East Bali’s Instagram route

East Bali turned out to be built for Instagram photos, and we had booked a highly recommended photography tour through Airbnb. This was going to be Divya’s spotlight day. We started really early (at 4am) and even then couldn’t beat the crowds at our first spot, Lempuyang Temple with the famous Gate of Heaven. Interestingly, the officials had a numbered queue system for clicking pictures at the main spot. We got in the queue and waited for an hour before our number was called. It was fascinating to see an entire experience carved around getting perfect Instagram shots. Next, we went to the Tirta Gangga temple, a picturesque garden with many water ponds and fish. This was followed by the highlight of the day, the Goa Raja waterfall. We were supposed to go to the Tukad Cepung waterfall but replaced it at the last moment because of accessibility and a recent landslide there, and we were very happy with our decision. The waterfall was beautiful and Divya was able to click many stunning shots over there. Afterwards, we visited a coffee plantation and tasted the famously expensive kopi luwak. We also bought some. Finally we went for lunch over to the rice terraces, which also had the famous Instagram-favourite swings. Divya had started on the swings when heavy rain stopped her from finishing them all. She had already got some nice shots, so we called it a day and returned to our hotel through the pouring rain.Read more