Kabupaten Karangasem has 3 areas developing as tourist resort those are Candidasa, Tulamben and Amed. What was the main interest in Candidasa is not clear. Started by beach losmen or simple restaurant on the beach of Candidasa in 1970s, suddenly sprang into small town with various Candidasa hotels, shops, and restaurants. The original Candidasa area was a small fishing village, and has been known locally as educational stop for students visiting Candidasa Temple miniature. The name Candidasa is actually came from this temple miniature, Candi means temple, and dasa means ten. So Candidasa means 10 temples. At the location of the Candidasa has been built a temple just on the left side of the main road to Karangasem. Periodization of Candidasa is not yet established by archaeologist, but it is believed not very old, most probable from 18th century. The style of Candidasa miniature is similar to old temple called Prasada. The tradition of carving rock cut candis in Bali can be dated back to 14th century with the earliest one is Goa Gajah, but the Candidasa miniature by no means possible to be compared to those older one. The development of hotels, restaurants and other tourism facilities is around this Candidasa miniature, and later the name Candidasa is used to refer to town and the surrounding or Candidasa hotels. There are 3 villages side by side now developed known as Candidasa hotels those are Candidasa hotels in Buitan, Candidasa hotels in Serai, Candidasa hotels in Sengkidu, and Candidasa hotels itself, but all these villages are normally referred as Candidasa, under the administration of Desa Manggis. We also use the name Candidasa to refer all this 3 areas to make it simpler discussion, especially when speak about Candidasa hotels, by dividing the area as west Candidasa hotels area, Central Candidasa hotels area, and east Candidasa hotels area. There were 2 possible aspects that attracted the establishment of various hotels in Candidasa or the proliferation of Candidasa hotels such as the growing popularity of Bali Round Trip program which need an overnight stop. If started from Denpasar, Candidasa is a perfect timing to overnight. Secondly with the growing crowded of Denpasar, one need more quiet place to relax, and Candidasa was a choice at the moment.

SIMPLE HOTEL IN CANDIDASA
These simple hotels are priced from Rp 30.00 to Rp 40.00 per night, some with fan cooler, and some has air condition. Sari Jaya Seaside Cottage - located at west Candidasa, Flamboyan Bungalows - located west Candidasa, Terrace Beach Bungalow - located west Candidasa, Gringsing Home Stay - located at west Candidasa, Home Stay Segara Wangi - located at west Candidasa, Wirata's Bungalow - located at west Candidasa, Lila Berata Inn - located at central Candidasa, Sindhu Brata Bungalow - location is at central Candidasa, Pandawa Bungalow - located at central of Candidasa, Barong Beach Inn - location at east Candidasa, Ramayana Beach Inn - located at east Candidasa, Nani Beach Inn Bungalow - located at east Candidasa, Hotel Genggong - located at east Candidasa, Puri Pudak Bungalow - location at east Candidasa, and Sekar Orchid Beach Bungalows - also located at the east of Candidasa.

PLACES OF INTEREST
Tirta Gangga, is a bathing place or relax park built by the king of Karangasem in 1805. It does not have striking value, but just rising a memory of how the king in the past perceived his relaxation and enjoyment as a glorious Bali king. Taman Ujung, or Ujung Park. It expresses more as a Bali king palace instead of park, just reminds about the water palace in the center of Klungkung city but here the tone of greenery, flowers and water is more balanced, with the uniqueness of architecture. The palace was completed in 1921 but it was damaged again by earthquakes in 1979. The village of Tenganan Pegringsingan, known as traditional Balinese village famous with their gringsing cloth, palm writing craft, and unique village organization structure which is much different type from the largest part of Balinese social organization.