Gili Selang, Karangasem: Bali's Easternmost Point, Still Empty

Past Amed, the road narrows and climbs through Seraya Timur until the asphalt almost runs out. At the end of it lies Gili Selang — a tiny rocky island off Cape Seraya, the easternmost point of Bali. No ticket booth, no row of cafes: just green cliffs, deep blue water, and coral reefs that are still intact.

Why It's Worth the Effort

• Top-tier snorkeling & diving: visibility often reaches 20–25 metres, the coral is healthy, and pelagic fish pass through. PADI lists it as a dive site with up and down currents.
• Natural pool: among the rocks along the shore sits a clear, far calmer basin — lovely for a soak when the sea behaves.
• Sunrise & lighthouse: the hill above Banjar Gili Selang delivers the earliest sunrise panorama in Bali.
• Pura Gili Selang stands on the little island itself. Respect the sacred area and do not climb up casually.

Access: Rough Road, Then a Boat

• From Amed take the Bunutan–Seraya loop road. The asphalt is potholed, narrow, and steep — use a powerful motorbike or a car with an experienced driver, and avoid small automatic scooters.
• The easiest crossing is to hire a local fisherman's jukung; roughly 30 minutes from Amed if you go straight by boat.

Strong Currents — Read This First

• The narrow strait here is known for fierce currents, including down currents and swirls. Never swim alone.
• Always use a local guide who reads the tides; arrive in the morning when the water is calmest.
• Bring a float, drinking water, and snacks — food stalls are very limited and phone signal comes and goes.

Practical Info & Booking

• Location: View on Google Maps — Banjar Gili Selang, Seraya Timur village, Karangasem.
• Boat & guide: there is no official counter. Arrange it directly on Amed or Aas beach the day before, or through an Amed dive shop. Agree on price and duration upfront; snorkeling trips from Amed generally run around Rp300,000–500,000 per person, while a private jukung is negotiable.
• Social: search on Instagram
• Best time: April–October, early morning before the wind picks up.

Gili Selang is best enjoyed if you stay overnight in Amed or Seraya first and leave at dawn — browse Karangasem hotel vouchers on AccessiaPass for a base close to the boat launch.