New Lake Destination In Bali Offers Tourists Crowd-Free Nature Escapes 

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Bali is a freshwater paradise. While the island may be best known for its coastline, Bali is home to some seriously impressive lakes.

The most famous of all are Lake Batur, Lake Beratan, and the Twin Lakes hidden away in the north of the island, but thanks to intensive restoration efforts, one of Bali’s most beautiful lakes is now open to the public once again.

Not many tourists know that Bali boasts more than just the four most famous lakes of Lake Batur, Lake Beratan, Lake Buyan, and Lake Tamblingan.

Within the Island of the Gods’ lush natural landscape lies a lake that has been nearly forgotten for nearly three decades: Lake Yeh Malet, located in Banjar Yeh Malet, Antiga Kelod Village, Manggis District. Following intensive revival efforts, the lake is now poised to become a new tourist destination. 

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After being closed to the public for more than 27 years, Bali’s Yeh Malet Lake in Karangasem Regency in East Bali is now open to the public once again.

The lake is now in decent condition, after a team of 50 people consisting of members of Indonesian Army Battalion 741 and local residents was deployed to clean up the area every day for two months.

The operation helped clean up 10 hectares of the lake and the surrounding landscape to make it a safe and appealing destination for local residents and tourists.

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Speaking to reporters, the Head of Information for the 163rd Wira Satya Military Command (Korem), Major Inf Dewa Oka, explained that the lake was previously densely covered with grass, weeds, and water hyacinth, hindering its natural functions. He shared, “Now the lake is ready for tourists to enjoy. It’s also safe for children to swim or for residents to fish.”

The overgrowth had gotten so serious that the natural spring water that feeds the lake had become blocked. Oka explained, “Yeh Malet Lake actually has a spring. But because it was covered in weeds and mud, the water only came out a little. After it was cleaned, the water finally appeared.”

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The Head of Marketing for the Bali Provincial Tourism Office, Ida Ayu Indah Yustikarini, expressed her appreciation for the efforts of the army and the community in reviving the lake.

She shared hopes that Yeh Malet Lake will become a new tourist attraction in East Bali, particularly for Karangasem Regency, which is known for its wild landscapes. “The view is said to be breathtaking, complete with a panoramic view of Mount Agung.”

Tourists who want to plan a couple of days of exploration in Karangasem Regency have plenty of natural wonders to choose from.

Karangasem Regency is one of the rare regions of Bali where it’s possible to enjoy a freshwater and saltwater vista within just a short drive of one another. Yeh Malet Lake is just a 3-minute drive inland from Yeh Malet Beach. This quiet black sand beach is far from the tourist trail and offers wonderful sunrise and sunset views. 

Tourists who want to add a little culture to the mix will be delighted to learn that the famous Goa Lawah Cave can be found a 5-minute drive from both the lake and the beach.

The famous bat cave temple is one of the cultural highlights of a visit to Karangasem Regency, and it is not to be missed on a tour of East Bali. 

Yeh Malet can feel a little off the beaten path, so for tourists who want to explore these hidden gems but still stay somewhere a little more established, Padangbai is the place for you.

Just a 15-minute drive from Yeh Malet Lake, Yeh Malet Beach, and Goa Lawar Temple, Padangbai is a fantastic coastal escape and is even the gateway to the Nusa Islands. It really ticks all the right boxes for a nature-rich, culturally abundant, affordable, and accessible vacation in Bali!