The Regency of Karangasem has aboyt 87 kilometers of coastal shoreline consisting of white-sandy beaches, rocky slopes, and black-sandy beaches. Most of the beaches are quite pristine, clean, and a habitat to a number of rare fish species. Soaking into the water Padang Bai, Labuhan Amuk, Candidasa, Amed, Jemeluk, or Tulamben either with a scuba diving tank or just with a snorkeling goggle will show the beauty the area hides under its water.
Among some tens of beaches along Karangasem coastline, only two have been declared and developed into tourist resorts which are Candidasa and the span between Ujung and Tulamben, allowing Amed and Jemeluk to steal a glance of the tourists.
Tulamben has one of the best underwater vista of the world. More than clusters of coral reefs with myriad of decorative fishes, there lies the shipwreck of USS Liberty, US fregate sank by a Japanese torpedo closing to the end of the 2nd world war. Along decades, remaining body of the warship has been covered by coral reefs which are peaceful home to thausands of beautiful decorative fishes, and turned into a favorite site to seasoned scuba divers.
Candidasa region offers two white-sandy beaches namely Padang Bai, the area at the north of ferry port to Lombok, and Bugbug. Padang Bai is frequently visited by tourists to sunbath, swim, snorkel, and dive. Bugbug with its picturesque natural panorama remains less known. The beach is located between steep hills that come to wall the beach. Off the beach lies a bijou atoll protecting the beach from the swift stream of Lombok strait. As other spots, Labuhan Amuk beach also has spectacular underwater vistas. An operator offers a unique underwater exploring experience with a submarine.
Beaches of Karangasem are also home to traditional fishermen who used to land their motorized traditional outriggers along the beachline, creating unique view which intrigues photographers. Group of dolphins occassionaly appear at some beaches like Jasri. Ujung beach in front of Soekasada Oejoeng Water Palace, sea turtles land in the nights of full moon.
“A few days back I got a 60 years old green turtle casts away here,” said a local fisherman at Ujung. The orptected species was trapped by fishing net unintentionally. It was then reported to and released by officials from the Natural Resource Conservation Agency. Head of the agency I Gusti Bagus Suteja said that the agency releases hundred of turtles every year.
News by BTN
Be The First To Comment