined with other East Bali highlights, because Karangasem has so much more to explore from Villa di Bias.

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Time from villa: ~25–40 minutes

Best time: 07:00–10:30 (calmer sea, clearer visibility)

 

9. Tulamben (USS Liberty Wreck)

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Tulamben is world-famous for the USS Liberty shipwreck, one of Bali’s most iconic dive and snorkel sites. It’s a great choice for both beginners and experienced divers, and local dive masters are available for guided dives and courses (with equipment rental).

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Time from villa: ~30–60 minutes

Best time: 08:00–11:00 (better underwater visibility)

 

10. White Sand Beach (Bias Putih / Virgin Beach area)

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There are many beaches in Bali, but our favorite in East Bali is Bias Putih (White Sand Beach). It has the bright sand and tropical beach feel many guests are looking for great for swimming, relaxing, and a simple beachfront lunch at a local warung.

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Time from villa: ~30–60 minutes

Best time: 10:00–15:30 (swim + relax). For a quieter beach, go earlier.

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11. Lahangan Sweet Viewpoint

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Lahangan Sweet is one of the best viewpoints in East Bali, with dramatic views toward Mount Agung. Some roads can be narrow in parts, so it’s best with a confident driver.

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Time from villa: ~60–90 minutes (some narrow roads)

Best time: Sunrise 05:30–07:30 (clearest views). Sunset 16:30–18:00 is also nice.

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12. Bali Asli (Restaurant & Cooking School)

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Bali Asli has become an East Bali favorite for both dining and cultural experiences. Besides the cooking school, you can join activities like fishing in a jukung canoe, learning to plant rice, or seeing traditional farming methods ideal if you want a more local experience.

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Time from villa: ~5–10 minutes

Best time: lunch time (after Tirta Gangga / Lempuyang) or late afternoon for a relaxed meal

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Practical Tips Guests Appreciate

 

• Temples: modest clothing (cover shoulders/knees). Bring or borrow a sarong and sash.

• Bring cash for small entrance/parking fees and local warungs.

• Wear sandals with grip or shoes (steps can be wet/slippery at palaces and viewpoints).

• If you’re not confident on a scooter, a driver is the most comfortable option for Besakih and Lahangan Sweet.

 

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Recommended Full Day Tours (Up to 8 hours)

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These tours are designed so that, across multiple days, guests can visit all places listed above (Tirta Gangga, Taman Ujung, Lempuyang, Besakih, Tenganan, Amed, Tulamben, White Sand Beach, Lahangan Sweet, Bali Asli, Samsara Living Museum, Dukuh Penaban/Museum Pustaka Lontar).

 

Tour 1: East Bali Icons + Water Palaces

 

Lempuyang (Gates of Heaven) → Tirtagangga Bali → Asli (lunch) → Taman Ujung → back
Suggested start: 07:00–07:30
Covers: Tirta Gangga, Lempuyang, Bali Asli, Taman Ujung

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Tour 2: Culture & Heritage Day

 

Dukuh Penaban (Museum Pustaka Lontar) → Samsara Living Museum → Tenganan Ancient Village → back
Suggested start: 08:30
Covers: Dukuh Penaban, Samsara Living Museum, Tenganan

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Tour 3: Snorkeling Coast Day

 

Amed (snorkeling, sunrise coast) → lunch by the sea → Tulamben (USS Liberty area) → back
Suggested start: 07:00
Covers: Amed, Tulamben

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Tour 4: Beach Relax Day

 

White Sand Beach (Bias Putih / Virgin Beach area) → slow lunch at warung → optional stop at Taman Ujung (if guests want more sightseeing) → back
Suggested start: 09:30–10:00
Covers: White Sand Beach (optional extra: Taman Ujung)

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Tour 5: Big Temples + Countryside

 

Besakih Temple → Sidemen viewpoints / coffee stop → back
Suggested start: 07:30–08:00
Covers: Besakih (plus Sidemen if you keep it)

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Tour 6: Sunrise Viewpoint Day

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Lahangan Sweet sunrise → brunch/coffee stop → Tirta Gangga (late morning, optional) → back to rest
Suggested start: 05:00–05:30
Covers: Lahangan Sweet (optional extra: Tirta Gangga)

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How Many Days Should Guests Stay to Visit Everything Comfortably?

 

To visit all locations listed above without rushing, the best recommendation is:

• Minimum stay: 5 nights (very full schedule)

• Ideal stay: 6–7 nights (comfortable pace + time to enjoy the villa)​

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Simple 6-day plan to cover everything (Recommended)

 

Day 1: Tour 1 (Tirta Gangga + Lempuyang + Bali Asli + Taman Ujung)
Day 2: Tour 3 (Amed + Tulamben)
Day 3: Tour 2 (Dukuh Penaban + Samsara Living Museum + Tenganan)
Day 4: Tour 5 (Besakih + Sidemen area)
Day 5: Tour 4 (White Sand Beach, relaxed day)
Day 6: Tour 6 (Lahangan Sweet sunrise + rest at the villa)

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Ready to Explore East Bali?

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Stay at Villa di Bias and enjoy the best of Karangasem: water palaces, temples, beaches, snorkeling, culture, and iconic viewpoints, all within easy reach.

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