Candidasa is a quiet coastal town that still feels like old Bali. It’s peaceful, relaxed, and surrounded by nature instead of crowds and nightlife.
This part of East Bali is made for slow mornings and easy exploring. You can snorkel, visit ancient villages, or chase waterfalls tucked away in the hills.
Whether you’re here for a few days or just passing through, here are some of the best things to do in Candidasa: a simple guide to what makes this side of the island worth your time.
Map of Things to do in Candidasa
1. Explore Tenganan Village
Just 10 minutes from Candidasa, Tenganan Village is one of Bali’s oldest villages. The locals here are Bali Aga, meaning they’ve kept their pre-Hindu traditions alive.
You can stroll through quiet stone lanes, see traditional bamboo houses, and watch women weaving the famous geringsing cloth. It’s calm, authentic, and feels like stepping back in time.
If you visit, bring small change for donations or to buy crafts directly from locals. It’s not touristy, just a simple glimpse of what Bali looked like long before the resorts showed up.
📍Location: GHF8+CGG, Unnamed Road, Tenganan, Kec. Manggis, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80871, Indonesia
🎟️ Entrance fee: Donation-based
2. Chill at Candidasa Beach
Candidasa Beach isn’t the kind of spot you come to for perfect white sand, but it’s still one of the main places to chill when looking for things to do in Candidasa. The coastline here is a mix of rocky patches and small sandy coves, protected by breakwaters that calm the waves.
It’s a good place for an easy swim, paddleboarding, or just sitting with a cold drink. The sunsets can be surprisingly good, especially when the sky lights up over the small islands offshore.
📍Location: Pantai Candidasa
🎟️ Entrance fee: Free
3. Stroll at Lotus Lagoon
Right in the middle of town, the Candidasa Lotus Lagoon is one of the easiest and most scenic stops when you’re looking for things to do in Candidasa.
It’s a large pond filled with bright pink lotuses that bloom across the surface, making it one of the most photographed spots in the area.
If you walk around to the back of the lagoon, you’ll find a small hidden beach that most people miss. It’s quiet, great for a quick dip, and feels far away from the main road even though it’s only a few steps away.
📍Location: FHQC+GV Sengkidu, Karangasem Regency, Bali, Indonesia
🎟️ Entrance fee: Free
4. Sang Hyang Ambu Temple
Sang Hyang Ambu Temple is just a few minutes out of town, and it’s one of those quiet spots most people drive straight past without realising it’s worth a look.
The area around the temple is also known for wild monkeys. You’ll usually see them hanging around the entrance or sitting on the side of the road waiting for food. Keep your stuff close, though. they’ve learned a few tricks over the years.
It’s not a long stop, but if you’re cruising around looking for things to do in Candidasa, it’s a cool little detour that gives you a glimpse of local life (and a few cheeky monkeys).
📍Location: GH3P+QG3, Jl. Raya Bugbug, Sengkidu, Kec. Manggis, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80811, Indonesia
🎟️ Entrance fee: IDR 20,000
5. Relax at Virgin Beach
Virgin Beach, also called Pasir Putih, is about 20 minutes east of Candidasa and easily one of the best beaches on this side of Bali. Soft white sand, turquoise water, and a proper swim-friendly shore.
You can rent a sunbed, grab a cold drink, and order grilled fish straight from one of the beachside warungs. It’s simple, cheap, and exactly what most people picture when they think of a hidden Bali beach.
Getting there’s half the fun. The road winds through small villages and ends with a short walk down a slope. Go early if you want it quiet, or mid-afternoon if you’re chasing the best light for photos.
📍Location: Jl. Raya Bukit Asah No.Desa, Adat Bugbug, Kec. Manggis, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80851, Indonesia
🎟️ Entrance fee: IDR 20,000
6. Take Photos at Taman Ujung
If you’re chasing those classic Bali shots without a crowd breathing down your neck, head to Taman Ujung.
It’s an old royal water palace surrounded by wide pools, arched bridges, and a backdrop of Mount Agung on clear days.
Walk around slowly, take a few photos, maybe just sit for a bit and enjoy how peaceful it is. The whole place feels like it was built for people to relax and take it in, not rush through.
📍Location: GJPJ+Q7 Tumbu, Karangasem Regency, Bali, Indonesia
🎟️ Entrance fee: IDR 100,000
7. Discover Karangasem Palace
Karangasem Royal Palace is a bit of a hidden gem. You’ll find a mix of Balinese, Chinese, and even a bit of Dutch design, all blended into a quiet compound that’s still used for ceremonies today.
Instead of rushing through, just take a slow walk around. The carved doors, stone gates, and shady gardens all tell their own story.
Locals are usually happy to chat if you show some curiosity, and it’s the kind of place where you actually feel the history rather than just look at it.
📍Location: HJ48+M9 Karangasem, Karangasem Regency, Bali, Indonesia
🎟️ Entrance fee: IDR 30,000
The easiest way to explore all the best things to do in Candidasa is by booking a private car and driver. Public transport is limited, and many of the temples, beaches, and waterfalls are spread out across East Bali.
With a private driver, you can visit places like Tirta Gangga, Virgin Beach, and Tenganan Village at your own pace without worrying about directions or parking. It’s affordable, comfortable, and the best way to see more of what this part of Bali has to offer.
8. Spoil Yourself at a Spa
After a few days of exploring, a spa day is one of the easiest things to do in Candidasa to recharge. The town has plenty of options, from small family-run spots to resort-style spas with ocean views.
You’ll find everything from a simple Balinese massage to full-body scrubs and flower baths. Most places are a fraction of what you’d pay back home, and the quality’s just as good.
- Aura Wellness Spa & Shop Candidasa
- We Spa
- D’Aura Candidasa Spa
- Earthbound Spa
9. Tirta Gangga Water Palace
If you’re looking for things to do in Candidasa that are worth the short drive, Tirta Gangga Water Palace should be near the top of your list.
It’s a royal garden built around clear spring water pools, koi ponds, and stone fountains that make it one of East Bali’s most beautiful spots.
You’ve probably seen photos of people balancing on the stepping stones across the water. That’s the classic Tirta Gangga shot.
📍Location: HHQQ+836, Jalan Raya Abang Desa Adat Jl. Raya Tirta Gangga, Ababi, Kec. Abang, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80852, Indonesia
🎟️ Entrance fee: IDR 90,000
10. Surf at Jasri Beach
Jasri Beach is about 15 minutes east of Candidasa and one of the few spots on this side of Bali where you can actually surf.
It’s a small black-sand beach with a mellow right-hand reef break that’s best for intermediate surfers or confident beginners on a good day.
You can rent boards from a small shack near the beach, and locals are usually happy to point out the best take-off spot. The waves aren’t huge, but it’s a fun, uncrowded alternative to the busy west coast surf scene.
📍Location: GJ9C+WC9, Unnamed Road, Gg. Kangkung, Subagan, Kec. Karangasem, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80811, Indonesia
🎟️ Entrance fee: Free
11. Day Trip to Amed
Amed, Bali about an hour north of Candidasa, and it’s one of the best day trips you can do from here. The drive alone is worth it, with winding coastal roads, tiny fishing villages, and ocean views the whole way.
Once you get there, the vibe slows right down. You can snorkel straight off the beach, check out the Japanese shipwreck, or grab a coffee at one of the cliffside cafes overlooking the bay.
If you’re planning your list of things to do in Candidasa and want something easy but memorable, Amed is a top choice. Leave early, make a few stops along the way, and you’ll be back before dinner.
12. Explore Amplapura
Amlapura is the main town in East Bali and only about 20 minutes from Candidasa. It’s not built for tourists, which is exactly what makes it interesting.
You’ll find busy local markets, small shops, and a look at everyday Balinese life that most people skip.
It’s not a long stop, but if you’re looking for authentic things to do in Candidasa and want to see real Balinese town life, Amlapura’s a good detour between the water palaces and the coast.
13. Pancoran Pengelukatan Sapta Gangga
If you’re into the more spiritual side of Bali, Pancoran Pengelukatan Sapta Gangga is a great local spot to check out. It’s a small purification temple about 25 minutes from Candidasa.
Locals come here to bathe and cleanse themselves in seven holy springs that flow from carved spouts. It’s not a tourist-heavy place, so it feels calm and genuine.
Even if you don’t take part, it’s still worth visiting for the setting alone. Surrounded by rice fields and quiet countryside, it’s a peaceful reminder that some of the best things to do in Candidasa aren’t about beaches or bars.
📍Location: GHFQ+27 Pertima, Karangasem Regency, Bali, Indonesia
🎟️ Entrance fee: Donation
14. Live Jazz at Vincent’s
Vincent’s Restaurant is the go-to spot in Candidasa when you want something a bit nicer without it feeling too fancy.
It’s got that mix of good food, live jazz, and a relaxed atmosphere that makes you want to stay for “just one more drink.”
The menu’s a mix of Balinese and Western food. The seafood’s always solid, and the cocktails are better than you’d expect in a small coastal town.
If you’re shortlisting where to eat when planning things to do in Candidasa, Vincent’s easily makes the cut. Come early for dinner, stay late for the music, and enjoy the best people-watching in town.
📍Location: FHQF+Q8 Sengkidu, Karangasem Regency, Bali, Indonesia
👉 See also: Best Restaurants in Candidasa
15. Visit Samsara Living Museum
Samsara Living Museum is about 30 minutes from Candidasa, near the village of Jungutan. It’s not your typical museum. It’s more like stepping into a living version of Balinese culture.
This is one of the more cultural things to do in Candidasa. Locals run workshops on traditional cooking, making offerings, and even Balinese dance, all inside a recreated ancient village setting.
It’s a hands on experience, not just something you walk through. You can join a short class, talk with the guides, or just watch how daily life used to look before modern Bali took over.
📍Location: HGCM+4M Jungutan, Karangasem Regency, Bali, Indonesia
🎟️ Entrance fee: Varies
16. Go Diving Around Candidasa
Candidasa has a few solid dive centers that make it easy to explore the reefs and small islands just offshore. Most of them run daily trips to small islands nearby.
If you’re new to diving, you can take a beginner course or try a fun dive with an instructor. More experienced divers can go deeper, where the currents get stronger but the marine life gets bigger and better.
17. Hike Bukit Lemped
Bukit Lemped is one of those local spots that barely makes it onto tourist maps, but locals love it for the views. It’s a small hill about 15 minutes from Candidasa, surrounded by rice fields and coconut trees, with a short trail that leads to a wide overlook of the coastline.
The hike isn’t tough. More of a steady walk that takes around 30 minutes, but go early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat.
There’s no entrance fee, no tour guides, and usually no one else around. If you’re hunting for offbeat things to do in Candidasa, this is one of the easiest ways to get a decent view of East Bali.
📍Location: GH5F+67, Sengkidu, Manggis, Karangasem Regency, Bali, Indonesia
🎟️ Entrance fee: Free
18. Breakfast with a View
Ounix Coffee is one of those places you end up staying longer than planned. It’s located on the main road leading to Tenganan Village and overlooks wide green rice terraces.
They serve proper coffee and simple brunch plates that hit the spot without trying too hard. It’s clean, quiet, and a nice break from the coastal heat.
📍Location: FHV7+Q2J, Jl. Raya Candidasa, Nyuh Tebel, Kec. Manggis, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali, Indonesia
🎟️ Entrance fee: Food / drink purchase
19. Discover Blue Lagoon
Blue Lagoon Beach is about 30 minutes west of Candidasa, near Padang Bai Harbour, and it’s one of the best spots around for swimming and snorkeling.
The water is crystal clear, calm most of the year, and packed with coral and tropical fish just a few meters from shore.
You can rent snorkel gear right on the beach or grab a cold drink from one of the small restaurants overlooking the bay.
📍Location: FGC7+38M, Padangbai, Manggis, Karangasem Regency, Bali 80871, Indonesia
🎟️ Entrance fee: IDR 2,000 (parking)
20. Visit Lempuyang Temple
Lempuyang Temple, known for the famous “Gates of Heaven,” is about an hour from Candidasa and easily one of the most iconic spots in East Bali.
The temple sits high up on the mountain, with views stretching across to Mount Agung on a clear day. Most people come for that photo between the split gates, but it’s also a working temple with deep spiritual meaning for locals.
It can get crowded, especially early mornings when the lighting’s best for photos. Go on a weekday if you can, and bring small cash for the shuttle and temple donation.
📍Location: JJ4C+2HJ, Tri Buana, Abang, Karangasem Regency, Bali, Indonesia
🎟️ Entrance fee: IDR 150,000
21. Cooking Class at Lezat Restaurant
Lezat Beach Restaurant runs one of the most popular cooking classes in Candidasa, and it’s a fun way to spend a few hours by the sea.
You’ll learn how to make classic Balinese dishes like lawar, satay, and fresh sambal, all with the help of friendly local chefs.
The vibe’s casual and you’ll end up eating everything you cook with an ocean view right in front of you. It’s one of those simple but memorable things to do in Candidasa that mixes good food, good company, and a bit of culture.
📍Location: FHR8+HC Sengkidu, Karangasem Regency, Bali, Indonesia
🎟️ Entrance fee: n/a
22. Find Jagasatru Waterfall
Jagasatru Waterfall is tucked deep in the hills about 30 minutes from Candidasa, and it’s still one of those spots most tourists never reach.
The walk down takes around 15 minutes through forest paths and rice terraces, ending at a tall, narrow cascade surrounded by dense green jungle.
It’s quiet, clean, and usually empty. Bring good shoes, some water, and expect a bit of a climb on the way back up. For anyone chasing nature-filled things to do in Candidasa, this one’s a gem.
📍Location: GGR6+73 East Duda, Karangasem Regency, Bali, Indonesia
🎟️ Entrance fee: Donation
23. Coffee at Bukit Cinta
Right next to the Bukit Cinta viewpoint, Paborito Cofee is the perfect spot to sit back with a coffee and take in the view of Mount Agung.
It’s a small, open-air cafe surrounded by rice fields, so you get those postcard Bali views without any crowds.
They serve proper espresso, smoothie bowls, and light brunch options. Simple food, good prices, and unbeatable scenery.
📍Location: HJF5+FGV, Abyandauh,Pangi Karangasem, Karangasem, Kec. Karangasem, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80811, Indonesia
🎟️ Entrance fee: IDR 5,000 (parking)
24. Discover a Natural Infinity Pool
Gembleng Waterfall is a small but stunning natural spot about 40 minutes from Candidasa, tucked away in the village of Sidemen.
It’s not a big waterfall, more like a series of pools spilling down smooth rock, but the view from the top is unreal, with rice terraces and jungle stretching for miles.
You can take a dip in the natural infinity pool or just sit in the water and soak up the scenery. There’s a short, steep climb to reach it, but it’s worth every step.
If you’re chasing off-the-beaten-path things to do in Candidasa, Gembleng is one of those quiet spots that feels straight out of a dream.
📍Location: GF46+W8 Tri Eka Buana, Karangasem Regency, Bali, Indonesia
🎟️ Entrance fee: Donation
25. Yoga Class at Puri Bagus
If you’re after a slower, more mindful way to start the day, Puri Bagus Candidasa offers yoga classes with a view that’s hard to beat.
The yoga sessions are held in an open-air pavilion right by the ocean, where you can hear the waves as you stretch, breathe, and unwind.
Classes are open to all levels, from complete beginners to regular yogis, and the teachers keep things light and easy to follow.
📍Location: Puri Bagus Candidasa
🎟️ Yoga class price: IDR 350,000
26. Visit the Bat Cave Temple
Goa Lawah Temple, also known as the Bat Cave Temple, is about 25 minutes west of Candidasa and is one of Bali’s oldest and most sacred temples.
It’s built around a cave that’s home to thousands of bats, which hang from the ceiling and flutter out at sunset, pretty wild to see up close.
The temple itself is small but impressive, with detailed stone carvings and a steady flow of locals coming to pray. You’ll need to wear a sarong to enter, and a small donation is appreciated.
📍Location: CFX9+9GG, Jl. Raya Goa Lawah, Pesinggahan, Kec. Dawan, Kabupaten Klungkung, Bali 80761, Indonesia
🎟️ Entrance fee: IDR 25,000
Can you snorkel straight from the beach in Candidasa?
Not really — most beaches here are rocky. For easy snorkelling, head to Blue Lagoon near Padang Bai or Virgin Beach just east of town.
Where’s the best spot for sunrise near Candidasa?
Bukit Asah and Bukit Cinta both have wide views of the ocean and Mount Agung — perfect for early risers.
Is Tenganan Village open to visitors?
Yes. Tenganan Village a living traditional village, and visitors are welcome to walk through, chat with locals, and buy handmade geringsing cloth.
Can you visit Tirta Gangga and Taman Ujung in one day?
Absolutely. They’re only about 15 minutes apart and easy to see on the same trip with a private driver.
Is it safe to swim at Virgin Beach?
Yes, the water’s calm most days and perfect for swimming. Just watch the waves during high tide or windy weather.
Where can I take a cooking class in Candidasa?
Lezat Beach Restaurant is the top pick — they include a local market visit and ocean-view cooking setup.
Are there any good spots for yoga in Candidasa?
Puri Bagus Candidasa offers open-air yoga classes right by the sea, great for beginners or anyone needing a reset day.
What’s a good waterfall near Candidasa?
Jagasatru and Gembleng Waterfalls are both close by and worth the drive — quiet, scenic, and still mostly unknown to tourists.
How to get around Candidasa?
Book a private car and driver for East Bali. My drivers are all local Balinese drivers who are familiar with the roads out east. They all speak English and it’s a fun way to get around with a local!
