Karangasem

Karangasem has a rich variety of older customs found in villages that resisted Javanese influences after the 14th Century. The royal family, related to Gelgel, became independent and in the early 1700's challenged Clunking. Internal strife led to exile and formation of a rival house in Lombok, which returned to defeat its own family on Bali and the taking of Buleleng. This real ended when the Dutch subdued Buleleng in the mid 1800's, and a Dutch assisted rebellion in Lombok ousted the royal family in the late 1800's.

By recognizing Dutch superiority, Karangasem remained intact when South Bali was conquered in the early 1900's. After Mount Agung erupted in 1963 the capital changed names to Amlapura. It's located about 2 hours from Denpasar by vehicles.