A tidy, well-kept, three-km-long European (mostly Italian, French, and Scandinavian) tourist retreat. For many visitors, Candidasa is the perfect blend, everything one would want in a seaside resort-reasonable accommodations, variegated dining, interesting sea sports, warm-water bathing, tranquil nights.

It is a slow and friendly place, where you can pass the hours with locals on the streets and beaches, or find someone to take you fishing, snorkeling or gambling. Walk, read, soak up the sun, and let the crickets and crashing surf lull you to sleep each night.

Candidasa also makes an excellent base for trips to all over east Bali: Tirtagangga, Kusamba, Goa Lawah, Klungkung, Bangli, and eastern mountain towns like Putung and Iseh. For a scenic land tour, rent bicycles or simply walk the gorgeous hill country above town. Visit nearby Tenganan to shop, and for a fascinating look at the ancient rituals of a traditional society.

The name Candidasa is derived from 'Cilidasa' meaning 'Ten Children.' A shrine in the eastern part of the village, on a hillside under a cliff, looking out over a spring-fed lotus lagoon emptying into the sea, was founded in the 11th century. At street level is a statue of the giantess Hariti, a fertility goddess, surrounded by her many children.

Childless couples often come to the temple seeking help from this goddess. A long flight of steps leads to the upper level of the temple, which contains an old 'linga'. Its 10-tiered gateway is one of the few instances of an even-number employed in religious architecture.

On the beach, there is a tide, just like on a normal beach. At high tide predatory waves pound the seawall, chasing beachcombers to higher ground. At low tide, the beach west of the lagoon is only eight meters wide and you can walk as far as 50 meters on the shelf (wear sneakers) and observe rock pools and reef life. During all but the rainy season, the water is crystal clear. Cement walkways and sitting pavilions surround the inland lagoon at the east end of town-the beautiful lagoon, with its tepid water, is also the village bath.

Hotels Name	Hotel Types	Price from
Alam Asmara Dive Resort	Resort	USD. 55.00
Alila Manggis	4 stars hotel	USD. 0.00
Amankila Hotel	5 stars hotel	USD. 0.00
Candi Beach Cottage	Cottages	USD. 0.00
Coral View Villas	Hotel	USD. 0.00
Dewa Berata Hotel	3 stars hotel	USD. 0.00
Emerald Hotel	3 stars hotel	USD. 0.00
Fajar Candidasa Hotel	Budget Hotel	USD. 0.00
Ida Village Hotel	3 stars hotel	USD. 0.00
Indra Udhyana Hotel	Hotel	USD. 0.00
Kubu Bali Bungalows	Bungalows	USD. 0.00
Lotus Bungalows	Bungalows	USD. 92.00
Mimpi Resort	Resort	USD. 0.00
Nirwana Cottages	Cottages	USD. 0.00
Puri Bagus Candidasa	3 stars hotel	USD. 0.00
Puri Bagus Manggis	3 stars hotel	USD. 0.00
Puri Oka Cottages	Cottages	USD. 0.00
Puri Rai Hotel	2 stars hotel	USD. 0.00
Rama Candidasa Hotel	Resort	USD. 95.00
Resort Prima Candidasa	3 stars hotel	USD. 0.00
Royal Bali Beach	2 stars hotel	USD. 0.00
Taman Air Hotel	2 stars hotel	USD. 0.00
The Grand Natia Bungalow	Bungalows	USD. 0.00
The Watergarden	Hotel	USD. 0.00
Tirta Ayu Hotel	Budget Hotel	USD. 0.00
Tirta Gangga Villas	Villa	USD. 0.00
Villa Sasoon	Villa	USD. 0.00