Why Honeymoon in Candidasa?

With its laid-back atmosphere, stunning green hills and blue ocean, and a range of spectacular beaches to explore, Candidasa offers a unique blend of relaxation and cultural exploration. Hidden gems are waiting to be discovered by those seeking a peaceful escape from the bustling tourist hubs. White sand beaches, underwater beauty, water palaces, and temples are among the charming attractions that await you to create memorable experiences with your loved one.

Our favorite hotel for couples

The Alila Manggis is the best option for a honeymoon near Candidasa. The 4-star oceanfront hotel, operated by Hyatt, is located outside of town surrounded by lush forest and nature. It features a large pool overlooking the gardens, waving palm trees and ocean. The Alila provides a free shuttle to the town of Candidasa, so no need to arrange taxis all the time. We like that it is not a massive resort, by the end of the stay most of the staff will know you!

Compared to resorts in South Bali, the Alila Manggis is surprisingly affordable for the luxury on offer. We have seen rooms offered for less than 150 USD per night. Check current prices here.

A tale of fertility…

Candidasa is a popular destination for local Balinese couples, for a reason that might surprise you! There is a Balinese myth which claims that visiting the Hindu temple next to the lagoon in Candidasa brings fertility to couples. It has become a destination for pilgrimage amongst local couples, as it features a statue of fertility goddess Hariti surrounded by her 10 children.

In the ancient Balinese tale, the goddess Hariti yearned for a family but faced infertility. Moved by a couple’s prayer for a child, her tears transformed into rain, blessing them with fertility. Witnessing their joy, Hariti herself became fertile, birthing ten children in her first pregnancy. The temple where this miracle occurred came to be known as Candidas, combining “Candi” (temple) and “Dasa” (ten), drawing hopeful couples seeking fertility blessings through offerings.

Whether you believe this story or not, and whether you are planning to start a family or not, the lagoon area is a beautiful and quite a romantic spot to visit anyway. The water is covered by lotus flowers and is directly adjecent to the ocean.

The flower-covered lotus lagoon right next to the temple in Candidasa. The flower-covered lotus lagoon right next to the temple in Candidasa.

Explore Candidasa

Candidasa is located against a hill on Bali’s eastern shores, overlooking the Lombok Strait, the sea that separates Bali and Lombok. On clear days, you will be able to see the Rinjani volcano all the way in Lombok. Around Candidasa you will find beautiful nature: green hills, waterfalls as well as spectacular white sand beaches that have not been discovered by most tourists yet. Virgin Beach, locally known as Pasir Putih which means white sand beach, is our absolute favorite.

Regarding waterfalls: the Jagasatru Waterfall is a hidden gem worth visiting. You’ll need a car ride up the hill, and from there it is a small hike down to the waterfall. You are asked to provide a small donation to the local community for visiting. There is a small shrine with a holy water fountain in the area as well. Balinese people bath under these fountains as part of their praying ceremonies, and they allow visitors to try it out too. Near the waterfall there are small coffee stalls from where you will have great views over the surrounding hills and ocean.

If beaches and waterfalls aren’t enough reason to stay in Candidasa, fortunately there is culture and history to discover too! Candidasa is part of the Karangasem region of Bali, known for its ancient water palaces and temples, dating back to the times of local kingdoms. The most famous one is Tirta Gangga, which is less than half an hour drive north of the town.

Great Hotels for Couples in Candidasa

Below are our suggestions for places to stay in Candidasa. Most of them are beachfront and 4 stars. One benefit of the Candidasa area is that luxury hotels are quite a bit more affordable than you would find in South Bali towns like Seminyak or Uluwatu.

What are you looking for?

All Hotels
4 star
5 star
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Beachfront
On the hills
Check the list below for our favorite Candidasa hotels or directly compare prices →
  • ★ Our Fav!

    Alila Manggis

    4 starAffordable luxuryBeachfront6min drive from Candidasa

    The Alila Manggis is the best option for a relaxing honeymoon near Candidasa. The 4-star oceanfront hotel is located outside of town surrounded by lush forest and nature. We like that it is not a massive resort, by the end...

    Check Availability
    Rated 9.0 at Booking. →
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  • ★ Our Fav!

    NEANO Escape

    5 starAffordable luxuryOn the hills10m inland from Candidasa

    This HIGHLY RATED 5-star resort is not on the beach, but otherwise its a great and unique option for honeymooners looking for a secluded hideaway. You can book a private bamboo bungalow, with a private spa bath overlooking the ocean....

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    Rated 9.4 at Booking. →
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  • Nirwana

    4 starAffordable luxuryBeachfrontCandidasa town

    Located in town, but surrounded by a lush tropical garden with mountain scenery and breathtaking views over the ocean. We appreciate the warm hospitality at Nirwana Beach and Resort. The seaside restaurant offers an Asian-inspired menu as well as international...

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    Rated 8.5 at Booking. →
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  • Sagara Candidasa

    4 starAffordable luxuryBeachfrontCandidasa town

    Enjoy a spectacular sunrise and scenic views. This boutique 4-star hotel (20 rooms only) offers affordable luxury. With an infinity swimming pool facing the ocean, the colorful flamingo restaurant specializing in fish and creative takes on Indonesian food, you won't...

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    Rated 8.5 at Booking. →
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❤️ More Candidasa hotels? You might want to compare prices or check all highly rated hotels for couples in Candidasa for yourself. See all the best Candidasa hotel options here and compare reviews and prices for your dates 📅.

If you follow this link, we've already filtered the list to only show the best options with great ratings of 8 out of 10 or above (but you can easily adjust the filters).

Honeymoon Activities in Candidasa

What type of activities would you like to do in Candidasa?

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Active
Beach
Culture
Nature
Relaxing & wellness
Thrill
  • ★ Our Fav!

    Tirta Gangga Temple Complex

    Relaxing & wellnessCulture30 min north of Candidasa

    Interested in culture or great photo opportunities? Between Candidasa and Amed you will find the famous Tirta Gangga Temple Complex. It is a great stop on the way up to or down from Amed, or as a daytrip from Candidasa....

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  • ★ Our Fav!

    Virgin Beach

    ActiveBeach4km from Candidasa

    Our FAVORITE beach in East Bali! Tranquility, crystal-clear blue sea, and pristine beauty are the secrets of this secluded jewel on the East Coast of Bali called Virgin Beach also known as White Sand Beach (Pantai Pasir Putih). Situated near...

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  • ★ Our Fav!

    Tegala Waja River Rafting

    ActiveNatureThrill45 min drive from Candidasa

    The Tegala Waja river flows through the green Sidemen Valley. This is definitely Bali's prettiest river to raft on. While the 3-hour rafting experience gets a little wild once in a while (nothing crazy though), we enjoyed the scenery a...

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  • ATV Riding

    ActiveThrill10 min drive from Candidasa

    In Manggis, close to East Bali's Candidasa town you will find the longest ATV track in Bali, operated by Halo ATV. If you don't mind getting dirty, this is great fun! We did this experience and passed by a waterfall,...

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  • Blue Lagoon Beach (snorkling)

    ActiveBeachPadangbai, 30m from Candidasa

    Near the town of Padangbai, 30 minutes south of Candidasa. Blue Lagoon is a beautiful small beach surrounded by cliffs. You will share the beach with local macaque monkeys, which are an attraction in itself but not the main reason...

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  • Honeymoon pics at Lempuyang Temple

    Culture30 min north of Candidasa

    Another great spot to explore is the Lempuyang Temple. This temple is one of the most well-known in Bali and has gained fame in the Instagram era. With its striking architectural design and intricate layout, it is no wonder why...

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  • Jagasutra Waterfall

    ActiveNature30m drive from Candidasa

    Lovely waterfall surrounded by greenery near Candidasa. This waterfall requires a 30 minute drive into the hills of East Bali (negotiate a return price and get the taxi to wait for you there). From there it is a small hike...

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  • Tenganan Traditional Village

    Culture10m drive from Candidasa

    In the most touristic areas of Bali, it is sometimes easy to forget the rich culture and history of the island. Not in Tenganan. Explore the traditional Tenganan Village, also known as “Bali Aga”. It is one of the oldest...

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Romantic Dining in Candidasa

Don’t expect fine dining in Candidasa. There are better places for Michelin-level tasting menus. However there are some decent romantic options, especially in some of the resorts around Candidasa. These are the ones we recommend:

What type of restaurant are you looking for?

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Casual dining
Indonesian
Viewpoint
  • ★ Our Fav!

    Vincent's

    Casual diningCandidasa town

    A fine dining spot with a variety of European dishes from French, Greek, and Italian, as well as some Balinese classics. Lazy jazz is the signature live music that accompanies you during your lunch or dinner at Vincents. Find yourself...

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  • Ocean Terrace

    Casual diningViewpointCandi Beach Resort

    Go here for the views. A picturesque dining venue at Candi Beach Resort and Spa that overlooks spectacular ocean views. It serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a wide range of menu options from international to local. Don't expect high...

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  • Seasalt Restaurant

    Casual diningIndonesianJust outside Candidasa

    Part of the Alila hotel, but non-guests can dine here too. The Seasalt restaurant is a good choice for couples in Candidasa, as it is in a beautiful spot surrounded by a lotus pond and you will...

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  • New Queen Pub & Restaurant

    Casual dining

    Nothing fancy, but popular still. Right in town, for those looking for some casual dining. We love Polish pierogli dumplings, and somehow this restaurant made it their speciality. Great to try if you are looking for some unique food in...

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How to get to Candidasa

Candidasa lies on the east coast of Bali, around 64 km from Ngurah Rai International Airport of Bali, which is located in the south part of the island. It takes about 90 minutes to 2 hours to get to Candidasa by car, depending on the traffic and tourist season.

Due to its distance, it is highly recommended to arrange transport with a driver before you arrive in Bali. At the airport, drivers will charge very high prices for long distance trips like these. Some hotels/resorts in Candidasa may also provide airport transfer and pickup at an additional charge.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Candidasa in Bali?

Candidasa is located on the east coast of Bali, 64 km from Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali.

How to get around in Candidasa?

The best and most practical way to get around is by hiring a car with a private driver or arranging a taxi with your hotel. Taxi-hailing apps that might work in South Bali don't operate here.

How far is Candidasa from Bali Airport

It is 64 km to the east of Bali and takes around a 2-hour drive from the airport by car, depending on the tourist season which affects the traffic.

Is Candidasa a good honeymoon destination?

Definitely! Its location in the quieter part of Bali makes it a perfect romantic hideaway for couples celebrating their love away from the hustling bustling tourist traps of Bali. It also offers authenticity of the local life along the east coast of Bali.

How long should we stay in Candidasa?

3 days and 2 nights should be ample to explore and enjoy the slow life in Candidasa, but if you prefer a more chill and relaxed pace to enjoy the tranquility of the sea breeze, you can also aim for 4 days and 3 nights.

What activities can we do in Candidasa?

This spot offers varied activities ranging from cultural, and spiritual, to active ones. You can learn about the history of the water palaces and temples, experience bathing in the holy spring water pool that was once used by the royal family, see the underwater beauty by snorkeling around the coast, or simply lounging and sipping your favourite beverages by the beaches in and around Candidasa.

Next Destinations

Map with regions of Bali. Bali Regions Map. If you made it all the way up to Candidasa, it makes sense to explore more of East Bali. The beach town of Amed is very popular with divers and couples who would like to try diving for the first time. Sidemen is a beautiful town surrounded by mountains and rice fields not too far from Candidasa too. Or you could choose to visit the Gili Islands or Lombok, as the ferries heading there leave from a harbour just a little bit south of Candidasa (Padangbai).

Find your next destination after Candidasa!

All Regions
Luxury
Beach
Culture
Nature
Nightlife
Surfing
Diving
Off the beaten path
Beyond bali
  • ★ Our Fav!

    Ubud

    LuxuryCultureNatureNightlife

    Made famous by Eat Pray Love. Jungle, art, rice fields, monkeys and spirituality.

    Read our Ubud Honeymoon Guide
  • ★ Our Fav!

    Uluwatu

    LuxuryBeachNatureSurfing

    Peninsula with cliffs, caves, surf and hidden beaches. Luxury resorts nearby.

    Read our Uluwatu Honeymoon Guide
  • ★ Our Fav!

    Munduk

    NatureOff the beaten path

    Hidden gem with spectacular views. Explore crater lakes, waterfalls and temples.

    Read our Munduk Honeymoon Guide
  • Seminyak

    LuxuryBeachNightlifeSurfing

    Upscale area with wide sandy beach, great restaurants and fancy beachclubs.

    Read our Seminyak Honeymoon Guide
  • Amed

    BeachCultureNatureDivingOff the beaten path

    Tranquil fishing villages, famous dive spots.

    Read our Amed Honeymoon Guide
  • Canggu

    LuxuryBeachNightlifeSurfing

    Surf Beach, Party, Hipsters & Foodies.

    Read our Canggu Honeymoon Guide
  • Candidasa

    BeachCultureNatureOff the beaten path

    Beautiful calm East Bali beach town.

    Read our Candidasa Honeymoon Guide
  • Kintamani & Mount Batur

    NatureOff the beaten path

    Volcanoes, Sunrise Hikes, Lakes and Hotsprings.

    Read our Kintamani Honeymoon Guide
  • Lovina

    BeachCultureNatureDivingOff the beaten path

    Calm ocean away from the crowds. Watch dolphins and hike to waterfalls.

    Read our Lovina Honeymoon Guide
  • Nusa Dua

    BeachLuxury

    Luxury hotels and (all-inclusive) resorts facing white sand beach with all the comforts you could wish for.

    Read our Nusa Dua Honeymoon Guide
  • Sidemen

    NatureCultureOff the beaten path

    Off the beaten path nature destination between rice fields and mountains.

    Read our Sidemen Honeymoon Guide
  • Sanur

    BeachCulture

    Long stretch of calm ocean beach close to Bali airport. Spectacular sunrise.

    Read our Sidemen Honeymoon Guide
  • Nusa Penida Island

    BeachNatureDivingBeyond bali

    Hilly island of the coast of Bali with spectacular cliffs and rock formations.

    Read our Nusa Penida Honeymoon Guide
  • Gili Islands

    BeachNatureDivingNightlifeBeyond bali

    Real tropical island vibes! Three small islands great for diving, beach and party.

    Read our Gili Islands Honeymoon Guide
  • Lombok Island

    NatureOff the beaten pathSurfBeachBeyond bali

    The large island West of Bali. Famous for surf, spectacular beaches and Mount Rinjani.

    Read our Lombok Honeymoon Guide

Written by Olivia & Dirk

Hi! We have put together this guide with a lot of care, based on our own experiences. As a couple, we have lived in Bali for the past 5 years, and we fell in love with the island. We have visited every corner of Bali, especially the romantic places ;-). While our articles do contain affiliate links, you can trust us to recommend only the experiences that we love.

Read more about us or let us help you organize your honeymoon for you!