Candidasa Beach, located in the eastern part of Bali, is a popular destination for tourists. It is characterized by its serene environment and the unique black pebble surface of the beach. Its location offers a stunning view of the sea, complemented by the surrounding hills. Despite the rocky nature of the beach, which makes it unsuitable for swimming, visitors can enjoy the excellent view of the ocean, particularly during high tide.
The beach area extends from Padang Bay to the village of BugBug, with a variety of beach types, including white sand, black sand, and rocky areas. There is also a lesser-known black sand beach called Pantai Labuan Amok to the west of Candidasa, which despite the presence of an oil terminal, offers clean waters and good snorkeling opportunities.
Candidasa Beach is part of a complete resort area that includes a variety of accommodations such as hotels, villas, and resorts. The area also features restaurants, art shops, and bars, some of which feature live bands in the evenings. For those interested in sightseeing and cultural attractions, the hills surrounding the area are home to one of Bali's oldest villages where ancient arts and traditions are still practiced.
The Candidasa area has a rich history, with the site originally established as a fishing village in the 12th century. The area gained popularity as a tourist destination in the 1970s due to its excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities and convenient access to other destinations in eastern Bali. In addition to enjoying the beach and the stunning views, visitors to Candidasa can engage in various activities such as shopping in the town center, cycling through the rural landscape, and dining at ocean-front restaurants.
Candidasa is also a great spot for snorkeling and diving, with three islands (Gili Tepekong, Gili Mimpang, and Gili Biaha) located off the coast. These islands offer excellent diving experiences, especially for more experienced divers.
The beach is easily accessible, taking approximately 60-80 minutes from Sanur along the recently opened east coast road. It is also within easy reach from Ubud. From Denpasar Ngurah Rai International Airport, the journey takes about 90 minutes. Candidasa is located about 15-20 minutes further east from Padang Bai, where public ferries from Lombok arrive.
Despite the availability of various amenities, Candidasa Beach maintains its tranquility, making it a great place for solitude. Visitors can enjoy local Balinese flavor from the variety of local street food available nearby, and local Balinese boats are available for hire for ocean trips and island exploration. It is worth noting that the beach is clean and silent, with very little activities, providing a peaceful ambience for visitors.
