Bali’s timeless charm can be felt over every inch of the island, but in some areas of the province, that charm is singing out loud and clear.
Over on Bali’s east coast lies the fishing village of Candidasa, which all ocean lovers and holidaymakers seeking a seriously relaxing retreat must add to their bucket list immediately.
Tourists traveling to Bali have one of two options. The first is to stay in one of the islands’ more established tourism resorts like Canggu, Seminyak, Kuta, Ubud, or Nusa Dua. The second option is to stay in an emerging destination like Sidemen, Munduk, Kedungu, or Candidasa, where tourists can reap a heap of benefits and support local communities more directly.
The east coast of Bali is one of the least appreciated areas of the island. From ridge to reef, from summit to shoreline, the east of Bali is one of the most naturally diverse and culturally exciting.
Tourists planning a vacation in Candidasa have the world at their feet. Not only is it an easy place to enjoy a relaxing beachfront and poolside escape, but it is also an ideal spot to connect with Balinese culture and explore the natural landscape.
Picking the right place to stay in Candidasa is hard in all the right ways. There is a wonderful amount of choice from high-end resorts to mid-range boutique escapes. Amankila is perhaps the most luxurious hotel in Candidasa, and it is well worth the splurge. No one can describe Amankila better than themselves, and there is a reason why this hotel books out long in advance.
As Amankila explains, “Claiming a breathtaking stretch of coastline on the Lombok Strait, Amankila rests on a lush hillside beneath sacred Mount Agung. Connected by frangipani-lined walkways through the treetops, stilted suites offer spectacular views high on the hillside, while a three-tier infinity pool cascades at the property’s heart and the Beach Club leads to a private black-sand beach.”
For a dreamy stay a touch closer to Candidasa Beach itself, holidaymakers should look no further than the Ramayana Candidasa Beach Resort. Offering views of the Indian Ocean, this stunning property can also boast immaculate Balinese gardens and an expansive outdoor swimming pool.
The warm welcome from the Ramayana Candidasa Beach Resort afforded to every guest has tourists returning year after year to enjoy the intimacy of retreat that only Candidasa can offer.
Whether staying at a beachfront hotel or not, the beaches of Candidasa are the main draw for tourists here. Candidasa Beach is an obvious starting point, and days on end could be spent on this soft sandy shoreline.
The nearby Virgin Beach and White Beach in Manggis are not to be missed, nor is the black sand Pantai Tanah Ampo.
A stay in Candidasa can act as a gateway to explore all that East Bali and Karangsem Regency have to offer.
This part of the island is home to many a natural wonder, not least the sacred Mount Agung. This powerful active volcano overlooks all of the Karangasem Kingdom, and to sit beneath its gaze is truly humbling.
One of the biggest draws to East Bali for foreigners is the incredible scuba diving off this stretch of coast.
While Amed and Tulamben are the most famous diving destinations in East Bali, diving, snorkelling, and free diving can all easily be arranged by accommodation hosts and tour providers based in Candidasa.
The same can be said for hiking Mount Agung; there are plenty of licensed and experienced guides in this part of Bali who can lead tourists safely to the summit of Bali’s highest peak.
One of the joys of Candidasa is that it is a relatively crowd-free destination year-round.
While the beaches of the central southern coast become super busy during the height of the high season, Candidasa is still welcoming a steady flow of tourists and holidaymakers throughout the year.
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