Candi Dasa Village, East Bali

Near the eastern tip of Bali is the small village of Candi Dasa (also spelled as one word: Candidasa). Although located on a scenic stretch of beach very close to many of Bali's key tourist attractions, Candi Dasa has remained relatively undeveloped. Distance is one factor, since getting here from the airport can take over an hour. The beach itself is probably another. The reef which once protected the shore was over-exploited, causing the beach to be badly eroded.

Still, the area remains popular with people looking to "get away from it all" in POSH surroundings. Some of the island's most exclusive resorts are nearby. As mentioned above, some of Bali's major cultural attractions are close by Candi Dasa. These include the Besakih "Mother Temple", the Goa Lawah bat cave and the Tenganan Bali Aga village.

For those seeking a bit more adventure, the offshore islands of Mimpang and Gili Tepekong has some of the best scuba diving to be had in Bali, plus, you're just a short drive away Tulamben with its wreck of the Liberty. See our related site, the SEA Undersea Guide for a complete run-down on Bali scuba diving.