When you are enjoying the quiet beaches of Amed and the wonderful diving, be sure to check out the Japanese Wreck Dive at Lipah Beach. This beach is about a 15-minute drive away from Amed Beach — you’ll only need to take a quick scooter ride to see an amazing reef and shipwreck. If you are a free diver or interested in learning, Amed is the place to be. Check out Apneista Free Diving and Yoga Schoolfor free-diving courses or workshops. If you are looking to stay overnight near the area, consider Eka Purnama Cottages (rates start at about US$22 a night), an affordable family-run hotel situated just steps away from the beach.

Snorkel, free-dive or scuba dive the amazing USS Liberty Shipwreck. Underwater for almost 50 years, the wreck has been taken over by natural corals and fish, proving it to be an unbelievable experience for marine enthusiasts. Book an outrigger canoe trip or dive with a snorkel school to reach the wreck.

With views rivaling those in Big Sur or Santorini, drive the windy coastal road to or from Amed. Very few people do it, and it is one of the most scenic drives I have ever experienced anywhere. As the slow and windy road goes cove to cove, you can stop along the beautiful bays for perfect photo opportunities or sit back and admire the scenery.

About 25 minutes from Canggu, step into the future with a visit to the newly created Nuanu Creative City. This center just opened up and is a city of the future. It embodies the creativity, entrepreneurship and innovation that travelers long to find in Bali (think Burning Man with lots of artistic and musical residencies, it’s a Russian billionaire’s fantasy project). A visit to this city feels like you might be stepping into a future oasis with its focus on art, community and technology.

When in Uluwatu, visit the Istana. It is expensive to stay at overnight, but you may purchase a day spa pass for 150,000 rupiah (about US$9). Explore the beautiful grounds, take a yoga class or try out meditation or deep wellness therapies, all while benefiting from a home base and restrooms within walking distance to Uluwatu Beach.

On your way in or before you depart from the Denpasar airport in Bali, stop in Jimbaran Bay for a wonderful meal. Enjoy a seafood dinner and relax on the beach to kick off or end your trip on a high note.

If you are spending time in Amed, the Blue Earth Village is a wonderful community epicenter. This is a lovely spot to enjoy a great meal and the sunset with beautiful views among the bamboo bungalow architecture. Or, drop in on a yoga class, learn about free diving and even catch a movie night.