Karangasem, On the Wallace Line

The Beautiful Beaches of Karangasem

In the regency of Karangasem there are numerous beaches: Candidasa, Ujung, Pasir Putih Perasi Village beaches, and also Jasri Beach. This beach is located about 3 kilometers before Amlapura, the capital city of Karangasem regency located in Jasri village.

It is not difficult to get to the beach since it is located next to the main Amlapura - Denpasar road. You can go there by your own transport or by public transport. There are also many public transport operators who ply this route - buses, minibuses, and bemos. If you go there by your own transport, you can park directly on the beach. But if you use public transport, you have to get off on the main road and walk for about 500 meters to the beach.
On certain days, the beach is used for the Hindu ceremony of Melasti as one part in the Yadnya God. It is also used to throw the ashes of the dead after a cremation (Ngaben) ceremony. Yadnya God rituals take place in the northern part, and the Pitra Yadnya rituals, take place in the southern part.
This black sandy beach is still very unspoilt. There are only a few buildings around it. There are only a few restaurants and two home stays with a capacity of 40 rooms both located about 300 meters from the beach. There are many small shops located along the main road, about 500 meters from the beach.
About 1 kilometer from Jasri beach is Jasri village, which is the center of the villagers’ activities. In Jasri village, beside usual Balinese art, there are also typical local dances like Tambur, Cakepung, and Genjek.
These dances are usually performed during religious rituals/ceremonies. Tambur, the inheritance of the Karangasem kingdom, is a traditional dance to arouse the spirit. Cakepung is a typical dance from Karangasem that has adopted the Sasak dance (from Lombok island), and combined it with Balinese art.
Genjek is an art performed by the youth, especially boys, as an entertainment after finishing their daily work. This art has a cheerful nature. (BTN/*)