9 Offbeat Things To Do In Candidasa For An Exceptional Holiday In Bali

Cover Image Credit: Wikimedia

A maritime paradise on the eastern side of Bali, Candidasa lies right on the edge of its namesake – Candidasa Lagoon. This quaint town, acclaimed as a quaint touristy spot has seen a steady inflow of visitors seeking its natural beauty and sightseeing wonders. Yes, being home to the famous Goa Lawah Temple located before the Batman’s cave, Lotus Lagoon, Kertha Gosa Pavilion, Taman Ujung Water Palace and the Tirtha Ganga Water Palace that holds ancient Balinese culture, Candidasa is definitely a place to behold.

9 Best Offbeat Things To Do In Candidasa

However, more than sightseeing, the unique offbeat things to do in Candidasa shall make your holiday in Bali an unforgettable experience.

1. Diving

Candidasa is first and foremost known for its idyllic locations that are perfect for diving and snorkelling. Gili Tepekong, Gili Mimpang and Gili Biaha are three of the most popular diving spots with a diverse marine life that attracts most experienced divers. Gili Mimpang is a renowned site for shark diving while Gili Tepekong is popular for its colourful reefs, Mola Molas, white and black tip reef sharks. Whereas, if you’re more interested in moray eels, Napoleon wrasses, tunas, barracudas, octopuses, cuttlefish, turtles, or even cave diving with sharks, make a beeline for Biaha!

Distance: 10-15 minutes via traditional Balinese boat from Zen Dive Bali
Average Dive Time: 45 minutes
Price: From $8

Must Read: 10 Things To Do In Candidasa To Witness The Beauty Of This Balinese Town

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2. Elephant Ride

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A combination of these activities taking you through the peacefulness of the Bali Rain Forest and the turbulence of Ayung River is yet another of the exciting things to do in Candidasa. The 30 minute elephant ride would give you incredible views of the rain forest, Ubud art villages such as Celuk Village for silversmiths and Batuan Village for Balinese Paintings, while the class II and III rapids of Ayung River would take you on an adrenaline high that would stay with you a long time after.

3. Visit Rumah Bambu Pengalon

Though an incomplete project that was initially planned for a music festival in Bali, the Rumah Bambu Pengalon is one of the most incredible pieces of architecture with intricately made bamboo houses set close to a stunning glass-like lake.

How To Reach: Follow the unpaved road 400m further from the Amlapura-Denpasar Highway after Goa Lawah Temple
Price: Free admission

Suggested Read: Nusa Dua Travel Guide: Everything You Need To Know About This Balinese Heaven

4. Explore The Submarine Odyssey

Explore the mystical underwater world in the luxury of a fully air-conditioned submarine in a beautiful 45-minute journey 90 feet under the sea that begins at Amuk Village. Watch your pilot navigate you through the school of fishes and watch the divers effortlessly swim alongside you as you go.

Price – $59 (for children 5-12 years) to $80 (for adults)

5. Visit Charly’s Chocolate Factory

Step into the decadent world of healthy raw dark chocolate made from cocoa beans grown on the island! Walking through the cluster of quirky bamboo houses located at the end of Jasri beach and sampling their delicious produce sure is a sweet step up to the many enjoyable offbeat things to do in Candidasa.

How To Reach: 15 minutes from Candidasa
Price: $0.07

Suggested Read: 10 Best Homestays In Nusa Dua For Your Budget Bali Vacation

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6. Be A Part Of Makare-Kare Festival

This is a bonus treat for those who are planning a holiday in Bali during the month of June. As a part of the Mekare-Kare festival in the Tenganan Village, is the traditional theatrical fight known as Perang Pandan. Conducted to honour the God of War as well as the Balinese ancestors, Balinese men (young and old) dressed in sarongs fight with an opponent using sharpened Pandan leaves and shields made of straws. Men among tourists are also allowed to participate in the event and test their skills! One can enjoy the many village customs, ride the handmade ferris wheel and have unlimited fun!

How To Reach: Tenganan Village is 4 km from the turnoff at the western end of Candidasa and the Ngurah Rai Airport is located just 90-minutes away.
Price: $0.34 for entrance to the village (considered as a donation fee)

7. Eat Balinese Cuisine At Warung Padang Kecag

Warung Padang Kecag is one of the best locations to taste delicious Indonesian food if you are interested in experiencing some. Bebek Betutu, a dish of spicy stuffed duck wrapped in banana leaves, slow roasted over a period of 8 hours is one of the must-taste traditional delicacies. (Make sure that you pre-order instead of having to wait for 8 hours!). Other varieties of chicken, fish, prawns and desserts including chocolate samosas with ice-creams are definitely worth a try as well. The delicious smelling handmade soaps at the shop here would add a twist to your shopping in Candidasa too.

Price: Main course starting at $4

Suggested Read: 5 Popular Trails That Make Trekking In Bali Beyond Adventurous!

8. Trekking

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The picturesque villages and hills around Candidasa teaming with natural beauty and adventurous treks. The popular routes taken are Kastala to Tenganan past rice paddies and forested terrains, Tenganan Pegringsingan and the Tenganan Dauh Tukad villages that are home to indigenous Balinese – Bali Aga. Unique crafts, intriguing cultures and fascinating architecture makes trekking one of the interesting things to do in Candidasa.

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9. Practice The Apneista Yoga

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Apneista Yoga and freediving can be considered as top among the best things to do near Candidasa. The quiet waters of Amed Jemeluk Bay has captured a special spot in the hearts of tourists owing to its less crowded ambience, where learning to freedive is gaining popularity. Since it does not rely on equipment for breathing for staying underwater but simply the ability of a person to hold his breath, this is also considered to be a form of moving meditation.

Further Read: Snorkeling In Bali: 10 Spots To Explore Underwater And Hover Over Shipwrecks Of WWII

Having read through the long list above, have you decided what to do in Candidasa when you’ve arrived for a fun filled holiday? Make the most of your next international trip by customizing a Bali tour package, only with TravelTriangle!

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Christina Patrick

An empty vessel in Christ’s hands. Rest we can talk over chai. :)