Candidasa Beach, or Candi Dasa Beach, is one of the famous beaches in this village that offers natural beauty. This beach has soft white sand with a stunning panoramic view of the sea. The sea water is clear turquoise, adding to the attractiveness of this place. In addition, you can also enjoy a variety of underwater life, ranging from coral reefs to small fish that adorn the waters.
The beach has calm waves, making it suitable for tourists who want to relax while enjoying the sea view. For sunrise or sunset lovers, Candidasa Beach is one of the best places to witness such beauty. When visiting here, you can create romantic moments with your friends, partner or family, making it one of the destinations that deserve to be included in the list of Karangasem Interesting Places to Visit.
Not only that, you can also explore the small islands around the beach, such as Gili Mimpang, Gili Biaha, and Gili Tepekong, which are famous for their natural beauty.
Location and Route to Candidasa Beach
To enjoy the stunning panorama of Candidasa Beach, you can visit Karangasem Regency, precisely in Candidasa Village, Manggis District. Its location far from the crowds actually adds to its appeal, because it provides a calm and soothing atmosphere. If you drive from Denpasar, the trip will take about 1.5 hours with a distance of approximately 80 km. Meanwhile, if you depart from Ngurah Rai Airport, the travel time is about 2 hours.
The routes you can take include Ngurah Rai Highway Bypass, Padang Bai Highway, Prof. Dr. Ida Bagus Mantra Highway, Ulakan-Karangasem Highway, or Manggis Highway. After that, you can go straight to Candidasa Highway at Sengkidu.
Interesting Activities You Can Do Around Candidasa Beach
Candidasa Beach is the perfect destination for backpackers, especially those who love to explore the beauty of the underwater. Here are some interesting activities you can do here:
1. Snorkeling and Diving: Candidasa Beach offers water sports activities that are very popular with visitors. The underwater beauty is stunning with a variety of marine animals and natural coral reefs. Some of the best spots for snorkeling and diving are at Gili Mimpang Island, Gili Tekepong, and Gili Biaha, which are about 200 meters from the beach, with only 100 meters between islands.
2. Cycling Tours: Enjoy cycling around Candidasa, which offers beautiful rural scenery. You can also witness the daily activities of the traditional locals.
3. Trekking: There are interesting trekking trails in Candidasa that allow you to walk along rivers and beautiful rice fields. These trails offer views of hills, rice fields and rivers, making it a popular experience for tourists.
4. Sunrise and Sunset Viewing: Candidasa is the perfect place to watch the sunrise and sunset. The panoramic sunset behind the reddish hills is mesmerizing, while to enjoy the sunrise, you can head to Tanjong Iri on the east coast.
5. Exploring the Artificial Lake Lotus Lagoon: an artificial lake located on the beach, offers incredible beauty, especially at dusk when the sun is setting.
6. Visit a Temple: You can take a spiritual journey to a temple that sits high up near Candidasa Beach. This temple offers a beautiful view from the top of the hill.
7. Shopping Around the Beach: There are several shopping centers that sell Balinese handicrafts, ideal for souvenirs at affordable prices.
8. Culinary: Enjoy a Culinary Tour At restaurants and food stalls around the beach that serve Balinese dishes with authentic flavors.
Ticket Prices, Opening Hours, and Facilities
Ticket Prices: Entry to the Candidasa Beach area is free of charge. However, visitors need to pay for parking amounting to IDR 5,000 for cars and IDR 3,000 for motorbikes. The beach is managed by local residents, so there is no additional charge for the entrance ticket.
Open Hours: Candidasa Beach can be visited at any time because it is open for 24 hours every day.
Facilities: This beach area is equipped with various facilities for the convenience of visitors, such as: Parking area, Gazebo, Restaurants and cafes, Information service center, Lodging, Shopping center, Car rental services, and Snorkeling and diving equipment rental services.
Plan Your Journey with Bali Touristic
If you are looking for a quiet beach atmosphere, stunning natural scenery, as well as a distinctive cultural experience, Bali Touristic recommends visiting Candidasa Beach. This beach offers a unique and different vacation experience compared to other beaches in Bali. With complete facilities, you can enjoy the entire beauty of the Candidasa area, making it the perfect place to spend longer while enjoying its charm.
Nestled along the quieter eastern coast of Bali, Candidasa Beach in Bugbug Village offers a rare escape from the crowds, where volcanic black sand meets the calm waters of the Lombok Strait. Whether you’re a nature lover, a snorkeling enthusiast, or simply seeking a tranquil retreat, this hidden gem rewards every kind of traveler. Let Bali Touristic take the stress out of exploring the island’s best-kept secrets. Their expertly crafted bali tour package covers Candidasa and beyond, ensuring you experience the authentic soul of Bali without missing a single highlight.
Getting to Candidasa Beach is part of the adventure. Located about 2.5 hours from Denpasar, the journey winds through terraced rice paddies, ancient temples, and traditional Balinese villages. The most comfortable and flexible way to travel is to rent a car with driver through Bali Touristic, a hassle-free option that lets you stop wherever the scenery calls, travel at your own pace, and arrive at Bugbug Village refreshed and ready to explore.
Frequently Asked Questions About Candidasa Beach
What makes Bugbug Village a unique destination compared to other coastal areas in East Bali?
Bugbug Village retains a deeply traditional Balinese atmosphere that many tourist-heavy areas have lost. The village is home to ancient temples, local fishing communities, and a rugged coastline that draws visitors looking for an authentic cultural and natural experience away from commercialized beach resorts.
Is the water safe for swimming and snorkeling near the shore?
The waters around Candidasa are generally calm and suitable for snorkeling, particularly around the offshore reef areas. However, some sections of the beach have stronger currents due to past coral dredging that altered the natural coastal barrier. Visitors are advised to check conditions locally and snorkel with a guide when venturing further out.
What is the best time of year to visit this part of the island?
The dry season between April and October is ideal for visiting East Bali. During these months, the skies are clear, ocean visibility for snorkeling is at its best, and road conditions make overland travel more comfortable. The shoulder months of April and October often offer a good balance of good weather and fewer visitors.
Are there cultural sites or temples worth visiting in the surrounding area?
Yes, the region is rich with sacred sites. Pura Gumang, a significant local temple, lies within the Bugbug area, while the iconic Pura Besakih (Mother Temple of Bali) on the slopes of Mount Agung is within driving distance. The nearby town of Candidasa also has small shrines and lotus lagoons that add to the spiritual character of the area.
What dining and accommodation options are available for overnight stays?
While Bugbug Village itself is quiet and residential, the nearby Candidasa town strip offers a range of guesthouses, boutique resorts, and beachfront villas to suit different budgets. Local warungs (small eateries) serve fresh seafood and traditional Balinese dishes, giving visitors an affordable and authentic dining experience right by the sea.
