Orlowsky Discovery: Candidasa's Hidden Paradise (Indonesia)
Orlowsky Discovery: Candidasa - My Dive into Paradise (And a Few Murmurs of Discontent)
Okay, folks, strap in. We're going deep. Not just literally, because Candidasa, Indonesia, is prime diving territory, but emotionally, because I’ve just emerged from a stay at Orlowsky Discovery. And let me tell you, it’s a TRIP. This review is gonna be less "hotel brochure" and more "what REALLY happened, warts and all." Buckle up.
First Impressions: The Jungle Luxe Vibe
Getting to Candidasa itself? Easy peasy Bali life. Accessibility Score: 8/10. Plenty of transport options, from airport transfers to dodgy scooters. The hotel itself is a sprawling beauty, a collection of villas and rooms nestled into a hillside, almost like a secret hideaway. That IMMEDIATE feel of "escape" is fantastic. Think lush greenery, winding paths, and a serious "jungle luxe" vibe. They call it a "hidden paradise" and, honestly, it mostly lives up to that hype.
(Rambling Moment: My first reaction? "Wow, this place is Instagram-able." Then I promptly spilled coffee down my front. So, you know, REAL life.)
Digging Deeper: The Good, the Bad, and the Coffee
Let's break it down, category by category, because apparently, I'm supposed to.
Rooms and Amenities: Cozy Caves and Tech Glitches
Available in all rooms: Yep, AC, alarm clocks I never used (wake up in paradise!), bathrobes that made me feel like a king (or queen…I’m fluid, people!), and seriously plush beds. Air conditioning – essential in this humidity. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms: Hallelujah! Though… the Internet Access - LAN was a struggle. Tried it. Gave up. Let's just say the internet service could be a bit… flakey. That’s fine, actually, I needed to disconnect, I think.
The Perks: Coffee/tea maker – vital. Free bottled water – bless. Ironing facilities – though I ironed precisely zero things. In-room safe box– good to know it was there, I felt secure. Rooms sanitized between stays– Great. Daily housekeeping: Excellent. The Mini bar: Well. Let’s just say, it was expensive and I bought some beers at the local shop.
My Verdict: The rooms themselves are gorgeous. Cozy, well-appointed, with a distinct sense of privacy. However, the internet, internet, internet, needs some serious TLC. I needed to work. I couldn't. That was a real downer. (See? Emotional reaction! Success!)
Food, Glorious Food: A Culinary Adventure… Mostly
- Restaurants: Oh, the food! The restaurants are a serious draw. They have, like, everything: Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant (a big plus for me!). A la carte in restaurant, Breakfast buffet with a Western breakfast and the Asian breakfast. The Coffee shop was my daily ritual. The Poolside bar served up cocktails with views that knocked my socks off.
- The Experience: The breakfast buffet was a feast. My personal highlight? The freshly made fruit juices. Seriously, I could have lived on those alone. The buffet in the restaurant was a feast! One evening, I had the most incredible soup in the restaurant I'm still dreaming about. And the desserts in restaurant… well, let’s just say I’m not usually a dessert person, but I had a lot of dessert. A Happy hour added a cheerful hue to every day because it was so cheap.
- The "Meh" Moments: There was a little hiccup one evening. Ordered room service, there was a slight communication breakdown, and my meal arrived…wrong. It was sorted out with a smile, but still, it could have been smoother.
(Quirky observation: The coffee was sometimes a little weak. But hey, it’s Bali. Everything has a certain relaxed…vibe.)
Relaxation Station: Pampering and Pools (and a Bit of a Grind)
- The Pampering: THIS IS WHERE IT SHINES. The Spa! Oh, the Spa! They have massage, body scrub, body wraps, the works! I've never felt more relaxed in my life. The Sauna and Steamroom were pure indulgence. The Foot bath was a revelation. I'd suggest it.
- The Pools with a View: The Swimming pool [outdoor] is gorgeous, and the Pool with view even better! I could have spent all day there, just staring at the ocean. Pure bliss. One slight critique: The Fitness center was… well, it was there. I admit, I skipped the gym. I was on vacation, after all.
(Emotional Reaction: Okay, the spa was so good I almost cried. Happy tears, obviously.)
Safety and Cleanliness in a Pandemic: Reassurance (Mostly)
- The Details: They're taking Cleanliness and safety seriously. I noticed Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere, and staff trained in safety protocol. Rooms sanitized between stays. Physical distancing of at least 1 meter was adhered to pretty well. They're also using Professional-grade sanitizing services. And the doctor/nurse on call is a reassuring touch.
- My Thoughts: I felt safe and comfortable, though I did notice that the Staff trained in safety protocol sometimes… forgot to wear their masks? It did happen. It wasn't consistent.
(Honest assessment: While the hotel is clearly trying, there’s always room for improvement on pandemic protocols. But overall, I felt reasonably safe.)
Services and Conveniences: The Extras That Matter
- The Good Stuff: Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Laundry service, Luggage storage, and Cash withdrawal. All excellent. Room service [24-hour] was a lifesaver! Car park [free of charge] is a big plus. Contactless check-in/out: easy! They have a Gift/souvenir shop (which I avoided, because I’m terrible at souvenirs).
- The "Could be Better": I noticed the elevator sometimes. I’m kidding, mostly. However, the Business facilities, and Meeting/banquet facilities seemed underutilized – possibly pandemic-related?
Things to Do: Beyond the Beach
- Activities: Candidasa is all about diving, snorkeling, and chilling. The hotel can arrange Airport transfer, Taxi service and Car park [on-site]. You can also wander around finding some Shrine or take time at the Smoking area. Overall, the area has plenty of things to do.
(Rambling Moment: I spent an entire afternoon just staring at the ocean. No regrets.)
Kid-Friendly?
- Family/child friendly: Okay, I don't have kids, so I can't speak to the childcare aspect. But from what I observed, the place is definitely welcoming to families. And there are Kids facilities such as a Kids Meal and a Babysitting service.
The Fine Print: Accessibility and Other Niggles
- Wheelchair accessible - Okay. The walkways are nice, the paths are stone-tiled, but it is a hillside resort. Maybe not ideal for full wheelchair usage.
- Check-in/out [express] - Easy.
- Hotel chain - I'm not sure what it is. Honestly, who cares?
- Pets allowed unavailable - Don't bring your dog.
- Rooms sanitized between stays - Great to hear this.
- Non-smoking rooms - Nice.
- Internet [LAN] - it was too slow and problematic.
(My personal verdict? This isn't a perfect place. But it's got SO much going for it that the minor downsides are easy to overlook.)
The Verdict: Should You Go?
ABSOLUTELY. YES. Despite the occasional blip, Orlowsky Discovery is a slice of heaven. The setting is gorgeous; the food is delicious; the spa is divine. If you’re looking for a relaxing getaway, a romantic escape, or a base for exploring Candidasa, this is your place. The internet issues are a pain but, if you're like me, you'd rather disconnect anyway.
SEO Time! (But it’s Still Me):
- Target Keywords: Candidasa hotels, Bali resorts, spa Bali, Indonesian hotels, luxury hotels Bali, family hotels Bali, romantic getaways Bali, Candidasa diving, Orlowsky Discovery Candidasa,
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into my chaotic, possibly slightly embarrassing, probably amazing, Indonesian adventure at the Orlowsky Discovery Candidasa Hotel. This ain't your perfectly Instagrammed travel log, folks. This is the raw, the real, the "did-I-really-eat-that-street-meat?" version.
Day 1: Arrival and the Bali Belly Build-Up (aka "The 'I Can't Believe I Spent That Much on a Flight' Blues")
- Time: 7:00 AM. (Or maybe 7:30? Jet lag is a cruel mistress).
- Location: Denpasar Airport – the land of a thousand scooters and aggressive taxi drivers who all definitely speak English.
- Mood: Exhausted. That flight felt like an eternity, punctuated by crying babies and my own internal monologue of "did I pack enough snacks?" (Answer: No, never).
- Action: Finally, customs! Survived the passport control gauntlet. Found a taxi driver who seemed nice – probably because I was so sleep-deprived I'd have agreed to anything. Negotiated a price, which I later realized was probably triple what it should have been. Lesson learned: Always haggle.
- Quirk: The moment I stepped out of the airport, the humidity hit me like a wet, warm hug. Or maybe a smothering blanket. Either way, my hair instantly achieved its natural, frizzy, "I-haven't-slept-in-30-hours" state.
- Transportation: Taxi. Dodging scooters felt like a video game, and I was the noob character.
- Arrival at Orlowsky Discovery Candidasa: Gorgeous. Seriously, the pictures did not lie. Lush gardens, that stunning infinity pool overlooking the ocean… I almost forgot about the crippling jet lag. Almost.
- First Impressions: Checked in. The staff were ridiculously friendly. My room? Overlooking the pool! Score! Unpacked… or rather, attempted to unpack. My suitcase exploded. I think I packed everything I owned.
- Mini-Adventure #1 - Eating a local food, that I would later regret: Oh, the noodle cart that looked so amazing, so incredibly authentic! I had to! It was the first meal of my Bali journey, and unfortunately, it was one of the worst, It might have been the first symptom of the Bali Belly.
- Evening: Pool! Sun! Cocktails that were, thankfully, very strong. Bliss. Then, a creeping unease. The Bali Belly, my friend. It had arrived. Pray for me.
Day 2: The Candidasa Calamity (and the Search for Toilet Paper)
- Time: 6:00 AM (or maybe again, 6:30) The sun doesn't hold back in Bali.
- Location: My bathroom. Need I say more?
- Mood: Miserable. Slightly delirious. Wishing I’d packed more Imodium (that’s the adult version of a prayer, right?).
- Action: Spent most of the morning worshipping the porcelain god. Let's just say my appreciation for toilet paper skyrocketed. Found the hotel shop – they had it! But the price… well, it was a small price to pay for survival.
- Mini-Adventure #2 - Massage therapy: Dragged myself to the spa. A full-body Balinese massage. It was… divine. For a fleeting second, I forgot about the internal plumbing issues. Then reality snapped back.
- Quirk: I swear, the lizards in Bali have a personal vendetta against me. Every single one of them seems to taunt me with their little stares.
- Afternoon: Attempted a walk along the beach. Failed. The heat was brutal, and my stomach was revolting.
- Evening: Ordered room service (bland rice and boiled chicken, safe territory). Watched a terrible movie on the TV and promptly passed out.
- Emotional Breakdown Alert: I felt so, so pathetic. Stranded in paradise with a rebellious digestive system. This is not how I envisioned my solo travel adventure!
Day 3: Diving Deep (and Trying Not to Throw Up)
- Time: 8:00 AM (hallelujah, feeling slightly better).
- Location: Diving Center near the hotel.
- Mood: Cautiously optimistic. The Bali Belly seemed to have retreated, temporarily.
- Action: Signed up for a Discover Scuba Diving experience. I’d never done this before and was simultaneously terrified and exhilarated. The instructor was patient, and I'm pretty sure he sensed my underlying anxiety.
- Quirk: The wetsuit. OMG, the wetsuit. I felt like a sausage being squeezed into a casing. Getting it on was a workout in itself.
- The Dive: Utterly, breathtakingly amazing. The silence underwater, the vibrant coral, the fish! I saw a sea turtle! It was magical. Even the slightly salty water I swallowed didn't ruin it.
- Emotional Rollercoaster: I started to feel so relieved because I could finally do the scuba diving. Everything was in a good state that I even manage a small smile, and there were so many colorful coral reefs and fishes.
- Afternoon: Relaxing by the pool. The Bali Belly might have let up but I knew it might strike back again
- Evening: Ordered more bland food. Made a mental note to never eat street food again.
Day 4: Candidasa Exploration (and a Run-In with a Monkey)
- Time: 9:00 AM (Feeling more human!).
- Location: Candidasa town, mostly.
- Mood: Excited and brave.
- Action: Decided to explore Candidasa. Walked along the main road, taking in the shops, the temples, and the general vibe of the place.
- Quirk: I kept getting swarmed by well-meaning shop owners. I swear, I could hear the cash registers ringing from a mile away. Haggling skills in progress.
- Mini-Adventure #3: The Monkey Temple: I visited a nearby temple, armed with a camera and a healthy dose of caution. Turns out, I should have been more cautious. A cheeky monkey decided my sunglasses looked delicious and snatched them right off my head. I shrieked. The monkey just swung away, looking pleased with itself. Lesson learned: Monkeys are thieves.
- Emotional Reaction: I was annoyed about those sunglasses, but then I was more mad because instead of spending the day chilling, I had to buy a new pair.
- Evening: Chilled. Ate. Slept.
Day 5: Heading Out (And Secretly Considering Never Leaving)
- Time: 8:00 AM (packing)
- Location: Candidasa Hotel, the last time
- Mood: Mixed. Sad to leave, and happy.
- Action: Packed the suitcase, as I still had a day.
- Quirk: As I looked back at the hotel, I still felt a little sadness, but also, it had been such a great adventure, and I was thankful for every moment in the Candidasa Hotel.
This is just a taste of the chaos and the joy of my Candidasa adventure. It wasn’t always pretty, but it was real. And the best part? I’m already dreaming about my next trip back. Maybe next time, I’ll be brave enough to try the street food again… but probably not. The Bali Belly is not a friend.
Escape to Paradise: Your Unforgettable Cambodian Summer Getaway
Orlowsky Discovery: Candidasa - Spill the Beans! (FAQ - Because We Need Them)
Alright, alright, alright. You're thinking of going to Orlowsky Discovery in Candidasa, Indonesia? Smart move. Seriously, you’ve chosen well... hopefully. Let's dive into this, shall we? Warning: I’m prone to tangents. Consider yourself warned.
What IS Orlowsky Discovery, even? Is it a resort? A secret lair? Am I going to get eaten by a Komodo Dragon?
Okay, breathe. No Komodo Dragons in Candidasa, (thank God!). Orlowsky Discovery is essentially a dive resort, a lovely little haven right on the beach. It's got rooms, a pool, a restaurant with decent food (more on that later), and of course, all things scuba diving. Imagine: waking up, stumbling out of your room, and practically falling into the ocean. Pure bliss, right? Well, mostly.
Think of it as a slightly rough-around-the-edges, but utterly charming, boutique hotel/dive center. It's not The Ritz. It's not trying to be. And honestly, that's part of its appeal.
Is the diving REALLY as good as everyone says? I've seen some amazing photos... Is it all Photoshop magic?
Okay, now we’re talking! Let’s get to the GOOD stuff! The diving around Candidasa and, specifically, from Orlowsky… it's freaking FANTASTIC. Seriously. I'm pretty picky. I've dived all over. But the marine life? The coral? It's seriously vibrant. Think nudibranchs in every color imaginable, turtles galore, and enough fish to make you forget you're breathing underwater.
I remember this one dive… it was at Gili Selang. The current was a bit… *lively*. I almost lost my regulator at one point. (Okay, maybe I *did* lose my regulator for a terrifying couple of seconds. Don't judge - the currents are NOT for the faint of heart). But then… BAM! We rounded a corner, and there it was: a HUGE school of barracuda, swirling like a silver tornado! I swear, I could have stayed there for hours. It left me breathless – and not just because of the current. It was that good. (Just, you know, be prepared for the current. Ask your dive guide! Seriously. Know your limits!). And no, that wasn't Photoshop. That was pure, unadulterated underwater beauty.
What kind of diving can I expect? Beginner-friendly? Advanced? I'm a bit… rusty.
Orlowsky caters to all levels of diver. They have sites that are perfect for beginners, with calm waters and gentle currents. Think of it as a gentle reintroduction to the underwater world. They also have some seriously challenging sites for advanced divers with strong currents. Remember Gili Selang? Yeah, that's not for the faint of heart... or, you know, anyone who still panics when they drop their regulator.
The dive guides are experienced and patient. They can assess your skills and take you to sites you'll enjoy. Don't be afraid to tell them you're a bit rusty. They've seen it all. They'll coach you back to your 'scuba self' nicely, and it's their job to make sure you enjoy it, and stay safe! They're genuinely lovely.
The food... tell me about the food. I can't live on rice and noodles forever.
Alright, let’s be honest, the food at the resort is… fine. It's not going to win any Michelin stars. It's mostly Indonesian dishes, with a few Western options thrown in. (I was craving a good burger after a week, and what I got was… well, let's just say it wasn't stellar. The fries were good though. Small victories!).
But hey, you're in Bali, not Paris. You've got amazing, cheap warungs (local restaurants) all over Candidasa. Get out there and explore! The fresh seafood is phenomenal. And the local cuisine is delicious. Don't just stick to the resort. Venture out! I'm still dreaming about the grilled fish I had at that tiny place down the beach with the questionable lighting but the amazing view!
What are the rooms like? Are they clean? Do they have AC? Because I’m a sweaty human being.
The rooms are… comfortable. They're not luxurious, but they're clean and functional. And yes, they all have air conditioning! Thank God. Bali's humidity is no joke. Seriously, you'll be grateful. They're more like bungalows really, with a kind of basic charm. Don't expect marble bathrooms, but do expect a nice comfy bed and a mosquito net (very important!).
The best part? The views! Many of the rooms have balconies overlooking the ocean. Waking up to that every morning? Pure magic. Just be prepared for the occasional lizard visitor. They're harmless, but they can be a bit startling at 3 AM when you turn on the light. (Seriously, it happened to me. I screamed. It was embarrassing).
Is there anything I should be aware of before I go? Hidden fees? Pesky pests? Terrible WiFi?
Okay, so a few things.
- The WiFi: Don't get your hopes up. It's Bali WiFi - meaning it's spotty. Embrace the disconnection (or buy a local SIM card. I recommend it).
- Mosquitoes: They're everywhere. Bring bug spray. Seriously. You've been warned.
- The Dogs. There are a few stray/semi-stray dogs around the area. Lovely ones, mostly. But sometimes they bark at night. It’s part of Candidasa charm, but if you're a light sleeper, bring those earplugs.
- Hidden Fees: Always double-check your bill when you check out. I didn't experience anything nefarious, but it's always wise to be careful.
- The Sun: It's intense! Bring, and frequently apply, sunscreen. You'll burn in a heartbeat.
Honestly, most of the minor annoyances are just part of the charm. It's the imperfections that make it memorable. Don't stress about the small stuff. Just relax, dive, and enjoy the beauty around you. You'll have an absolutely incredible time!
