Amed

Never came across that Amed would be on my traveling list; it’s not a popular destination for a solo traveler like me. But, after a friend recommended Amed and a bit of googling, I found Amed is the place I wanted it to be for that special occasion I had. It was special for two reasons; first, it was the first time I found myself having the capacity to fall in love again after decades of hiatus. The other reason is that it was an unrequited love; a part of myself was happy and most of the parts were falling apart. But, at the top of all, the occasion needs to be celebrated as the regained capacity can always be utilized, if not now, maybe in the not-so-long future.

Back to Amed. It is located 3 hours driving from International Airport in Denpasar, Bali. I booked a room at Puri Wirata Amed where they also provide airport pick-up. So, I went out of the airport and the driver was waiting to drive me to the hotel. It was 11 AM when I arrived at Bali airport, although I could wait for another 3 hours for lunch at the hotel, the snakes in my stomach couldn’t. So, I dropped by at a nice café recommended by Tripadvisor, Loaf Cafe, near the Candidasa area, ordered apple crumbles and a cup of hot cappuccino. It was great, but still, it was a half-lunch.

An hour after, arriving in Amed felt like you are not in Bali. It serves quite ambient yet astonishing sceneries. The main attraction is the ocean. Amed beaches face the Lombok strait and it soon serenades my eyes with smooth and subtle waves. This serenity goes to my soft beating heart, jotted in the same rhyme, and made my heart feel chill and accepted. Furthermore, the humongous Mount Agung standing behind the inland brings the feeling safe that my heart wouldn’t be falling apart further. Unlike some popular beaches in Bali, beaches in Amed are not white-sanded, instead, it poured with small-rounded stones which make them one of a kind. A must-try is swimming when dusk, the ocean marries with the bright orange and when the night starts to fall, the orange part of the sky looks outstanding amidst the mysterious dark sky. Magical moment!

Later I found that Amed is well-known for its diving spots. I am not a certified diver, so snorkeling a meter away from the hotel worthies a try. I also did snorkeling at one of the popular snorkeling spots in Amed, the Japanese wreck, 2 KM from central Amed. It was nice, but the corals were not as colorful as I expected.

I stayed three nights at Amed, where most of my time was spent reading books while hopping for cafes surrounding. There are some recommended cafés to visit when in Amed. Reki café is located right on the cliff, nice view facing the beach. The Sail is also recommended with a great view facing the ocean. The best-view café is the Sunset View facing the giant Mount Agung. The Tropical café is also nice to close one or two chapters of a book while seeing the Jemeluk beach.

Three nights was not enough. I haven’t completed collecting some parts of my heart. Hence, I'll be back to Amed to celebrate the same occasion, a sadiversary of unrequited love. See you soon, Amed