May 14, 2015 
TIRTA GANGGA to AMED 19 km
Pazzo Bali Bungalows 300000Rs ($23.10) AC double including breakfast

Onward to the Coast

Our room had lovely view over the terraced rice paddies. It was simple but comfortable. After a lovely breakfast, we were on our way. It was only 15 km from there to reach the coast and the long stretch of coastline called Amed. With mountains as backdrop, the place has great potential. But nevertheless, our first impression was disappointment. Lots of construction trash and debris. We arrived early and checked out numerous hotels, cottages and resorts. Most places we checked were more than willing to offer lower prices. Several would have been comfortable enough and shielded us from the surrounding eyesores. They sported infinity pools, nicely groomed gardens and beach access. 

The narrow strip of beach didn't look inviting to us. Much of it had pebbles and one can't get away from unsightly poorly maintained properties of neighboring lots. We followed the coast for 6 or so kilometers and visited a gorgeous resort on the mountain side that appeared to be deserted. We wandered around the neatly manicured facilities inside and out. Inexplicably, nobody was there.
 

Pool Side
 
Back across the road, we came to Pazzo Bali Bungalows. We had delicious pasta for lunch in this charming place aside the beautiful garden and pool. It didn't have beach access but that was not important to us. We did not need to go further and booked a room. We frolicked in the pool and were the only guests for dinner. Dave took the scooter out and explored the rugged coast further south and stopped at a few more addresses for potential places to stay when we return. High season will start in a few weeks and the best choices, which are wide open now, are reserved for then with only a few days here and a few days there available.