In Reply to: candi dasa or lovina posted by ona on Tuesday, 21. October 2008 at 11:32 Bali Time:
I've only ever stopped at Lovina for a rest stop and than was about twenty years ago, so I can't really help in comparing the two places.
We always stay for a few nights in Candi Dasa, the last couple of times at we have stayed at Candi Beach Cottages and loved it.
Can't say that I've seen a main beach at Candi Dasa, more like little beaches that disappear at high tide but are very pretty with white sand at low tide.
Just north is white sand beach and south is Blue Lagoon, inland is Tirtagangga water palace, with spring fed pools you can swim in, all around is stunning views and a day trip to Amed to snorkel the Japanese wreck is a must, it's very easy my daughter did it when she was 9 years old.
Lots of nice restaurants, not much shopping, hotels I like are, Kubu Bali, Water Garden and Candi Dasa Cottages, but there are a lot to chose from.
Both my kids love it up here, very laid back, talk to the locals kind of place, the coast drive up to Amed is so beautiful and you see a whole different Bali, in terms of how people live.
Make the effort to go up, it is so beautiful, compared to down south it is like staying on another island.
I left my email open if you want any more info.
Cheers Deb.