Beauty of Bali - Amed, A Jewel Amongst Others

A 2-hour drive from the airport, through verdant rice fields, breathtaking scenery and seemingly endless coast will take you to one of the hidden jewels of Bali, far from the hot Kuta, which is always jam-packed with tourists and local peddlers, away from the hustle-and-bustle of good ol’ Denpasar, to the stunning coastal region of Amed.
Simplicity and minimalism is what will greet you upon arriving there. Although the area has developed considerably during the last few years, don’t expect to find nightclubs, malls nor traces of city life. First off, before you take off your clothes and jump in the serene waters of the sea, you need to find a hotel. There are many hotels here, ranging from cheap non-star hotels to luxurious ones. Whichever you choose, do keep in mind that it is near the beach and the sea. Otherwise you’ll be missing out on the biggest appeal of this secluded area: the sea life. Diving. Seriously, it is one of the best spots in Bali.

Anyway, the Coral View villas would be a great choice for the occasion. Whether you are alone, with family or a couple of friends, Coral View offers the best value for money. Built along the shore, it gives easy access to the beach. A Deluxe Room costs about what, USD$60? Pretty cheap. And a Family Suit costs $120. Breakfast is not included, but not to worry, for there are many more places where you can find delectable food with low prices.

One thing not to miss while you are here is the seafood. Be sure to try some of the local warungs which have seafood on their menu. If you prefer to dine in a restaurant, Baliku is a good choice, about 1km south of the Blue Moon hotel. Or just ask the locals for directions. xD They’ve got great Indonesian food.

Now that you’ve got yourself a hotel, and have no worries for chow, you ask, can we go taste the waters now? The answer is: yes! One exceptionally good spot for diving and sightseeing under the calm waters is called Tulamben, where an old shipwreck can be found. The black volcanic sand, combined with the eerie sunrays penetrating the water and the sight of the picturesque shipwreck is absolutely magnificent. Once-of-a-lifetime experience. The waters are relatively mild and there are hardly any currents, suitable even for amateurs. For those who prefer snorkeling, the highest part of the wreck stands at 4m below the water’s surface. A high variety of marine life can be found here, too many to list. If you decide to stay overnight, be sure to try night diving, which is best at full moon. Or early before the dawn breaks, when you might be able to catch a glimpse of a turtle.

If you’re looking to kill time and laze around, come around in the morning, bring a magazine or two, put on some sunscreen, and

lay down on your mat. It probably won’t take long to fall asleep, though.

The local fish market is also a sight to behold; the shouting of smelly and sweaty fishermen, the chaotic life of the market, the piles of fish just calling to be brought home and cooked. The best way to get around town is just to walk, and enjoy the occasional slight breeze caressing your face. You probably won’t even want to go anywhere far, considering the lazy time you can spend on the white sand of the pristine beaches.

Before you get all excited and start ooh’ing and ahh’ing, and probably go to the nearest travel agent to book a flight here, remember to pack your suitcase. The sunscreen, sunglasses and trunks or bikini and sandals are a must. Don’t forget casual attire such as shorts and simple shirts too. You can bring your own diving mask and wetsuits, but if you prefer to rent them here it’s fine, too.

So, what are you waiting for? Get your lazy bums up from your comfortable chair in front of the computer, and order a flight to Bali!

xD As if my writing isn’t convincing enough.

Well, not the last part, at least. T.T I got writer’s block for the last 5 days. T_____T

And don't ask me why the font is messed up. It keeps switching to Trebuchet, and then to Arial and now it's on Times. =.= And I can't change it back. Whatever.