Candidasa is the name of a temple complex on a lagoon by the edge of the sea. Set at the foot of Mount Agung, the white sandy beach of the temple is only visible when the tide is out but the grassy foreshore and beach are great places to catch the sun. Started in the early 1980s this romantic area, also called Candidasa became the developing tourist destination, though it still offers an escape from the hassles of the more populated tourist areas.
Candi Dasa is an excellent base for daytrips around Eastern Bali. Tenganan, Goa Lawah, Amlapura and Padangbai are all within easy reach. And good diving is available a little further afield at Tulamben, where a US ship sunk during World War-II and may be viewed in its underwater resting-place. You can also hire boats for a day's diving or snorkeling.
