Gedong Gandhi Ashram Candidasa: Yoga, Puja and Simple Living by the Sea

On Jalan Raya Candidasa, wedged between the lagoon and the Karangasem sea, sits Gedong Gandhi Ashram — a Gandhian ashram founded in 1976 by Ibu Gedong Bagoes Oka (1921–2002) and originally named Ashram Gandhi Çanti Dasa. This is not a luxury wellness resort but a small community living simply: puja, yoga, vegetarian food and shared work. Outside guests may stay a few nights or simply turn up for a single yoga class.

The daily rhythm

• Morning puja with sunrise Agnihotra 05:00–06:00, midday puja 11:30–12:00, twilight puja plus Agnihotra 17:15–18:00, and evening puja 19:30–20:00.
• Morning yoga runs roughly 07:00–08:00; the afternoon house yoga class is held Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 16:00 in the bale facing the sea.
• Guests are not required to attend the pujas — you are free to observe or to join in.

Guest rules and costs

• Dress modestly and stay properly covered anywhere on the grounds; smoking and alcohol are not allowed.
• Bungalows are not shared by unmarried couples.
• Staying costs about IDR 500,000 per guest per day, including three vegetarian meals (sometimes with fish), morning and afternoon tea and house yoga; an extra guest is about +IDR 100,000 and a child under 14 about +IDR 50,000.
• Tipping is not accepted; donations go through the office. The Nature Cure acupuncture clinic works on a donation from around IDR 50,000.

Who it suits, and getting there

• Ideal for solo travellers, anyone after a quiet retreat, or anyone wanting a low-cost break from screens.
• Less suitable if you expect a spa, a bar or a hotel-style room with full entertainment.
• A few minutes on foot from central Candidasa, about 20 minutes by road from Padangbai, and roughly 90 km or 2 hours from Ngurah Rai Airport — the ashram's partner arranges a pickup for around IDR 400,000.

Practical Info & Booking

• Location: View on Google Maps
• Booking/Order: contact the ashram by email at [email protected] or through the official site ashramgandhi.com; the afternoon yoga class can simply be joined on arrival.
• Instagram: search on Instagram
• Hours & costs: the office runs roughly 08:00–17:00 WITA; house yoga Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 16:00 with a donation of about IDR 50,000–100,000 for non-guests; staying is around IDR 500,000 per person per day including meals.

Many visitors pair a few ashram nights with an ordinary room along the Candidasa coast; AccessiaPass hotel vouchers can help keep those Karangasem stays affordable.