a large body of water with a mountain in the background

Candidasa

A quiet east coast town on Bali, known as a base for diving, snorkeling and trips to eastern Bali's palaces and villages.

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Candidasa is a seaside town on Bali's east coast, in Karangasem, built around a freshwater lagoon. Its main road, Jalan Raya Candida, is lined with hotels, restaurants and shops, and visitors pick it as a calmer alternative to Kuta's nightclubs or the large resorts of Nusa Dua. At sunset, Lotus Lagoon on the main road is a popular spot for photos.

Candidasa is also a base for diving and snorkeling. The town has no pier for dive speedboats, so divers usually go from Padangbai, about 11 km west. Virgin Beach, a white-sand beach, is about 20 minutes east of town. Tenganan Pegringsingan, a village of the Bali Aga people, lies about 4 km north. Amlapura is about 14 km north-east, and the Ujung Water Palace is about 12 km away. Allow a few nights to cover the lagoon, the nearby villages and one or two dive days.

Candidasa in five

Use Candidasa as a hub for the east loopPadangbai, Tenganan, Tirta Gangga, Amed and Sidemen are all within 15 to 90 minutes by car. A driver for a day covers several of them better than short rides or a scooter.East Bali guide
Snorkel the Blue Lagoon earlyThe sheltered bay near Padangbai is calmest in the morning and easy to reach by outrigger. Check the weather and currents before you go; waves and wind can make it unpleasant for beginners.Padangbai
Walk Tenganan Aga with a guide or local feeThe Bali Aga village keeps older customs and a distinctive woven cloth. Entry is usually by donation or small fee, and you should dress modestly and ask before photographing people.
Do not expect a wide beachCandidasa's coast is narrow and rocky in places because of past erosion, so most guests use hotel pools or boat out to snorkeling spots. Swim only where locals do and check the tide.
Book a driver back to the airport in advanceThe drive to Ngurah Rai Airport is about 1.5 to 2 hours, and early flights need a pre-booked car. Public bemo run to the Batubulan terminal but are slow and awkward with luggage.

Things to do in Candidasa

See all attractions in Candidasa

a large stone structure with trees around it

Temple · CandidasaPura Candidasa

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Need to know

Airport: Ngurah Rai (DPS), about 1.5–2 hours by road
Getting there: Pre-booked driver, shuttle bus or ride from Sanur and Ubud
Getting around: Driver by the hour, scooter or on foot along the main road
Best base: Candidasa main road for restaurants; hillside villas for views
Time needed: 2–3 nights to combine snorkeling and the east loop

Weather by month

Rainy days

Best
Good
Mixed
Poor

JanuaryRain29 rainy daysHigh30°Low25°Wet, showers
FebruaryRain27 rainy daysHigh30°Low24°Wet, humid
MarchRain28 rainy daysHigh30°Low24°Showers
AprilRain23 rainy daysHigh30°Low24°Drying out
MayRain22 rainy daysHigh30°Low24°Dry, calm
JuneRain22 rainy daysHigh28°Low24°Dry, cooler
JulyRain23 rainy daysHigh28°Low23°Dry, clear sea
AugustRain22 rainy daysHigh28°Low23°Dry, busier
SeptemberRain23 rainy daysHigh29°Low23°Dry, calm
OctoberRain22 rainy daysHigh30°Low24°Warm, dry
NovemberRain25 rainy daysHigh30°Low24°Showers
DecemberRain27 rainy daysHigh30°Low25°Wet

Average daily high and low in Candidasa, 2016–2025. Rainy day: 1 mm of rain or more.

Right now in Candidasa

Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.

Feels like: 26°
Humidity: 97%
Wind: 4 km/h
Chance of rain: 94%

Candidasa

04:40 AM

Tuesday, November 3

GMT+8

Today29°23°94%Tuesday: Drizzle. High 29°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 94%.
Wed29°23°88%Wednesday: Drizzle. High 29°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 88%.
Thu30°23°65%Thursday: Drizzle. High 30°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 65%.
Fri30°24°41%Friday: Fog. High 30°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 41%.
Sat29°24°66%Saturday: Drizzle. High 29°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 66%.
Sun29°23°72%Sunday: Drizzle. High 29°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 72%.

Updated 01:47 AM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com

Money

Mid-market rate1 USD = 18,144 IDR

Amount

Converted to

IDR · Indonesian Rupiah

Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API

What's on in Candidasa

Concerts, festivals and big events in and around the city

Events calendar

Every year

MarNyepiBali, a day trip

Day trips by train

Before you go to Candidasa

Hotels in CandidasaSeafront hotels and hillside villasCheck availability

Snorkel and east Bali toursBlue Lagoon and Tirta Gangga daysCompare tours

eSIM for east BaliPatchy coverage on some coastal roadsRead the guide

Travel insurance for BaliCover for snorkeling and ferry delaysRead the guide

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Rules for Candidasa, checked

Check entry requirements for Indonesia on the official immigration site (imigrasi.go.id) before you fly.
Wear a sarong and a sash at Balinese temples, including the temple by the Candidasa lagoon, and keep shoulders and legs covered inside.
Check the rules of the Marine Protected Area, which covers about 8 km of coast on each side of Candidasa, before you snorkel or dive.
Use licensed operators with experienced guides near the protected islets, because currents there can be strong and surprising.

Plan around Candidasa

East Bali

Amed, Tirta Gangga and Sidemen day plans

Read the guide Padangbai

Ferry port, beaches and snorkeling

Read the guide Ubud

Culture base about 1.5 hours west

Read the guide Denpasar

Capital and airport corridor

Read the guide Bali

Plan the island, from east to south

Read the guide All of Indonesia

Entry rules, money and islands

Read the guide

Candidasa FAQ

Is Candidasa worth visiting?

Yes if you want a calm base with snorkeling, temples and low prices, not nightlife or a big beach. It is a better stop than a destination, so combine it with Ubud and the east loop.

How many days do you need in Candidasa?

Two or three nights is enough to snorkel, visit Tenganan Aga and Tirta Gangga and see Padangbai. Add a day if you plan Amed or a longer east loop. Most travelers stay longer in Ubud or the south.

Is Candidasa good for swimming?

The town's beach is narrow and rocky in places, so most guests swim in hotel pools. For better water, take a short boat or car ride to the Blue Lagoon or a quieter cove, and check conditions first.

Candidasa or Amed: which should I choose?

Candidasa is closer to Padangbai and the ferries; Amed is further north, quieter and better for diving. Pick Candidasa for an easy first east Bali night and Amed for a long dive-focused stay.

How far is Candidasa from Ubud?

About 1.5 hours by car in light traffic, longer on busy days. Many travelers move from Ubud to Candidasa on the way east. Book a driver or shuttle, since public transport is slow.