To get around in the eastern area, strongly suggest you rent a small SUV (jeep) because you will be traveling long distances inland. You can visit from Cap Cana on the southern part of the coast to Macao and Uvero Alto on the northern part of the eastern coast. Also, venture out to Miches-Playa Esmeralda (la Mina), Los Haitises (have lunch at Ca?o Hondo restaurant), the Anturiana plantation, Altos de Chavon and Bayahibe in La Romana, the Ponce de Leon house. Lots to see, but most of these trips will be almost all day trips. See
http://www.dr1.com/travel/index.shtml and check out Punta Cana, La Romana, San Pedro de Macoris (Juan Dolio) trips that will be doable from Punta Cana.
For renting a car, check out our sponsor, National that has offices at the Punta Cana airport.
http://www.dr1.com/national/