There's a lot to do! Here are some of our Favorites:
Amed and Lipah Bay
You'll find Bali's SOUL in Amed. A peaceful, inspiring group of villages framing this Indonesian island's CORAL COAST. More laid back than the tourist meccas of South Bali, you won't find hi-rise mega resorts or giant night clubs......BUT if you require a little "action". . . .there's plenty for the restless.
Restaurants we like to recommend:
Villa Candi Matahari is quite close to the region's two FINE DINING establishments; Safka Restuarant and Terrace at The Griya, and Sails Restaurant. . .just a stone's throw away. You can walk, for sure, but our driver will be happy to take you. . .that is, after all, what he is there for. Just ask your staff to make the arrangements.
The village below is LIPAH. You will want to walk into town, visit the local shops, grab a local beer (Bintang) on the beach, and make arrangements to come back in the evening for some live music at one of many restaurants and bars. You may also get lucky and stumble across a Balinese Dance Show. Our favorite restaurants in Lipah are Vienna Beach Restaurant, just down the hill, on the beach, with a good happy hour. Warung Agung, just a little further into the village, locally owned with live music almost nightly. A cozy place with atmosphere to spare.
If you’re after Indonesian fare, with a nod toward vegetarian and vegan selctions, Galanga Restaurant is a short drive away. Have your staff book a garden table for an unforgettable evening in the jungle.
Your staff can also arrange for a quick 5 minute drive (or scooter ride) into Jemeluk bay. . . .Although the collection of small restaurants and shops is similar to Lipah, it's worth the trip for a slightly different flavor. After all. . . .VARIETY IS THE SPICE OF LIFE! Many musicians tour the island, with Amed as a regular stop. . . . .the more popular bands can draw relatively large crowds. If you're feeling like staying out a bit late, just ask a local where the "music" is tonight. Wherever you venture, make sure to tell them. . . .you're staying at Villa Candi Matahari.
Ubud
Deep in the mountainous center of Bali, a few hours from Amed, among hanging banyan trees and lush rice paddies, is a small town thought to be the Indonesian island's spiritual and cultural heart. With a name that comes from the Balinese word Ubad (which means medicine), Ubud has long been known as a mystical place . . . rich in healing powers.
Legend has it that as far back as the 8th Century, royal families from across the island sent their ill to Ubud to be healed, and the tradition continues today – with people from all over the world arriving in hope of curing what ails them. In the intervening years, the region has also become a sought-after destination for spiritual tourists, as savvy yoga teachers brought students to find serenity in what was then a sleepy village.
A Visit to the Ubud Monkey Forest must be a priority while in Ubud - a natural forest reserve popular with both locals and tourists. The mischievous monkeys who reside here provide lots of entertainment, but will often demand shiny things in return, so keep a tight grip on your valuables and sun glasses. Meandering paths lead to charming places like the bathing temple surrounded by lush remnants of ancient forest. Just off the main square a lovely arched stone bridge leads to the Hindu elephant-headed Lord Ganesh overlooking a small, square, moss-covered pool where several koi swim at his feet.
Diving and Snorkeling
If you didn't know it already, East Bali (encompassing Amed and Tulamben), has some of the most lush, diverse, and pristine coral reefs on the planet. Local diving in Amed is a magnificent escape, and a journey of discovery for all diving levels. Knowledgeable dive guides (a must in this region) and highly rated dive shops are plentiful in the area. Let the staff at Villa Candi Matahari recommend reputable dive shops nearby. We have arrangements with many who can pick you up at the villa.
A diving trip to East Bali is not complete without a day trip to descend on the sunken splender of the USS LIBERTY. . .a world class dive site for certain, and only a 30 minute drive. A "must see" for most on Bali, so ask your local dive guide when the best time is to avoid the crowds.
Beginners and Snorkelers don't worry!!! You can learn to SCUBA here, or stay afloat, as many of Amed's reefs are . . . just below the surface!
Local Tour
If you feel you want to explore the region a little more deeply. . . . .AND YOU SHOULD. . . . ask the staff to arrange for a daily scooter, or motorbike rental.
Your staff will have GREAT recommendations where to go, but for starters. . . .leave the driveway of Villa Candi Matahari, and go RIGHT! It won't be but a few minutes before you realize you've left 100 years behind you. Village life becomes prominent, the coast line becomes quite grand, and the scenery. . . almost monumental.
Take your time here, as you won't want to miss ANY photo opportunity. . . .but also because road conditions may not be what you're used to. A little gravel or dirt can make for a slippery ride, so go slow, and you'll be fine :-) Hati-Hati (be careful), and wear a helmet.
Hiking
We believe Bali's most stunning vistas are RIGHT HERE, in Karangasem, particularly in the Amed region. After all, we didn't build Villa Candi Matahari here on accident.
Lovely mountains are right behind, and ALL AROUND you. You've heard this a lot, but your staff can be a great source of hiking routes, and can provide you with a local guide if you desire to challenge yourself a bit more.
Sport Fishing Charters with Coral Coast Charters
"The Sea doesn't care about you . . . . . or know your name". Those who believe this haven't heard the Bali Sea calling them. Anglers, and non-anglers alike, who hear the call, can rise before the sun with our own Sport Fishing Yacht, or fish as the locals have for hundreds of years; in a traditional canoe or JUKUNG.
Essentially of Balinese origin, the double outrigger JUKUNG is but one of many types of Pacific/Asian outrigger canoes that use the crab claw sail traditional throughout Polynesia. Whilst this sail presents some difficulties in tacking into the wind (actually requiring to jibe around), a jukung is superb in its reaching ability and jibe-safe running. They are usually highly decorated and bear a marlin-like bow. Feel free to bring your own gear, or try your "hand" at hand fishing with local tackle.
Many feel the need for a little more “stability” and “reach” for their deep sea comfort levels. Fortunately, Amed is home to one of the finest SPORT FISHING YACHTS in Indonesia. The SYLVIA MAE is a 45 foot Scarab Hull Convertable Charter Sport Fishing vessel, complete with fighting chair to land the BIG ONE, and a head (toilet) to last the long trips. Charter options are available for most budgets. Book ahead to ensure availability at CoralCoastCharters.com
If for no other reason, plan a charter around sunrise, or sunset. . . . .gazing back to land from the Bali Sea. . . . .
" . . . and Bali will know you."
Tirta Gangga - Water Palace
Tirtagangga, meaning holy water of the Ganges in Balinese, is one of the world's romantic gardens. Gushing springs flowing from beneath an ancient Banyan tree and holy temple fill the myriad of reflecting and swimming pools that grace the Water Palace.
The prominent 11 tiered lotus fountain has become the symbol for Tirtagangga since its creation by the late Raja of Karangasem in 1948. After a tour of the Versaille Palace in France, the Raja was inspired to create his second Water Palace in the mountains overlooking his kingdom. The waters of the holy spring have been praised by island healers for their healing and youth giving powers. Thus the Raja named them after the holy river Ganges in India which is famous for these qualities. It is said that if one bathes in the waters of Tirtagangga on the full moon you will be blessed with lasting youth and your illnesses will be healed. Tirtagangga is the "Fountain of Youth" of Bali.
Less than a 30 minute side trip from Amed. Bring a swim suit, and a camera. . . . . as you may feel the need for some "healing", and you'll want before and after pictures!
The Gili Islands
One of East Bali's most popular overnight trip destinations, the Gili Islands (or just the Gilis) came to the attention of the wider world as a backpacker mecca in the 1980s and 1990s. This is still true to some extent, and the islands are still a fixture on the Banana Pancake Trail. But times are changing, and there is now an array of glamour options on the islands, especially so on Gili Trawangan. The islands are very relaxed and laid-back, with countless little beachside cafes, restaurants and bars serving a variety of tastes in local and international cuisine. Best of all, there are NO CARS or MOTORBIKES to disturb the peace.
From Amed, you are closer to the Gili's than any other place on Bali, this means your boat trip is abbreviated (a quick 45 min. journey). Let the villa staff arrange your trip to make sure your fast boat journey is from a reputable, and safety conscience company. Villa Candi Matahari recommends FREEBIRD EXPRESS exclusively for its tenure in the industry and for its safety record.
East Bali Temple Tour
You are so very fortunate to be staying in East Bali as we are within easy reach of three of Bali’s most important temples. Instagram famous Pura Penataran Agung Lempuyang (Temple Lempuyang) is one of Bali’s esteemed and oldest temples. Perched 1175 meters above sea level, this magnificent temple is Bali’s highest, and most photographed.
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The Temple Besaki complex is the largest and holiest of Hindu temples in Bali. Known as the “Mother Temple”, Besaki is an enormous compound of nearly 80 smaller temples but only a few are available to the public at large. This is also a fairly high temple, and provides breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountains, rivers, and rice paddies.
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Built in the 11th Century by MpuKuturan (early Hindu priest), the Goa Lawa Temple is home to thousands of bats. The name translates literally to mean “Bat Cave”. The easiest of temples to access, located just on the main road leading from the airport to Amed. This sacred temple is quite popular among tourists and locals alike. The beach is right across the street for a nice break if you like. Legend has it that the dark corridors of the cave lead all the way back to Besakih Temple, AND believed to be the home to the mythical snake king known as Vasuki.
Luwak Coffee Tasting and Tour
You’ve heard the tales of the most expensive coffee beans in the world, about wallet emptying cups of brew, and of a strange little animal KEY to its production. It’s all true, and NOW is your chance to see if it’s all worth it.
KOPI LUWAK, or Civet Coffee, is made from the beans of coffee berries which have been eaten by the Asian Palm Civet (or Luwak) then. . . .(are you ready?). . . .passed through its digestive tract. YES, ALL THE WAY THROUGH! The Civet eats the berries for their fleshy pulp, proteolytic enzymes seep into the beans, making shorter peptides and more free amino acids. Passing through the intestines, the beans are then defecated keeping their shape. After gathering , THOROUGH WASHING, sun drying , light roasting, and brewing, these beans yield an aromatic coffee with much less bitterness, widely noted as the MOST EXPENSIVE COFFEE IN THE WORLD.
Without breaking the bank, our driver will be pleased to take you for this one of a kind educational and tasting experience not too far from the villa.
Bali’s Safaris
Bali is home to several Safari themed animal parks each with personalities of their own. From grand elephant centric preserves, to an African Safari encounter with over a thousand animals. Revel in such experiences as a NIGHT SAFARI in a specially designed caged tram that will take you on a journey where you will get to witness and HAND FEED animals at a close range. Take your breakfast with Lions perhaps, or spend your morning bathing, feeding, and SWIMMING with Elephants in Bali’s only dedicated elephant rescue park. Regardless of the park you choose, know that each park understands the threats that many species face. Actively involved in ensuring the future survival and wellbeing of animals in Indonesia, Bali’s wildlife parks strive to play larger and larger roles in the preservation of the world’s protected species. Indicate that you are interested in one, or all, of these experiences, and our staff/driver can book tickets for you, AND plan your day to include other attractions that may be near by.
