East Bali could become the island’s hottest tourism destination in 2025. Leaders in the region have set ambitious tourism targets for the year ahead, and with so many incredible natural and cultural wonders to explore, tourists, digital nomads, and even expats looking for a staycation would be wise to add East Bali to their bucket list.
The East Bali region of Karangasem Regency is aiming to welcome 1.5 million tourists in 2025. Though ambitious, it’s highly achievable.
With Bali set to welcome 6.5-7 million international tourists and millions more domestic tourists, the region is already primed for success.
The Chairman of the Karangasem PHRI, Wayan Kariasa, told reporters about tourism figures for 2024 and how this data-informed targets for 2025. In 2024, 1.03 million international tourists stayed overnight in Karangasem Regency, and 250,000 domestic tourists.
He noted, “Hopefully, the trend of tourists to Karangsem will increase, and this hope is in line with the commitment of the elected Karangasem Regent to pay great attention to the progress of Karangasem Tourism.”
Kariasa also confirmed that the regency government will be taking issues such as traffic congestion, waste management, and land development and construction in order to ensure the region remains attractive to visitors. He made reference to conservation efforts underway at Candidasa Beach, which will be completed in the next two years.
Kariasa added, “What is no less important is how we will start enforcing the law, because the regulations are complete, now we just have to implement and synchronize.”
His comments come as the dialogue around the impact of foreign investment and development on the island has hit headlines again. Last week, PARQ Ubud, the internationally developed residential complex and creative hub, was formally closed down, and founder Andre Frey was arrested on the grounds of illegal land conversion.
Leaders across Bali are increasingly conscious of the balance between preserving cultural heritage and natural landscapes and inviting in more investment and commercial development across the province.
For tourists who want to explore Karangsem Regency in 2025, there is a wealth of adventures to be had, from Mount Agung to Candidasa Beach to the world-class diving sites off the coast of Amed.
For tourists wishing to connect to Bali’s cultural heritage and wild landscapes and avoid all of the island’s big resort areas, planning a whole vacation in East Bali is a great idea.
Looking to experience the arts, culture, and jungle landscapes of Ubud but without the traffic congestion and crowds? Swap Ubud on the itinerary for Sidemen in Karangasem Regency. Home to verdant working rice terraces, stunning bamboo vacation treehouses, and breathtaking waterfalls, Sidemen never disappoints!
Seeking white sand beaches, crowd-free shorelines, and understated luxury accommodations? Look no further than Candidasa. Resorts like Ashyana Candidasa Resort, Puri Bagus Candidasa Dive Resort Yoga Retreat, and Sagara Candidasa to name but a few.
These three and four-star boutique hotels offer ocean views, beach access, welcoming Balinese hospitality, and access to Karangasem’s most famous landmarks.
In terms of cultural wonders, Karangsem Regency ticks all the right boxes, too. The top of the cultural bucket list for Karangasem Regency has to be Penataran Agung Lempuyang Temple, which is better known to tourists at the Gates of Heaven Temple.
Tourists should also schedule a visit to the stunning Tirta Gangga Water Palace and Gardens. The attraction has just welcomed a series of new features, including the Asta Gangga Museum and an impressive statue of the 14th King of Karangasem, Anak Agung Agung Anglurah Ketut Karangasem, who founded Tirta Gangga Park in 1946.
The Asta Gangga Museum has quickly become one of the most important museums in all of Bali, and permanent exhibitions include skordi cloth, the lion king’s songket cloth, and ten heirloom keris that are the legacy of the King of Karangasem.
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