Amed – A Diver's Paradise in Eastern Bali

Amed, a community formed by five smaller villages, is located along the beautiful eastern coast of Bali.
Free from mass tourism, these authentic coastal villages attract peaceful vacationers, explorers, adventurers, snorkelers, and, above all, divers.

Why you should consider a trip to Amed during your stay in Bali is explained in this post.

SIGHTS IN AND AROUND AMED

1. AMED’S PICTURESQUE COASTLINE

The charm of Amed lies in the small, traditional fishing villages that stretch along the coastline. The only main road, Jalan Ketut Natih/Jalan Amed, winds scenically along the sea, offering a unique, mostly unobstructed panorama of the turquoise ocean.

Driving along this coastal road, you’ll encounter breathtaking views, especially at the curve near Jemeluk, where you can see the entire bay and even spot the reefs and snorkelers in the crystal-clear water below. In Amed, the motto is: Rent a scooter, put on a helmet, and set off!

For useful tips and information on renting a scooter in Bali, be sure to check out our post ”Renting a Scooter in Bali - Helpful Tips and Information".

2. THE DIVERSE BEACHES OF AMED

If you’re expecting white, fine sandy beaches like in other parts of Bali, you might be disappointed. Amed’s beaches are mostly dark and somewhat rocky.
However, this gives them their own unique charm as lava beaches.

One wonderful feature of Amed is that you don’t have to swim far to see hundreds of colorful fish in the crystal-clear water. Some vibrant reefs are right near the shore.
When snorkeling, keep an eye on the current, as it can sometimes be surprisingly strong, even on calm days.
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Another advantage is the relaxed and peaceful atmosphere that prevails on Amed’s beaches. Most beaches are natural, with plenty of shady spots available at various times of the day. Some hotels with beachfront locations offer loungers for a small rental fee.

Our Hotel Tip: We were particularly impressed with Lipah Beach, where our hotel Hidden Paradise Cottages was located. This beachfront hotel not only provides loungers but also offers direct access to an impressive and pristine reef right off the shore. The nearby Turtle Point (100m away) is a true highlight, where you can spot turtles grazing on seagrass daily.

3. RELAX AND UNWIND

You won’t find loud parties until the early hours here, as in areas like Kuta. The peace is palpable; sometimes it even feels like time moves slower in Amed than elsewhere in Bali.
During our stay, the number of cars and scooters was noticeably lower than in other parts of the island.

This region is ideal for relaxation. Take your time enjoying a good book on a beach lounger or at your hotel pool.
Many hotels also offer various spa and massage treatments for added relaxation.

GOOD TO KNOW

For your trip to Bali, you’ll need a power adapter, as plug types A and B are used. These are different from the plug types commonly used in many countries around the world.
You can find a suitable adapter here: Travel Adapter Bali.

4. A PARADISE FOR DIVERS & SNORKELERS

Beyond the shore reefs, Amed offers fantastic reef formations and impressive coral gardens for divers. This has made Amed a famous spot for divers worldwide.
Numerous small dive shops and snorkel tour operators are located here. The best part is that, despite its popularity, Amed remains pleasantly peaceful.
We highly recommend diving and snorkeling in this area.

We booked all our dives through the dive center Eurodive Bali.
Due to it being the off-season, we were fortunate to be the only customers at the dive center on both days, which meant private access to the beach for diving.
The highlight of our dive was spotting a white-tip reef shark hiding under a coral formation at about 18 meters.

The next day, we drove to the USAT Liberty Shipwreck and the Coral Garden.

Both spots are accessible from the beach. The USAT Liberty wreck is a true underwater highlight: You can dive around the entire wreck under ideal conditions or snorkel above it.
However, caution is advised when entering the water: We have often seen people slip and fall on the sometimes slippery rocks combined with breaking waves, though fortunately without any injuries.

The Coral Garden, just a few meters from the wreck, is perfect for divers who enjoy drift diving. Snorkelers will also have a great time at this spot.

OTHER RECOMMENDED SNORKELING SPOTS ALONG THE COAST

• Japanese Shipwreck: Our absolute favorite! Here, you can marvel at beautiful corals. This sunken WWII ship lies close to the shore, requiring only a short swim to reach it.
• Pantai Jemeluk Beach: Located about three kilometers from the center. The reef is also accessible from the shore, though trash occasionally drifts by.
• Lipah Beach: Here, you’ll find beautiful corals, turtles, and a variety of colorful fish, all accessible from the shore.

If you don’t have your own snorkeling gear, you can rent it at the beach, near the wreck, or from one of the many dive shops for a small fee.

5. PICTURESQUE SUNSETS

Amed offers the most beautiful sunsets in eastern Bali. In the evening, tourists gather at the popular Sunset Point, located along the coastal road between Amed and Jemeluk.

This place used to be nothing more than a gravel parking lot where locals and tourists gathered with their own beer to enjoy the sunset.
Over time, Sunset Point has undergone a significant transformation: it now features a restaurant, a bar, numerous seating areas, and even an infinity pool, all contributing to the lively atmosphere throughout the day. The entrance fee for the location can be redeemed for food and drinks within Sunset Point.
What remains unchanged are the more affordable restaurants and bars behind and next to Sunset Point, such as the Blue Earth Village Café and the See You Again Café, both offering equally spectacular views of the sunset.

No matter where you are, the sunset with Mount Agung in the background and the sea in the foreground is the perfect way to end a wonderful day in Amed.

If you prefer to be a bit more active during sunset, we recommend taking a walk along the beach.
Here, you can also watch the sun set behind Mount Agung while letting your feet dangle in the refreshing seawater.

6. A TRIP TO THE MOUNTAINOUS HINTERLAND OF AMED

Not only is Amed's coastline worth a visit, but also its mountainous hinterland, which you can reach by scooter in just 5 to 10 minutes.
There, you’ll find nature at its finest: lush green forests, diverse plant species, and endless rice fields. Scattered throughout the area are hiking trails that are absolutely worth exploring.
You’ll hardly encounter any other travelers here, but you’ll meet plenty of locals going about their daily work in the fields.
A trip to the mountainous hinterland should definitely be on your sightseeing plan for Amed.‍

7. A VISIT TO THE TIRTA GANGGA WATER PALACE

For a trip to Tirta Gangga, we recommend renting a scooter or booking a private driver via 12Go.com. The water temple is about 15 kilometers from Amed, a roughly 40-minute drive away.

The complex impresses with numerous water basins, ponds filled with lotus flowers, countless koi fish, artistic fountains, and a separate bathing area.
The Water Palace gained fame primarily through social media, where countless photos were shared in front of its main attraction, the 11-tiered lotus fountain.
In these pictures, koi fish are often seen swimming closely around people.

Unfortunately, we noticed during our visit that the popularity of the Tirta Gangga Water Park and the associated tourism are significantly harming the fish.
To enable the popular photos, the fish are fed continuously during opening hours so they will swim around visitors looking to capture one of these staged pictures.
This has led to many fish becoming severely overweight – some are now so large that they struggle to swim properly.

Additionally, we got the impression that some visitors come to the palace primarily to stage themselves for a photo, showing little genuine interest in the site itself.

If you’re visiting the Water Palace, you’ll pass by the famous photo spot Lahangan Sweet Bali.
Julia and Basti from thisworldiswide have written a great post with all the information you need.

ADDITIONAL NOTES & MISCELLANEOUS

FOOD & DRINKS IN AMED

Restaurants, warungs, bars, and cafes are abundant, especially along the main road and the narrow alleys of the various villages.
Local dishes such as curries, grilled fish, tempeh, and mie goreng are commonly offered. Food and drink prices are very affordable.

Our favorite was the Warung Indah, just a few steps from our hotel. Here, we enjoyed fresh juices and delicious Balinese dishes at excellent prices, with a direct view of the turquoise sea.

We also really enjoyed Warung Amsha, which serves Balinese cuisine, as well as Warung Celagi, known for its fish dishes and curries.
Both offer the opportunity to enjoy delicious meals with a view of the sea.

For those who prefer something a bit more Western, the well-known Rimba Café is a great option. Here, you can enjoy delicious coffee and fantastic homemade food in a beautiful setting. The prices are slightly higher, but the quality and charm of the café make it a popular meeting spot in Amed.

THE BEST TIME TO VISIT AMED

The climate in Amed is tropical, yet drier compared to the rest of the island. The ideal travel period for Amed is between July and October, when rainfall is rare.
September has the least rainfall, while January is the wettest month. Temperatures average a pleasant 27°C.

GETTING TO AMED

Amed is sparsely populated and located away from the main tourist areas, so it is not easy to reach by public transportation.
There are several ways to get to Amed within Bali.

PRIVATE DRIVER

The most convenient, yet also the most expensive option, is to hire a private driver.
In Bali, there are numerous private drivers you can either approach directly on the street or book in advance through platforms like 12Go.com.

We opted for a private driver who took us from Ubud to Amed in about three hours during one trip, and on another occasion from Lovina to Amed in roughly two and a half hours.
The cost was between €30 and €40. Similar prices apply for trips from Sanur, Kuta, or Seminyak, with travel times ranging from one and a half to two and a half hours.
The advantage of a private driver is that you’re dropped off directly at your accommodation and don’t have to share the vehicle with others.

BLUE BIRD TAXI, GRAB & CO

Blue Bird is the largest taxi company in Bali and often offers cheaper fares than many private drivers when the meter is turned on. The well-known Grab app is also a popular alternative.

However, in some regions, including Amed, there is a bit of an issue: Large taxi companies like Blue Bird and apps like Grab are not always welcome there.
This is because the local taxi market is controlled by a kind of "mafia" made up of private drivers.

In cities like Kuta, Denpasar, and Seminyak, Blue Bird taxis and Grab vehicles are allowed. Make sure the taxi meter is turned on and that the driver is willing to take you to your destination, such as Amed, as even official taxi drivers sometimes try to charge higher prices or refuse trips to certain locations.

SCOOTER

If you’re traveling with a backpack and don’t mind sitting on a scooter for longer periods, you can rent one and embark on an adventurous road trip.
This way, you can not only explore Amed but also discover some of the fascinating sights along the east coast.

FAST BOAT

If you’re coming from the Gili Islands, you can take one of the daily fast boats that dock directly at the port of Amed. During high season, we recommend booking your ticket in advance, as trips can sell out several days ahead. We’ve purchased our tickets through directferries.com as well as 12Go.com. The journey takes approximately one hour.

HOTELS & ACCOMMODATIONS IN AMED

In Amed, you won’t find large hotels, but rather small hotels, private villas, hostels, and welcoming homestays.
We stayed at the Palm Garden Amed Beach & Spa Resort Bali and Hidden Paradise Cottages during our visits and were very satisfied.

The small hotels offer direct beach access with private sun loungers for their guests, a pool, and a restaurant. Additionally, they provide everything you need for a comfortable stay.
The staff is incredibly attentive and ensures that you feel completely at ease. Renting a scooter can also be arranged effortlessly through the hotels.

AMED & ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION

Alongside the many beautiful aspects of the small village communities, there is unfortunately a less pleasant side: the significant pollution of nature.
Many locals are not yet aware that the growing piles of waste pose a long-term threat to their health and cause severe environmental damage.
The vast amounts of plastic generated by tourism and the Western lifestyle often overwhelm the local population.
Since neither waste separation nor recycling is practiced, trash frequently ends up in nature or is burned.

However, there are initial signs of improvement: More and more organizations and even school classes are advocating for a cleaner environment.
For this reason, it’s highly recommended to act as sustainably as possible during your stay. The environment and the local community will thank you for it.

Are you planning a round trip across Bali and its well-known neighboring islands? Then you might find our following posts interesting:

• Bali: Tips & Essentials for Your Dream Trip
• Traveling Bali with a Baby - Tips, Essentials & Our Experiences
• Ubud - 6 Tips & Highlights
• Ubud & Surroundings in 4 Days: Highlights and Tips
• Gili Air – Highlights & Tips for the Indonesian Island Paradise
• Nusa Lembongan & Nusa Ceningan – Highlights & Tips for the Indonesian Islands

Enjoy exploring and planning!

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USEFUL LINKS & RECOMMENDED TRAVEL GUIDES FOR YOU

• Find affordable Transfers with 12Go.com
• Find affordable rental cars at rentalcars.com
• Find affordable flights at skyscanner.com
• Discover the best accommodations
• The best Travel Guides for Bali
• Unique Excursions to Experience in Bali
• Experience Wonderful Dives around Gili Air
• Rent a Scooter at Bikago

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Note: This blog post contains our personal recommendations in the form of so-called affiliate links. If you book or purchase something through these links, we earn a small commission. There is absolutely no change to the price for you.