Introduction to Open Water - Bali

Following breakfast, we hold a swim technique session both in our accommodation’s own 25-meter swimming pool and the confined waters of the bay. This will be a good opportunity for your coaches to work with you on the fundamentals of stroke technique before today’s first sea swimming session. The swims in the bay will also allow your coaches to get a feel for your comfort level in the sea, as well as introduce some basic open water skills.

Lunch is taken back at our accommodation and there will be a chance to relax there before we head back down to the pool for our 2nd pool swim session of the day. In this session you will be videoed both above and below the water by your coaches. They will also work on the key points for efficient stroke and open water confidence.

Following the day’s swims we will hold a video playback session where you will have an opportunity to see your stroke in detail and be given specific points for you to work on during the rest of the trip. In the evening you have an opportunity to join the group and to head into Amed for dinner.

After breakfast overlooking Mt Agung, we head South-East towards the Japanese shipwreck off Kawi Karma Beach. It is an ideal time to get used to the deeper water and greater buoyancy of seawater. The shipwreck is easily visible from the surface, so it makes it an ideal swim for this stage of the trip. From here we carry out the short swim to the remote Ibus Beach along with safety cover. On arrival there is time to relax before we head back to Jemeluk Bay and our accommodation, where we can relax and enjoy lunch.

In the afternoon it’s back to the pool where our coaches will concentrate on specific areas of your stroke during a focused one-on-one session with you. We also include a general focus on open water confidence with drills that help pinpoint elements of your stroke.

Today we start at Bunutan Beach, surrounded by the local outrigger fishing boats that call this beach home. We head along the local reef which is only a few meters below as you swim. On coming out of the bay there will be a deeper area, where you’ll be able to get a true feel of the open water experience. It’s an ideal opportunity to implement the improvements you’ve added to your stroke, while working on more specific open water swim skills. On arriving at Coral Bay the reef reappears as does the welcoming golden sand.

The final session of the day is in the pool to focus on technique and drills. There are stunning views over the Amed coastline, and you will be able to view tomorrow’s swims laid out before you.

Our last full day of swimming will be spent fully in the sea as we head north-west to explore the waters surrounding the USS Liberty shipwreck, probably the most famous swimming destination in Bali. A huge number of fish species have made the wreck their home. The wreck is largely overgrown with coral and it is a wonderful experience as you swim directly over it. We will stop for a picnic lunch on one of the tranquil beaches along the way before continuing back along the coast.

The afternoon involves another great swim site at the Coral Garden reef which is a mix of hard and soft corals, a lot of which is within 3 meters of the surface. Add in plenty of fish species and there is some fantastic swimming to be had. We then carry on towards the Tirta Suci Pura Temple.

This day will be a challenging but rewarding way to end the week. For tonight's dinner we head out into Amed for a group celebratory meal.

We have the chance for one last morning swim in Jemeluk Bay before our camp draws to a close.

Amed

Amed started off life as a fishing village in north-east Bali. More recently it has become one of the go-to places for freediving due to the fantastic visibility available just off the shore. While here there are plenty of locations where you could try your hand at the sport.

Mt Agung

Towering 3,142 metres above sea level, Mount Agung is the highest mountain on the island of Bali and the fifth highest volcano in the whole of Indonesia. Mount Agung has huge spiritual significance to the people of the island and is home to the ‘Mother Temple’ of Besakih. Balinese legend has it that Agung was created when the Hindu God Pasupati split Mount Meru (the spiritual axis of the universe) and formed Mount Agung with a fragment.

Karangasem Coast

Amed is situated within the Karangasem Regency and this coast is where we will be swimming over the entire trip. Where there aren’t reefs, there will be volcanic sand spewed over the ages by the looming presence of Mount Agung. The volcanicity makes for great clarity and ideal swimming conditions.

World War II Shipwrecks

This swimming trip literally starts at one World War II shipwreck and ends at another! Our start point is at the site of a Japanese patrol ship which lies close to the coast and is visible from the surface. Around the wreckage live damselfish and pygmy seahorses, housed inside the numerous sea fans that have grown up on the wreck.

North-west of Amed at Tulamben lies the remains of the USS Liberty, which was torpedoed by the Japanese in 1942. At 110 metres long and lying as close as 5 metres depth. The wreck is an underwater wonderland of marine life – schools of trevally, bream, fusilier and anthias mill all over and around the wreck, coming curiously right up to the swimmer.

Equipment to bring along with you

In addition to your daily non-swimming clothes, we also recommend that you bring the following items:

*Try to bring one clear lens and one tinted lens for different light conditions.

SwimTrek will supply swim hats, water and electrolyte drinks. The coaches will no longer distribute shared drinks bottles but will fill your personal drink bottles. Please ensure these are clearly marked to help our coaches identify yours. If you would like to use a wetsuit, rash vest, snorkel or fins during your swims, please ensure that you bring these with you. For more please check out our Covid-19 guidance.

Coaching Sessions

During your camp, your coaching sessions will cover swim technique and open water skills in the following areas:

For training, we use the purpose-built 25m swimming pool at the Blue Earth Village. The small bays and rugged coastline of north-eastern Bali are also an ideal base for our open water swim sessions.

Group Size and Boat Support

This coaching camp has a maximum group size of 12 with a maximum coach:swimmer ratio of 1:6. On open water swims, the group will be split into a maximum of two groups, based on speed, with each group being accompanied by their own safety vessel/escort. 

Boat support on this trip includes one main boat and two support boats to be piloted by local boat pilots. Please note that this boat support is subject to change without notice and cannot be guaranteed.

We have given this trip a ‘Moderate’ grading most swimmers comfortable in the open water will be able to take part and enjoy one of these trips.

Swimming Distances

Swimming distances in the sea will vary over the course of the week depending on the conditions and also the ability of your group. As a guide, we expect to cover an average of 2 km per day.

Guests are welcome to take a break from pool sessions or jump onto the boat during sea swims, if required. It may also be possible for those who would like a little more time in the water to extend some of their swims over the course of the camp in consultation with your coaches.

Swimming Conditions

Swimming in the sea is a fantastic experience, however you should be aware that certain marine life such as sea lice, jellyfish, sea urchins and coral could be present during the swims. In all cases we will work on reducing your contact with these creatures, however if you suffer from anaphylaxis, please consult the office prior to booking.

Walking Conditions

As this is a swim coaching camp, there is a limited amount of walking. We will generally walk on sealed paths to and from the bays and beaches that we start and finish our swims on.

Temperatures

• Please note that these temperatures are indicative and should be used as a guide only.

Weather Caveat

For safety reasons, we rely on decent weather conditions when carrying out our swims. As a consequence, open water swimming holidays require a certain degree of on-trip flexibility which can result in changes to the planned itinerary. These changes often add a touch of uniqueness to the camp and will be communicated to you by your SwimTrek coaches as quickly as possible.

We have given this trip a ‘Beginner’ grading designed for people new to open water swimming. It aims to build your confidence and develop open water swimming skills.

The easiest way to reach the start of your trip is to fly into Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS). Flights arrive direct from many international destinations including Jakarta, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and the Australian hubs of Adelaide, Brisbane and Sydney.

As SwimTrekkers come from all over the world, and join our swimming holidays in numerous destinations, we don't currently offer flights as part of our SwimTrek packages. We do however want to do as much as we can to ensure that our guests get the best deals when travelling to one of our trips so check out SwimTrek's tips to help you get the best deals for your flights.

Transfer from Ngurah Rai International Airport to Amed

The best option to get to Blue Earth Village is via a private transfer. The drive to Amed from Denpasar is about 2.5–3 hours, depending on traffic. The drive is a scenic one along the varied coastline, then winding up through tropical hills and past rice paddy fields. If you are staying in Sanur for a night before then it is about 30 minutes less, again traffic dependent. It is cheaper and often more fun if you share with another SwimTrekker. Still, it should only cost around IDR600,000 (GBP35, AUD56, USD43) per car.

Accommodation

Blue Earth Village was created by a group of friends with a shared love of freediving and yoga and belief in the vulnerability of our planet. This belief guided them in their use of sustainable and recycled materials. From the various levels and walk-ways of the restaurant, popular with Amed local expats, there are stunning views of the mighty Mount Agung volcano. Around the grounds are decking areas for relaxing and large, airy shalas for practicing yoga. In addition, and what we love, is the single lane 25 metre-long pool, which is ideal for stroke analysis. There is a smaller deep pool that is lovely for dipping in between swims. The accommodation is built with a combination of recycled materials and natural building techniques such as earthsack ‘super adobe’. With this sustainable technique the walls are very thick and hence insulated against heat and noise. No room is the same. Room choices include beds for twin share, double occupancy and a limited number of single occupancy rooms are also possible, subject to availability.

Pre/Post Trip Accommodation and Trip Extension Options

If you would like to extend your stay in Bali and need to book additional nights’ accommodation before or after your trip, please contact Blue Earth Village directly via: info@blueearthvillage.com

Besides the natural beauty of Bali, the island also has a rich cultural element and the island’s cultural heartland of Ubud is worth a visit while you are here. Or try some wave surfing on the beaches around Kuta and Seminyak.

Food and Drink

The restaurant at Blue Earth Village offers a variety of international dishes and local favourites. Though they do serve fish and meats, it specialises in a range of vegan and vegetarian cuisine. They avoid the use of MSG or palm oil, wash all ingredients in drinking water, and wherever possible use only organic produce. Try the coconut milk which is made onsite from fresh coconuts.

Five breakfasts are included during your trip, as well as lunch on Days 2, 3, 4 and 5. Other meals are at your own expense. This gives you the opportunity to experience Amed’s local cafes and restaurants over the course of your trip. Prices will vary between local and tourist restaurants but in Amed you might expect the price of a restaurant meal to be around 150,000 Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) (AUD14, USD10, GBP8).

The village of Amed is on our doorstop and there is a good range of cafes and restaurants to satisfy any preferences and dietary requirements.

Extra Activities

Freediving, scuba diving, yoga and meditation, and traditional massage are all available. It is also possible to climb Mount Agung and walk or cycle the Amed countryside and coastline as well as visit the Tirta Gangga Water Palace.

Money, Extra Expenses and Tipping

You should bring extra money with you to cover such items as evening dinners, drinks, entertainment and souvenirs. The local currency in Bali is the Indonesian Rupiah. You can exchange currency at the hotel or withdraw money at ATMs that can be found in Amed.

In some countries tipping is not part of the culture. In others it has become an expected norm. We believe that tipping is done entirely at your own discretion. If you have been provided with excellent it may be something you wish to do. Your SwimTrek Guides can advise on local norms for service providers like boat crew, waiters, or taxis. Nothing is expected for your SwimTrek guides, but many groups like to present something to the Guides at the end of the trip.

Passports and Visas

Bali is an Indonesian island. All passports must have at least 6 months validity remaining after departure from Indonesia. Citizens of all EU member states, the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand travelling to Indonesia for tourism purposes may travel within the visa exemption policy entering without a visa for up to 30 days at certain ports of entry.

Please note that visa regulations are subject to change and we advise you check visa requirements prior to travel.

Travel Insurance

We consider comprehensive travel insurance to be essential, and we strongly recommend that you purchase insurance which includes, but is not limited to, cover for illness, accident, emergency repatriation, ambulance, air ambulance, helicopter rescue services, cancellation, lost luggage and delays. Your travel insurance should also cover you for open water swimming and any other activity listed in your trip itinerary (including races and competitions, where applicable).

Please read your policy details carefully and remember to take them with you on your trip for your own reference. For further information about travel insurance, please visit: www.swimtrek.com/travel-insurance.

Health Information and Recommended Vaccinations

For comprehensive health information for people travelling to Bali, Indonesia, including all recommended and required vaccinations, please visit Travel Health Pro. Please note that this information is subject to change and you should re-check this site regularly prior to your trip.

Travel Plugs and Electricity

For a useful source of information on the different electrical outlets, electrical plugs, and electric sockets, please visit worldstandards.eu.