The northeast tip of Bali is generally referred to as Amed, or sometimes Jemeluk, but the more correct geographical description would be the north coast of the Seraya peninsular or simply North Seraya.
Amed itself is actually just one of several small dusun (villages) stretched over about 10km of coastline from Amed itself, to Gili Selang – the most easterly point of Bali and where, from a current perspective, the rubber very much meets the road.
Map of Amed and the Seraya Peninsular
The Amed area has built up significantly in the last 10 years.
Back then it was a fairly isolated stretch of Bali’s coastline with a pretty rough road that got washed out regularly during the rainy season.
Now virtually all of the best beach-side and cliff-side real estate has been acquired and turned in to villas and resorts.
Plus the road is now paved all the way around the coast and it is possible to drive all the way to Amlapura, should you want to.
But the end result is very pleasant as the whole area has developed a sort of new-age feel to it and you will see signs for Ayur’vedic massage & healing and organic vegetarian restuarents – kind of Ubud by the sea…
Diving Indonesia: Bali – Getting to Amed, Jemeluk Bay & North Seraya
The way north from the tourist triangle in the southeast corner of Bali takes you up the east coast of the island, and the usual drill is to stop in Candi Dasa for a bio break and a quick breakfast.
The next major stop after Candi Dasa is the town of Amlapura, where the road turns to head true north and starts to climb over the very pretty but rugged volcanic slopes of Mount Seraya.
As you approach the coast you will arrive at a village Culik, where there is a right turn that will take you to Amed and all the other villages – plus if you keep going will take you all the way around Mount Seraya and the coast line back to Amlapura.
Depending on where you are staying and the time you leave, expect a journey of at least 3 hours.
Diving Indonesia: Bali – Where to stay in Amed, Jemeluk Bay and North Seraya?
There is literally dozens of places you could stay along the coast and many offer diving, so its really a case of getting on Google and doing your homework.
I personally stayed at Puri Wirata in Bunutan as it had been recommended to me by a diving colleague. They have their own PADI 5 star dive resort and good guides who know the local sites very well.
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Puri Wirata Image Gallery