🌿 Discovering East Bali - The Best Places to Visit Around Candidasa

If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring the side of Bali where time moves slowly and the sea still feels sacred, then Candidasa and its surrounding gems are for you. Tucked away on the island’s east coast, this peaceful seaside village is surrounded by royal palaces, quiet beaches, and ancient villages that preserve Bali’s old soul.

Unlike the busy south, Candidasa invites you to slow down — to walk, watch, and feel. Here’s your ultimate travel guide to explore the best of East Bali, updated for 2025 with real details you’ll need before you go.

The Royal Calm of Taman Ujung Water Palace

A short 30–45 minute drive from Candidasa leads you to Taman Ujung Water Palace, also known as Taman Soekasada Ujung. Built in the early 1900s by the royal family of Karangasem, this place is an elegant mix of Balinese and European architecture — open bridges over still ponds, carved stone gates, and a panoramic view of Mount Agung meeting the sea.

It opens daily from 07:00 AM to 07:00 PM, and it’s best to visit early or near sunset when the light hits the water beautifully. The entrance fee for international visitors is around IDR 100,000, with lower local rates and small parking fees. The gardens are wide, and there isn’t much shade, so bring a hat or umbrella for comfort.

Tirta Gangga: The Palace That Flows with Life

Just a short drive inland from Taman Ujung, you’ll find Tirta Gangga, another former royal retreat built around natural springs. It’s a picture of harmony — stone statues standing in koi-filled ponds, water flowing through fountains, and stepping stones where you can walk over the surface.

Tirta Gangga opens from around 08:00 AM, though early risers can sometimes enter even earlier. As of March 2025, the entrance fee for international visitors is IDR 90,000 and for domestic visitors IDR 45,000.

This spot is best in the morning, when the light is soft, and the crowds haven’t yet arrived. You can even stop by one of the nearby cafés that overlook the rice terraces and sip a coffee with the view of the palace below.

The Ancient Spirit of Goa Lawah Temple

Heading west from Candidasa, the road hugs the coast until you reach Goa Lawah Temple, often called the Bat Cave Temple. Built around a natural cave where thousands of bats rest, this sacred site is believed to have deep spiritual connections with Bali’s mother temple, Besakih.

The temple opens to visitors between 08:00 AM and 06:00 PM, and the entrance fee is roughly IDR 25,000. Remember to wear or rent a sarong and sash, as it’s required for entry. Visit early morning for a quieter experience, or late in the day when you can watch the bats begin to stir. The sound and smell of the sea blend beautifully with the chants from the temple priests — it’s a powerful, deeply Balinese experience.

Finding Peace at Virgin Beach

When the sun gets too hot, head east from town to the hidden cove of Pasir Putih, often called Virgin Beach or White Sand Beach. It’s located between the villages of Bugbug and Perasi, just about 25–30 minutes by car.

A short drive down a dirt road brings you to a small paradise — soft white sand fringed by palms and rocky cliffs. Entrance and parking cost around IDR 10,000 per person, and you can rent sunbeds or enjoy grilled fish and coconuts at the beach warungs.

It’s quieter on weekdays, and while it’s great for swimming, the waves can be a little stronger in the afternoon — so take care if you’re visiting with kids.

Underwater Wonders at Blue Lagoon

If you love the sea, plan a half-day trip to Blue Lagoon, near Padangbai — about an hour from Candidasa. The water here lives up to its name: clear, calm, and rich in marine life. It’s one of the best and safest spots for snorkeling in East Bali, even for beginners.

You can rent all your gear (mask, snorkel, fins, life jackets) right at the beach, or join a short boat trip that visits nearby coral reefs. The area has a few warungs serving local food and simple facilities, so it’s easy to spend a lazy day here.

Cooling Down at Jagasatru Waterfall

For those craving nature away from the coast, drive toward Duda Timur Village in Selat, about 30 minutes from Candidasa. Hidden in the lush hills, Jagasatru Waterfall drops from around 40 meters high into a calm natural pool.

Getting there requires a short walk — around 10 to 20 minutes — through forest paths and stone steps. It’s not too hard, but wear proper shoes. The entrance operates on a donation basis (around IDR 10,000–50,000), and the area is usually very quiet. Bring your swimsuit if you want to take a refreshing dip under the falls.

The Timeless Culture of Tenganan Village

One of Bali’s oldest villages lies just a few kilometers from Candidasa — the Tenganan Pegringsingan Village. This is a Bali Aga community, descendants of the island’s original inhabitants before the Majapahit era.

Tenganan is famous for its rare geringsing cloth — a handwoven double-ikat textile said to have protective spiritual energy. Walking through the village feels like stepping into a living museum: stone houses, community halls, temples, and the sounds of daily village life.

If you come in June, you might witness the Mekaré-kare (Pandan War) — a friendly yet fierce traditional ritual using pandan leaves as weapons. It’s one of Bali’s most fascinating cultural experiences.

Quiet Corners: Lotus Lagoon and Balina Beach

Within Candidasa itself, don’t miss a short visit to the Lotus Lagoon, right along the main street. The pond, filled with pink lotus flowers and guarded by small temples, is a lovely place to relax, especially at sunset.

Nearby, Balina Beach offers a darker, more volcanic sand but a calm and local vibe. It’s great for a morning walk, a swim, or just to sit and watch fishermen bringing in their catch.

Travel Tips Before You Go

• Start early to beat the heat and enjoy softer light for photos.

• Respect local customs — always wear modest clothing at temples.

• Carry cash, as many small attractions and warungs don’t accept cards.

• Hire a local driver if possible. Many spots are hidden along narrow or bumpy roads, and a driver can share stories along the way.

• Bring water, sunblock, and patience — East Bali moves slower than the rest of the island, and that’s part of its charm.

Candidasa isn’t the place for loud beach clubs or crowded nightlife — it’s where you come to breathe, to watch the waves move quietly against ancient temples, and to feel the pulse of an older Bali still alive beneath the surface.

From the royal gardens of Taman Ujung to the village traditions of Tenganan, every stop around Candidasa tells a story of beauty, culture, and calm. Whether you spend two days or two weeks here, the east will leave you feeling grounded, rested, and inspired.