Diving around Bali - magical tropical colours

diving CANDIDASA
COUNTRY AND PEOPLE

Being part of Indonesia and thus the country with the world’s largest Muslim population, Bali has preserved a very unique Hindu culture and religion, which has evolved over the centuries. It is this uniqueness that attracts travellers and explorers from all over the planet – and that you are likely to never forget again.

Visitors will instantly notice two things after arriving on Bali: How friendly and laid-back the Balinese people are and the omnipresent Hindu believe. There are no restrictions due to Hinduism on Bali, so that all visitors are free to move and dress as they please. Please do bear in mind, to cover your knees and shoulders, however, when you enter a temple or religious area. And yes, this includes men! At some temples you can easily rent a sarong, the traditional wraparounds for the visit, but most people buy one as a unique souvenir. 

The Island of Gods is probably best known for two landscapes: incredibly green rice paddies that form breath-taking terraces, all built by hand over centuries, and pristine dream beaches with elegant coconut trees that move softly in the sea breeze. But also Bali’s majestic volcanoes and partially untouched lush rainforests are worth mentioning – and a visit! Due to its geographic location, just south off the equator, there are only two seasons on Bali: The dry season (usually between March/April and November) and the rainy season (usually between November/December and March). It is due to this climate and the fertile volcanic soil that Bali dwells in such an abundance of plants and delicious fruits.  

CANDIDASA

Candidasa (or Candi Dasa), home of the new diving.DE dive centre on Bali, is a real insider among Bali connoisseurs. It is often described as "Kuta used to be 20 years ago": authentic Bali, laid back, tranquil. Lacking sandy beaches, Candidasa has not experienced mass-tourism yet and has thus – unlike Kuta – preserved its original charms, offering wonderful relaxation for all age groups.

Divers around the globe prefer staying in Candidasa, as it is located right in the heart of Bali’s best dive spots. Within a mere 60 minutes, we reach approximately 40 dive sites on Bali, Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan and can offer world-class diving for every level.

Being located rather in the centre of the East Coast, you will be able to reach most of Bali’s sights within one hour: Mt Agung, Besakih Temple, Ujung Water Palace, Tirta Ganga (Water Temple), the spiritual city of Ubud or the beach front of Sanur and many other places. And Tenganan, a village with pre-hinduistic culture and traditions, is only about 10 minutes away.

Accommodations for nearly every budget – from backpacker hostels to high-end luxury resorts - attract a wide range of travellers. Countless bars and restaurants offer entertainment for the evenings, ranging from a nice sun-downer at the beach to awarded Jazz performances or traditional Balinese dances.

While the coastal road connects Candidasa to the rest of the island, the ferry port of Padang Bai (which lies only 5 km to the south-east) makes it also a perfect gateway to explore the surrounding islands of Lombok, Nusa Lembongan or the Gili islands.

HEALTH, HYGIENE & VACCINATIONS

Within Indonesia, Bali has probably one of the best infrastructures in terms of healthcare. Along with public clinics, which can be found in nearly every town, there is a wide range of private institutions in places like Kuta, Sanur and Denpasar to cater for international visitors. These private clinics usually offer western standard.

Obviously, Indonesia cannot be compared to western countries, but hygiene has a high value here, too. And as long as one sticks to the old traveller’s rule to “boil it, peel it, wash it – or forget it” and only drinks water from sealed bottles, will be safe.

No special vaccinations are required for entering Indonesia. However, we do recommend you to get a check-up from your doctor prior to your travels. And while you are there, you can also get medical clearance for your diving. Even though Bali is regarded as free of malaria, mosquitoes are plentiful, especially during rainy season. Furthermore, there are mosquitoes that are active during bright daylight. A good repellent ("Soffell") – which can be bought relatively cheep here - is therefore needed. 

DECOMPRESSION CHAMBER ON THE ISLAND

A couple of years ago, the Balinese government decided to install a hyperbaric chamber (decompression chamber) on the island to better serve the growing number of divers. Before the installations, divers would have to be taken to Singapore or Jakarta in case of an emergency. The state-own "Rumah Sakit Umum Sanglah" (or short: "Sanglah") hospital in Denpasar has since then saved many people from more severe injuries.
You might want to keep the Sanglah hospital contact number: +62 361 227 911. All our guides have this number saved in their mobile phones and the tour lists, too.

SIGHTS & TRANSPORTATION

No matter whether you plan to visit temples, climb on volcanoes, admire arts & culture or party with the crowds – Bali will suit all needs and wishes. Every hotel will be able to offer you various tours and packages, including transport, guides and lunch. Additionally, there are special agencies for nearly every particular programme in and around Candidasa. And should your plans be very far from the ordinary – you will be surprised by the flexibility of the Balinese and their will to make it happen.

Getting around is rather easy, as long as one can cope with the left-hand traffic. Countless companies offer their services, with or without drivers, as well as motor scooters. Please bear in mind, however, to bring your international driving license and carry it on you whenever you are driving (your national driving license will NOT be sufficient!). Also make sure that you always wear a helmet on a motor scooter. There are frequent controls and the police might stop and fine you.

diving CANDIDASA -
diving the coral triangle

diving CANDIDASA
c/o Candi Beach Resort & Spa
Mendira Beach, Sengkidu
Candidasa, Karangasem
Bali 80871 Indonesia
Tel: 0062 812 367 702 81
Email: candidasa (at) diving.de