4.2 / 5

Candidasa

🗓 Best Time To Visit:April to October, during the dry season.

⏰ Open Hours:N/A

🏄‍♀️ Things To Do:Scuba diving, snorkelling, visit traditional Balinese temples, explore rice terraces and lotus lagoons.

💰 Budget:Varies greatly, from budget to luxury options available.

🧳 Traveller Types:Solo travellers, families, couples, adventure seekers.

📌 Known For:Traditional Balinese temples, pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and peaceful ambiance.

📍 Distances:About 63 km from Ngurah Rai International Airport, 12 km from Padangbai (ferry port town), 30 km from Ubud (cultural town).

🍴 Local Cuisine:Try out the local 'Nasi Campur' (mixed rice) and fresh seafood at beachside restaurants.

🛍️ Shopping:Local art, handicrafts, silver jewelry, and traditional textiles are popular souvenirs.

🏨 Accommodation:Offers a range of accommodations, from budget guesthouses to luxury resorts.

📝 Tips:Use a local guide for exploring temples and cultural sites, carry sunscreen and hats for the beach, and respect local customs.

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Candidasa: A Hidden Gem in East Bali That You Don’t Want to Miss

Are you looking for a relaxing and authentic destination in Bali that is away from the crowds and the hustle and bustle of the popular tourist spots? If yes, then Candidasa is the perfect place for you. Candidasa is a seaside town in eastern Bali, Indonesia, that offers a range of attractions and activities for all kinds of travellers. Whether you want to enjoy the black sand beaches, visit the ancient temples, explore the water palaces, or dive into the underwater wonders, Candidasa has something for everyone.

In this article, we will guide you through the best things to do in Candidasa and its surroundings in East Bali, as well as the best time to visit, the best places to stay, and the best ways to get there. Read on and discover why Candidasa is a hidden gem in East Bali that you don’t want to miss.

Things to Do in Candidasa

Candidasa is a charming and peaceful town that has a lot to offer to its visitors. Here are some of the things that you can do in Candidasa:

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Enjoy the Candidasa Beach and its range of hotels, restaurants, and shops: Candidasa Beach is the main beach in Candidasa town, where you can relax on the black sand, swim in the calm water, or enjoy the sunset views. Along the beach, you can find a variety of hotels, restaurants, and shops that cater to different budgets and tastes. You can also rent a boat or a kayak and explore the nearby islands and bays.

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Visit the Lotus Lagoon and admire the blooming lotuses and the temple island: Lotus Lagoon is a scenic lagoon that is located near the Candidasa Beach. The lagoon is filled with pink and purple lotuses that create a beautiful contrast with the blue water. In the middle of the lagoon, there is a small island that hosts a temple dedicated to the goddess Hariti. You can walk around the lagoon, take photos, or feed the fish that live in the water.

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Explore the Goa Lawah Temple and witness the thousands of bats that inhabit the cave: Goa Lawah Temple is a bat cave temple that is located about 10 km from Candidasa. The temple is one of the nine directional temples in Bali that protect the island from evil spirits. The temple is built around a cave that is home to thousands of bats that hang from the ceiling and walls. You can see the bats from a distance, but you are not allowed to enter the cave. The temple is also a sacred site for Balinese Hindus, who come here to pray and make offerings.

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Indulge in the raw dark chocolate and handmade soaps at Charly’s Chocolate Factory: Charly’s Chocolate Factory is a quirky attraction that is located about 15 km from Candidasa. The factory is housed in bamboo huts and a pirate ship that overlook the Jasri Beach. The factory sells raw dark chocolate and handmade soaps that are made from natural ingredients. You can also enjoy a cup of hot chocolate or coffee at the cafe, or try the giant swing that offers a thrilling ride over the ocean.

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Relax and rejuvenate at one of the beachfront resorts, such as Bali Palms Resort, Segara Wangi Beach Cottages, or Pondok Bambu Seaside Bungalows: If you are looking for a comfortable and luxurious stay in Candidasa, you can choose from one of the beachfront resorts that offer various amenities and facilities for the guests. Bali Palms Resort, Segara Wangi Beach Cottages, and Pondok Bambu Seaside Bungalows are some of the best options that you can find in Candidasa. These resorts have pools, gardens, restaurants, bars, spas, and more. They also offer cozy and spacious rooms, cottages, bungalows, and villas that have stunning views of the ocean and the mountains.

Things to Do in East Bali

Candidasa is also a great base to explore the rest of East Bali, which is rich in natural and cultural attractions. Here are some of the things that you can do in East Bali:

Dive or snorkel at Amed Beach and discover the underwater beauty and the sunken shipwrecks: Amed Beach is a diving destination that is located about 30 km from Candidasa. The beach is famous for its clear blue water and colorful coral reefs that host a variety of marine life. You can also find two sunken shipwrecks that are popular among divers and snorkelers: the Japanese Shipwreck and the USAT Liberty Shipwreck. These shipwrecks are from World War II and have become artificial reefs that attract many fish and other creatures. You can rent diving or snorkeling equipment from the local shops, or join a diving tour or course from the diving centers.

Visit the Tirta Gangga Water Palace and marvel at the ornate gardens, pools, and fountains:

Tirta Gangga Water Palace is a former royal palace that is located about 20 km from Candidasa. The palace was built by the last king of Karangasem in 1948 and was inspired by the Balinese and European architecture. The palace features a complex of gardens, pools, fountains, statues, and pavilions that are surrounded by rice terraces and hills. You can walk around the palace, admire the details, or even swim in the pools that are filled with fresh spring water.

Climb up to the Lempuyang Temple and enjoy the stunning views and the famous “Gates of Heaven”:

Lempuyang Temple is an ancient temple that is located on a mountain peak about 35 km from Candidasa. The temple is one of the oldest and most sacred temples in Bali, and is dedicated to the god Shiva. The temple is also known for its “Gates of Heaven”, which are two white gates that frame the view of the Mount Agung, the highest and most sacred mountain in Bali. The temple is accessible by climbing more than 1,700 steps, which can take about two hours. However, the effort is worth it, as you can enjoy the breathtaking views and the spiritual atmosphere of the temple.

Experience the history and culture of Bali at the Taman Ujung Water Palace, the Kertha Gosa Pavilion, and the Tenganan Village:

If you are interested in the history and culture of Bali, you can visit some of the historical and cultural sites that are located near Candidasa. Taman Ujung Water Palace is another former royal palace that was built by the same king of Karangasem in 1919. The palace has a mix of Balinese and European architecture, and has a large pool, a bridge, and a tower. Kertha Gosa Pavilion is a historical site that was built by the king of Klungkung in 1686. The pavilion was used as a hall of justice and a floating pavilion, and has intricate paintings and carvings that depict the Balinese law and mythology. Tenganan Village is a traditional village that preserves the ancient culture and crafts of Bali. The village is known for its unique weaving technique, called “double ikat”, which produces intricate patterns and colors on the fabric. You can also see the traditional houses, temples, ceremonies, and rituals of the village.

Trek to the Mount Agung and the Besakih Temple, the highest and holiest sites in Bali:

If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding adventure, you can trek to the Mount Agung and the Besakih Temple, which are located about 40 km from Candidasa. Mount Agung is the highest and most sacred mountain in Bali, which is an active volcano and a trekking destination. The mountain has two main routes to the summit, which are both difficult and require a guide and a permit. The trek can take about four to six hours, depending on the route and the weather. However, once you reach the top, you can witness the sunrise and the panoramic views of Bali and beyond. Besakih Temple is the largest and holiest temple complex in Bali, which is located on the slopes of Mount Agung. The temple complex consists of more than 80 temples that are dedicated to different gods and goddesses. The main temple is Pura Penataran Agung, which is dedicated to the god Shiva. You can also find other temples, such as Pura Batu Madeg, Pura Batu Tirtha, Pura Pasimpangan, and Pura Pangubengan, which have different functions and meanings. The temple complex is a place of worship and pilgrimage for Balinese Hindus, who come here to pray and make offerings.

Candidasa is a hidden gem in East Bali that you don’t want to miss. Candidasa offers a relaxing and authentic experience that is different from the other touristy areas in Bali. You can enjoy the black sand beaches, visit the ancient temples, explore the water palaces, or dive into the underwater wonders. You can also explore the rest of East Bali, which is rich in natural and cultural attractions.

Candidasa is a perfect destination for all kinds of travellers, whether you are travelling solo, with your partner, with your family, or with your friends. Candidasa is a place where you can discover the beauty and diversity of Bali, and create unforgettable memories.

So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Candidasa and East Bali now, or contact us for more information and assistance. We are here to help you plan your dream vacation in Bali.

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