Nestled on the tranquil northeast coast of Bali, approximately 1.5 hours away from the bustling streets of Kuta, lies the serene village of Candi Dasa. Known for its picturesque landscapes and pristine beaches, Candi Dasa is also emerging as a coveted destination for paragliding enthusiasts seeking to explore the Balinese skies.
Candi Dasa is a coastal site with great thermal activity. Height ASL around 350m. Take-off around 100m ASL and fly up. 500m and more is easily achievable. Some pilots report fling above 800m. A nice fly across 'the gap' to the coastal cliffs (North-East) will lose you around 50m in height gatting there and the same again getting back again. Allow 100m each way to be sure.
An easy landing is anywhere on the very long black beach in front of take-off. Very safe...but it's a longish motorbike ride back to take-off. Expect to pay around $5 (negotiable) for a ride back to take-off or Candi Dasa.
A more convenient landing is on any of the smaller white beaches in front of the hotels in Candi Dasa. The end beach at the East end, in front of Puri Bagus hotel is the largest and the closest to the start of the take-off walk up...where you have probably left your scooter. It's no more than a 5 minute walk. The beaches look small from the air but are really big and quite safe. Maybe a good idea to put your own windsock or ribbon on a stick before going to take-off.
The main flying season seems to be August-October. The usual take-off is quite low down. Just 100m ASL. You need the thermals to start generating to make sure you go up...not before 10:00am. After 12:00 noon the thermal activity can get quite strong, maybe too strong for a safe take-off. Some pilots fly in the late afternoon as the thermal activity dies down.
Important news for those of you traveling to Bali and planning to visit Candidasa for flying!
As donors of the new paragliding launch and in collaboration with the BugBug and Candidasa Tourism and village chiefs, we kindly remind you that flying over the Gumang Pura (temple) has always been prohibited.
Effective immediately, a 30-meter (approximately 100 feet) exclusion zone has been implemented in addition to the temple property perimeter, located on Gumang Hill, Candidasa.
The flying here is breathtaking, and the local tourism industry greatly appreciates your patronage. However, please remember that the temple grounds and its perimeter are sacred, and the local community holds deep religious values.
New briefings will commence from tomorrow for all pilots. Anyone found breaching this new exclusion zone risks permanent expulsion from the site, a USD$500 fine, and may affect the future enjoyment of this site for other pilots.
Demarcation flags will be installed soon to provide a visual aid. In the meantime, if you are unsure about the 30-meter (~100 feet) distance, please refer to the example images below or give the temple grounds an extremely wide berth. There is ample lift when the site is flyable, so there is absolutely no need to be near the temple when conducting flight operations.
None....but please pay the local site fee to keep everyone happy. It's not a huge fee.
Hire a scooter in Candi Dasa for US$5 a day. Take the main road out of Candi Dasa going East until a sharp left hand bend just towards the end of the beach front hotels. At this bend don't go left. Instead take the smaller turning on the right, which is going straight.
Follow this road until almost the end. There is a steep drive on the right, leading up to a white house, with a road barrier. Just before the barrier park the scooter on the left. This is the start of the walk up.
A local guide will help carry your wing up and show you the take-off site for $5. He will also assist with the launch and remain until you are safely in the air.
The flying site land is communally owned by the village, not by any one person. There is a site fee payable which goes to the local community. The cost is $5/day or $20/month. Make sure you get an official receipt and don't just give money for a local to put in his pocket ! Every receipt has a receipt stub for the seller to return to the community with the money. Site fee: IDR100k, Porterage fee: IDR80k
It's relatively easy to jump the gap and fly the sea cliffs to the East. Getting back might be harder if the cliffs are not generating much lift. They are lower than the main site. With 400m ASL the return flight is easy.
A brave pilot has gained enough height to fly all the way to the main offshore island and get back safely. It looks intimidating but from the video the return flight was very fast and gave an easy climb back to above the main ridge. Don't try this unless you are very confident of your wing, altitude gain and thermal conditions. Landing in the sea would not be good !
The main contact and guide is 'Jony Water Taxi'. Find his telephone contact details from any of the beach front hotels.
Many paraglider pilots choose to stay at the 'Temple Cafe & Seaside Cottages',
http://www.balibeachfront-cottages.com
This is located in the centre of Candi Dasa and the beachfront.
Candi Dasa presents a unique flying experience, with local landowners expressing specific considerations for site usage. Negotiating conditions for site access beforehand is deemed reasonable and ensures a harmonious relationship with the local community. Pilots can obtain launch tickets from Puri Oka, and staying at the hotel is not a prerequisite. The required porters, who assist with transportation from the hotel to Candi via scooter, are compensated with a modest fee. Pilots are also advised against flying over temples, an act considered highly disrespectful, underscoring the importance of respecting local customs and traditions.
Seasonal Winds and Safety Tips
The flying season in Candi Dasa welcomes pilots with light to no wind conditions in the morning, gradually intensifying between 11 am and 1 pm. As the winds strengthen, pilots are advised to remain vigilant, especially when flying over water, as conditions can swiftly become challenging with strong winds. This cautionary note emphasizes the need for pilots to stay informed and prepared for the dynamic weather patterns of Bali.
A Quiet Haven Away from the Crowds
Candi Dasa offers a peaceful retreat from the more tourist-heavy areas of Bali. Its laid-back atmosphere, combined with the thrill of paragliding, makes it an attractive destination for those looking to experience the beauty of Bali from above. Whether you're a seasoned pilot or a newcomer to the sport, Candi Dasa's skies promise an unforgettable flying experience, set against the backdrop of Bali's enchanting landscapes.
In conclusion, Candi Dasa is not just a paragliding site; it's a testament to the beauty and adventure that Bali has to offer. By respecting local customs and engaging with the community, pilots can enjoy the exhilarating experience of flying in one of Bali's most beautiful regions, making every flight a journey to remember.
Enjoy your flights!
