Top Picks in Candidasa, Bali - A Tranquil Beach Escape

There's no doubt about it when it comes to Candidasa, beaches take the spotlight. Therefore, if you're planning on exploring the many things to do Candidasa the first thing would be to check into a beach resort, preferably a place like Alila Manggis, that offers special packages including accommodation and water sports. This way you can get yourself a good deal and save some bucks.

During your travels in the stunning island of Bali, you'll discover that beaches are very popular event venues, especially for parties like the Full Moon Parties. So, if you're not quite the party animal Candidasa is the perfect option for you. Why? Because the reason that sets Candidasa apart from the rest is that unlike most Bali beaches, this is more laid back and tranquil.

Candidasa beaches are perfect for diving and snorkelling and one of the best of these would be the Amed Beach. Many describe this beach as a scuba divers heaven for you can see fantastic marine life ranging from giant manta rays to the mola mola fish.

Do you have a fear of bats? If so the Goa Lawah is the perfect place for you to get rid of that fear for this temple has a cave full of bats! Yep, the Bat Cave Temple as it's more commonly known features a temple complex built around a cave opening that's infested with thousands of bats. One of the most important temples in Bali, Goa Lawah was built in the 11th-century by a priest named Mpu Kuturan who played a huge role in establishing Hinduism in the island.

The Bat Cave Temple is situated in the little village of Pesinggahan which lies within the Dawan District. You can easily find it on your way to Candidasa.

In the olden days, the temple was said to be used for deep meditation. This sounds a bit hard to believe as you can't imagine anyone concentrating on meditating while the shrills and chirps of all those bats can be constantly heard. But the locals believe that the high pitched sounds actually helped the monks to focus better on their thoughts.

According to a lot of historical sources, the fishing village of Candi Dasa was founded during the 12th Century and was once known as "Cilidasa". There is a famous temple in Candi Dasa located by the lagoon that has a statue of the fertility Goddess Hariti. Many Balinese who wished to have children would visit the temple and worship the goddess. The statue of the Goddess Hariti is surrounded by children, ten to be exact and in Balinese 'Cilidasa' translates to "ten children", so that is how the name came to be. However, when the town was first founded it was called Teluk Kehen which means "Bay of Fire".

Located in a secluded area, the village of Tenganan is one of the best places to head over to if you want to gain an insight into the culture of Candidasa, for it still retains much of the olden ways. Tours to the city will give you the chance to see traditional dance and musical performances as well as the production of the renowned Gringsing" woven cloth, that's unique to the village.