By K&P 
The beach stretches 100 meters wide and runs for several kilometers, with turquoise waters and beautiful coral reefs. This was what the town of Candidasa looked like in the 1990s, a time locals reminisce about with longing. It was a gem—not only a stunning coastline but also a view of a mountain range at the other end of the bay, with more mountains beyond it.
Reportedly, the degradation of the beach is a result of exploiting the reef, which locals used for building houses. The gradual loss of the reef affected the tides and eroded the beach. Fortunately, it wasn’t completely washed away, and a few small patches remain. It’s no longer one long stretch but a collection of mini beaches—Sengkidu Beach being one of the larger ones left in this area.
The road passes by hotels and small guesthouses, shops and stalls, and a few restaurants, then takes a side turn straight towards the sea, ending with a few surprisingly high steps—typical Balinese standards. The sand is light-colored, not snow-white but decent enough. On one side, there’s a large hotel, and the same on the other. Both properties have their own access points to the beach. On the landward side, there’s a breakwater—about 2 meters high, maybe slightly less. Fortunately, it’s a bay, so the distant landscape is more interesting, with a mountain range visible to the west. On the horizon, you can see Nusa Penida, a large island about 15 or maybe 20 km away, usually quite clearly visible. There are a few coconut palms by the hotels and also on an abandoned property near the beach—unused and slightly overgrown.
The turquoise water remains just as described in the stories from the 1990s. It’s shallow—even several meters from the shore, you can still feel the bottom under your feet. Snorkeling is possible, though there isn’t much left of the reef. The waves are small and gentle, with concrete breakwaters about 150 meters out to sea doing their job. This is a place where you can swim without struggling against every wave or feeling like you’re battling to survive—but also without the thrill of excitement.
A few local boats are anchored in the water, not bothering anyone and adding charm to the scene. In the evenings, local kids play soccer on the beach and then swim, usually in their shirts, as they often do. During the day, you might see a few tourists, some from the hotels and others from the town.
The beach is worth recommending for its calm, clean waters and easy accessibility. It’s perfect for swimming and reading in the shade, though not suitable for those seeking thrills or exotic sights. Restaurants are just “around the corner,” while the center of Candidasa is a bit farther—likely requiring a taxi or scooter. This place is worth visiting if you’re staying in Candidasa or the surrounding area, especially since there aren’t many spectacular beaches nearby.