Secluded, yet charming and authentic, the eastern part of Bali is less traveled but definitely worth to visit. Especially if you're looking for a different scene from the more popular spots down south. For the honeymooners, East Bali offers beautiful natural landscapes of Mount Agung, volcanic beaches, ancient village and sacred temples to be explored. You can also experience the indigenous Balinese culture and traditions that are still being deeply rooted within the community.
To accommodate your stay in East Bali, the world-renowned Amankila resort in Karangasem provides luxurious private villas, breathtaking panoramic views, relaxing and romantic vibes, also a diverse option of activity plans. Today, we're going to share a 6-day itinerary to inspire your memorable honeymoon with Amankila in East Bali.
Day 1
Stepping into Amankila's airy lobby, you will be warmly greeted by the team of staff and brought straight to your villa for the check-in process. Amankila has 33 private suites that are fashioned as beach houses with a twist, and each is elevated to let you thoroughly enjoy the sea and hillside view. On this first day, it's totally fine if you want to stay inside and relish the beauty of the room, especially if you have the suite with private pools. Take a dip, lie on the sunbeds, and order in some delicious Balinese dishes to savor.
You can also explore the rest of the resort, starting from the beach club down the cliff. Walk along the natural ridge or take a ride on one of the caddies from the lobby to get you up and down to the Beach Club. Once you're at the private club, you can enjoy the 40-meter pool, order refreshing drinks and snacks from the cafe, or soak in the sunlight on the lounge chairs under the coconut grove.
Day 2
If you're an early riser, we would recommend you to take a morning walk along the black-sanded beach and witness all of the seaside beauty. You can also book a morning yoga session with Amankila's resident yoga guru, Pak Eka. Want to try something new? Join his laughing yoga class and prove that laughter really is the best medicine. Start with stretching, clapping, and moving the body to warm it up, you are also encouraged to break down inhibitions and visualize happy feelings and thoughts. And yes, you will be instructed to laugh through the poses. Even if you find it hard to do it naturally at first, but when you're surrounded with such a playful and light-hearted environment, the giggle will eventually flow from within. Not only fun and lively, this exercise is also beneficial for your physical and mental health, as laughter can strengthen your immune functions, bring more oxygen to the brain, and fostering the feeling of positivity.
In the afternoon, indulge yourself with a couple massage session at the spa. Aside from the specially-designed spa pavilion, the choices of traditional Balinese massage and beauty treatments are also available in the comfort of your suites, or even outdoors at the tranquil coconut grove. But don't worry, though outdoors, the massage tables are hidden away amongst the palm and flowering bushes to ensure your privacy. Amankila spa also offers traditional Balinese baths, scrubs, and wraps that combine natural ingredients and modern techniques to give the optimum healing power and provide ultimate relaxation.
Day 3
Feeling like go out and explore the East Bali region? You're in the perfect place because the Amankila staff can arrange a guided tour of the area. Providing you with a car and driver, they will get you to the must-visit places and tell you all about the histories, folk tales, customs and traditions that are so interesting to know about. The destinations usually consist of the beautiful royal water palaces Tirta Gangga and Taman Ujung and the sacred Besakih temple. One place that you shouldn't miss when you're in the area is the ancient Tenganan Village. This village is the home of Bali's native Aga community that's famous for its authentic and original traditions, ceremonies, and rules. Tourists are also attracted to visit the village by their unique arts and crafts, like the gerinsing double ikat textiles that you wouldn't find anywhere else.
After a day of mini road-trips, enjoy the sunset back at the hotel. Book a romantic poolside dinner for two where you can luxuriate in a rijsttafel-style feast overlooking the ocean and under the stars. With gamelan music and the sound of the crashing waves in the background, celebrate the beginning of your new journey with your spouse and toast the night away.
Day 4
Beyond the regular buffet-style breakfast, Amankila also takes an early morning meal to the next level. Try having their picnic breakfast in the bale or traditional hut. What makes it so special? You can enjoy your meal between two gorgeous sceneries, the majestic Mount Agung on one side and the vast ocean overlooking the Lombok Strait on the other side.
If you're ready for some adventure, you can book the outdoor activities Amankila offers. At the property, you can play with a boogie board, kayak, Hobie cat sailing, or even windsurf. They're also planning to add traditional martial art classes, like pencak silat on the beach, to the list of activity. For the couples who want to venture forth from Amankila dan discover the true Bali, you can go on a trekking trip through rice fields or cycling through local villages.
Day 5
What's a honeymoon on a tropical island without tasting the seawater? While you're staying at Amankila, don't miss the chance to hop on their jukung boat inspired vessels that would take you cruising through the open sea. You can even start at dawn to enjoy the magnificent sunrise view from the sundeck. Enjoy an open-air breakfast or plunge into the water as the captain take you to the best snorkeling spots around this part of the island.
Back at the hotel, you can continue to dip into Amankila's signature three-tiered pools or browse through the book selections at the library, while waiting for dinnertime. And what's for dinner? We highly recommend their private BBQ dinner by the beach. Imagine dining with candle lights, delicious grilled menus, and sea breeze, just the two of you. That surely would be an experience of a lifetime.
Day 6
Time to go home! On the way to the airport, make sure you stopped by Goa Lawah temple, one of the holiest worship places in Bali. If you're looking for a souvenir to bring home, visit the artisanal sea salt harvester in Kusamba, where the farmers use the traditional technique to collect and produce 100% natural salt.
