Watching the boats roll in at the
Puri Bagus Candidasa
The Puri Bagus Candidasa hotel is located in the northern and quiet part of Candidasa and even has the road named after them, Jalan Puri Bagus. This hotel was one of the first in this area to open its doors to tourists.
It's a cute mid-range resort to spend a couple of days during your travels along Bali's east coast.
Candi dasa is mainly a quiet town and this also counts for the resort, you could be the only traveller here having the pool and all the facilities to yourself ;-)
Garden at Puri Bagus Candidasa
Even though you won't find tourist busses waiting in line here I was very surprised to see that this Bali beach resort was so well maintained.
The pool was clean, the sun loungers properly installed, the rooms neat and tidy and above all the staff were genuinely happy to see you.
The rooms are divided into Deluxe sea view and Superior garden view. At Puri Bagus Candidasa they like to call it 'villas' but in my humble opinion they resemble bungalows instead.
The Superior Garden View Bungalow
Great Bali accomodation: The Deluxe Sea View Bungalow
Nonetheless as said before the rooms look clean and tidy and you have facilities such as a flat screen, IDD telephone, tea/coffee maker, radio, bathrobes, hairdryer, slippers, umbrellas, mini bar, outdoor bathroom with shower and bathtub.
Facilities:
The Puri Bagus Candidasa resort has a spa on its premises as well, called the Jaya Spa where you can pamper yourself from head till toe with steam baths, traditional Balinese massages, pedicure/manicure etc.
The 4 private spa-rooms at the Jaya Spa are nice as they are spacious and the daylight easily fills up the rooms. However don't expect the 'modern contemporary' look that you might be accustomed to while staying in one of the resorts in the south of Bali.
If this isn't your cup of tea head over to the Rama Spa. This is without a doubt the best spa we've found in Candidasa...
The Jaya Spa at the Puri Bagus Candidasa hotel
Some travelers just want to relax while others need a piece of action during their holiday as well.
For the latter the resort organizes several trips such as a cycling trip to the village of Tenganan, where the Bali Aga live or a tour on a traditional fishermen's boat called 'jukung'.
The only thing that you should take into account are the sellers hanging around the jukung boats near the tiny beach at the resort.
Since it's so quiet in Candidasa they are looking for ways to make a living as well. Try to ignore them unless you're seriously interested in making a tour with them.
Don't forget to bargain hard, it's all part of the game and pay in Indonesian rupiahs, not US dollars and you'll be fine.
Traditional fishermen's boats called 'jukung'
Furthermore the resort organizes trekking tours around the area too. There are several treks that start either at Tenganan or Tirtaganga where you have perfect vistas on the Indian Ocean, the famous rice fields and Bali's holiest mountain, the Gunung Agung.
If you want to do some serious diving or if you want to get your PADI diving licence you can make an appointment with the diving school at the resort. It's located near the reception and the swimming pool.
This pool has a depth of 3.4 meters so ideal for practising. Fortunately you can bring your kids along since Puri Bagus Candidasa has built a kids' pool for them to splash around too.
If you are more the culinary type of traveller than it might come in handy that the resort also organizes cooking classes where you'll learn about local spices, ingredients and ways to prepare mouthwatering dishes.
I always think that it's a good way of learning this part of the Bali culture since everything on the island has something to do with food.
Speaking of food the Gringsing Restaurant & Bar is located on the second floor near the reception. Breakfast is served daily and both Indonesian and International Cuisine is available here.
The Gringsing Restaurant & Bar
If you don't feel like heading over to the buffet you can always order room service which is available till 11pm.
Other great restaurants nearby the resort are Vincent's, Rendez-Vous Restaurant and a bit further down the road Toke's restaurant. They have a free pick-up and drop-off service so try to give them a call.
All in all my girlfriend and I found the Puri Bagus Candidasa hotel one of the best mid-range places to spend a couple of days or just a day when you're traveling around this part of Bali's east coast.
View from the Puri Bagus Candidasa
The average price per night for this accommodation in Bali is around $69 USD but this could be even cheaper depending when you are going and how long you are staying. Have a look here and see if you get an even better deal.
Address:
Jalan Puri Bagus
Candidasa, Karangasem province
Tel +62 (0)363 41290
