Activities around camp
A dream destination for many, Bali has many wonderful things to explore and experience, from water sports, diving, food courses, hikes, temple visits, secluded beaches and much much more.
Explore the beauty of Bali
Bali offers a variety of fantastic experiences, ranging from temple visits to diving and snorkelling. Here we will list a few options but you can easily find more things online and/or on site in Bali.
Things to do:
Food courses
Hikes
Boat rides
Snorkeling
Diving
Balinese Dancing Class
Horse riding
Temple visits
Visit secluded beaches
Visit Bali Aga village
Visit Chocolate factory
The Bali Aga at Tenganan
Located about 4 kilometers from Candidasa, the Bali Aga at Tenganan is the most famous Bali Aga (original Balinese) village. The Bali Aga people have preserved an ancient pre-Majapahit Balinese culture and this is plain in the differences from the rest of Bali.
The craftsmanship of Bali Aga at Tenganan is the unique double weave ikat fabric called Geringsing is made here and Tenganan produces what is probably the best basketwork anywhere in Indonesia.
The village is road signed from the main road in Candidasa and easy to find the way to the village.
Tirta Gangga
Literally the meaning of Tirta Gangga is water from the Ganges and it is a site to pray to for the Hindu Balinese. Accurately, the name refers to the water palace built here in 1946 by the King of Karangasem. Tirta Gangga is a trendy side trip from the nearby coastal resort towns of Amed and Candidasa.
The Tirta Gangga water palace is a complex of pools and fountains enveloped by a green garden and stone carvings and statues. The one hectare complex was built in 1946 by the late King of Karangasem but it was destroyed almost entirely by the eruption of Mount Agung in 1963 before it rebuilt and restore into its state right now.
Taman Ujung
Taman Ujung is located at the southeast of Karangasem (Amlapura) is another water palace built by the ancestor of the King who constructed Tirta Gangga. Taman Ujung was built in 1909 as a relaxation and recreation palace by the late King of Karangasem, I Gusti Bagus Jelantik.
It was destroyed for the most part by the eruption of Mount Agung in 1963, and got damaged again by an earthquake in 1979, and has not been restored on the same scale as Tirta Gangga.
Padang Bai
Padang Bai (also renowned as Padangbai or Padang Bay) is a small harbor in East Bali that serves the transportation by sea to Lombok Island. Padang Bai is located about 54 kilometers east from Denpasar and takes about one hour thirty minutes drive from Kuta and Legian.
Padang Bai is also the best site for diving and snorkeling in Bali, and a number of operators are present to cater for those activities.
Goa Lawah
Goa Lawah temple and bat cave is one of Bali’s key nine directional temples and serves as the protector against dark spirits from the ocean. The cave here is a well known bat’s habitation. On the north side of the coast road about 10 kilometers west of Candidasa, close to Padang Bai.
Amed
Amed is located on the north-eastern tip of Bali; it is stretching through seven villages of Amed, Jemeluk, Bunutan, Lipah, Selang, Banyuning and Aas. Located about 2 hours 30 minutes drive from Bali’s International Airport. Amed is offering a sedate lifestyle with coastal view.
It is a favorite honeymoon destination for newly couples and very popular with divers and snorkeling. People in Amed are making living from fishing, salt-making and tourism. Traditional outrigger boats are available for fishing charters from the main beaches in the Amed area
Chocolate Factory
Have you always wanted to know what the inside of Charlie’s Chocolate Factory looked like? Well, you don’t need a Golden Ticket to get to this Charlie’s Charly’s Chocolate Factory.
15 minutes away from Candidasa, this cluster of wacky bamboo houses situated at the end of Jasri beach look a little out of place. In fact, some visitors even compare the quirky infrastructure to a smurf’s hut!
Here, they sell healthy raw dark chocolate made from cocoa beans grown on the island. Be prepared for some chocolate tasting as the staff brings you around on a sampling tour.
How could you resist a snack that is both decadent, and guilt-free? In Charly’s Chocolate Factory, there is also a small soap studio where you can purchase delicious smelling handmade soaps.
Hidden tropical paradise
Pasir Putih, which translates to White Beach, is one of the most idyllic beaches in Bali. Tucked away in a village named Perasi, it's not very far from where we're going to be.
The scenic view is definitely worth venturing through the rocky trails though. Besides, it’s always fun to take the path less travelled!
The aquamarine water and pristine white shores are relatively untouched by civilization, aside from a small stretch of local restaurants, better known as Warungs.
Because of its secluded location, you’ll never have to worry about jostling with tourists for space.
Simply take a dip in the aquamarine water whenever you want, rent a lounge chair to soak up the sun, or indulge in some delicious local food at a Warung.
Experience this exquisite stretch of sand, before it becomes a popular tourist spot.
Makare-kare Festival
We happen to visit Candidasa in June and should make sure to participate in a ceremony known as Mekare-kare.
Also known as Perang Pandan, it’s an annual theatrical fight amongst Balinese men to honor the God of War as well as their ancestors.
This tradition is unique to the village of Tenganan, and the event lasts a month long. During this period, all villagers will dress in traditional Tenganan clothing.
All males, from young to old, will participate in Mekare-kare by fighting with an opponent. Dressed in just a sarong, two men at a time fight on a central stage…armed with (surprisingly sharp-edged) Pandan leaves and straw shields.
The purpose of the ceremony is to draw blood from the opponent, so as to honor the God of War. As they fight, there will be a cacophony of sounds – the excited cheers of the other villagers, the native Gamelan music of the Tenganan village, and the grunts of the men fighting…
This match usually lasts less than a minute, and the next match continues until all the males in the village have participated.
Boys, if you’re feeling up for it, you can also participate. Otherwise, sitting amongst the villagers and cheering is also quite the experience!
After the ceremony, all the wounds are treated with traditional medicine – made from turmeric, ginger, coconut oil and other herbs – which the villagers believe to have powerful healing powers. (These Tenganese villagers have really preserved their ancient traditions well!)