DENPASAR (indo.com): Bali's north-east coast from Amed to Selang, with its black rocky beach, provides a magnet for travellers to Bali. Its coastline has breathtaking views across to Lombok and back to Mt. Agung. Its secluded seaside acommodations and accessible diving and snorkeling facilities also attracts a number of visitors. PADI dive course are readily available, as well as plenty of accommodation offering in diving and snorkelling trips.

Colorful traditional jukung boats can be seen lined on every available space of beach. It also possible for you to see rows of troughs used to extra salt, one of the main local industries in the area.

A trip to Ahmed is made all the more challenging because of the road from Amed to Selang. The pass is narrow, winding, traversing a mountain range with beautiful surrounding scenery. However, as it heads south and then back to Amlapura it gets steadily worse - or more exciting, depending on your perspective!

Even though the road can be negotiated with any mini vehicle, you should watch out if you are self-driven and be wary of oncoming traffic. The road mostly follows the slopes of Mount Seraya way above the sea and offers numerous photo opportunities spectacular coastal views.

From Amed to Ujung is only about 25 kilometers, but allow at least two hours to enjoy the trip - and a browse around the market town of Seraya is very much recommended.

Many travelers seem to ignore this part of the island and prefer the short cut between Padangbai or Candidasa and Lovina via the way to Mount Batur. However, as is often the case on this island, going off the beaten track a little can be a rewarding way of discovering its many well-kept secrets…