In Reply to: accomodation in amed posted by raymondo on Saturday, 30. October 2010 at 06:14 Bali Time:
I have stayed at DOUBLE ONE VILLAS in AMED six times in the past two years. Taken friends, and my two children (24 & 26)there and everyone has been overwhelmed by the simplicity and of being able to interact with the staff, villagers and fishermen. Only a local village store and money changer, ATM half an hour away, and I believe WiFi has just been connected to DO. I always stay in Rooms One and Two looking into the swimming pool, and right on the ocean. The gentle lapping of waves may keep you awake at night!!!Around US$40 to 45 per night incl breakfast Always found them VERY clean, spacious and with a queen bed and a single. Yes, beds are firm but a bit like a Futon I guess.Big bathroom,Small fridge, no tea making facilities, but you can call from your balcony to have it sent!!! Not good for "oldies" like me with a touch of arthritis, but I plan my day to go up the stairs just once each day, and then when I am back down, I am back in Heaven. Parking is easy. Drivers are available, or ask the boys to take you for a spin on a motorbike along the coast line.
Why am I waffling on about Double One and Amed? Certainly not for personal gain. The less people there when I am there makes me very happy!!! Sorry, being selfish there.
Amed and the East Coast is one of THE most impoverished areas in Bali. Any tourism to the area ensures that jobs are kept, motorcycle payments are made, and families fed. Tourism is vital. The average tourism worker earns less than $80 PER MONTH> The land is so arid that it barely supports rice or crops. Salt making from NOv to Feb provides some income, and sweet corn, beans and squash. Soil is very rocky from the 1963 volcano, and huge volcanic rocks prevents much farming. The area is stunning and the diving & snorkelling are world class. Do not forget to visit Amlapura market for a culture shock....and have lunch at, and a swim in the Holy Springs at Tirtta Gangga. Theres also Ujung Palace nearby A whole day will cost 400,000rp. Google some of these.
Due to the beautiful locals in Amed and nearby Culik, I now sponsor almost thirty children with Education Support. This brings self esteem to the Balinese, a little relief from financial pressure, and gives the children a chance of breaking the poverty cycle in the future.
This has almost become a JBR...but the two most magical four letter words to me are "Amed" and Bali".....where ever you stay in this area it will do you good, and the locals.