Things to Do in Amed: A Hidden Gem in Bali
Amed, located in Abang District, Karangasem Regency, is one of Bali’s quiet coastal areas that remains free from overtourism. Unlike the busy beaches of Kuta, Seminyak, or Canggu, Amed offers a slower pace and a more natural side of Bali, both above and below the sea.
For travellers looking to escape the crowd and experience a different atmosphere, Amed is a solid choice.
Why Visit Amed?
While Bali, Indonesia, is widely known for its nightlife and party hubs, Amed stands out with its peaceful environment, traditional fishing villages, and underwater scenery.
It’s a great destination for nature lovers, diving enthusiasts, and travellers looking for cultural and culinary experiences without the usual tourist density.
Guide to Amed: Beaches in Amed
Lipah Beach
Lipah Beach features dark sand and calm waves, with local fishing boats lining the shore. It’s a good place to experience the daily life of coastal residents.
One popular activity here is fishing. You can join a local fisherman and head out to sea in a traditional boat for a hands on experience.
Jemeluk Beach
Jemeluk Beach is well-known for snorkelling and diving due to its coral reefs and clear, bluish green waters.
The beach has calm waves, making it a good place for beginners or those looking to relax. The view of Mount Agung at sunset adds to the natural appeal of this spot.
Amed Beach
Amed Beach is the area’s most recognised coastal destination. Located about 72 kilometres from Ubud, the beach offers multiple activities such as snorkelling, scuba diving, and culinary exploration.
Diving equipment rentals start from IDR 50,000, although prices may vary depending on the provider and package.
What Makes Amed Beach Special?
Just 20 meters off Amed Beach lies the remains of a Japanese patrol ship from World War II, making it a favourite dive site.
Marine life, such as turtles, stingrays, and reef sharks, can sometimes be seen here. The black sand beach is also ideal for watching the sunrise or sunset in a quiet environment.
Top Things to Do in Amed Beach
Explore Shipwrecks
Snorkelling or diving around shipwrecks like the Japanese patrol ship is a unique experience in Amed. These wrecks are covered in coral and are home to a variety of fish species.
Learn Freediving
The calm sea conditions and marine diversity make Amed a great place to learn freediving. Several local schools offer beginner and advanced courses.
Visit the Salt Fields
The traditional salt fields in Amed provide a look into the area’s economic and cultural heritage. Some tours allow you to try the salt-making process firsthand.
Join Traditional Fishing Activities
Try joining a fishing trip using local methods and traditional boats. It usually includes a shared meal with freshly caught seafood.
Attend a Balinese Ceremony
Cultural ceremonies happen regularly in and around Amed. These events are an opportunity to observe traditional dress, gamelan music, and local food respectfully.
Places to Eat in Amed
Warung Asri Amed Bali
Located on Jalan Raya Lipah, Warung Asri offers local dishes and beachfront views. Prices start at around IDR 40,000 with a menu that includes seafood, grilled meats, and fried rice.
Blue Earth Village
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Blue Earth Village is a bamboo built cafe and yoga space offers meals, snacks, and drinks with views of the ocean. It’s open daily from 07:00 to 22:00 and also has accommodation and classes.
Kopikota Amed
For a quieter, inland setting, Kopikota is located in a village area on Jalan Melasti. It serves coffee, food, and snacks in a relaxed atmosphere, open from 08:00 to 21:00.
Warung Enak Amed
Well known for its grilled seafood and Balinese pancakes, this spot offers budget-friendly dining in the heart of Amed. The lava cake is a popular item among guests.
Bukit Segara
A higher end seafront restaurant that sources seafood directly from local fishermen. It is known for quality service and well prepared dishes, although prices are a bit higher than those of local warungs.
Tourist Attractions Near Amed Beach
Bat Cave Temple (Goa Lawah)
Located in Klungkung, Goa Lawah is both a natural and spiritual site. The temple features a bat cave and is often used for local religious ceremonies.
Tenganan Village
Tenganan is one of Bali’s oldest traditional villages. Visitors can see how the locals preserve ancient weaving traditions and Balinese customs in their daily lives.
Tirta Gangga Water Palace
Built in 1948, Tirta Gangga is a royal water garden with pools, fountains, and stone paths. It’s ideal for a peaceful walk and to observe traditional Balinese architecture.
Travel Tips for Visiting Amed
Amed is approximately 81 kilometres from Denpasar and takes about 2 to 2.5 hours by car. From Karangasem city centre, it’s only 20 kilometres away. The roads are in good condition and accessible by car or motorbike.
- Best Time to Visit: Morning is best for sunrise views, while snorkelling is ideal during clear weather.
- Budget Tips: Snorkelling gear rentals can vary widely, so compare local providers.
- Stay Options: From local homestays to eco-resorts like Blue Earth Village, Amed has accommodation for different budgets.
How to Get to Amed
Amed is located in East Bali and is relatively remote compared to other popular tourist destinations. Here is a guide on how to reach Amed from various locations around the island:
From Ngurah Rai International Airport to Amed
Amed Beach is approximately 85 kilometres from I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport. The average journey time is between 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
To reach Amed from the airport, you can choose from several transport options:
- Private Taxi or Car Hire with Driver: The most convenient option is to take a taxi or hire a private car with a driver. This journey typically takes around 2 to 3 hours.
- Damri Bus: Alternatively, you may take a Damri bus from the airport to Amed, with a route that usually passes through Padang Bai and Candidasa. The ticket costs approximately IDR 35,000.
From Canggu to Amed
The most straightforward way to get to Amed from Canggu is by taxi. Taxis are readily available throughout Bali. Travel time from Canggu to Amed is approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic.
From Denpasar to Amed
If you prefer to use public transport, you can take a bus from the Batubulan Terminal in Denpasar to Amlapura, which takes around two hours. From Amlapura, you can continue your journey to Amed by taking a bemo (a local minibus), which takes approximately 30 minutes.
Please note that bemo services usually stop in the village centre, so it is advisable to inform the driver in advance if you wish to be dropped off directly at Amed Beach.
Seeing the Beauty of Mount Agung from Amed Beach
The Amed area is one of the favourite locations for travellers to enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Agung, particularly at sunrise and sunset. From Amed Beach, visitors can witness the majestic silhouette of Bali’s highest peak, standing tall against the backdrop of the ocean.
The area is also known for its peaceful atmosphere, where the daily life of local fishermen and the traditional process of salt making offer a glimpse into the authentic rhythm of Balinese coastal life.
Mount Agung, an active volcano in Bali, dominates the landscape and adds a dramatic charm to the region. For those planning to visit Bali and explore its quieter corners, Amed offers a serene contrast to the more crowded south.
It’s a place to unwind, reflect, and connect with nature. Perfect for travellers looking to discover something different around Bali.
Amed is not just known for its scenic views, but also for its marine life. The clear, calm waters make it an ideal location to dive in Amed, with popular dive spots such as the Japanese shipwreck and coral gardens just off the shore. For sunset lovers, the Sunset Point Amed is a must-visit location.
This viewpoint provides a spectacular panorama of the coastline with Mount Agung in the distance, making it one of the best spots in Amed to end the day.
Whether you’re admiring the volcano’s silhouette at dusk, exploring underwater treasures, or simply enjoying the peaceful vibe, Amed is a destination that captures a more natural and cultural side of Bali.
Cover: Photo by Attila Tokolics on Unsplash
