Eastern Promise; Discover the quiet beauty of Bali's south-east coast

KEROBOKAN, Indonesia - May 4, 2015 - PRLog -- With its pristine beaches, turquoise bays, ancient temples, dramatic volcanoes, traditional villages, fascinating marine life and luxury villa accommodation, Bali’s south-east coast promises equal measures of natural beauty, adventure, tranquillity and relaxation to the discerning traveller.

An easy 20-minute drive up the south coast from Ngurah Rai International Airport brings you to Sanur, which became home to many European artists and creative types during the early decades of the 20th century. Unlike its flashier cousins, Seminyak and Kuta, Sanur still retains a sleepy seaside vibe with plenty of local charm. Tall leafy trees fringe the roads and the main drag, just back from the beach, is lined with atmospheric cafes and restaurants. The long and shady promenade that spans Sanur’s golden sands is also flanked by cafes, beach bars and market stalls, making it ideal for leisurely afternoon strolls or morning jogs. Island-hoppers take note that Sanur is the departure point for boats to Nusa Lembongan, a charming island that makes a great day trip (30-minutes/12-miles on a ‘fast boat’), with its picturesque beaches, good snorkelling and surf breaks.

While private luxury villas in Sanur and further up the south-east coast may not be as plentiful as along Bali’s more populated south-west coast, what they lack in number they make up for in spaciousness and charm. At the southern end of Sanur is the majestic six-bedroomed villa, Taman Sorga, nestled in lush tropical gardens and just a gentle walk from the beach, while the sublime Batujimbar, designed by the renowned Asian architect, Geoffrey Bawa – setting for Mick Jagger and Jerry Hall’s wedding and holiday haven of countless other glitterati – has direct access to the beach in central Sanur. On the northern side of town, the quiet beach of Padang Galak is home to another gorgeous beachfront property, Sanur Residence, whose three individual villas offer a total of nine bedrooms.

Heading further up the coast, the rural backdrop is one of tobacco plantations, banana groves and gently terraced rice fields. The Palm-fringed black-sand beaches of Ketewel (around 13 kilometres from Sanur), are home to a string of serene fishing villages where traditional life continues, and adventurous surfers come in search of waves without the crowds. Among them is Pabean where, in recent years, a number of exclusive villas have sprung up. Pabean was historically a small port used by oriental traders and at low tide you can still see remnants of the old harbour. Here, the three Majapahit Beach Villas, Villa Bayu Gita, Villa Pushpapuri, and Villa Samadhana offer supreme luxury with stunning views out to the islands of Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida. The famed art and craft villages of Mas, Sukawati, Batubulan and Batuan, and cultural Ubud, with its palaces, temples and holistic vibe are all just a short drive up into the hills.

A few kilometres beyond Pabean is the quiet village of Saba, home to the Pura Segara sea temple, and famed for traditional gamelan music and some of the finest legong dancers in Bali. Staff at the gloriously serene beachfront retreat, Villa Ylang Ylang are happy to arrange a private performance for guests. Adults and children alike will also enjoy a day at the nearby, multi-award winning Bali Marine Safari Park. Activities include fun safari tours, elephant treks and the opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the animals.

The coastal village of Kusamba is home to the fascinating salt pans of Bali. Here, in a tradition that dates back a thousand years, farmers harvest natural sea salt evaporated by the sun and wind. Also hugging the coast is Pura Goa Lawah, an important sea temple designed to appease the wild and unruly ocean gods. Thousands of bats inhabit this temple, which is formed from a natural cave. It is also the scene of frequent and colourful Hindu ceremonies.

Ten kilometres to the east is the harbour at Padang Bai; gateway to Lombok and home to a number of dive operators. The town is flanked by two gorgeous – albeit hidden – beaches: Blue Lagoon has good offshore snorkelling, while Bias Tugel is a beautiful white-sand beach reached by a forested hill path.

Next up is the quirky seaside town of Candidasa. Imbued with a laid back charm this sleepy town makes a good coastal escape and a comfortable base for exploring the region. Candidasa’s main strip has a good range of restaurants, while nearby attractions include the ancient stone-age village of Tengenan, the ornate water temples of Tirta Gangga and the glorious white-sand beach of Pasir Putih. Perched on a headland with stunning coastal views, Villa Asada is five kilometres to the west of the town. Villa staff will be happy to book a trekking guide for those wishing to enjoy spectacular views from the top of Bali’s highest volcano, Mount Agung.

While a myth persists that the east coast is a ‘long way from anywhere’, the reality is that even Candidasa is only just over an hour away from the airport thanks to improvements in the road system to the east of Denpasar. If smart boutiques and a buzzing nightlife are your thing, perhaps it’s not for you, but for space, serenity and Bali’s best beaches by far, head east!

http://www.elitehavens.com/destinations/ketewel/