Candidasa Beach
Candidasa Beach
A tranquil beach in East Bali featuring quiet, lagoon-like coves. Protected by breakwaters, its calm, shallow waters are ideal for relaxation.
Candidasa is a tranquil resort area stretching along Bali's eastern coast. It has a history of attracting backpackers and divers since the 1970s, offering a relaxed pace of life rather than flashy attractions. While it once boasted beautiful sandy beaches, coastal erosionโlargely due to past illegal coral miningโhas led to the loss of much of the sand. Today, most of the coastline is protected by seawalls and breakwaters, which have helped create small, calm lagoons with sandy patches. The nearby islets, such as Gili Tepekon and Gili Mimpang, are world-renowned diving spots for advanced divers. Candidasa serves as an excellent base for exploring East Bali, perfect for travelers seeking a quiet stay.
History: The Lost Beach and the Path to Restoration
Candidasa's history is one of a long battle with coastal erosion. When resort development began, offshore coral reefs were extensively mined for building materials. The removal of this natural breakwater left the coastline vulnerable to the full force of the waves, causing the beautiful sandy beaches to rapidly disappear. Learning from this, numerous T-shaped breakwaters have since been installed. These structures are part of an ongoing effort to stop sand loss and help regenerate small beaches. The resulting landscape is a poignant chapter in Bali's modern history, prompting reflection on the relationship between humanity and nature.
Culture: The Lotus Lagoon and the Goddess Temple
In the heart of Candidasa lies a vast lotus lagoon, and on its edge sits a temple dedicated to the goddess Hariti. This ancient temple, said to have been founded in the 11th century, is the namesake of Candidasa itself. Hariti is known from Buddhist lore as a fearsome demon who devoured children, but after converting to Buddhism, she transformed into a compassionate goddess and a protector of children. Today, many people visit the temple to pray for fertility and safe childbirth, believing her to be a benevolent deity.
Diving: A Sea That Thrills Advanced Divers
The islets off Candidasa's coast, Gili Tepekon and Gili Mimpang, are known as some of the most challenging dive sites in Bali due to their fast and complex currents. However, these very currents bring rich nutrients, attracting massive schools of trevally, Napoleon wrasse, and, during the dry season, the elusive Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola). This makes it an irresistible destination for experienced divers. Diving here is only recommended with experienced guides who are intimately familiar with the area's powerful currents.
What to See (Check This Out!)
While relaxing on the small, breakwater-protected beaches is lovely, be sure to visit the lotus lagoon. The sight of countless lotus blossoms floating on the water is stunning and perfect for photos. For a cultural excursion, take a short 15-minute drive to the nearby Tenganan Village. This is one of the last remaining strongholds of the Bali Aga (original Balinese), where you can see unique architecture and the rare 'Gringsing' double-ikat weaving.
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