Candidasa, also known as “Cheli Dasa,” was originally a small fishing village. Its name comes from the ancient “Pura Candidasa” temple, located on a hill overlooking the town. As you stroll through the streets, you can still feel the local charm of this place, which has managed to retain its original character even as it slowly gains popularity among tourists. It serves as a wonderful alternative to the busier and more heavily tourist-populated areas of the island, such as Kuta or Ubud.

     Photo: Strolling through local streets in Candidasa

Photo: Strolling through local streets in Candidasa

In the heart of Candidasa, along the main road, lies the beautiful Lotus Lagoon, one of the town’s main attractions. Surrounded by lush greenery and blooming lotuses, it’s the perfect spot for a peaceful walk or a quiet moment of reflection.

 Photo: The Lotus Lagoon in Candidasa

Walking along the main road near the lagoon, you’ll come across numerous souvenir shops. During our stay in late May, the streets were tranquil, which only added to the appeal of the place. Despite the small number of tourists, most of the shops were open, offering a wide range of goods including souvenirs, toys, and clothes.

Photo: In front of the souvenir shop in Candidasa

In the evening, Candidasa livens up a bit. Our favourite spot for spending the evenings was the Ganesh restaurant, which served delicious meals, fresh juices, and smoothies. It was a place we visited almost daily, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and excellent cuisine.

Photo: The Ganesh Restaurant in Candidasa

Photo: The Ganesh Restaurant in Candidasa

The beaches in Candidasa are unique compared to those in the south of the island—they are not as wide or sandy. Most are fishing beaches, with boats anchored side by side. While these beaches aren’t ideal for swimming or sunbathing, Candidasa is an excellent base for diving enthusiasts. The nearby waters are home to beautiful coral reefs, and places like Blue Lagoon and Padang Bai attract divers from around the world. Unfortunately, due to illness, we had to cancel our diving plans, although we were frequently offered boat trips by local fishermen. The cost for a half-day trip for 4-5 people was around 50 GBP.

Near Candidasa is the village of Tenganan, inhabited by the indigenous Bali Aga people, who have preserved their unique traditions and culture from before the Hindu influence on the island. The villagers are famous for producing a sacred fabric known as ‘gringsing.’ Tenganan also hosts the traditional Balinese festival ‘Mekare-kare,’ during which participants engage in ritual duels using pandan leaves. While we decided to skip this attraction, it looked like plenty of fun!