Around 8 am, I started the day by ordering a delightful breakfast. Today’s plan included traveling to Amed and staying at Manis Homestay. Ena, who usually managed reception duties, had a shift at the restaurant this morning. The vibrant and youthful staff at Hotel Suma made for a lively atmosphere, with most employees around my age. Following breakfast, I placed my bags in the lobby and awaited the arrival of the shuttle bus. Before leaving, I bid farewell to Ena in the restaurant and captured one last picture together. I expressed my gratitude to her once more for the wonderful experience a few days ago.
Journey to Amed
Leaving Lovina Beach, I embarked on the journey to Amed on the east coast of Bali. En route, I captured some photos and engaged in a conversation with the person beside me. Although I didn’t catch his name, he shared his diving experiences in Papua, claiming it to be one of the best diving sites globally. After an hour, our driver made an unexpected stop for prayers – a delightful surprise, I thought.
An Extraordinary Homestay
After precisely 2 hours, we reached Amed. The minivan continued its journey with the other passengers heading east. Although I inquired about directions at the tourist office, it turned out I didn’t need them – the driver dropped me off right in front of my accommodation. The staff pointed to the homestay across the street, and I immediately recognized the rooms from the pictures on the internet. I had already arrived! Fantastic!
Upon entering the gate, a man approached me holding a paper with my name on it. Excitedly, I confirmed that it was indeed me. Despite their limited English, the man and woman warmly welcomed me, offering handshakes and introducing themselves. Shortly after, another woman named Kadek came forward, guiding me to my room located at the corner of the building, next to the road. The room proved to be clean and comfortable. To my delight, Kadek brought me tea and fruit, for which I expressed my gratitude. She exuded kindness. Despite the appearance of wet streets, the current weather was pleasant. After enjoying the tea and fruit, I settled into the room, connecting to the internet to search for some information.
About an hour later, another man approached me, introducing himself in clear English as Kadek. Expressing his gratitude for choosing to stay with his family at Manis Homestay, he informed me that this arrangement was facilitated by his mother, Manis. Kadek mentioned that he had sent me an email to convey his thanks, leaving me amazed by this thoughtful gesture.
In Search of a Diving Company
I inquired with Kadek about the possibility of renting a moped, specifying my preferred rate. He agreed that 50,000 IDR was acceptable and arranged for me to rent his wife’s motorbike. The vehicle was in good condition, prompting me to embark on an immediate exploration of Amed. Additionally, I sought recommendations for a diving company, and Kadek informed me that his father would guide me. Accompanied by his father, I ventured to the diving company situated one or two kilometers from the homestay.
Upon entering the shop, I explained to the attendant that I was merely interested in checking the prices to compare them with other shops before making a decision. The staff accommodated my request, presenting their price list. Although I inquired about a discount, it wasn’t feasible. Continuing my exploration, I visited Eurodive, located 3 kilometers away. While en route, I ascended a hill and marveled at the breathtaking view unfolding behind me.
Perched at this vantage point, I enjoyed a panoramic view of Amed’s coastline. The thought crossed my mind to capture some photos on my return journey. Upon reaching Eurodive, I conveyed my budget of 200 euros to the representative. Initially, he deemed it impossible, but I insisted, citing a similar deal secured by a friend. To explore the options further, the man contacted his supervisor via telephone.
Today, I found myself in a favorable negotiating position, given the abundance of around 100 competing diving companies in Amed. Furthermore, being the low season meant a scarcity of customers, and these companies were eager for business. Recognizing that I represented a potential source of revenue, the diving company representative presented a new price with added benefits. However, I asserted that I had already acquired a Dutch diving book and sought a discount, maintaining my offer at 200 euros. Despite the man reaching out to his boss again, the lowest price he could offer was 235 euros. I expressed gratitude and informed him that I would make a decision later.
Poverty
Returning to my room at Manis Homestay, just a short 3-minute drive from Bila Bungalow, I headed back to a shop I had spotted earlier to purchase some supplies, including Coke Zero. During this errand, I noticed the mangosteen fruit and captured a photo. En route to Manis Homestay, I made a stop at the scenic overlook where I had admired the beautiful view (as seen in the last picture above). As I parked my moped and began photographing the Amed coastline, I observed a woman and child lying in a bush. When they approached me, it became apparent that they were trying to sell various unwanted souvenirs. My heart sank at the sight of them in this remote location, clad in torn clothes and appearing quite dirty.
I informed them that I didn’t need anything but handed them 10,000 IDR. It wasn’t a scam; given the non-touristy setting, attempting to sell souvenirs in this particular spot seemed unlikely. In the following days, as I passed by, they would wave and smile happily at me on several occasions.
Choosing Amed’s Dive Center
After ten minutes of capturing photos, I resumed my journey. A kilometer away from Manis Homestay was another dive center with impressive equipment. I chose to enroll in the course at this establishment. I approached the lady, and she appeared delighted. While she attempted to secure a Dutch instructor, none were available in the coming days. I assured her that an English teacher would be suitable. She arranged for a local Indonesian instructor and requested my presence at 8:30 tomorrow morning. I bid her farewell and expressed my gratitude.
Digital Dilemmas
In the evening, I opted to forgo dinner as my appetite had waned due to a late lunch. Attempting to upload content to the internet proved unsuccessful. The program I used for this blog, at the time, was progressively slowing down each day. I observed that my processor couldn’t handle the load anymore; the website and pictures were too large. Back home, I had anticipated this risk, and I had hoped it wouldn’t materialize. Unfortunately, my nightmare had now become a reality.
Opting for a new laptop, I explored online options for computer shops in Denpasar, considering a moped trip, estimating a two-hour journey, possibly less with some speed. Setting a budget of 5 million IDR as my maximum expenditure, I scoured the internet and engaged in evening chats with friends. Eventually, I called it a night around 11 pm.
