Tour #251122 | Karangasem, Whole Day

Endangered Cekepung Performances @Karangasem

Experience a rare, full-day cultural adventure in East Bali - from hidden culinary gems and ancient villages to a soul-stirring theatrical tradition found nowhere else in the world.

22-Nov-2025

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Join immersive small-group journeys blending heritage, food, and rituals-like traditional dance, temple purification, village arts, and endangered performances. Each experience is intimate, guided by locals, and curated for meaningful cultural connection. Meals, transport, and memories included.

Itinerary:

9:00 AM // Pick-Up

Location depends on your accommodation in Bali. We will confirm the details with you after booking.

11:00 AM // Lunch at Warung Ibu Marlin "Bu Ribu" - A True Hidden Gem Since 1950; or Sate Ikan (Fish Satay) at Merta Sari, Pesinggahan

-Warung Ibu Marlin "Bu Ribu"
This isn’t your average restaurant. It’s a humble, family-run warung tucked away in Karangasem, known only to locals - and now, to you. Here, you’ll step straight into a living piece of Balinese culinary heritage. Established in the 1950s, Warung Bu Ribu has served one thing, and one thing only: marlin fish. Grilled, satay-style, spiced the traditional way - you don’t choose the menu, the menu chooses you. And that’s the magic. Don’t expect polished interiors or Instagrammable plates. The setup is modest, sometimes a little rough around the edges - but the taste? Unmatched. It’s bold, honest, and unforgettable. You’ll eat where locals eat, in the same home kitchen that’s been cooking for generations. And if you're lucky, you'll catch a glimpse of how the fish is grilled live over coconut husks - simple, smoky, and straight from the heart.

-Merta Sari Lesehan
Located along the main road in Karangasem, Merta Sari Lesehan is a beloved spot for locals and in-the-know travelers. Famous for its freshly grilled seafood, this humble eatery delivers dishes that are both refreshing and full of flavor. Compared to more rustic warungs, Merta Sari offers a wider range of menu options and a more hygienic and comfortable dining environment, making it perfect for travelers seeking a local experience with added ease. This is the kind of place you don’t want to miss when visiting East Bali. Sit cross-legged, enjoy the breeze, and indulge in the smoky aroma of freshly grilled fish satay.

12:30 AM // Cultural herritage sightseeing: Tenganan Pengringsingan Village; or Taman Ujung Water Palace

-Tenganan Pengringsingan Village
Explore one of Bali’s oldest and most secluded villages, Tenganan Pengringsingan, home to the Indigenous Bali Aga people. Known for its unique customs, preserved traditional architecture, and the intricate double ikat weaving called Geringsing, Tenganan offers a rare glimpse into Bali’s ancient way of life. Wander through the village’s orderly stone pathways, learn about its distinctive social structure, and witness how sacred traditions continue to thrive.

- Taman Ujung Water Palace
A breathtaking royal garden built in the early 20th century by the King of Karangasem. Blending Balinese and European architectural styles, the palace features elegant bridges, expansive pools, and charming open pavilions, all set against the backdrop of lush landscapes. Take in panoramic views of Mount Agung and the surrounding countryside, and discover the palace’s rich history, including its restoration after the devastating 1963 eruption of Mount Agung.

2:00 PM // Late lunch + Cekepung Performance: A Rare Theatrical Gem from Budakeling (2.30 hr)

Experience the enchanting Cekepung, a rare traditional performance art found only in Budakeling Village, Karangasem. This unique form of seated musical theatre combines rhythmic vocal chants, expressive storytelling, and subtle gestures - all performed without elaborate costumes or staging. Rooted in Balinese, Javanese, and Sasak cultural threads, Cekepung once thrived as a medium for moral storytelling and communal bonding. Today, it is critically endangered, with only a handful of performers keeping the tradition alive in this remote region. Witnessing a live Cekepung is more than a cultural treat - it's an act of preservation. To complete the evening, a simple yet heartfelt dinner will be lovingly prepared and served by the local community.

Evening // Chill and Swim at Blue Lagoon Beach

Spend a relaxed evening at the stunning Blue Lagoon Beach, known for its calm, crystal-clear waters and soft white sand. Feel free to swim, snorkel, or simply lounge by the shore like the locals do - no strict schedules, just pure enjoyment.

Please note: snorkeling equipment is not provided, but travelers are welcome to bring their own or rent from local vendors nearby. Yes, we can help you with this if you keen ;)

6:00 PM // End of the day

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What is included:

• Meals
  Each meal includes one portion per person, thoughtfully curated to reflect authentic Balinese flavors. If you wish to order additional dishes or drinks beyond what is provided, please note that extra items will be at your own expense.
• Transportation 6 to 8 seater
  • Pick-up and drop-off at a designated meeting point.
  • All transfers between venues (restaurant, village compound, cultural house, etc.)
  • Fuel and driver
• Cultural Experiences
  All cultural experiences include entry tickets and guided access - no hidden fees.