Bali guide › North and east Bali
What is there to do in Candidasa, and should you stay?
Candidasa is a quiet little resort town in east Bali, about 1.5 hours from the airport: people come less for its modest beach than for the peace and the location, ideal for exploring the east of the island. Yes, it's a good base if you want to escape the bustle of the south and make day trips to Tenganan, Tirta Gangga, Amed or Padang Bai.
The town stretches along the coast road between its lotus lagoon and the sea. The beach has suffered badly from erosion (the reef was mined for building material for years) and is now protected by breakwaters: you can swim in places, but it isn't a beach destination.
What to do in and around Candidasa:
- The lotus lagoon, in the middle of town, with its small temple: the evening stroll.
- Tenganan Pegringsingan, 10 minutes away: one of Bali's oldest villages, home to the Bali Aga, the Balinese who were here before the Javanese kingdoms arrived. Stone lanes, rows of houses, and above all geringsing, a double ikat cloth (both warp and weft threads dyed before weaving) that's among the rarest textiles in the world. Entry by donation.
- Pasir Putih, or White Sand Beach, about 20 minutes away: pale sand, turquoise water and warungs on the beach.
- Padang Bai, 15 minutes away: the port for Lombok and the Gilis, with snorkelling at Blue Lagoon.
- Goa Lawah, the bat cave temple, on the road south (entry about 30,000 rupiah, US$1.70).
- Diving around the islets of Mimpang, Tepekong and Biaha, for experienced divers only: the currents are strong.
To explore further east, see Are Lempuyang's Gates of Heaven worth it, and when to go?, Amed and Tulamben: what to do, and can you snorkel the Liberty? and Why stay in Sidemen instead of Ubud? For the textiles, see Batik, endek, songket, geringsing: what's the difference?
Practically speaking, hotels are often cheaper than in the south for the same comfort, and the crowd is families and retirees rather than party-goers: few bars, and restaurants that close early. You'll need a driver or a scooter for day trips; ATMs are on the main road.
Verdict: Candidasa for 2 or 3 quiet nights while you explore the east; not if you're after a beautiful beach or nightlife. For the beach, Pasir Putih and Amed do better.
Tip: visit Tenganan in the late afternoon. The tour groups have gone, the light is soft on the stone houses, and the weavers have more time to explain their work.
Information checked in November 2026; confirm before you travel.
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- What is there to do in Munduk?
- Lovina: is the dolphin trip worth doing, and is it ethical?
- Amed and Tulamben: what to do, and can you snorkel the Liberty?
- Are Lempuyang's Gates of Heaven worth it, and when to go?
- Why stay in Sidemen instead of Ubud?
- How do you reach the Gili Islands from Bali?
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