In Reply to: Recommended places to stay in... posted by tadasu on Tuesday, 24. June 2008 at 20:58 Bali Time:
I wouldn't go to Bali for beautiful beaches - there are far better ones elsewhere. However, there is superb snorkeling and scuba diving in the Amed / Tulamben area (best advice is to stay at Amed and dive at Tulamben). The area is very peaceful and relaxing. The sand is dark, definitely not white, but the water is clean and the visibility great. You can snorkel off the beaches and there are two great shore dives at Tulamben for divers.
Nusa Lembongan is also well worth considering but the currents are quite strong in many areas for diving if you are a novice.
Nusa Dua is a 5 star enclave, far removed from the traditional Bali. The beaches will be raked clean and replenished with white sand regularly and many of the hotels do not allow the Balinese access to their own beaches in front of the hotels. Lots of people love it but I don't!