From Hillside to Seaside
Candi Beach Cottage is a perfect base for exploring East Bali, and the resort blessed with an open vista of the main Candidasa highlights.
One of the most enjoyable drives in which to see the best of Bali's pristine countryside along the way is up the eastern coast of Bali. Across the regency border from Bali's south lies the coastal strip of Candidasa. Literally meaning '10 temples', Candidasa refers to two temples near the lagoon. The underwater realm of Candidasa is among the noted wonders in the area. Visitors arrive at this popular diving destination to enjoy the submerged world of nearby Gili Kambing 'Goat Island'.
Candidasa is also a good stop-off place from which to explore the aboriginal Balinese Tenganan Village, only 12 kilometers to the northwest. In fact, the Tengananese long ago lived near Candidasa before migrating inland to better protect their own legacy from the influence of the newly arrived "modern Hindu" Balinese.
This part of the Karangasem regency has grown with several popular tourist destinations as the result of highly skilled Balinese craftsmanship. Among the developments and the most notable landmarks are the Karangasem Palace, Ujung Water Palace, Tirta Gangga water gardens and that of Candidasa itself, each highlighting water gardens or lagoons. The whole area is attraction-filled, and the winding roads will lead you to one interesting highlight after another.
Take this one and it will lead you to the area of Mendira Beach where a small road then winds down to an enclosure towards the Candi Beach Cottage, located right on a tranquil beach amidst swaying palm trees in the quiet and natural surroundings of Mendira Bay on the island's East Coast.
This resort offers a relaxing coastal respite ideal for couples that dream of such an exotic locale. Candi Beach Cottage is a perfect base for exploring East Bali and the resort is blessed with an open vista of the main highlights of Candidasa, those specks of islets on the horizon.
Villas and rooms are surrounded by beautifully nurtured gardens. Just beside the easternmost wing of the cottages is a field filled with coconut palms that, when you're lucky, offer the most unique tropical sight of local villagers climbing and harvesting the coconuts... especially during the break of dawn when the first rays of light finger through the leaves.
Each wing consists of 8 Superior rooms and 8 interconnecting Superior rooms, a total of 16 Superior rooms in each wing. The inner sides of both wings overlook gardens, while the outer sides overlook the palm tree garden.
Candi Beach Resort offers many enjoyable and insightful activities to choose from. For the more adventurous, one can engage in the notable Pasir Putih trekking option. This pristine beach is among the island's best, offering a bright white stretch of sand that is its namesake. A profound journey further up in the lush hilltop region includes a Sunrise Trip to the Lempuyang Hills north of the resort, a trip to the Taman Ujung Water Palace, a Mount Agung Volcano tour, a fish and fruit market tour, and a trip to see a beautiful orchid garden. The most favorite feature is the Candi Bale, a hilltop dining experience at the Candi's specially furnished Balinese styled gazebo that overlooks the whole bay.
By Nyoman Ari Gunadi, photos by Hary Subastian
Candi Beach Cottage
Sengkidu, Candidasa, Karangasem, (0363) 41-234
www.candibeachbali.com
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