Candi Dasa vs Padangbai

[NYC-Diver]

Merry Christmas and thanks for all your great suggestions this past week!

We've narrowed down a portion of our Bali trip to either Candi Dasa or Padangbai.

We hear Pandangbai has great beaches but is a totally dull town. We here Candi Dasa has no beach at all (It sounds like Sabang, in Puerto Galera, Philippines if anyone has been there), but the town is livelier and there are more non-diving attractions.

By lively, we mean a place where we won't be the only couple at a bar or cafe, or place that has temples, markets, etc to visit. We're not looking for a Kuta-like scene (we did that eight years ago).

We ruled out Tulamben because of the lack of beaches and supposedly a dull town with no attractions.

Thoughts people? Anyone know the pros and cons of both places or disagree with Tulamben,

Again, thanks to everyone.

 

[alanw]

We were in Bali in May 07 and some of the time was spent in this area. We stayed in Candidasa and travelled through to Padangbai daily. The hotel we used in Candidasa ( Water Garden) was lovely and I would definately stay there again. I got the impression that Padangbai catered more for the younger, backpacker-type crowd. It was the off-season then, so everything was a bit quiet. Padangbai is just a 10/15 minute taxi drive from Candidasa, so it is quite easy to have it both ways.

 

[littlce]

Hey again... I know I'm dipping your threads, but I saw your query here and had to say something.

From the sound of it you probably want to stay in Padang Bai. There are a few places there to hang out and if you want to check out the posh scene you can always go to Candi Dasa... it's just a short trip. In any case, the cheaper places are in Padang Bai from my experience and for a short drive and a little pocket change, there is always the next town over.

I cannot tell you enough that you must not miss Tulamben. The beach is a bit difficult to negotiate and rough on the feet with soft soles, but if you can take it in stride, the early morning and night dives there are WORTH IT!

Get there in the early afternoon to check in, eat something, take a quick dive off the beach on the wreck then come back to the hotel for a quick breather and hit the dropoff for pelagics and maybe a whale shark. No Joke.
Last, take a night dive on the wreck... you will NOT regret it.

After you come back from the night dive (sun sets around 6:30 there), hit the shower and wait for the masseuse you arranged on your first SI to arrive at your door and give you a nice traditional and STRONG rub down.

After you do all that, you have my permission to get up the next morning and watch the sun rise on your hotel then go to Padangbai or Candi dasa... whichever is your flavor.

Sure, Tulamben is dull, but the diving is not to be missed...

Chris