Abud, Bali

Amed is a sleepy local town on the East coast of Bali, best known for its diving and snorkeling. The reef right off shore our resort was one of the best beach reefs we have snorkeled in our travels.

We stayed at Hidden Paradise Cottages in Amed, Bali for six nights. If paradise exists, it is definitely here. Our spacious cottage also had an outdoor bathroom/shower and included a full breakfast each morning, all for $62.00 per night! With outstanding snorkeling right out the door onto the black sand beach, we did not want to leave!

Every day there are fresh rose petals in many of the fountains. So lovely and fragrant.

Fresh fish (literally caught earlier in the day) and a lot of rice (the staple dish) served up on a banana leaf is a typical dish. Most sauces have a chili pepper kick.

Loved Amed – lush jungle terrain, hot and sultry air, kind people who really want to know you (and remember your name), some of the best snorkeling we’ve ever done (out of a hotel room), and a country with one religion (Hindu) which seems to unify the people in a way we hadn’t experienced. If one is seeking a peaceful refuge, this is it!

Jim and I went out on a Jukung for a snorkeling trip. They pulled up right at our hotel beach front to pick us up. We snorkeled Sea Gardens (magnificent corals of all colors, shapes, and sizes), and also another spot to view a Japanese ship wreck.

Jukungs are found here in abundance. We had dozens of them sitting out near our beach. They are used by Indonesian fishermen for their trade and also to take tourists snorkeling or out for a sailboat ride.

We visited Bali prior to an important religious ceremony, Kuningan, a day of prayer (celebrated every 210 days). To prepare, the villagers all make artistic creations for their offerings. The offerings include yellowed rice (Kuningan is derived from the word kuning which means yellow) which is placed in a small "bowl" made of coconut leaves. Other common offerings are seeds, fish and fruit like papaya and cucumber. The yellow rice is the symbol of human's gratitude towards God for all the life, joy, wealth, health and prosperity given. The burning of incense always accompanies the gifts for the Gods as it symbolizes prayers rising up to the Heavens.

We went for a walk one day up a steep side road to discover how many of the local people live. Families were bathing and washing clothes in a river and people lived in partially enclosed homes made of whatever building materials they had access to. Chickens and cows roamed around and we learned are vital to the Balinese as this is what they eat and also sell for meager incomes. Even in this area motorcycles rumbled up beside us as no matter one’s status, everyone seems to own one to get around. Often entire families share the one seat.

Here’s Jim’s first shipwreck dive, The U.S.S. Liberty (a World War II Ship). Notice that the locals carry the tanks on their heads to get everything in order for the divers.

Bali sea garden eels

While Jim went on his 2-tank dive, Suzan enjoyed a Spa day at Shanti Spa (Shanti means peace, and was it ever). A 2 hour massage which included a yogurt body mask followed by a soak in a rose petal bath then a manicure/pedicure and 3 course lunch. All for about $50.00 --- getting so spoiled in Bali!

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