With so much focus on the central south of Bali as a prime tourism destination, it’s easy to think that the rest of the island simply doesn’t exist.
Here at The Bali Sun, we are firm believers that even first-time holidaymakers to Bali should get a little off the beaten path and explore coastal retreats away from the central south of the island.
There is a lot to love about the central south of Bali, and there is a reason why resorts like Uluwatu, Jimbaran, Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Canggu, Sanur, and Nusa Dua are as popular as they are. These destinations are not the be-all and end-all of Bali, however. There are so many other areas of the island just waiting to be explored, from the west, through the north, and over to the east.
It is the east of Bali that, here at The Bali Sun, we think needs to receive way more love and attention from international tourists, and the calm retreat of Candidasa is the perfect starting point.
Candidasa, sometimes written as Candi Dasa, and pronounced with a ‘ch’, not a ‘c’, is the name given to Segkidu Village as a tourist destination. This is far from a new vacation escape; tourists have been visiting Candidasa for decades, and as such, there is a small and welcoming community of tourism businesses here who know exactly how to deliver a memorable stay to visitors.
Candidasa Beach and the beaches of East Bali in general are some of the least crowded and most visually impressive beaches on the island. One of the joys of East Bali is that it offers both white and black sand beaches.
In Candidasa, the beaches are pristine, with perfect white sand, and are surrounded by crystal clear azure waters.
For beach lovers seeking a relaxed vacation, hopping from one pocket of the coast to another, Candidasa ticks all the right boxes. Although truth be told, it’s hard to pull yourself away to go and explore more of what the area has to offer, though it is totally worth it.
Nearby to Candidasa Beach is Padangbai Beach and its Blue Lagoon Beach. Padangbai is another area of East Bali often overlooked.
For many tourists, Padangbai is simply an alternative port to Sanur for accessing the Nusa Islands, Gili Islands, and Lombok. However, this is a stunning destination in its own right, and since it is only a short 20-minute drive from Candidasa, it makes for the perfect day trip for a joyful change of scenery on vacation.
The quality of accommodation in East Bali is next level. Take Amankila, for example, this exceptional five-star hotel can be found in Manggis, which is sandwiched between Candidasa and Pandangbai.
Built within the coastal forest landscape, offering direct beach access and complete seclusion from the outside world, this is the kind of East Bali retreat that everyone dreams of.
In terms of accommodation in Candidasa, there are options to suit every budget and impressive five-star stays too. Puri Bagus Candidasa Dive Resort & Yoga Retreat is a four-star getaway that makes it seamless for tourists to explore the very best of what Candidasa and East Bali have to offer.
East Bali is one of Indonesia’s best snorkelling and diving destinations. While most tourists opt to stay in Amed or Tulamben, Candidasa is just as viable a launch point for underwater escapades in this part of the province.
As a beach vacation destination, Candidasa is perhaps Bali’s best-kept secret. The area welcomes back loyal returning holidaymakers season after season, and there are hopes that in 2026 and beyond that new demographics of tourists, travelers and holidaymakers will find themselves drifting eastward.
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