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Exploring Candidasa, Bali: An Essential Traveller’s Guide

Exploring Candidasa, Bali: An Essential Traveller's Guide

You’ve likely heard about Bali, the famous Island of the Gods in Indonesia. It’s a popular destination for backpackers, tourists, yogis, surfers, scuba divers, and just about everyone in between. There’s a plethora of activities and sights to enjoy, making it a spot where anyone can find something they love.

On our previous Bali trips, we visited spots like Canggu, Sanur, Lovina, Seminyak, Ubud, and Kintamani. This time, we stayed on the east coast, in the small seaside town of Candidasa, which spans less than a kilometer. We chose Lotus Bungalows, a beautiful place overlooking the water, and used it as our home base to explore Candidasa and its surroundings.

If you’re looking to get away from the bustling southern beaches, head northeast to Candidasa. Here, you’ll find serene rice paddies surrounded by palm trees with Mount Agung in the background, intricate Hindu temples, friendly locals, calm beaches, and amazing dive sites nearby. The east coast is perfect if you’re interested in culture, natural beauty, and scuba diving.

Candidasa offers a slower-paced, less developed Bali experience. Despite some traffic, it’s much calmer than the south. To avoid the noise, we recommend staying at seaside accommodations where you can enjoy the sound of crashing waves and stunning views.

After a long travel day from Raja Ampat, we arrived late at Lotus Bungalows and were warmly welcomed by the property managers. Exhausted, we quickly settled into our bungalow after a brief overview of the property. Surrounded by nature and the soothing sounds of tree frogs, crickets, and geckos, we were excited to see the property in daylight.

The next morning, we were pleasantly surprised by the traditional Balinese architecture and beautiful surroundings of our bungalow, complete with an outdoor bathroom and a private verandah overlooking the infinity pool and the Lombok Strait. The room had all the essentials, including a comfy bed, air conditioning, and plenty of natural light. Additionally, we appreciated the reusable shopping bag provided to reduce single-use plastics.

The outdoor restaurant, an open-air bamboo structure with tasteful wooden decor, was just steps away. Breakfast was included in our affordable room rate, offering both a la carte and buffet options. While other restaurants were nearby, we often dined on-site, enjoying the wood-fired pizza and Indonesian dishes.

One of the highlights of Lotus Bungalows was the large infinity pool with sunbeds and comfy daybeds around it, providing a perfect spot to relax. Nick, who is an avid scuba diver, had a fantastic time exploring the nearby dive sites. From the Padangbai Port, he had the chance to dive in areas known for manta rays, mola mola (sunfish), reef sharks, and turtles.

While Candidasa is still relatively busy, finding a place that offers a break from the traffic is ideal. The east coast boasts numerous dive sites, with the 4 Gilis being popular for shark sightings and Amed known for macro and muck dives.

Apart from diving, there are many other activities to enjoy in Candidasa. About a 20-minute walk from Lotus Bungalows is the Lotus Lagoon, a stunning pond filled with lotus flowers best visited in the morning or at sunset.

The east coast is also rich in temples, including the famous Pura Luhur Lempuyang and the holiest temple, Pura Luhur Besakih. Another must-visit is Taman Tirta Gangga, a beautiful water temple with fountains, springs, and koi-filled ponds. Additionally, the Bali Aga village of Tenganan offers a glimpse into traditional village life.

For beach lovers, Pasir Putih and Blue Lagoon near Padangbai Port are great spots to relax. Though less crowded than southern beaches, they still offer scenic beauty and opportunities for snorkeling.

Getting to Candidasa is straightforward, with numerous international flights arriving at Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar. From there, it’s about a 1.5-hour drive to Candidasa. Various transportation options, including taxis and rideshare services, are available.

We thoroughly enjoyed our time on the east coast and appreciated the blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and scuba diving opportunities. Whether you’re diving or simply relaxing, Candidasa offers something for everyone, and we look forward to returning.