The Regency of Karangasem has an impressive range of terrain
and covers about 2,000 square kilometers. The steep rise from
the coast up to the mountains creates magical scenary. Dominiting
the regency is the Volcano Agung , said to be the "Home
" of the Balinese gods.In 1963 , the Volcano last eruption
killed more than a thousand people and many people lost their
land and become homeless. However , it also has given special
value where hundreds of lorries and trucks thunder every day
to transport sand stone for building materials
Karangasem, Bali's easternmost regency, is also its most beautiful.
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.
INTERESTING PLACES IN KARANGASEM
BESAKIH TEMPLE
Bali's "mother temple" the largest temple in Bali,
is over 900 meters up to he slopes of Gunung Agung. It has been
regarded as holy place since pre historic times in Bali. The
first recorded mention of its existence is from an inscription
from the fifteenth century; it has been regarded as a central,
holy temple for the entire island .All the allegiances of the
Balinese people come together at Besakih.
Each Regency has its own temple wirhin the overall compound,
as do each of the caste groups.
TENGANAN
Protected for centuries from the outside world by its surrounding
walls, the village of Tenganan has maintained its ancient pre-
Hindu customs through a strong code of non - fraternization
with outsiders. Tenganan is famous for its 'double ikat ' woven
material called gringsing, which is supposed to protect the
wearer with magic powers.
AMED & TULAMBEN
Approximately 1.5 hour from Badung north of Padang Bai.There
is most popular diving site or snorkeling in Bali. A shipwreck
and a drop-off accecsibble from the beach offer easy access
to colourful under water world. The magnificent coral viewing,
also notorious for shark, rays and wide variety of beautiful
fish life. Diving courses are also available.
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 waery traveler.
