3-Day East Bali Itinerary: Explore The Authentic Side of Bali
Last Updated on February 13, 2026
East Bali had been on my Bali bucket list for months, ever since my very first visit to the Island. I was looking for something different, a more traditional side of it. And I knew East Bali would deliver exactly that.
Here, everything moves more slowly. The landscape is dominated by Mount Agung, Bali’s highest and most sacred volcano, and no matter where you are, you can feel it almost watching over you.
There’s a sense of having stepped back in time in this part of the island. Around Sidemen and Amed especially, life feels simple and rooted: one reminiscent of a traditional hill village, the other of a small fishing community where the ocean and the sun shape days.
In this article, I’ll share my 3-day East Bali itinerary: the places that are truly worth your time, practical tips on how to get around, and where to stay if you want to experience this side of Bali in the best way possible.
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How to Plan Your 3-Day East Bali Itinerary
On this side of the island, Grab and Gojek are unfortunately not available. You might still randomly spot a Grab car dropping people off, and miraculously manage to use it to get back to your accommodation or to your next stay, but you definitely can’t rely on that.
The first option is, of course, renting your own scooter. This is the most flexible option and also the cheapest, especially if you’re traveling alone.
Depending on your starting point, you can rent one in Ubud, use it as your main means of transport all the way to East Bali, and then ride it back to Ubud at the end of your trip.
That said, here are some things you should know about driving around this side of the island:
- Distances are often longer than they look on the map.
- Roads aren’t always in great condition
- Trucks are constantly driving in front of you, and if there’s one thing I truly hate, it’s breathing in truck fumes.
So, if you’re like me and don’t feel comfortable riding a scooter for long distances, here are your options for getting around East Bali:
- Booking a Grab car (and renting a scooter on site): This is usually what I do. It’s a bit more expensive, but at least I don’t have to deal with long scooter rides. Once you arrive at your destination in East Bali, you can rent a scooter locally to move around the area. A Grab car usually costs around IDR 200K–300K ($12-$18), while scooter rentals start from IDR 80K ($5) per day.
- Hiring a driver: If, on the contrary, you prefer not to drive at all, your best option is to plan full-day trips with multiple stops and hire a driver to take you around. This is unfortunately one of the most expensive options, with prices usually ranging between IDR 600K and 800K ($36-$48) per day.
- Joining a tour: This is my least favorite option (unless it’s a particularly good one), but it can be a great choice if you want to save money or meet other travelers, especially if you’re traveling solo. A good compromise could be renting a car to reach the area and then joining a tour locally to explore the surroundings.
If you’re looking for more information on getting around, I’ve written a full guide on how to plan your transportation in Bali, depending on where you’re traveling and the options available.
Day 1: Gembleng Waterfall and Silver Workshop in Sidemen
Morning: Journey to Sidemen, Gembleng Waterfall & Rice Fields
My 3-day East Bali itinerary started with a 1.5-hour journey from Ubud to Sidemen. I booked a comfortable Grab car around 7:30 am and arrived in Sidemen just before 9.
Almost immediately, as we turned onto Jl. Raya Sidemen, I noticed how the landscape began to shift. Rice fields slowly took over the view, big buildings disappeared, and suddenly it was just greenery stretching out in front of me.
After dropping my heavy backpack at Giri Swari Homestay, right in the heart of Sidemen village, I rented a scooter directly from the homestay and headed straight to Gembleng Waterfall, about 30 minutes away.
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of freedom that comes with riding around Sidemen. No traffic, no horns, no cars. Just locals working in the rice fields, smiling and waving as I passed by, and an endless, lush green jungle wrapping around the hills in every direction. It felt so peaceful.
I was lucky to visit Gembleng Waterfall at the right time. A few people were already there when I arrived, but nothing compared to the long queue I encountered about 45 minutes later as I was leaving.
Gembleng is undeniably picture-perfect, yet the waterfall itself isn’t the main highlight. Instead, it’s the small natural pools carved by water erosion, opening up to sweeping jungle views, that draw all the attention.
It’s a peaceful, spiritual place, where Balinese Hindus come to practice the Melukat purification ceremony (very early in the morning, when tourists are not there yet).
I couldn’t not write a small guide on Gembleng Waterfall. It really is as aesthetic as it looks. That said, timing is everything here. In the article linked above, I share the best way and time to visit so you can truly enjoy the experience.
After leaving the waterfall crowds behind, you can hop back on your scooter and ride all the way back toward the village.
Sidemen is literally surrounded by rice fields, and it’s very common for visitors to stumble upon unmarked paths while wandering around. If you’re short on time or prefer something more structured, the Sidemen Rice Field Trek starts right next to the main village and follows a trail of about 5 km.
The scenery along the way is simply unforgettable. Tropical plants in every shade of green, pink, red, and orange frame the gardens of beautiful villas.
A small river flows quietly beside the path, nourishing the fields, and the vibrant green of the rice paddies fills your eyes, holding you there. Unable to stop taking photos or simply standing still, taking it all in.
Lunch: Koli Koli Day Club
I had read about Koli Koli before arriving in Sidemen, and I already knew it was a place I wanted to check out. Koli is a recently opened day club, perched on a hill in the upper part of the village.
And if you’re looking for a good reason to stop by, here it is: the view over the Sidemen rice fields. That alone would be enough, but add to it the fact that you can easily spend the whole day here, renting a daybed or a lounger, cooling off in the small, fresh pools, and simply taking a break.
From Koli Koli, the entire Sidemen valley opens up in front of you. Small villas and homestays are scattered between endless green rice fields, while deep, lush hills wrap everything in what looks like a protective embrace.
Let’s be honest: this isn’t the most local or traditional spot in Sidemen. If you’re looking for a small, family-run warung or something deeply rooted in local life, this might not be the place.
The food is good, but portions are on the smaller side for the price, which, unsurprisingly, is often the case with places catering to tourists.
That said, Koli Koli is still very much worth a visit. It’s also the only place like this you’ll find in Sidemen, so there’s really no guilt in stopping by. You’ll have plenty of opportunities elsewhere to eat at small, family-run spots and experience the village’s more authentic side.
Afternoon: Silver Smithing Workshop
Silversmithing is one of those traditional crafts that Balinese Hindus have passed down from generation to generation, and one they’re genuinely proud to share.
Joining a silversmithing workshop in Sidemen is such a good idea. Not only because the atmosphere here feels more genuine. You can tell these laboratories have existed for centuries, with layers of history embedded in their walls.
But also because you’ll leave Sidemen with your own unique silver souvenir. And that was exactly how I convinced myself to do it, even though I’m definitely not the most naturally skilled person when it comes to manual crafts… something that became quite obvious during my workshop.
A silversmithing workshop usually lasts around two hours. With your booking, you receive about 7 grams of silver (plus copper) to create your own piece, typically a ring or pendant.
A local artisan guides you through every step of the process, making it a fun and approachable experience. It’s also a beautiful way to learn more about daily life in Sidemen, straight from the source, and to ask questions about this centuries-old art while working with your hands.
If you’re still wondering whether a silversmithing class is for you, I’ve written a short useful review of my experience. If you’re looking for a great workshop, this is the one I booked with Sidemen Silver.
Dinner at Sundari Restaurant
Unless you’re planning to have dinner at your accommodation, I’d really recommend finding a spot with a view over Mount Agung so you can enjoy the sunset as the sky slowly turns into shades of pink and purple.
I stumbled upon Sundari almost by accident while looking for a place to eat close to my stay. Since the restaurant is located on the second floor of the building, the view completely caught me by surprise, and it was absolutely perfect.
Sundari has a beautiful open-window terrace overlooking Sidemen, where you can sit and watch the valley grow quieter as the sun sets behind Mount Agung.
The menu focuses mainly on Indonesian specialties, but with a modern twist and thoughtful presentation. Overall, it turned out to be one of the best and most unexpected discoveries of my weekend.
Day 2: East Bali Day Trip From Sidemen
The second day of my time in Sidemen was actually the perfect opportunity to plan a day trip around East Bali and visit a few places I absolutely didn’t want to miss.
The day before, I had randomly met a driver at Panorama Sidemen, a lovely warung overlooking the Sidemen trekking route, who turned out to be the owner of the place (and a driver on the side).
We ended up chatting, and with him I planned my itinerary for the next day, agreed on a price (or at least tried to, considering how tricky it is to discuss money in Bali), and arranged a 7 am pickup for the following morning.
Jagasatru Waterfall
The first stop of my morning was Jagasatru Waterfall, although while sitting in the backseat of the car, I couldn’t help but regret not stopping at the Selat morning market along the way.
Visiting a local produce market is honestly something most people skip, yet it’s one of the most interesting, authentic, and traditional experiences you can have.
Jagasatru is located about 30 minutes from Sidemen, tucked away in the jungle like a place that feels newly discovered. It’s not the kind of majestic, powerful waterfall you might expect. Instead, it’s about the atmosphere: peaceful, quiet, and above all, completely untouched, which almost feels like a miracle in Bali these days.
The entrance is donation-based, and before heading down, don’t miss the massive golden statue of Lord Brahma, the Hindu creator god, believed to protect the aura of the site.
It adds a quiet spiritual presence to the side, almost reminding you that in Bali, even nature is rarely just nature; it’s often considered sacred.
Tirta Gangga
The second stop of my day trip wasn’t originally planned. I followed my driver’s suggestion to visit Tirta Gangga, considering how close it was to my next stop, and I’m glad I did.
Tirta Gangga is located about 40 minutes from Jagasatru and is a breathtaking former water palace built by the last king of Karangasem Regency. The term “water palace” can be a bit misleading, though. The original palace was largely destroyed during Mount Agung’s eruption in 1963, and what visitors see today are the beautifully restored gardens.
Normally, I’m not particularly drawn to places that feel purely aesthetic, without much of an experience attached to them. But Tirta Gangga was an exception.
The park, filled with fountains, tiered ponds, tropical plants, and greenery, is so visually stunning that I genuinely couldn’t stop taking photos. There’s something calming about walking across the famous stepping stones, surrounded by water and koi fish.
That said, I highly recommend visiting early, ideally before 9 am, to avoid the crowds. And if you’re curious about the history of the site, read about it beforehand, as there’s very little information provided on-site.
Bukit Cinta
Bukit Cinta was one of the two viewpoints over Mount Agung and the East Bali rice terraces that I absolutely wanted to check out. It’s located just 10 minutes from Tirta Gangga, so it felt like an easy stop to add along the way.
Unfortunately, this was the one place that left me a little disappointed. I had imagined it as a quiet, lesser-known viewpoint, somewhere to pause, take a breath, and simply contemplate the landscape. Instead, I found a restaurant built right on the edge of the hill, claiming the very best view.
The weather didn’t help either. Mount Agung was completely hidden behind a blanket of low white clouds, covering its caldera and the entire horizon. Maybe on a clear day, it feels completely different and more worthy of a stop.
Still, it wasn’t a major detour, as it was right on the way to my next stop, the one I had truly been looking forward to.
Lahangan Sweet
Lahangan Sweet was the main reason I decided to plan this day trip around East Bali, and at the same time, the reason I chose to hire a driver instead of riding a scooter myself.
It’s located about 30 minutes from Bukit Cinta, but the road leading there is honestly one of the worst I’ve experienced in Bali.
Even my driver looked slightly defeated at one point, navigating the steep climbs, sharp drops, and endless bumpy sections before we finally reached the parking area. In that moment, I was very grateful not to be driving.
Lahangan Sweet is, without exaggeration, one of the most incredible viewpoints over Mount Agung. From here, the volcano feels massive and powerful, towering over the entire valley from what seems like the highest possible angle.
Its caldera appears and disappears behind thick, slow-moving clouds. It’s genuinely impressive and absolutely worth the long journey from Sidemen.
The site isn’t yet a fully developed tourist attraction (although I have a feeling it won’t stay that way for long). The entrance fee is around IDR 100,000, which includes the shuttle ride that takes you further up the hill to the main viewpoint.
If you want to add another stop to your itinerary, I had actually considered visiting Pura Lempuyang. In the end, though, I was so tired that I decided to head back to Sidemen and treat myself to a massage instead.
Pura Lempuyang is just 15 minutes from Lahangan Sweet, and if you’re not particularly interested in the iconic “Gate of Heaven” photo (which usually requires a 2–3 hour queue), the temple itself is absolutely worth a stop.
The setting is spiritual with Mount Agung in the background, and beyond the famous photo spot, it still holds that sacred energy that makes Balinese temples so special.
Day 3: Pura Besakih, Tukad Cepung, and Goa Raja Waterfall
For the last day of your 3-day East Bali itinerary, you have a couple of options, depending on where you’re coming from and where you’re planning to go next. You could head back to Ubud from Sidemen (which is the option I chose), or you could continue to Amed and spend a few more days along Bali’s eastern coast.
Morning: Pura Besakih
Pura Besakih is located just 40 minutes from Sidemen, and after visiting it myself, I can honestly say that Sidemen is one of the best bases to reach it.
Pura Besakih is considered the most sacred temple on the island. It’s built on the slopes of Mount Agung, and its location is not random. It symbolizes the connection between the earthly world and the divine.
During the most recent eruption of Mount Agung, the temple complex was left untouched, reinforcing its spiritual role in the eyes of many Balinese.
Originally, the temple was dedicated to the main Hindu deities, Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, but over time it expanded into a vast complex made up of 23 separate yet related temples. Needless to say, if you’re going to visit just one temple in Bali, this should be the one.
Not all of the temples are accessible, as some are private or reserved for specific ceremonies. However, you can walk up the long staircases through which the complex unfolds, observing the black lava-stone gates and the iconic multi-tiered meru-style shrines along the way.
Make sure to take your time during your visit. A local guide is included in the ticket price, so use the opportunity to ask questions, learn about the symbolism, and truly admire the details, while allowing yourself to feel the deep spirituality of the site.
Hopefully, you’ll be lucky enough to visit on a clear day, so you can fully appreciate Mount Agung rising behind the temple.
Afternoon: Tukad Cepung and Goa Raja Waterfalls
Tukad Cepung and Goa Raja are two waterfalls located in the Bangli Regency, in central Bali. Out of all the waterfalls I’ve seen on the island, these two are absolutely worth a visit because of their unique natural structures. Luckily, they’re located just 14 minutes from one another, making it easy to combine them in the same trip.
Tukad Cepung Waterfall is one of the most scenic waterfalls in Bali. However, you won’t reach it without a bit of effort; the hike down takes around 20 minutes.
The waterfall is hidden inside a narrow canyon, where you’re surrounded by towering rock walls. As the water crashes down through the opening above, rays of sunlight filter in from the top, creating light beams through the mist.
Goa Raja Waterfall, on the other hand, feels wilder and more raw. The short hike down leads you to a powerful waterfall cascading into a large pool, framed by dense jungle and a natural cave formation behind it. There’s even a small natural pool for swimming.
If you have time for both, I highly recommend visiting early in the morning to avoid the crowds, especially at Tukad Cepung, which is usually more crowded.
Make sure the waterfalls are actually open, because sometimes they’re diverted to irrigate the rice fields during the dry season, so in this case early rainy season (September – October) may actually be a better time to visit.
Places to Stay in East Bali
Here are a few accommodation options to consider for your stay in Sidemen or Amed.
- Giri Swari Homestay (Sidemen): This is where I stayed in Sidemen, and if you’re looking for a good budget option, it’s perfect. The rooms are spotless, with beautiful views over the rice fields, and scooters are available for rent directly at the property.
- Wapa di Ume Sidemen: One of the most popular and highly rated 5-star resorts in Sidemen. Everything, from the location to the amenities and the breakfast, feels perfect. If you’re looking for an effortless stay where you have everything you need on site (including a spa and gym), this is the place to be.
- Amed Beach Resort: The location of this stay is excellent, just 50 meters from Amed Beach, perfect for both sunrise and sunset by the ocean. The rooms are clean and comfortable, and the outdoor pool is definitely the highlight of the property.
Best Tours of East Bali
If you’re not planning to hire a driver (or you’re trying to keep costs down), here are a couple of great tour options to consider while exploring East Bali.
- East Bali Beaches, Snorkeling & Waterfalls: This tour is slightly different from the itinerary I suggested above, but if you’re looking for a beach day combined with a touch of jungle scenery, this could be exactly it. It includes a snorkeling experience at the stunning Blue Lagoon in East Bali, a beach stop at Bias Tugel Beach in Padang Bai, and a visit to the picture-perfect Gembleng Waterfall in Sidemen.
- Pura Lempuyang, Goa Raja Waterfall, and Tirta Gangga: This is a great tour if you want easy access to Pura Lempuyang and to visit one of the most beautiful waterfalls in East Bali, Goa Raja Waterfall. All entrance tickets are taken care of, and pick-up and drop-off are included.
- East Bali Tour: Lahangan Sweet, Lempuyang Temple & Tirta Ganga: The ideal private tour if you want to catch the sunrise at Lahangan Sweet, with early pick-up included in the price. You’ll have the chance to visit Pura Lempuyang and Tirta Ganga as well, and all tickets are already included in the tour price.
Other East Bali Travel Tips
- Bring cash: Especially if you’re planning to visit smaller villages, street food stalls, or local markets, don’t expect to be able to pay by card. Most small businesses only accept cash, so it’s important to always have some with you. Even for taxi rides, many drivers still prefer or accept cash payments only.
- Bring a raincoat: No matter the season, areas outside of South Bali can be unpredictable when it comes to weather. Rain showers are common, even on otherwise sunny days, so it’s always a good idea to carry a raincoat with you.
I loved my time in East Bali, and I can’t wait to go back. Hopefully, this 3-day East Bali itinerary provided some inspiration for your own trip and helped you decide what’s worth your time.
If you have more questions about traveling around this area of the island, make sure to drop them in the comments. I’m happy to help, and I hope you enjoy your time on the island.
