Karangasem is rich in marine sites and historical relics, however, many domestic and foreign tourists prefer to stay in southern Bali. Karangasem actually offers a wide choice of marine resources, including abundant fish from the seas of its black sand beaches.
On the way from Klungkung regency to the border of Karangasem, hundreds of local fishermen sell their catch along the main road. They mostly sell tongkol (long-tail tuna) weighing from around 300 grams to 2 kilograms each. The fishermen set themselves up with wooden tables and cool boxes full of ice to stop the fish from going off in the heat of the day. They sell 300 gram tuna for only Rp 5,000.
If you buy these fish in the traditional market, the price will be higher. The middlemen, locally known as tengkulak, usually buy the fish for a low price from us and then sell it on at much higher prices in the local markets. Villages near the Goa Lawah (Bat Cave) tourist destination in Karangasem are famous for their tongkol and the large variety of fish dishes they cook, like satay ikan (skewered tuna fish flavored with Balinese spices), pepes ikan (fish steamed wrapped in banana leaves and stuffed with spices) and ikan bakar (grilled tuna).