In Reply to: Candi Dasa v. Lovina v. ? posted by richos on Tuesday, 17. May 2011 at 19:42 Bali Time:
We stay in CD as a base for the East Coast. Its quiet, but there is plenty to do around there if you know where to look (trekking, snorkelling off CD or at Amed, Bali Aga village, Tirtagangga Water Palace, local markets at Amlapura, bike tours etc.)
I much prefer it to the South & it would provide you more of a contrast to Kuta than Sanur. Has a couple of decent restaurants but you might struggle for a bar-scene!
You probably know that CD doesn't have a beach in town - you can catch a taxi to Pasir Putih (White Sand Beach) where there are Warungs for lunch.
For a bigger contrast to Kuta you could also consider Amed instead of CD. Best feature is that you can snorkle directly off the beach here. Bear in mind tho that Amed is actually a string of black sand fishing villages so is fairly spread out.
Will visit Lovina for 1st time this yr, so can't compare.