Candidasa is a beautiful seaside fishing village on the East Coast of Bali and is approximately 90 mins from Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport.
Candidasa offers travellers a unique Balinese experience, allowing you the opportunity to explore ancient temples and uncrowded beaches, enjoy some fantastic snorkelling and diving as well as some real peace and quiet away from the hordes of tourists in the traditional holiday areas. What could be better than waking up to uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean every morning?
Fun Activities in Candidasa
Don’t for a moment think there isn’t much to do in Candidasa, there is plenty to see and do in Candidasa that will make your holiday full of fun and fond memories. Once you pull yourself away from the luxury of your private villa, you can venture into town for a spot of shopping, cycle your way through rice fields, have a seafood feast right on the beach, throw on a snorkel and mask, explore amazing beaches, discover ancient temples and submerge yourself in an amazing culture.
Here are a few “must-do” activities for your Candidasa itinerary:
Snorkelling and Diving
Assuming you’re staying in one of our amazing beachfront villas you can step onto the sand and off you go. There is a reef along much of the shoreline but going to some other locations by boat is well worth the trip.
Most of the villas will have some equipment or hire a set from a shop in Jalan Raya Candidasa. Three small islands not far off the coast, Gili Biaha, Gili Tepekong and Gili Mimpang provide exceptional snorkelling but just be aware the currents can be strong at times and you may see the odd reef shark as well.
Virgin Beach is also a popular spot and Padang Bai provides some calmer waters at Blue Lagoon and Tanjung Jepun.
Explore Virgin Beaches
Famous for its beautiful white sands and pristine waters, referred to by the locals as Pantai Pasir Putih, meaning “white sand beach”. Situated along an azure cove that stretches for almost one kilometre, encased by rocky outcrops at either end and flanked by tropical rain forest, this is a great spot for a swim in the ocean and the chance to enjoy some solitude while being one with nature.
There are no big hotels so the environment is unspoilt, on occasion there may be small waves and you can rent a boogie board for the kids should conditions prevail. There are some local warungs where you can enjoy fresh coconuts, some grilled seafood and even a cold beer if that’s in order.
Go Trekking
If you have overdone it on your poolside sun lounge and need a change of scenery, then doing a little trekking could be the perfect activity.
Close to the foothills, you can take a trek of any length through the hills and villages. If the notion of a downhill trek suits you start at Kastala and finish at Aga Village, it will take 2-3 hours and you will encounter a combination of rice terrace and rain forest settings, it’s best to employ the services of a local guide from the Candidasa Trekking company just to make sure you don’t get lost and moreover it will make it a fun, educational experience.
Experience an enchanting Balinese Festival
An ancient tradition for the Balinese people of Candidasa is the Makare-Kare Festival, a ceremony where villagers honour their God of War. This spectacular event normally takes place in June each year, also known as Perang Pandan; it depicts a centuries-old mythological fight between Balinese men dedicated to honouring the God of War and his ancestry bloodlines. The village of Tenganan is home to this historical and deeply cultural tale, adding to the authenticity of this affair you will see the locals dressed in their villages traditional and vibrant attire. Dressed in just a sarong the men of the village will enter into battle armed with shields fashioned from straw and sharpened pandang leaves.
Visit Taman Ujung Water Palace
Circa 1919, this historical temple in the form of an outdoor water palace, is an engineering masterpiece inspiring a sense of grandeur amid a royal epitome. Often referred to as the Karangasem Palace, this historical monument was a recreational playground and place of rest for the King of Karangasem. As you walk through this expansive palace you will observe elements of Chinese, European and Balinese cultural elements. A series of large water ponds are intricately connected by bridges and walkways of European design. Mt Agung erupted in 1963, almost destroying this important historical site; a lengthy staircase will take you to a vantage point that will afford you lovely views of the entire complex and ocean beyond.
Take a Submarine Adventure
The kids and probably the adults are going to love the experience of taking a ride in a submarine. The vessel follows stringent international safety standards making it a fantastic adventure for the whole family and it’s fully air-conditioned. Jump onboard a boat at the beachfront village of Amuk and you will travel a short distance before hopping on board the submarine. Once onboard you will travel to depths of up to 30 meters where you will witness abundant marine life and maybe encounter a diver swimming with the tropical fish on your journey.
Climb Mount Agung
Mount Agung or Gunung Agung in Bahasa Indonesia is a majestic volcanic mountain close to Candidasa and the highest point on the whole island at 3000 meters. The trek will normally begin at around 2 am so you will reach the peak to witness a truly amazing sunrise. Before taking on the challenge make sure you are fully aware of your current physical condition, the second and third stages of the climb are quite physically demanding and remember your hiking in the dark and probably on very little sleep. But once you’re at the summit, you will have a huge sense of achievement, an amazing experience to share with family and friends.
Rafting Adventure on the Telaga Waja River
The Telaga Waja River finds its source from the majestic Mount Abang and winds its way through towns and dense tropical jungle of Rendang Village in the Regency of Karangasem, East Bali. This is a fun-filled adventure for the whole family so long as you’re a reasonable swimmer. You will enjoy beautiful views of the lush tropical jungle and farmers at work in the rice terraces. The journey takes you on 13 kilometres ride down wild rapids as well as calm stretches of water and will take around 3 hours from start to finish. The grand finale of the ride is a hell-raising 4-meter drop down a waterfall ending up in a dam where you disembark.
Visit the Goa Lawah Temple
The cave temple of Pura Goa Lawah is one of nine sacred temples on the entire Island and dates back to around circa 1007 AD. Home to thousands of bats and also believed as a legend to hide a river of mystical healing waters and a giant snake adorned with a crown. The temple itself sits atop ocean cliffs offering visitors beautiful ocean views. The temple is located just 10 kilometres from the centre of Candidasa and features intricate temple structures and is also witnesses a yearly ceremony by devout pilgrims.
Candidasa’s Best Places To Eat
Maybe you’re feeling a tad peckish after all that sightseeing, swimming and climbing, so here are a few of our preferred places to refuel in Candidasa
1. Seasalt at Alila Manggis
The Alila Manggis is home to one of the best restaurants in Candidasa in terms of service, its extensive menu and the beautiful setting. This is a fine dining affair where you are surrounded by tranquil lotus ponds and ocean views. Choose from a selection of international flare and Balinese cuisine.
2. Crazy Kangaroo
The Crazy Kangaroo is a fabulous family-friendly restaurant right on the main road of Candidasa. At the front is a pleasant setting that comprises a beer garden next to a koi pond along with another inside main bar and restaurant area. They serve a great selection of cocktails here and the kids can play pool and darts.
3. Vincent’s Bar, Lounge & Restaurant
Vincent’s is a popular dining choice that also offers some nightlife entertainment with its very popular jazz night dinners. Guests can enjoy international flare as well as Balinese and some great vegetarian dishes. Built over two storeys’ guests can enjoy live entertainment upstairs or a cozy garden setting at the rear. They also have a great selection of French, Italian, and Australian wines, and their baby lobster is a specialty.
Amazing Villas in Candidasa
We have some villas that are just out of this world: glorious ocean views, private beaches, private swimming pools, absolute luxury, plenty of privacy and hospitality that is second to none is what you need to be ready for when you check into one of these wonderful family villas.
If you are interested in finding out more about renting a holiday villa in Candidasa, then contact our helpful reservation team today. All you need to do is fill out the inquiry form on the homepage of this website, and we will handle the rest- it’s that simple and easy!
1. Villa Gita Segara
If you’re looking for a stylish family holiday villa with an absolute beachfront location away from the noisy tourist precincts then head to Candidasa for an unforgettable Bali escape. Villa Gita Segara is built over two levels and is situated on a 2000 square meter parcel of land. You will slip into a state of total relaxation amid soaring coconut palms and love your very own private beach. Villa Gita Segara is sure to impress the most discerning of jet setting travellers.
2. Villa Stella
One of the best villas in Candidasa due to its absolute beachfront location providing gorgeous views across the Indian Ocean and sprawling grounds with a massive 25-meter swimming pool, relaxing Jacuzzi and 3 opulent en-suite bedrooms provide a truly luxurious tropical living experience. The team of highly trained villa staff will make sure you have an unforgettable holiday in Candidasa.
3. Villa Lucia
Villa Lucia is the perfect 4-bedroom villa for a magical family getaway where you can frolic in your amazing pool providing you with magnificent views of the ocean. The kids will love the expansive tropical gardens, running along your own private strip of beach and jumping to the huge private pool. All bedrooms provide majestic ocean views and the villa features every modern amenity you could possibly ask for.
4. Villa Adasa
Villa Asada is a classical, contemporary Bali villa, combining all the finest elements of ultra-modern living and a pleasant mix of Balinese design elements. Why not get away from the hustle and bustle of the mainstream tourist areas and have an unforgettable and unique Bali holiday experience? Just 100 meters from the beach, Villa Asada provides four beautiful en-suite bedrooms and expansive outdoor and indoor living areas of the finest standards. Mesmerizing ocean views and an 18m swimming pool complete the picture-perfect holiday destination.
For more Candidasa Villas, please see our main Candidasa Villa Rentals page. or for our complete range of Bali villa accommodation view this website or reach out to our reservation team.
How to get to Candidasa
- From the airport, Kuta and Seminyak: 2 – 2.5 hours. Just follow the coastline from Sanur to the East. Transfers are at IDR 600,000 for a 4-seater car and IDR 700,000 for a 7-seater car.
- From Ubud: 1 hour 15 minutes. Drive through Gianyar towards the coastline, continuing east until you reach Candidasa. A taxi trip from Ubud costs about IDR 350,000
- If you rent a villa with us here at Bali Villa Escapes, we will pick you up at the airport and take you directly to the villa.
Steven is a die-hard Bali island addict and committed surfie. When he's not writing or taking videos of the latest restaurants or cool places, he's at Echo Beach surfing or riding his scooter around Seminyak, Berawa or Canggu. Steve is part of the Bali Villa Escapes marketing team and has been living in and out of Bali for the last 15 years.
