Candi Dasa

Not too many people make it up to Candi Dasa. You could argue that that’s quite a shame cause so many people are missing out on such a slow paced tropical hideaway. Or you could say that because not many people get there, it remains a tropical hideaway. I've stayed there 3 times, at different resorts and I do enjoy my time up there. Granted, I didn't do much more than sunbathe, read a book, wander through the few shops that are there and wile away a sunny afternoon at the Legend Rock Café, but that's what holidays are all about - relaxing
Candi Dasa (pronounced Chandi Dasa, although Candi does sound sweet and appealing) got on the tourist map of Bali back in the 1970's as a good dive and snorkelling spot. Unfortunately, the popularity of the place made people want to build hotels. And build hotels they did - but mined the reef away to use for building materials. So now, the beach is gone and so is the reef. But it's still nice looking out to the ocean.
Snorkelling and diving are still options around Candi Dasa. You'll find some reputable dive shops there that can take you further a field to some better locations. Gili Tepekong an island visible from Candi Dasa is probably the closest reasonable dive spot.
Candi Dasa is also a good place to base yourself if you're planning to explore North
East Bali.
As a general rule, tourists stay one or two nights here and the rest of their time at one of the main beach areas Kuta, Sanur, Nusa Dua etc) or continue travelling around exploring Bali with stops in Lovina and Ubud. Up to you though!

source by www.bali.co.nz