Candidasa Karangasem is a quiet coastal area in East Bali. Suited to couples and small families who prefer a softer pace than the busier south. This Candidasa Bali travel guide helps you decide whether to stay a few nights or visit as a day trip.
“Mencari versi berbahasa Indonesia? Baca panduan Candidasa Karangasem.“
In this guide, you will find quick answers, travel times, simple route ideas, water safety notes, area overviews, transport options, and a map you can open directly in Google Maps.
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About this guide
- Editor: Wayan Suadnyana · Reviewer: Widya, Desak
- Last verified: November 15, 2025 (WITA)
Quick answer
- Who it is for: International couples and small families with school-age children. Especially from Europe, Australia, and North America, planning a quiet East Bali base in Candidasa.
- Most visitors include Candidasa as part of a split stay. A few nights in South Bali or Ubud, plus 2 to 3 nights in Candidasa as an East Bali base. However, some relaxed repeat guests choose to stay a week or more in the same resort.
- Best time: Early morning or late afternoon, when the air is cooler and roads are usually quieter.
- Sea conditions: Mornings are generally calmer. Always ask local operators about wind and current before you swim or snorkel.
Next step: Check the distance and time section below to choose the route that fits your plan.
What Candidasa Bali feels like on holiday
Candidasa Karangasem has a generally quiet coastline, with small food stalls and cafés facing the sea. So that you can stroll along the waterfront between meals. Lotus Lagoon sits in the heart of Candidasa and works well for quick photos before or after lunch or dinner.
Mornings usually feel cooler and more comfortable for short walks, while afternoons bring a relaxed atmosphere along the beach. Parking can be easier earlier in the day. Also, you should always check local wind and current conditions before getting into the water.
If you plan to combine Candidasa with nearby beaches or viewpoints, see the “Spots near Candidasa, Karangasem, that can be combined”.
How to get to Candidasa Karangasem & travel time
Distance from popular areas
- I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport → Candidasa: around 1.5–2 hours by car (about 64 km), depending on traffic.
- Kuta / Legian / Seminyak → Candidasa: about 70 km, usually around 1.5 hours by car.
- Central Ubud → Candidasa: around 1.5–2 hours by car.
- Bali Safari & Marine Park → Candidasa: around 31 km, roughly 45 minutes by car.
Departure tips
Leave early in the morning when the roads are usually quieter. Weekend and late-afternoon coastal traffic can be heavier, so allow extra time if you have fixed check-in or tour times.
For orientation, use the map section on this page, which pins the center of Candidasa and common parking areas.
Once you know your travel time, you can move on to the nearby spots section to sketch a simple 1-day route from your hotel or previous base.
Spots near Candidasa, Bali, that can be combined
Looking for a quiet feel with easy access from central Candidasa? These are some of the easiest things to do in Candidasa, Bali, and simple day trip ideas from your hotel.
Tenganan Village
Tenganan Village is a Bali Aga village known for traditional weaving and village customs. About a 10-minute drive from central Candidasa. It is most comfortable to visit in the morning when the air is cooler and the village is usually quieter.
→ Read a quick guide to Tenganan Village.
Lotus Lagoon Candidasa
Lotus Lagoon is a well-known pond in the heart of Candidasa. Good for a short photo stop before or after a meal. The lagoon sits right by the main road. So it is easy to reach on foot from many places to eat.
→ Open map
Padang Bai (Blue Lagoon)
Blue Lagoon in Padang Bai offers clear water and a small bay that suits beginner snorkelers and relaxed swimmers in good conditions. Before you get into the water, always ask a local operator about currents, waves, and the best entry point for that day.
→ Read the Blue Lagoon secluded beach in Padang Bai guide.
Bukit Asah and Bugbug Beach
Bukit Asah is a low hill with a wide ocean view that works well for sunrise or a simple picnic. Paths can be uneven, so wear comfortable footwear, especially if you walk down toward Bugbug Beach.
Virgin Beach (Perasi)
Virgin Beach (Perasi) is a relatively quiet white-sand cove. Suitable for a half-day visit if you want more space to relax by the sea. Morning visits usually offer calmer water.
Goa Lawah
Goa Lawah Temple is a coastal temple complex with a bat cave. Often used as a short stop on the way between Candidasa and South Bali. It fits naturally into a transfer day if you are already passing the main road.
Leisurely 3–4 hour morning route
For a relaxed half-day, you can stroll around Lotus Lagoon, continue to Tenganan Village, then return to central Candidasa for lunch. This loop keeps driving short and leaves time for breaks.
→ Open map
Half-day beach route
If you prefer beaches and viewpoints, you can start with sunrise at Bukit Asah. Then continue to Virgin Beach for swimming and lunch.
Quick note: Coastal roads can be busier on weekends and holidays. So expect slower sections near beach access points and popular viewpoints.
Easy activities and safety
Snorkeling at Blue Lagoon, Padang Bai
Blue Lagoon in Padang Bai is suitable for beginners and small families when the sea is calm. This is one of the easier Candidasa Bali snorkeling options for beginners when conditions are calm.
Wear a life jacket if you are not a confident swimmer and follow the instructions of your local boat crew or guide.
Visibility is usually better in the morning, so it is wise to plan early sessions. The windy season can reduce clarity. If the water looks rough or cloudy, switch to another bay or move your snorkel to a calmer morning.
For basic swim rules around Candidasa, see the section on whether it is safe to swim at Candidasa Beach.
Introductory dive or fun dive in Tulamben or Amed
If you want to see reefs and shipwrecks, many operators offer introductory dives and fun dives in Tulamben or Amed. Arrive early for smoother seas and better visibility, and choose a licensed dive center that can match the site to your experience level.
Many couples and small friend groups use Candidasa as a base for these dives. At the same time, non-diving partners spend the day at nearby spots such as Virgin Beach, Lotus Lagoon, or Tenganan Village.
Easy trekking at Asah Hill
Asah Hill (Bukit Asah) has a short trail with sea and cliff views that works as a light walk rather than a technical hike. Bring drinking water, wear closed or secure sandals, and avoid walking on wet, slippery rock edges.
Evening walk in the Lotus Lagoon area
In the evening, you can take an easy walk around Lotus Lagoon and the nearby streets in central Candidasa. It is a simple route for photos before or after dinner, with several places to sit or stop for a drink along the way.
Is it safe to swim in Candidasa, Bali?
In short, yes, in the right spots and conditions around Candidasa Beach in Karangasem. But you should always check the sea before getting in.
- Check waves and currents from the shore and, where possible, ask a local operator or resident for that day’s conditions.
- Swim in areas where other people are already in the water and stay close to the shore, avoiding deep or obviously rough sections.
- Wear footwear if the seabed is rocky or has coral.
- For children and beginners, choose shallow water in protected bays and keep them within arm’s reach at all times.
- Mornings are generally calmer. If the sea looks unsafe, it is better to move to another bay to the east or save your swim for another day.
Overview of accommodation areas in Candidasa, Bali
Choosing where to stay around Candidasa? Here is a short overview to help you match areas and hotel types with how you like to travel.
Accommodation areas (central Candidasa and Manggis)
Central Candidasa is the busiest beachfront strip, with many cafés and restaurants. From most stays here, you can walk to Lotus Lagoon. Concrete breakwaters protect the coastline, so the sea is calmer, but the sandy part of the beach is quite narrow.
Manggis is quieter, with more gardens and a relaxed coastal feel. It fits travelers who want privacy and sea views while still being close to the main road for day trips.
Accommodation types (budget, mid-range, upscale)
- Budget: Guesthouses and homestays near the main road, with simple rooms that work well if you spend most of the day exploring.
- Mid-range: Small hotels by the sea or near the coast. Usually, with a swimming pool and on-site restaurant, they are comfortable for couples and small families.
- Upscale: Seaside resorts or private villas with fuller services and more space. Ideal if you plan to spend a lot of time relaxing at the property.
Some coastal stretches in Candidasa use breakwaters. So for clearer water and wider sand, many guests take short trips to bays around Padang Bai or further east. Leaving early in the morning helps you avoid heat and heavier traffic.
For daily route ideas from your hotel, see the nearby spots section.
Transportation to Candidasa, Bali
Car rental with driver
A private car with a driver is usually the most convenient option for couples, families, and small groups. You can set your own route, and the driver drops you directly at your hotel in Candidasa.
When you book, confirm your pick-up point, departure time, planned stops or breaks, and who will pay tolls and parking fees.
App taxi and airport taxi
Ride-hailing apps and official airport taxis work well for one-way transfers from the airport or South Bali to Candidasa. Fares follow the app quote or the official meter, so always check the estimate before you start your trip.
Motorcycle
Motorcycle rental is only recommended if you are an experienced rider. A standard helmet is mandatory. You should check the weather before you set out, avoid late-night rides, and carry a light raincoat and drinking water.
For any option, it is safer to leave early to avoid the strong midday heat and heavier traffic. Fill up your fuel tank before long stretches of road with few gas stations.
Read our Bali transportation guide for more details on getting around the island.
Tourist attractions near Candidasa, Bali, for 1 day
If you have one full day with Candidasa as your base, these nearby attractions fit into simple loops. Use the times below as rough guides from central Candidasa.
- Tenganan Village (about 10 minutes): Traditional Bali Aga village; arrive early for a quieter atmosphere and easier parking.
- Virgin Beach (about 25–35 minutes): White-sand bay for relaxing. Swimming is usually best in the morning when the sea is calmer.
- Taman Ujung Soekasada (about 30–35 minutes): Historic water palace with many photo spots. Visit in the morning or late afternoon for softer light. → Read the Taman Ujung guide
- Tirta Gangga Water Palace (about 40–50 minutes): Clear pools with stepping stones for photos, often combined with Taman Ujung in one loop. → Read the Tirta Gangga guide
- Bias Tugel, Padang Bai (about 25–30 minutes): Small white-sand cove for relaxing and taking photos, often paired with a stop in Padang Bai. → See Bias Tugel
Coastal access is often busy on weekends and holidays, so build extra time into your schedule for traffic and parking.
Candidasa Karangasem location map
Open the interactive map on this page to see the Candidasa center pin, parking spots, and main access points.
Candidasa center pin: -8.5013213, 115.5412428. Tap or click these coordinates to open the location in Google Maps.
Parking is available along the main road near Lotus Lagoon. Arrive early for a better chance of finding a spot close to where you want to eat or walk.
Is Candidasa Bali worth visiting?
Choose Candidasa if you want a quiet coastal base with quick access to East Bali attractions such as Virgin Beach, Tenganan, Tirta Gangga, and Taman Ujung.
Compared with Ubud or Sanur, Candidasa feels quieter and more low-key, with narrower sandy stretches, breakwaters along parts of the shore, and very limited nightlife.
It works especially well if this is your second or third trip to Bali and you have already stayed in busier areas such as Kuta, Seminyak, or Canggu.
If you prefer nightlife, beach clubs, or large malls, it is usually easier to stay in South Bali and visit Candidasa as a day trip instead of basing here.
FAQ: Candidasa Karangasem Bali tourism
When is the best time to visit Candidasa?
April to October (dry season) is usually sunny, and the sea is calmer. November to March tends to be wetter and windier. Arrive early in the day for cooler weather and better water visibility.
Are there ATMs, minimarkets, and pharmacies in Candidasa?
Yes. You will find ATMs, minimarkets, and pharmacies along the main road in Candidasa. Bring small cash for parking and buying snacks or drinks at local stalls.
You will also find small clinics and medical practices in the wider area; hotel staff or your driver can point you to the nearest option if needed.
Does Candidasa have sandy beaches?
In central Candidasa, the shore is protected by breakwaters, so the sandy strip is quite narrow if you want a wider white-sand beach for relaxing or swimming, head to Virgin Beach or Bias Tugel, about a 25–35 minute drive from the center.
How is the internet and Wi-Fi signal in Candidasa?
Mobile 4G signal is generally strong along the main road, but hotel Wi-Fi speeds vary by property. Download offline maps before you travel and set up a hotspot if you need a backup.
Are there any dive centers in Candidasa?
Yes. Several dive centers in and around Candidasa offer trips to Padang Bai, Blue Lagoon, Gili Tepekong, Amed, and Tulamben. Book at least one day in advance and bring your diving certificate, or choose an introductory dive if you are a beginner. Many mid-range and upscale resorts also coordinate directly with local dive centers, so mixed groups are easy to accommodate.
Summary of decisions and next steps
Who it is for: Travelers who want a quiet coastal base for two or three nights. Or a simple day trip from South Bali or Ubud, with easy access to East Bali’s beaches, temples, and viewpoints.
How it fits in your trip: Candidasa fits naturally into a 7–14 night Bali itinerary as the East Bali part of a split stay alongside South Bali or Ubud.
What to expect: A calm seaside setting, narrow but sheltered central shoreline, access to Lotus Lagoon, light activities such as village visits and snorkeling, and straightforward routes to nearby attractions.
Next steps: Decide whether you will stay overnight or visit as a day trip. Choose your preferred area and hotel style, then use the distance, transport, and nearby spots sections to sketch a realistic daily itinerary.
For a simple Candidasa Bali 2-day itinerary, you can spend one day on nearby beaches and another on East Bali temples and viewpoints.
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