Candidasa

Candidasa is a seaside town in eastern Bali that rests on the edge of a fresh water lagoon. It is popular tourist stop and is often described as a more sedate and laid back beach alternative to the teeming, nightclub filled Kuta area or the large, manicured resorts at Nusa Dua.

Most sources say a fishing village was founded on the site by the 12th century and before the modern name of Candidasa was adopted it was known as both Teluk Kehen ("Bay of Fire") and Cilidasa. There is a temple near the lagoon, with a statue of the fertility goddess Hariti surrounded by a group of children, and cilidasa translates from Balinese as "ten children", so many Balinese who want to have children go on pilgrimage to this place. The modern name is thought to be a corruption of this older name. The town began to catch on as a tourist destination in the 1970s, since there is good snorkelling and diving in the area and the town provides easy access to other destinations in eastern Bali.

🪷 Lotus Lagoon 🪷

The lotus lagoon is probably the most famous landmark in Candidasa. The 1000 square metre lagoon is filled with lily pads and, if you’re there at the right time, blooming lotus flowers. The lotus lagoon is just at the side of the main road through Candidasa, so is easy to get to and free to walk around. For an even more impressive view of the lagoon, climb the steps to Puri Candi Dasa just across the road from the lagoon.