Candidasa is a small coastal town located on the eastern shoreline of Bali. Although not as popular as Kuta, Ubud or Legian, the town of Candidasa is rapidly gaining popularity amongst tourists for one simple reason – diving. Candidasa has been ranked among Bali’s top diving destinations, so much so that many luxury hotels in the area, such as the Alila Manggis, promote diving as one of the best things to do in Candidasa.
Frankly, Candidasa is not the place for you if you want to party and explore the nightlife and vibrant attractions of Bali. In fact, Candidasa is commonly characterized as being more for a relaxed and leisurely destination when compared to Legian or Kuta. It is for this reason that Candidasa has gained its reputation for being the ultimate destination for divers – there is nothing to distract you from exploring the wonders beneath the waters.
When it comes to diving in Candidasa, the options are multiple. The most common diving sites off the coast of Candidasa are the waters around the small islands of its shore; Gili Biaha, Gili Tepekong, and Gili Mimpang. Of these, Gili Mimpang and Gili Tepekong are the most are closer to the shore, while Gili Biaha is further off the shore. A diving excursing to these islands is sure to be one of the most exhilarating experiences you can have in Candidasa as the waters are home to some of the best-preserved corals reefs in the area, which are teeming with marine life, including the giant Oceanic Sunfish. While the islands are definitely worth visiting, the crown jewel of diving sites in the Candidasa area is Amed Beach; which offers divers breathtaking sights of spectacular coral reefs, shoals of colorful fish, and even the wreckage of a Japanese vessel from World War II. The currents around these diving sites are known t be rather strong, which is why beginners are advised to refrain from diving in Candidasa. But if you are experienced, Candidasa is sure to offer you a diving experience you will never forget!
Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.
