Amed along with Tulamben: Bali’s beautiful north east coast
However, neither of these locations will appeal to those wanting to get away coming from the hustle along with bustle of everyday life. nevertheless there is actually no reason to despair. Because one of Bali’s little known secrets will reveal itself to those willing to make the effort to get there: the magnificent northeast coast.
Tulamben’s hidden wonders
No trip to the northeast coast of Bali would certainly be complete without a visit to Tulamben. Although visitors may not be particularly impressed by its rather nondescript one-kilometre long pebble beach, there is actually actually far more to the place than meets the eye.
For close to the shore, hidden coming from sight, lies the wreck of an American Liberty Class merchant ship. Torpedoed from the Lombok Strait by the Japanese during the Second World War, Tulamben became the ship’s final resting place as she ran aground while being towed to the Balinese port of Singaraja. The vessel remained on the beach until of which was pushed away coming from the shore along with into deeper water by lava flows as a result of the eruption of Gunung Agung in 1963.
Today the 120 metre-long wreck is actually only about 30 metres offshore, producing of which easily accessible for divers along with snorkelers alike. of which lies in depths coming from nine to 30 metres, along with the highest point of the stern is actually only about 4 metres below the surface. along with although broken up, many of the ship’s original features – such as the guns, boilers along with the anchor chain – are still clearly identifiable to divers. nevertheless best of all, being in extremely plankton-rich waters, the wreck has become a haven for a wonderful array of marine life. Schools of fusiliers along with surgeonfish along with over 400 some other species of tropical fish have made of which their home.
along with even away coming from the wreck, along with only metres coming from the shore, the snorkelling is actually still superb as a shallow coral reef stretches along the bay. Expect to see many species of tropical fish including brightly coloured butterflyfish, as well as angelfish along with probably the most readily recognizable of all coral reef fishes, the wonderfully shaped moorish idol fish. There are even huge triggerfish. nevertheless be careful: This specific highly territorial fish might bite if you get too close!
The coastal tranquility of Amed
coming from Tulamben, Amed is actually only a short half-an-hour drive away. Follow the road to the modest town of Culik, along with then take the signposted left-hand turn. Although This specific stretch of coastal road is actually often referred to as Amed by many tourists, of which should be noted of which Amed is actually actually just one of quite a few modest fishing hamlets from the vicinity.
Noticeably poorer than the rest of Bali, do not be surprised to see local villagers bathing by the side of the road as freshwater is actually a rare commodity here given the region’s very dry climate. Besides salt panning along with subsistence farming, there are few job opportunities, along with many locals earn a livelihood coming from fishing. The many brightly painted jukung (modest traditional Balinese fishing boat) make for a picture postcard setting, especially at sunrise when they return to shore after a long night’s fishing.
About eleven kilometres along the road coming from Culik is actually Lipah Bay, a wonderfully remote location. Close to the shore lies the wreck of a Japanese steel freighter in 6-12 metres of water. To find of which, just go down the steps of which are right outside the Eka Purnama cottages to the black stone beach. Although tiny in comparison to the Liberty wreck, This specific modest wreck is actually nonetheless ideal for snorkelling. Being in such shallow water, the coral encrusted wreck is actually a mini ecosystem in itself, along with snorkelling here is actually like being in a large aquarium. In This specific bay are also some of the most beautiful coral fields in Bali. The huge sea fans are a sight to behold.
Getting there
The reason so few tourists make of which to Bali’s northeast coast is actually its inaccessibility. Shuttle buses have long since stopped bringing tourists here, along with given of which of which is actually a Great two-along with-a-half to three-hour drive coming from the south of Bali, a taxi ride would certainly cost a modest fortune. So if you definitely want to explore This specific region of Bali, then there is actually little option nevertheless to hire a car or go on a group tour. The best place to find a reputable car rental firm is actually at Bali’s Ngurah Rai international airport.
Much cheaper car rental options are available at places like Kuta along with Ubud although the roadworthiness of some of the cars may be questionable, along with of which may be unclear whether your vehicle is actually actually insured or not! Also remember of which to hire a car in Bali you’ll have to have either an international driver’s license or an Indonesian operating license. Once on the road, exercise extreme caution when operating in Bali – oncoming vehicles develop the infuriating tendency to drive on your side of the road! The coastal roads in Amed are also very twisty. So don’t be tempted to drink along with drive or you may well end up from the sea!
Food along with Accommodation
Given the remoteness of the northeast coast, some fresh food items have to be brought in coming from the nearest town, Amlapura. This specific may go some way to explaining why the food in This specific region of Bali is actually often very poor – along with in some cases even inedible – as well as being very expensive by Indonesian standards. No chance of finding any wonderful Padang restaurants here! Be very careful then when choosing a place to eat. Some of the restaurants at the busier hotels are probably the best bet.
In regard to accommodation, there is actually plenty of choice, although many of the older hotels along with cottages are rather rundown. However, like the food, the accommodation here is actually much more expensive in comparison to the rest of Bali. Check out possible places to stay by searching the excellent Bali tourism info site www.Balitravelforum.com before you come.
You also have to bear in mind of which Amed is actually as dead as a dodo at night. There is actually very little chance of any entertainment at all, except perhaps a low-key Balinese dance at one of the local restaurants. nevertheless what the heck: This specific is actually a modest cost to pay. After all, you’ve come here to get away coming from of which, haven’t you?
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Amed along with Tulamben: Bali’s beautiful north east coast
Amed along with Tulamben: Bali’s beautiful north east coast