could bali's eastern coast attract more tourism development?

Bali's eastern coast offers a different experience from the island's busier southern destinations. From the diving spots of Amed and Tulamben to the coastal landscapes of Candidasa and the islands of Nusa Penida, the region combines natural attractions, cultural heritage, and a more relaxed atmosphere.

As Bali explores ways to distribute tourism more evenly across the island, East Bali tourism development is attracting attention. Improvements to roads, ports, and essential infrastructure could make destinations in Karangasem and Klungkung more accessible.

In this article, we explore why East Bali is attracting interest, the infrastructure developments being discussed, and what these changes could mean for tourism and the property market.

1. Why Is East Bali Attracting More Attention?

Bali's most established tourism areas include Canggu, Seminyak, Uluwatu, and Ubud. However, the eastern part of the island offers a different landscape and visitor experience.

Karangasem is known for its coastline, traditional villages, and mountain scenery, with Mount Agung providing a distinctive backdrop. Amed and Tulamben attract visitors interested in diving and snorkelling, while Candidasa offers a quieter coastal environment.

Klungkung combines cultural and historical attractions with the island destinations of Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan.

These areas already have established tourism activities. The opportunity lies in improving accessibility, supporting local businesses, and developing visitor facilities while preserving their distinctive character.

What to consider: East Bali is not an entirely new tourism destination. Future development would build on existing attractions and communities.

2. Karangasem: Diving, Coastal Tourism, and Nature

Karangasem plays an important role in Bali's nature-based and marine tourism.

Amed and Tulamben are recognised for diving and underwater activities. Their coastal villages, traditional fishing communities, and views of Mount Agung also contribute to their appeal.

Further west, Candidasa offers a quieter coastal setting. Inland, visitors can explore traditional villages, rice terraces, and cultural destinations such as Tenganan and Besakih Temple.

In July 2026, Indonesia's Ministry of Tourism reportedly discussed expanding the tourism route strategy known as 4B, connecting Banyuwangi with destinations across North, West, and East Bali.

The proposed route includes destinations such as Tulamben and Amed, with the aim of encouraging visitors to explore areas beyond Bali's main tourism centres.

However, the success of such initiatives would depend on improvements to road access, public transport, visitor facilities, and destination management.

What to consider: Karangasem's appeal lies in its existing natural and cultural attractions. Better infrastructure could support tourism, but development should remain appropriate to local conditions.

3. Klungkung: Cultural Heritage and Island Tourism

Klungkung offers two distinct tourism environments: the mainland area around Semarapura and the island destinations of Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan.

On the mainland, visitors can explore cultural attractions such as Kerta Gosa, traditional markets, and historical sites.

Across the water, Nusa Penida has become a recognised tourism destination, attracting visitors to locations such as Kelingking Beach, Crystal Bay, and Diamond Beach.

However, growing visitor activity also creates infrastructure challenges.

In May 2026, the Klungkung Regency Government reportedly announced infrastructure funding for Nusa Penida, including improvements to the Sampalan–Toya Pakeh road, the Ceningan ring road, and facilities at Gema Santi Hospital.

In October 2026, the local government reportedly signed a memorandum of understanding with Ctrip International Indonesia concerning tourism infrastructure and destination management.

These initiatives suggest interest in improving visitor facilities, although their implementation and long-term effects depend on funding, approvals, and project delivery.

What to consider: Klungkung's tourism potential is closely connected to infrastructure quality and the management of visitor activity across its mainland and island destinations.

4. Why Infrastructure Matters for East Bali Tourism

Improving accessibility and essential services will be important if East Bali is to accommodate more tourism activity.

Road conditions, ports, water supply, electricity, waste management, and public transport all influence visitor experiences and business operations.

Several areas of infrastructure development are relevant.

Port development: Regional plans have discussed improvements to port facilities at Padangbai and Amed in Karangasem, as well as Gunaksa in Klungkung. These could support maritime connectivity and the movement of passengers and goods.

Road improvements: Road upgrades in Nusa Penida and other parts of East Bali could improve connections between villages, accommodation, and tourist attractions.

Water and utilities: Reliable clean water, electricity, and waste management are essential for both residents and tourism businesses. Increased visitor activity can place additional pressure on these systems.

However, infrastructure proposals may be at different stages of planning, approval, funding, or construction.

What to consider: Announced projects should not be treated as completed improvements. Their actual impact depends on implementation and long-term maintenance.

5. Can Tourism Growth Benefit Local Communities?

Developing tourism beyond South Bali is not simply about attracting more visitors. It can also create opportunities for local businesses and communities.

In East Bali, tourism supports diving operators, accommodation providers, restaurants, transport services, local guides, craft businesses, and agricultural producers.

A more geographically distributed tourism industry could encourage visitors to explore several destinations and potentially spend more time in different parts of the island.

However, tourism growth also creates challenges.

Increased visitor numbers can place pressure on roads, water resources, waste facilities, and natural environments.

Coastal development must also consider traditional land use, environmental conditions, and the needs of local communities.

What to consider: Sustainable tourism development should benefit residents as well as visitors, rather than focusing only on increasing visitor numbers.

6. What Could East Bali Tourism Development Mean for Property Buyers?

As tourism and infrastructure develop, some areas of East Bali may attract interest from buyers seeking alternatives to Bali's more established property markets.

Karangasem may appeal to people interested in coastal living, diving, nature-based activities, and quieter surroundings.

Klungkung offers a combination of cultural attractions, coastal environments, and established island tourism.

However, greater tourism activity does not automatically guarantee higher property prices or rental returns.

When considering property investment in East Bali, buyers should evaluate:

• Location and road accessibility.
• Land rights and legal documentation.
• Zoning and permitted property use.
• Availability of water, electricity, and other utilities.
• Construction quality and maintenance requirements.
• Actual rental demand and operating costs.
• The confirmed status of nearby infrastructure projects.

For buyers considering locations outside South Bali, understanding the surrounding area's development can be just as important as evaluating the property itself.

What to consider: Property decisions should be based on verified information, practical accessibility, and market conditions rather than expectations of future tourism growth.

Could East Bali Play a Larger Role in the Island's Tourism Future?

Karangasem and Klungkung already offer some of Bali's distinctive coastal landscapes, cultural attractions, and nature-based experiences.

Better regional connectivity and infrastructure could help these destinations become more accessible and support additional tourism activity.

However, the opportunity is not necessarily to replicate the development model of South Bali.

Instead, East Bali could benefit from a more balanced approach that respects local communities, protects natural environments, and builds on the characteristics of each destination.

The future of tourism in East Bali will depend not only on attracting visitors, but also on developing the infrastructure and services needed to support them responsibly.