In Reply to: Candi Dasa? posted by Vogel on Monday, 25. September 2006 at 22:36 Bali Time:
We had 6 days there a couple of years ago. A really amazing place. We had the chalet highest up the side of the mountain, with views over the pool and breakfast restaurant, in fact over the top of Candi Dasa itself. The monkeys came down from the mountain every morning to entertain us.
One thing about this place, you wouldn't want to come back drunk after a night out, because you'd never make it up the slopes and steps. It makes the slopes and steps of the Tjampuhan Hotel in Ubud seem like a flatland in comparison.
Lots to do around Candi Dasa. As has been mentioned, a trip to Amed past the Ujung and Tirtagangga water palaces is very worthwhile. If you get Wayan Manek [Nick] as your driver, you won't be disappointed. Phone 081 8353501. Go up the coast road past Ujung and have lunch at one of the many warungs in Lipah village. If the tide and water is right, good snorkeling on live coral with plenty of fish right in front of the Vienna Beach Hotel. Then back on the inland road. Have your camera ready for the magnificent mountain and rice terrace scenery near Tirtagangga.
Cand Dasa has lost most of its beach to erosion, but there's a nice white sand beach, with snorkeling, between Shangrila and Resor Prima, about ten minutes walk past Legends Cafe at the northern end of the main street. And if you like walking, a good morning walk out past the headland. Also good beaches at Pasar Putih going north, and at Padang Bai in the other direction.
If you would like a good traditional guide to the nearby Bali Aga village of Tenganan, catch up with our friend Komang, a nice looking, smartly dressed young guy, who will probably be working as a waiter at one of the restaurants. Two years ago, his girlfriend was working at Kubu Bali, so you may be able to contact him that way. His mother is a weaver of the traditional double ikat material.
Nick and Komang [and maybe a few others you may meet] will remember Rex and Emiko. And we have good memories of them all.