East Bali: Lempuyang Gates, Tenganan, & Water Palaces Tour

East Bali is a captivating region steeped in cultural heritage, and this comprehensive tour offers a unique opportunity to explore its renowned landmarks. From the iconic Lempuyang Gates to the traditional Tenganan village and the stunning water palaces of Tirta Gangga and Taman Ujung, this immersive experience promises to transport visitors back in time and provide a deeper understanding of the area’s architectural wonders and artisanal traditions. With a knowledgeable guide and comfortable transportation, travelers can explore the serene, spiritual atmosphere that permeates these remarkable sites. What else awaits those who embark on this captivating journey through East Bali?

Key Points

• This tour highlights the renowned landmarks of East Bali, including the Lempuyang Gates, Tenganan traditional village, and the Tirta Gangga and Taman Ujung water palaces.
• The tour provides a private guide and air-conditioned transportation, ensuring a personalized and comfortable experience.
• Visitors can explore the iconic Goa Lawah bat cave temple, home to thousands of bats, and observe their dramatic emergence from the cave.
• The tour includes the opportunity to witness the unique Mepantigan martial art and traditional weaving techniques in the Tenganan village.
• The tour includes all entrance fees and provides mineral water, ensuring a hassle-free and enjoyable journey throughout East Bali’s cultural and natural wonders.

Tour Details

This full-day private tour of East Bali has a duration of 9 hours and includes visits to Goa Lawah, Tenganan, Tirta Gangga Water Palace, and Taman Ujung Water Palace.

Guests can explore the Goa Lawah bat cave temple, visit the traditional Aga village of Tenganan, and admire the water fountains and bathing pools at the Tirta Gangga and Taman Ujung Water Palaces.

The tour includes a private guide and air-conditioned transportation, as well as insurance, mineral water, and entrance fees.

Pickup is available from accommodations in the South Bali area, with an additional charge for pickup from the Uluwatu area.

Guests should note that lunch isn’t included, and the tour may not be suitable for wheelchair users.

Highlights

The tour highlights exploring the Goa Lawah bat cave temple, visiting the traditional Aga village of Tenganan, and admiring the water fountains and bathing pools at the Tirta Gangga and Taman Ujung Water Palaces.

Travelers can marvel at the unique features of these historic sites with the help of a private guide.

The Goa Lawah bat cave temple is home to thousands of bats, making it a fascinating sight. Tenganan is known for its traditional weaving and is one of the few remaining Aga villages in Bali.

The water palaces feature stunning architecture and serene pools perfect for relaxation. This tour offers a comprehensive look at East Bali’s cultural and natural wonders.

Inclusions

The tour includes a private guide, air-conditioned transportation, insurance, mineral water, and entrance fees.

These inclusions ensure a comfortable and hassle-free experience throughout the day. The private guide will provide valuable insights and lead the way, while the air-conditioned transportation allows for a relaxing journey between the various destinations.

Insurance coverage adds an extra layer of protection, and the provided mineral water helps keep you hydrated. Lastly, the inclusion of entrance fees means you won’t have to worry about additional costs at the sites.

Pickup & Dropoff

Pickup and dropoff for this tour are handled conveniently, with accommodations in South Bali‘s main areas serving as the starting and ending points.

The tour operator will pick you up directly from your hotel, villa, or other accommodation in popular South Bali spots like Nusa Dua, Jimbaran, Benoa, Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, Sanur, Denpasar, and Ubud.

However, an extra charge applies if your pickup location is in the Uluwatu area.

At the end of the day, you’ll be dropped off back at your original pickup point, ensuring a hassle-free experience from start to finish.

Goa Lawah Bat Cave

As the first stop on the tour, Goa Lawah, or the ‘Bat Cave’ temple, offers visitors a unique glimpse into the spiritual and natural wonders of East Bali.

Nestled into a limestone cliff, the cave is home to thousands of bats, creating an other-worldly atmosphere. Visitors can explore the intricate Hindu shrines and sculptures within the cave, learning about the temple’s history and significance.

The experience is enhanced by:

1. Observing the bats as they emerge from the cave in the early morning or late afternoon.
2. Admiring the detailed stone carvings and architecture of the temple.
3. Immersing oneself in the peaceful, meditative ambiance of the sacred site.
4. Understanding the cultural and religious importance of the Bat Cave to the local community.

Tenganan Traditional Village

The next stop on the tour is Tenganan, a traditional Aga village renowned for its unique cultural practices and well-preserved architectural heritage. Visitors can explore the village’s picturesque streets, admiring the distinctive ‘double-walled’ houses and observing the skilled craftspeople at work, creating intricate textiles and other traditional products.

Activity	Description
Weaving	Tenganan is famous for its production of ‘geringsing’ double-ikat textiles, a laborious weaving technique passed down through generations.
Woodcarving	Skilled woodcarvers in the village create intricate carvings, often depicting Hindu mythological figures, adorning homes and temples.
Martial Arts	The unique Mepantigan martial art, blending physical and spiritual elements, is practiced and demonstrated by local residents.

Tirta Gangga Water Palace

After exploring the traditional Aga village of Tenganan, the tour next takes visitors to the stunning Tirta Gangga Water Palace.

Situated amidst tranquil gardens, this elegant 1940s water palace features magnificent ornamental pools, fountains, and stone carvings that reflect Balinese Hindu influences. Visitors can wander through the serene grounds, taking in the sights and sounds of the palace’s impressive water features.

The tour highlights four key attractions at Tirta Gangga:

1. The main bathing pools and fountains
2. Intricate stone carvings and statues
3. A maze-like network of walkways and bridges
4. Lush, meticulously landscaped gardens

This stop provides a peaceful respite and a chance to take in the rich cultural heritage of East Bali.

Taman Ujung Water Palace

From Tirta Gangga, the tour continues on to the impressive Taman Ujung Water Palace, another stunning example of Balinese architecture and engineering.

This expansive water complex dates back to the early 20th century and was built by the last raja of Karangasem.

Visitors can marvel at the clever arrangement of pools, fountains, and pavilions that create a serene and tranquil atmosphere. The palace’s unique features include a floating pavilion, stone bridges, and stepped terraces that lead down to the water.

Strolling through the grounds, guests can appreciate the intricate masonry and the way the structures harmonize with the surrounding natural landscape.

Taman Ujung offers a peaceful respite and a chance to further take in Bali’s rich cultural heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Request a Different Start Time for the Tour?

Yes, you can request a different start time for the tour. The tour operator is typically flexible and can accommodate different start times based on your preferences, subject to availability.

Is There a Discount for Children or Seniors?

The tour does not offer discounts for children or seniors. The tour price is the same for all participants, regardless of age. Travelers should plan to pay the full rate per person.

Do I Need to Bring Any Specific Gear or Attire?

Comfortable, lightweight clothing and closed-toe shoes are recommended for this tour. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and any necessary medication. A camera is also suggested to capture the beautiful sights along the way.

Can I Make Changes to the Itinerary During the Tour?

Yes, the tour is flexible, and changes can be made during the tour. However, the tour guide may need to adjust the schedule and ensure all activities are completed within the allotted time. Communicate any preferences or changes with the guide.

Are There Any Restrictions on Photography at the Sites?

Visitors can generally take photos at the tour sites, but there may be some restrictions. Visitors should check with the tour guide or site staff about any photography rules before taking pictures, especially in religious areas.

Recap

This comprehensive tour offers a captivating glimpse into East Bali’s rich cultural heritage.

Visitors will marvel at architectural wonders, observe skilled artisans, and enjoy the serene, spiritual atmosphere of these remarkable sites.

With a private guide and air-conditioned transportation, the tour provides an immersive experience that showcases the region’s diverse cultural treasures.