Candidasa Beach

Everything you need to know about Candidasa Beach

Candidasa is located at Samuh Bugbug Village 12 kilometres from Amlapura, the main town of Karangasem. It was formerly known as Teluk Kehen (Kehen Bay), but since the tourism industry was introduced the name was changed to Candidasa.

Only one thing is for sure, Candidasa is a tranquil village offering varying accommodation, from basic to five-star resorts and few good restaurants in between.

Candidasa Beach Attractions

This small fishing village is nestled between the Lombok Strait to the east and the mountains to the west. It used to be the most popular destination with day-trippers in East Bali for its amazing white sandy beaches. But, since a while, tourists have decided to head up northwest to Amed for its tropical beachside life. Nevertheless, Candidasa still has some interesting things to offer.

 Goa Lawah Temple

The Bat Cave Temple of Goa Lawah is one of the most important in Bali. It is located approximately nine kilometres from Klungkung on the east coast of the island and was built in the 11th century. As its name suggests, the cave is the home of thousands of fruit bats that hang on the rock of the cave walls.

According to legend, the cave extends all the way to Pura Besakih (the Mother Temple) more than 30 kilometres away. On holy days, the beach in front of the temple transforms into a site for funeral rites for those who can afford it. Be careful not to disturb the sleeping bats if you step in and explore the cave.

Candidasa Beach Restaurants

In addition to the fine resorts and accommodations there are now several good restaurants lining the main street, all within easy walking distance. Take a wander along the street while deciding where to fill your appetite for tonight.

The Lotus Seaview restaurant is located at the very entrance to Candidasa. This open-air restaurant serves stunning seaside view and excellent International cuisine at good value price. Lotus Seaview serves best Balinese feast, fresh caught seafood fare and Italian specialties in Candidasa. Phone: 62 363 412 57.

Vincent’s is all about good food presentation, friendly service, fine music and a cosy atmosphere. This two-storey restaurant has a friendly and comfy ambience and a pleasant garden at the patio on the second floor where jazz softly plays.

TJ’s Café is situated next to the Water Garden Hotel and has a refreshing and relaxing atmosphere set around a shady tropical garden with 40 comfy seats. The dishes on offer are Mediterranean, European, Indonesian, Asian and California wraps. Phone: 62 36341540.

Of all the restaurants lining on the main street in Candidasa, Di Mahkota is the only restaurant that features do-it-yourself grilled food at your table. The restaurant caters lots of favourite dishes ranging from Indonesian to Western food. The place is also famous for its selection of breads, and a wide assortment of cheese and meats imported from the Netherlands. Phone: 62 363 418 00. 

Candidasa Beach Nightlife

Do not expect to find any clubs or bars in Candidasa. This small village aims to be a peaceful getaway for travellers searching for a magnificent ocean view with hills and rice fields creating a graceful green backdrop. However, you can enjoy traditional Balinese dance performances every Tuesday and Friday evening at the Pandan Harum Dance stage. 

Candidasa Beach Shopping

While visiting Candidasa, there is only one spot to head for, if shopping. There are several art shops lining the main street open daily from 09:00 to 21:00 and some may close earlier. You can find small souvenirs, handicrafts and art crafts made by locals from the neighboring village. No fixed price tags which mean you have to bargain for each item and pay in cash.

Candi Dasa and the attached areas have a wide selection of accommodation, from 50,000rp per night guests houses, such the Flamboyant in Senkidu, to 300,000rp per night for a modern place like Pondok Bambu in Candi Dasa, to the luxurious Amankila in Buitan, where rooms start at $847 per night.

Budget:

• Agung Bungalows
(0363)41535
Located on the main road in Candi Dasa, to the west of the lagoon. Hot water & fan.

• Dewi Bungalows
(0363)41166
Located in Candi Dasa, on the eastern side of the lagoon. Great view of the lagoon. Hot and cold water rooms.

• Ida’s
(0363)41096
Located on the main road in Candi Dasa, just to the west of the lagoon. Large cottages, fan, cold water.

• Geringsing
(0363)41084
Located on the main road in Candi Dasa, between the Perama bus office and the lagoon. Small bamboo cottages, cold water, fan.

• Rama
(0363)41778
Located next to Dewi Bungalows, on the eastern side of the lagoon, in Candi Dasa. Fan, cold water.

• Segara Wangi
(0363)41825
Located on the main road in Candi Dasa, between the Perama bus
office and the lagoon. Cold water, fan.

• Amarta Beach Inn
(0363)41230
Located on the beach, just to the west of Senkidu. Fan, and cold water.

• Dwi Utama
(0363)41053
Located on the beach in Mendira, close to Amarta Beach Inn, Dwi Utama has a row of simple rooms, cold water, fan.

• Seaside Cottages
(0363)41629
Located on the beach side of the road in Candi Dasa. Selection of budget type rooms, with choice of fan / cold water, fan / hot water rooms.

• Sindhu Brata
(0363)41825
Located on the beach almost at the eastern end of the main road in Candi Dasa. Neat bungalows with choice of cold water / fan, hot water / AC.

Mid range:

• Seaside Cottages
(0363)41629
Located on the beach side of the road in Candi Dasa. Selection of budget type rooms, with choice of fan / cold water, fan / hot water rooms.

• Candi Dasa Ashram
(0363)41108
Located downtown in Candi Dasa next to the lagoon. The ashram has decent bungalows and also provides 3 meals a day plus yoga classes. This popular place should be booked in advance.

• Dasa Wana
(0363)41444
Located on the corner of the road to Tenganan. Hot water, pool, AC.

• Dewa Bharata
(0363)41090
Located to the west of the lagoon in Candi Dasa. Hot water, AC, pool, restaurant.

• Nirwana Cottage
(0363)41136
Located on the beach side of the main road, before the Tenganan turn off in Senkidu. Selection of rooms including a cheaper option with hot water / fan.

• Iguana Bungalows
(0363)41973
Located in Candi Dasa on the main strip. Features decent rooms, with cold water / fan, or hot water / AC. There is a pool and the bungalows overlook the beach.

• Kelapa Mas
(0363)41369
Located next to the lagoon in Candi Dasa. Great views of the lagoon and ocean. Choice of cold water / fan, or hot water / AC rooms.

• Kubu Bali
(0363)41532
Located centrally in Candi Dasa, across the road from the beach. Good quality bungalows with fan, AC, hot water. Staff are nice and this is a super relaxing place to stay.

• Puri Pandan
(0363)41541
Located on the beach side of the road in Candi Dasa. Modern bungalows with thatched roofs. Hot water / and hot water AC rooms.

Luxury:

• Asmara
Located on the beach, just before the eastern end of the main road in Candi Dasa. Boutique resort /spa. Hot water, AC, restaurant, pool, diving.

• Puri Bagus Candi Dasa
(0363)41131
Located at the end of Forest Rd, the small lane that leads directly off of the eastern end of Candi Dasa (the nice beach I photographed). High quality everything, hot water, AC, pool,
restaurant.

• Candi Beach Cottage
(0363)41234
Located in Mendira, 1km west of downtown Candi Dasa. Rooms and bungalows, AC, hot water, tennis court, fitness center, pool.

• Watergarden
(0363)41540
Located centrally in Candi Dasa. Great rooms, all with hot water / AC. Nice views, pretty garden with in environment.