| Candidasa, a tourist's
village in eastern Bali, is a centre point for trips to all over east
Bali; where you can pass the hours with locals on the streets and
beaches, or find someone to take you fishing, snorkeling or gambling,
and a pleasant base from which to explore the east of Bali, including
the nearby traditional village of Tenganan . However, throughout the
1980s, Candi's offshore reef was crushed to produce lime for the building
boom and the beach was left so exposed that it simply washed away.
Large sea walls now protect the land, and enormous jetties protrude
into the sea in the hope, largely justified, that the beach will build
up against them.
Candidasa is the perfect blend; everything one would want
in seaside resort-reasonable accommodations, variegated dining,
interesting sea sports, warm-water bathing, and tranquil nights.
For a scenic land tour, you can hire bicycles or simply walk the
gorgeous hill country above town. Visit nearby Tenganan to shop,
and for a fascinating look at the ancient rituals of a traditional
society, also Tirtagangga, Kusamba, Goa Lawah, and eastern mountain
towns like Putung and Iseh can be reached in minutes from Candidasa.
Candidasa is derived from 'Cilidasa' meaning 'Ten Children.'
It is indicated by a shrine in the eastern part of the village,
on a hillside under a cliff, looking out over a spring-fed lotus
lagoon emptying into the sea, was founded in the 11th century. At
street level is a statue of the giantess Hariti, a fertility goddess,
surrounded by her many children.
The tourist developments have spread 8km west around the bay, through
the villages of Sengkidu, Buitan and Manggis , where the beach is
still a respectable size.
Just off the coast of Candidasa, a group of small islands
provides excellent spots for experienced divers (currents can be
strong), including walls, a pinnacle and the dramatic Tepekong Canyon.
Candidasa is also an ideal base from which to arrange diving trips
to Padang Bai, Nusa Penida, Amed and Tulamben and to take a course.
There are many local dive operators , including Baruna with a counter
in town (phone 0363 - 41185), Divelite (phone 0363 - 41660), Maoka
Dive Centre (Phone 0363 - 41563), and Stingray Dive Centre in both
Sengkidu (phone 0363 - 41268) and in central Candidasa (phone 0363
- 41063). It is important to follow the guidelines for choosing
a dive operator.
Long-distance Denpasar (Batubulan terminal)-Amlapura buses and bemos
all serve Candidasa. Shuttle buses from the main tourist destinations
serve Candidasa, and Perama (phone 0363 - 41114; 8am-9pm) has an
office with departures three times daily to Kuta and the airport,
Sanur, Ubud, Padang Bai and Senggigi (Lombok Island); daily departures
to north and east Bali and to other destinations on Lombok. Simpatik
have twice daily departures to Ubud and Sanur. There is a centrally
located tourist office in the main street close to the lagoon, but
it seems to have somewhat erratic opening hours. Other facilities
also availble such as Asri Shop provides a poste restante service
- mail should be addressed c/o Asri Shop, Candidasa, PO Box 135,
Karangasem, Bali and Wartel (telecomunication services) (daily 6am-11pm)
is next to the Kubu Bali Restaurant. Several bookstores in Candi,
including Candidasa Bookstore, sell new and secondhand books.
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