Candidasa, or sometimes Candia Dasa, is a coastal village on the East Coast of Bali.
It is best known for the Candidasa Lagoon, which is nearby and the whole town is arranged around the main road, Jalan Raya Candidasa, and all the hotels and restaurants line the road there.
People come to Candidasa to go diving and to escape the busier seaside resorts of Kuta and Seminyak.
Our guide to Candidasa will help you get a feel for the place and what there is to see and do in the local area.
Where Is Candidasa, Bali?
Candidasa is on the East Coast, about an hour and a half’s drive from the Ngurah Rai International Airport.
How To Get To Candidasa?
The best way to get to Candidasa is to use a private car and driver, which will ensure you get to enjoy the scenery on the way and stop where you want to.
However, you can also use a ride-share app such as Grab or Go-Jek to get there or even use a local taxi (though the apps tend to offer a more reliable experience).
If you are staying in Candidasa, your hotel may offer an airport transfer, though this service is likely to be chargeable as the area is further from the airport than most beach towns.
If they do, and you’re happy to pay, you will be met at the airport by a driver who will get you and your luggage to Candidasa speedily and safely.
You could also rent a scooter, but we don’t recommend that. It’s a long drive on bad roads with traffic that doesn’t really obey the rules of the road. It’s also hard to be road-legal in Bali, and you are not insured if you’re not road-legal, even if you have insurance.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Candidasa?
There is no bad time to visit Bali or Candidasa, but if you want a slightly cooler climate and less humidity, the dry season months are likely to be a little more pleasant than the wet season.
However, it’s worth noting that it’s cheaper to visit in the wet season, nd you will find you still get roughly 8 hours of sunshine a day on average.
History Of Candidasa
As with many parts of Bali, the history of Candidasa is not entirely clear, but there are several local sources that say this area had a fishing village from about the 12th century onwards.
It was probably called Teluk Kehen (which means “the Bay of Fire”) and then Cilidasa prior to becoming Candidasa (which means “ten children”).
Balinese culture says that the local temple in Candidasa is associated with the fertility goddess Hariti, and many Balinese come to Candidasa to visit the temple to pray for children.
It seems likely that Candidasa is simply a linguistic corruption of Cilidasa.
Though it’s not the busiest part of the island, tourism has been established in Candidasa since the 1970s, and the town has plenty of resorts and guesthouses.
It’s also a great place for exploring the rest of the Eastern side of Bali.
Beach Bungalows And Beach Erosion In Candidasa
Candidasa used to have one of the best beaches in Bali. But sadly, in the 1970s and 80s, somebody had the idea to build beach bungalows to help delight the tourists.
To help supply the building materials required, somebody else decided it would be a good idea to mine minerals from the offshore reef. The construction boom had exhausted other construction materials available locally.
Sadly, this destroyed the natural coastal barrier that had been protecting the beach and it was soon washed away entirely.
There is a program to help recover the beach, and the local hoteliers paid for groins to be installed along the shoreline. The government is also more involved, and while the beach is not what it once was, it’s much better than after it was washed away.
This is a good beach for snorkelling and swimming.
41 Things To Do In And Around Candidasa
There are plenty of great places to go and things to do in and around Candidasa. Some of our favourites include:
Goa Lawah Temple
This is the famous bat cave temple, which is constructed around a cave opening, and the cave itself is full of nectar bats (which are not remotely dangerous to humans).
Goa Lawah Temple was built in the 11th century, and it’s a stopping point outside of Candidasa for pilgrims who are en route to Besakih Temple.
Usually, they only stop for a short while to pray before moving on. If you want to see the bats, arrive at dusk and watch them stream out into the surrounding countryside to feast on the insect life there.
Lempuyang Temple
This lovely temple is on Mount Lempuyan, and it’s quite a steep climb from the bottom of the mountain to get to the temple at its peak.
There are over 1,700 steps between you and the temple at the top, but there is a second temple halfway up, and many visitors (Balinese and foreigners alike) opt to stop there.
Of course, if you get to the top, you will find that you have access to a spectacular view, and photographers will be in an almost literal heaven.
Gili Tepekong
The “Gili Islands” are not the three Gili Islands that we list here. Those islands are out near Lombok and require a lot of effort to get to.
Gili Tepekong, however, is very close to Bali, and you can rent a boat or join an organized dive to get there from any local beach.
It’s one of the best dive sites around for experienced divers and has a great reef slope and deep walls to explore.
Gili Mimpang
This is also a site nearby that is aimed at experienced divers. It’s an amazing place for diving, but the currents are very strong.
You can enjoy amazing coral reefs and massive gorgonians here, and they have some interesting craggy rock faces.
The area these three islands are found in is known as “Amuk Bay”, and there is another dive site at Gili Biaha.
Gili Biaha
The big feature of this dive site is that it has a shark cave which attracts the local reef sharks.
These are not dangerous to human beings and are amazing to watch and observe in the wild.
Again, this is a site for experienced divers, and newbies will want to work on their diving skills at a PADI school before tackling this site.
Amed Beach
In stark contrast to the white sand beaches of the most popular tourist destinations, Amed Beach is a pure black sand beach.
In fact, nearly half of Bali’s beaches are black sand beaches which are caused by the breakup of rocks ejected by the local active volcano into the sea.
This is just an hour’s drive from Candidasa, and if you want to see local fishermen plying their trade and the rich cultural heritage that comes with it, Amed is a great place to go.
Jemeluk Bay
Jemeluk Bay isn’t very far from Amed and it has one of the most impressive seascapes going.
If you want to get some amazing photographs for social media, head up to the viewpoint above the beach and shoot from there.
We recommend arriving at sunset if you want to get the best images or sunrise if you want to enjoy a virgin beach with very few visitors around.
Candidasa Lotus Lagoon
The lotus lagoon is a huge draw in Candidas itself, and it’s because the lagoon is covered in lotuses.
This lotus lagoon, as long as you come when it’s in flower, is just at the end of Jalan Raya Candidasa, and it’s covered in pink and fuchsia lotuses.
There is also an interesting small garden island in the centre with some excellent statues.
If you cross the road to the temple opposite, you will find you get a great aerial view of the lagoon.
You can also get some pretty spectacular ocean views from the temple too.
Kerta Gosa “The Hall of Justice”
Taman Gili Kerta Gosa, or just Kerta Gosa, is one of the most amazing historical places on the island, and it’s in the centre of nearby Semarapura.
It’s fully open to the public and includes not just this awesome courthouse but also the royal complex it adjoins.
The grand hall here is filled with Kamasan (that is wayang-style artwork).
In the Bale Kambang, which is the floating central hall, you will find amazing paintings on the ceiling, and they explain many local myths and teachings, including the Balinese right of passage.
If you love Balinese culture, you won’t want to miss out on this place.
Pasir Putih Beach
This virgin beach is perhaps the most impressive white sand beach you can find near Candidasa.
It’s a “secret beach”, and thus, you have to work a little to get there, but if you do, you will have it practically to yourself. There’s no need for private beach access when you can get your own beach is there?
You get an amazing view over the ocean, and on a clear day, you can see Gili Biaha in the distance.
There are some pleasant warungs and bars in the area. The water is excellent for swimming. Secluded beaches don’t get much better than this.
Taman Ujung Water Palace
Taman Sukasada Ujung or Taman Ujung Water Palace, is one of the many royal water palaces scattered throughout Bali.
It has an interesting mix of Balinese and European design, and there are three large ponds that are each connected by a dragon bridge.
This is a really popular destination for wedding photographs, and you may see many happy Balinese couples on the grounds in their wedding clothes.
It can get really crowded on weekends, so if you’re taking a trip out of Candidasa to see it, it’s best to go during the week.
Tirta Gangga Water Gardens
Tirta Gangga Water Gardens is a royal water garden. It was constructed in 1946, and it covers over a hectare of land.
There are pools, ponds and fountains galore, and the gardens here are lush and tropical but wonderfully kept.
It’s only an hour’s drive from Candidasa but you will find that Tirta Gangga Water Gardens are much cooler because it’s at higher elevations.
It’s a good place to eat, too, and Tirta Gangga Water Palace has its own restaurant which does excellent international cuisine and cold drinks.
Tenganan Pegringsinganu
This is a very old village, and they’ve preserved the old way of life here among the rice paddies. It dates back to the time of the Majaphahit Kingdom. It’s sometimes called Bali Aga.
They make some unique cloth here, which is double-woven ikat, and it makes for excellent hard-wearing use.
Don’t miss the local martial art at Bali Aga – Perang Pandan, which sees the local boys take each other with swords of thorny pandan! It’s bloody but good-spirited.
Apneista Bali Freediving
If you’ve ever wanted to master freediving, this is the place to do it and it was one of Bali’s first ever freediving schools.
They take ideas from yoga and meditation to allow you to dive without oxygen tanks and to be able to breathe as you do.
Cycling
Your hotel will almost certainly be able to rent you a bike, if not you can find a rental place on the main road, then you can enjoy a cycling tour of the area.
There are some decent uphill/downhill slopes if you head inland, and the coastal path is pretty even all the way.
Snorkelling
This is an amazing area for snorkelling, and you can find the best reefs a few minutes up or down the coast from Candidasa.
Candidasa’s own reefs are still recovering from the harvesting programs during the 1970s.
Odyssey Submarine Safari
This is an amazing battery-powered submarine that gives guided tours of Amuk Bay with up to 36 passengers at a time.
It’s completely suitable for people of all ages, and it means you can see the unique underwater environment without getting wet or learning to dive!
If you’ve never been on a submarine before, this is a very affordable way to try the experience.
Trekking In East Bali
This area is amazing for trekking, and the hillside temples out near Padangbai are simply incredible. Photographers will love these routes.
You can easily get to Pura Telaga Mas, Pura Tunjung Sari, Pura Gumang and more and when you’re not enjoying the cultural heritage, you can usually enjoy amazing coastal views!
Telaga Waja River
This river offers the most thrilling white water rafting in Bali, and it’s far more challenging than the Ayung River over in Ubud.
You start at the base of Gunung Agung and then speed through the rainforests, past green hillsides and then down into a ravine surrounded by waterfalls.
The final part of the journey sees you drop over a dam! It’s really fun.
Jasri Beach
This gorgeous beach appears in the movie Eat, Pray, Love with Julia Roberts.
It’s a proper surfer’s paradise and has gorgeous black sands.
One nice thing to do on this beach is rent a jukung (a traditional fishing boat) and take it out on the water.
You can also fish at this beach using just a fishing rod.
Jemeluk Bay Underwater Gallery
Divers will love heading out to Jemelyk Bay to find an underwater garden that is packed full of manmade sculptures.
It was created by local artists, NGOs and the British eco-art group, The Marine Foundation.
It’s also one of the few places in the world where you can post a letter underwater!
Tulamben
This traditional Balinese fishing village is quiet and not that interesting to visit in its own right.
However, it has some amazing dive sites just offshore, and you will find that you can really see some amazing tropical fish species here.
Besakih Temple
The mother temple is in North Bali, and there are 86 different temples on this site.
It’s considered to be the most holy place on the island and it has some spectacular views from the slopes of the volcano above.
Underwater World East Bali/Underwater Gardens
Between Amed and Tulamben, there are a host of underwater gardens for divers to explore.
The coast here isn’t that interesting on land as it’s in “lava land” (an area where lava has flowed to the sea), but underwater, it’s amazing!
USAT Liberty Shipwreck
This is the most famous dive spot in Tulamben and one of the biggest attractions on this side of Bali.
The USAT Liberty was an American vessel sunk by a Japanese torpedo in World War 2. Today, it’s just offshore and one of the easier dives to make in Bali.
Sidemen Village
If you’re going to visit the mother temple, you should call in at Sidemen on the way. It’s a gorgeous village reminiscent of Ubud before Ubud became a tourist draw.
The villagers make beautiful fabrics, and the tailors in the big cities can create incredible garments from them.
Mount Agung
This is the tallest peak in Bali and an active volcano. Climbing the mountain is no joke, and you should only try to ascend to the summit if you’re an experienced and fit hiker.
However, you can see the mountain from nearly everywhere in this part of Bali as it towers above you.
Watu Klotok Temple & Beach
This 10th-century beachfront temple was said to have been founded by Mpu Kturan, a famous local priest. However, the site has been used since the megalithic era!
It’s next to Watu Klotok Beach, which is a pebble beach that’s worth a quick look but isn’t very comfortable for sunbathing.
Padang Bai
This is the main port in this part of Bali and the best place to catch a boat to Lombok and the Gili islands.
It’s also an amazing area for snorkeling, and the area around the beach has some incredible marine life.
Tihingan Village
This lovely place near Klungkung is famous for its craftspeople who make gamelan instruments and temple gongs.
The chances are if you see a traditional instrument in Bali, it was made here and each item carries a heritage mark that tells you which family produced it!
Blue Lagoon Beach
This white sand beach is beautifully secluded and not far from the Padangbai harbour.
The local warung here sells tasty local snacks. It’s brilliant for coral diving, too, as the reef is just a few meters from shore!
Kamasan Village
This village is home to one of the most illustrious groups of painters in Bali, and their art is famous throughout the island.
They are experts at creating wayang (that is, “shadow puppet”) characters based on the epic tales of Hindu folklore.
Bias Tugel Beach
This small beach has lovely white sands, and it’s very soft underfoot. It’s very calm and pleasant to spend time on.
It has some excellent local snack vendors, too.
Puri Agung Karangasem Royal Palace
This is actually a collection of royal palaces around the town of Amlapure. There are three three main palaces and they are easy to explore on foot.
There is an interesting mix of Chinese and European influences in the traditional Balinese architecture at these sites.
Silayukti Temple
This temple was founded in the 11th century and sits on the headland just above Padang Bai.
It’s also a short walk from a couple of other temples, Pura Telaga Mas and Pura Tangjunsari. So, you can get a lot of culture in if you visit this place.
Kusamba Beach
This is the best place in Bali to watch salt farmers at work. You can also buy some salt to take home with you.
Keramas Beach
This long black sand beach is amazing for experienced surfers who will love the powerful right-hand waves.
Nyoman Gunarsa Museum
Named after the artist Nyoman Gunarsa, this museum, which fills three floors, has a wide collection of his work plus visiting exhibitions of international artists’ work.
Klungkung Palace & Kerta Gosa Museum
This is in the capital city of Semarapura in Kungklung, and it’s a very interesting palace to explore.
It also has the best museum in the area right on the doorstep, the Kerto Gosa Museum.
Virgin Beach
Calm, quiet and clean, if you want to enjoy crystal clear waters and unspoiled white sands, this lovely beach near the Perasi Village is a hidden gem.
Where To Shop In Candidasa, East Bali
Jalan Raya Candidasa
The main road has restaurants lining each side of the road, you can find local markets, local warungs and much more here.
In fact, you may not need to go any further than this to find everything you want in Candidasa.
Charly’s Chocolate Factory
Charly’s Chocolate Factory is one of a few chocolate factories on the island, and you can visit to sample their wares or even get involved in making your own chocolate bar!
If you’ve never been to a chocolate factory, this is the best chocolate factory in this area.
Where To Eat In Candidasa, East Bali
There are plenty of local food options in this part of Bali, including some of our favourites:
- Ganesh Lodge – this is widely considered to be the best restaurant in town and they do an excellent steak.
- Warung Bintang – they do the best roast duck around and also offer some surprisingly good vegan and vegetarian dishes.
- Vincent’s restaurant – with live jazz in the evenings, good food and excellent wine, you won’t want to leave.
- Garpu Restaurant – the ocean view and first-rate seafood will have us coming back for more every time we visit Candidasa.
- Warung Lu Putu – a nice local place on a small side street that isn’t as busy as some of the other warungs in the area.
Where To Stay In Candidasa, East Bali
There are plenty of great places to stay in this town, including:
- Puri Bagus Candidasa – this is a luxurious resort with 47 elegant bungalows to choose from. There are sea or garden views available from each.
- Ramayana Candidasa – this hotel is right on the beach, and every room is beautifully furnished with traditional Balinese decor.
- Sagara Candidasa – this boutique hotel is all about helping you to unwind and it’s very close to the beach.
- Candi Beach Resort & Spa – this resort has a lovely tropical garden and is just next to the beach at Mendira Bay.
- Ganesh Lodge – the swimming pool at this resort is amazing, and its bungalows are very comfortable. Their steak house is excellent, too.
FAQs
Is It Worth Going To Candidasa? Is Candidasa Bali Worth Visiting?
Yes! Candidasa is a very pleasant area, and it’s a long way from the crowds in much of the rest of Bali.
If you love diving, you’re going to absolutely love the quality of the dive sites.
It’s also of cultural significance, and the main temple is regularly chosen for pilgrimage by locals.
What Is Candidasa Known For?
Candidasa is one of the most famous dive spots in Bali, and it’s also well known for its lagoon.
The main beach is recovering from erosion, but if you want to see the real Bali? You have to spend some time here.
What Is Candidasa Like In Bali?
It’s one of Bali’s oldest villages and part of the real Bali that many tourists never see. It looks great in holiday snaps and has access to some small islands offshore.
It’s also not far from Mount Agung and Padang Bai, and there are many excellent black-sand beaches nearby.
Is It Safe To Go To Candidasa, East Bali?
Yes! Bali is very safe and while we can’t promise that you will never have an accident, the only real risk most tourists face in their holidays anywhere on the island is petty theft.
As long as you are careful with your valuables, that shouldn’t be a problem, and Candidasa is actually safer than most of the main tourist areas.
How Far Is Candidasa From The Airport?
It’s about an hour and a half drive from the airport.
It’s worth noting that drive times in Bali are often based on the fact that there’s quite a lot of traffic on the roads and not the physical length of the journey, so people usually quote the average drive time rather than a distance.
How To Book A Trip To Candidasa?
We always recommend that people book a trip anywhere in Bali, including to Candidasa, through the excellent local travel service at Bali Res Centre.
This travel agent has the right contacts on the island to ensure you see everything you want to see, stay in a safe and secure place and travel as safely as possible.
They offer very competitive prices, and when you deal with Bali Res Centre, you make sure that your tourist dollars stay in the local economy.
Final Thoughts On Candi Dasa Bali
Candidasa is one of the most pleasant places to visit in Bali. It has old-school charm and access to much of the less-tourist side of the island.
You can stay in a lovely resort and spend less money than you might in, say, Seminyak or Kuta, and it’s not too far away from the action if you decide you want to hit the more popular beach resorts in South Bali later.
