Question Where to stay in Jemeluk - diver+non diver

[diveUAE]

I'm starting to think I'm looking for a rainbow unicorn, could use some help/pointing in the right direction, please.

2 of us are going to Bali with our 2 teens, 1 of the teens wish to do OW. For this the best would be for us to stay at a dive resort, so he can do the theory (if not done at home) and confined water at the hotel, so he won't be too far away (for several reasons this is the top priority). Could also be a dive shop able to do the confined water dives at the hotel.

Second: we want to be close to restaurants, cafes, shops and maybe a spa - hence Jemeluk. Would be nice for the non divers to have something to do, while teen and I dive.

Third: easy acces to "good" or at least decent snorkeling. This might be where the compromise would be. We don't ride scooters, so need to be walking distance.

Maybe some of you know a great place? Or know someone in Amed, who could help? We'll spend 6 nights in Amed in July.

I want to do a day trip to Tulemben for 2-3 dives - any good guides I could contact to organise this? Will be doing a photography course in Anilao in February, so want to keep practicing.

Thanks!

 

[FishCity]

I don't have suggestions for the place but it will be better use of time to do the theory coursework at home before the trip if there is a place to do thst.

 

[JonnieB]

Second: we want to be close to restaurants, cafes, shops and maybe a spa - hence Jemeluk. Would be nice for the non divers to have something to do, while teen and I dive.

Why Jemeluk? A better option would be a few hundred meters west in central Amed. Put a Google maps marker on Warung Enak (one of best restos in town) and that's Central Amed. You have everything you need within 15 minutes walking distance east and west along the main road: resorts, restos, spas, markets, and one of the best snorkeling spots in Amed

Stay:

For a family, two nearby resorts I'd recommend (both with pools for training) are Oasis and Aqua. Aqua is the newest, and one of the largest, resorts in town. It has a full dive shop and TWO pools (also Jacuzzis). Contact Gede at Aqua and say "John from Thailand" recommended them and he can set up your stay and scuba course. (I'm not affiliated with any of the places I recommend, these are all just based on my personal knowledge and experience.)

Restos:

Waring Enak, as previously mentioned. Rimba Cafe, Baker Street for freshly baked morning pastries, bread, and sandos, Teatro Cafe for great "make a salad" plate, Cafe Mewali for great ocean front satay (chicken my fav), Chill Cafe for sunset beach tacos, Kura Resort resto for best pizza in town (for the kiddo), La Plage for seaside Indo and Western comfort food, Small Time Cooks (best burgers and "animal fries" in town (go for the spicy chicken).

Shopping:

AW Market has anything you need from food, dairy, toiletries, hardware, whatever. Also Solaluna Mart just up from Enak (also two ATMs). A couple nice shops for tees and souvenirs in the immediate area. A couple spas for wifey for massage, hair, nails, whatever they do in these places along the road, but no recco here as I never go to them.

Finally Snorkeling:

Best spot is right in front of Warung Bobo, which is a five minute walk east from Warung Enak. Rent or borrow gear from wherever you decide to do your course, and walk along the little path on the side of Bobo to the beach. (This is also the entry point for the Pyramids dive site so expect divers here too.) This is an easy shore entry and you will immediately be above natural and artificial reef structures. You can waddle out 200-300 meters and see lots of marine life (almost guaranteed to see Hawksbill Turtles).

Tulamben Guide:

Everyone has a favorite but my go-to macro guy in Tulamben is Kadek Kocek at Wonder Dive. Go with him and find stuff like this:


Oxynoe kylei nudi, 2 mm.


Mototi Octopus

 

[Pressurehead]

Everyone has a favorite, but my go-to macro guy in Tulamben is Kadek Kocek at Wonder Dive. Go with him and find stuff like this

2nd that, Kadek Kocek (there are 2 Kadek) ,great guide. Tell him Aussie Bob, the old Navy guy covered in Navy (been there)Tattoos, also recommends Wonder Dive, small operation , locals only. JonnieB put me on to them as well .

 

[diveUAE]

I don't have suggestions for the place but it will be better use of time to do the theory coursework at home before the trip if there is a place to do thst.

I know and normally would do that, there’s a reason for maybe waiting and we’ll have enough time.

 

[diveUAE]

Why Jemeluk? A better option would be a few hundred meters west in central Amed. Put a Google maps marker on Warung Enak (one of best restos in town) and that's Central Amed. You have everything you need within 15 minutes walking distance east and west along the main road: resorts, restos, spas, markets, and one of the best snorkeling spots in Amed

Stay:

For a family, two nearby resorts I'd recommend (both with pools for training) are Oasis and Aqua. Aqua is the newest, and one of the largest, resorts in town. It has a full dive shop and TWO pools (also Jacuzzis). Contact Gede at Aqua and say "John from Thailand" recommended them and he can set up your stay and scuba course. (I'm not affiliated with any of the places I recommend, these are all just based on my personal knowledge and experience.)

Restos:

Waring Enak, as previously mentioned. Rimba Cafe, Baker Street for freshly baked morning pastries, bread, and sandos, Teatro Cafe for great "make a salad" plate, Cafe Mewali for great ocean front satay (chicken my fav), Chill Cafe for sunset beach tacos, Kura Resort resto for best pizza in town (for the kiddo), La Plage for seaside Indo and Western comfort food, Small Time Cooks (best burgers and "animal fries" in town (go for the spicy chicken).

Shopping:

AW Market has anything you need from food, dairy, toiletries, hardware, whatever. Also Solaluna Mart just up from Enak (also two ATMs). A couple nice shops for tees and souvenirs in the immediate area. A couple spas for wifey for massage, hair, nails, whatever they do in these places along the road, but no recco here as I never go to them.

Finally Snorkeling:

Best spot is right in front of Warung Bobo, which is a five minute walk east from Warung Enak. Rent or borrow gear from wherever you decide to do your course, and walk along the little path on the side of Bobo to the beach. (This is also the entry point for the Pyramids dive site so expect divers here too.) This is an easy shore entry and you will immediately be above natural and artificial reef structures. You can waddle out 200-300 meters and see lots of marine life (almost guaranteed to see Hawksbill Turtles).

Tulamben Guide:

Everyone has a favorite but my go-to macro guy in Tulamben is Kadek Kocek at Wonder Dive. Go with him and find stuff like this:

View attachment 923624
Oxynoe kylei nudi, 2 mm.

View attachment 923625
Mototi Octopus

Thanks for taking the time to answer! I know you’ve just been to Amed so appreciate the info. Love the pictures!

Great about the snorkeling area- that makes it a bit easier to find a resort.

Did you dive with Aqua? How are the dives organised? Fixed schedule or flexible? Group size? (Could potentially be very different in July?) They seem to have great reviews, and being a newer resort the rooms also look nice and clean.

Do you know if Oasis has an onsite dive school?

Kura Kura is also a dive resort I see- any experience with them? Seen them around at dive sites?

Thanks for all the suggestions for warungs/cafes/spa, I’m sure both divers and non divers will have a great time.