In Reply to: Yes, I've often thought that Amed posted by dromomaniac on Wednesday, 2. January 2008 at 16:09 Bali Time:
It took about 3 hours to drive there. There are two ways to drive there, either by Tirta Ganga or Amlapura. I suggest you take the Tirta Ganga route unless you want to be dodging chickens for about 45 mins while driving.
Let me just say, Amed is beautiful but really off the beaten track. I would describe it as Bali from 50 years ago. When you go anywhere, you actually are walking through small villages. Amed is on the side of a volcano and has what is meant to be one of the best beaches in Bali along with the best snorkaling (apart from West Bali).
If you do go, I highly suggest you book a fishing boat early in the morning so you can watch the sun rise over the volcano on Lombok. I have never experienced anything like it before (plus it is quite interesting to be on a traditional boat with a local while they do their normal life (plus you know the money goes straight to their family). It cost me a whole 100,000 RUP (15 AUD) and I think it can hold two people easily. Would be amazing with kids.
Just to let you know, there is a lot of boutique accomodation up here so finding a nice place to stay at a good price should be easy (when I say boutique I mean the hotels and not the prices)
Any othe questions just ask