Indonesia - The Rough Guide to Southeast Asia on a Budget - page 266

JELLYFISH
Watch out for jellyfish , especially at dusk. Places that are totally harmless during the day are
suddenly home to jellyfish sporting massive tentacles (3m-long tentacles, in fact, courtesy of
the blue jellyfish) that whip you and leave you oozing black poison from painful lumps.
Ultimately they don't do any damage, but travel with antihistamine and avoid swimming at
sunset, no matter how romantic it might seem at the time. The tiny red jellyfish that float
about during the day do little more than give you a weird electric-shock sensation.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO
he group of tiny islands lying just off
the coast (Gili Tepekong, Gili Biaha and
Gili Mimpang) offer excellent sites for
experienced divers (currents can be
strong), including walls, a pinnacle and
the dramatic Tepekong Canyon. All the
operators also arrange trips further afield
to Padang Bai, Nusa Penida, Nusa
Lembongan, Amed, Tulamben and
Gili Selang.
For fantastic views over the coastline,
follow the headland trail that forks off
the road leading east in the direction of
Amlapura. Beyond the headland there
are some pretty beaches, with wide
stretches of sand.
he reef along the coast is gradually
rejuvenating and there is some decent
snorkelling just offshore, stretching for
about 1km westwards from the area in
front of Puri Bagus Candidasa hotel. Take
care not to venture too far out and be
aware of your position as the currents can
be hazardous. You can also go on
snorkelling trips to more distant spots
with local boat-owners (around
Rp300,000-400,000 for two hours for
up to three people including equipment),
and dive operators also take snorkellers
along on dive trips ($15-30); always be
clear whether or not equipment is
included in the price.
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
By plane Taxis to/from Ngurah Rai Airport (see p.246)
cost around Rp350,000 (around 2hr).
By bus and bemo Public transport services stop
anywhere along the main road through Candi Dasa.
Destinations Amlapura (20min); Denpasar (Batubulan
terminal; 2hr); Gianyar (1hr); Padang Bai (20min);
Semarapura (40min).
By shuttle bus Perama (daily 8am-9pm; T 0363 41114,
W peramatour.com) stop at their o ce at the western end
of the central area.

Destinations Amed (2 daily, min 2 people; 1hr-1hr
30min); Kuta/Ngurah Rai Airport (3 daily; 3hr); Lovina
(daily; 3hr-3hr 30min); Padang Bai (3 daily; 30min);
Sanur (3 daily; 2hr-2hr 30min); Tulamben (2 daily, min
2 people; 2hr); Ubud (3 daily; 1hr 30min-2hr).

INFORMATION
Tourist o ce The tourist o ce close to the lagoon has
erratic opening hours and sta ng. The glossy magazine
Agung , widely distributed across the island, is a good
source of information and up-to-date maps about the east
including Candi Dasa.

DIVE OPERATORS
Dive trips cost from $85; PADI Open Water courses cost
around $450 and are widely available. Many operators
charge extra for equipment rental ($5-15/day) so check at
the time of booking.
Divelite Main Rd, just west of the lagoon T 0363 41660,
W divelite.com. Offering fun dives and courses in Japanese,
Indonesian and English.
Shangrila Scuba Divers At the Bali Shangrila Beach
Club on Forest Road T 0813 3733 5081, W divingatbali
shangrila.com. Offers a similar range of dives.

4

ACCOMMODATION
CANDI DASA
★

Ari Homestay Near the Perama o ce T 0817 970
7339. Excellent budget choice run by a really friendly
Indonesian/Australian family. There's a kitchen, lovely roof
garden and huge breakfasts, and guests have scrawled
their appreciation all over the walls. As well as rooms,
there's also a dorm downstairs, and several self-contained
units for longer stays. The hot dogs and chilli burgers
served in t he café ( daily 11am- 8pm) are legendary. Dorm
Rp80,000 , double Rp160,000
Kelapa Mas 100m west of the lagoon T 363 41369,
W kelapamacandidasa.com. This centrally located home-
stay is justifiably popular, with a range of clean bungalows
(each with private bathrooms and f ans) in a love ly garden
on the seafront. A/c is available too. Rp400,000
★

Temple Café and Seaside Cottages Just east
of the Perama o ce T 0363 41629, W balibeachfront
-cottages.com. The budget rooms here are some of the
best in Bali, with extras such as stylish bedspreads, heavy