Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
DIVING AND SNORKELLING AROUND CANDIDASA
The local reef is gradually rejuvenating and there is now
snorkelling
just offshore, stretch-
ing for about 1km westwards from just in front of
Puri Bagus Candidasa
.
The
currents
can be hazardous, though, so don't venture too far out and stay aware of your position at
all times. Jepun, near Padang Bai, is also rewarding. You can arrange snorkelling trips with
local boat-owners: it's Rp250,000 for two hours for up to three people, including equip-
ment, to the islands off Candidasa or to
Pasir Putih
, or Rp350,000 to Jepun.
DIVING
Just off the coast, the outcrops known as
Gili Tepekong
,
Gili Biaha
and
Gili Mimpang
offer excellent
diving
, although they're not suitable for beginners as the water can be cold
and the currents strong. There are several walls, a pinnacle just off Mimpang and dramatic
scenery at boulder-lined Tepekong Canyon. The current is too strong for the growth of big
coral, but the fish include barracuda, tuna, white-tipped reef shark, mola mola, turtles and
manta rays.
Prices
start at $75 for two local dives including equipment. Candidasa is also
within day-tripping distance of the reefs at Padang Bai, the wrecks at Tulamben and Amed,
and the challenging sites around Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida. It's worth choosing a
dive centre
carefully; listed here are some well-regarded Candidasa options.
Shangrila Scuba Divers
0812 398 9239,
shangrilascubadivers.com
.
British-run
centre at
Shangrila Beach Club
.
Bambu Divers
0877 6204 1313,
bambudivers.com
.
Dutch-run dive school at
Pondok
Gangga Divers
0363 41104,
lotusbungalows.com
.
Lotus Bungalows
, Senkidu.
Puri Candidasa
Jl Raya Candidasa • Daily 7am-7pm • Donation
Candidasa is an ancient settlement, and
Puri Candidasa
its
temple
, opposite the lagoon, is
believed to have been founded in the eleventh century. The statue of the fertility goddess
Dewi Hariti in the lower section of the temple, surrounded by children, is a focus for pilgrims
(the name Candidasa originally derives from “Cilidasa”, meaning ten children).
ARRIVAL AND GETTING AROUND: CANDIDASA AND AROUND
By plane
Candidasa is a 2hr drive from
Ngurah Rai Airport
; airport taxis and local hotels
charge around Rp375,000.
By shuttle bus
The resort is well served by shuttle buses from main tourist destinations; get-
ting to or from the airport or Kuta area costs around Rp60,000. Perama ( 0363 41114,
peramatour.com
)
does hotel pick-ups and runs shuttle buses to major Bali and Lombok des-
tinations.
