Amlapura, Bali

Welcome to Amlapura, the regency seat of Karangasem in Bali, Indonesia. This charming city was previously named Karangasem, but was changed in 1963 after the eruption of Mount Agung. The capital city is Amlapura City, which was built after most office complexes that were built during the Dutch East Indies Government were destroyed by the lava floods of the eruption. The name Amlapura consists of ‘amla’, which means amla fruit, and ‘pura’, which means place. It refers to the name of the previous Puri Kelodan, namely Puri Amlaraja.

Amlapura has a rich history, as evidenced by the Negarakretagama manuscript, which states that the lontar was finished written in Amlanegantun. Additionally, the Babad Dalem also mentions Amlapura. Even David Bowie, the frontman of the band Tin Machine, referenced Amlapura in the song ‘Amlapura’ on the album Tin Machine II, which he wrote after visiting the city.

In 2011, Amlapura City received the Adipura Award for the third consecutive year as Indonesia’s Cleanest Small City. It also received the Adiwiyata Award for the fourth consecutive year as the Cleanest Elementary School.

Amlapura has a tropical savanna climate (Aw) with moderate to little rainfall from April to October and heavy rainfall from November to March. This makes it an ideal destination for travelers looking to escape the cold winter months.

When visiting Amlapura, be sure to check out the East Bali travel guide from Wikivoyage for tips on the best places to stay, eat, and explore. With its rich history, stunning landscapes, and friendly locals, Amlapura is a must-visit destination for any traveler to Bali.