• TIRTA GANGGA
Just north of Karangasem , on the slopes leading up to Mount Agung,
is Tirta Gangga, a veritable water playground designed by 6 princes
in the Royal Family of Karangasem as a resting place. The exotic
pools and water fountains sustained some damage during the eruptions
of Mt Agung, but the water gardens remain as serene and temping
as ever, to the weary traveler.
Karangasem, Bali's easternmost regency, is also it’s most
beautiful place to visit. It has a wide variety of resorts, some
of them little-known. Padangbai, where the ferries depart to Lombok;
Candidasa on the southern coast; Tulamben and Amed, the divers'
hide-outs on the north coast; Tirtagangga, near the cultural heart
of the eastern coastal plain, and the more remote areas of Sidemen
and Putung. Karangasem is a great area to base yourself for several
days of exploration.
Prices are in US dollars. Most hotel comes in AC = Air conditioning
and hot water system. Telephone code is 0363.
Bali - Candidasa
Candidasa is a good place to escape the bustle of Kuta. Accommodations
are good and relatively cheap, as is the food. There are no beach
vendors and aggressive hawkers are rare. Although the town has
tripled in size in recent years, the surrounding area is still
serene and very quiet. Everything is oriented along the main street
that parallels the beach.
Bali Tourist Information
Perama Information Center in the west part of town is helpful.
No Problem International Air Ticketing can book tickets on Garuda
and many international airlines. They also arrange bus travel
to Java and eastern Indonesia.
There are a number of information centre available within reach
of your hotels. However it is best to consult your front receptionist
of hotels before actually inquire anything from outside agents.
To Karangasem
Public bemos run between Batubulan station and Candidasa until
dark for Rp3,500.00 (this is the local price: you may end up paying
more). Public bemos operate between Candidasa and either Klungkung
or Amlapura charging around Rp 4,000.00
If you come from Kuta and want to avoid crossing Denpasar, take
the direct shuttle bus which departs from Kuta at 9.30 am. Buy
tickets at CV Ganda Sari Transport, JI. Legian, Phone 754383.
From Ubud (next to Nomad Restaurant), take a similar shuttle at
8.15 am or 4 pm, Rp 6,000.00 These buses also run the return journey.
The best way to explore the area's back roads is by car, motorbike
or bicycle, all of which can be rented at several outlets in Candidasa
at rates similar to those in Ubud (see Ubud practicalities). Motorbikes
with drivers park on the main road at the Tenganan road junction
and at the Culik junction to offer lifts to Tenganan and Amed,
respectively. The usual fare is Rp 1000 one way: bargain.
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