Amed is a stunningly beautiful destination located in the eastern part of the Indonesian island of Bali. With its majestic mountains, lush tropical rainforest, and pristine black sand beaches, there are plenty of things to do in Amed.
Whether you are looking for an adventure-filled holiday or just want to relax and unwind on one of its many beaches, Amed is sure to check all the boxes.
We currently live in Bali and created this travel guide to provide an overview of all the activities available, the best places to stay, and where to eat in Amed Bali.
Is Amed Bali worth visiting?
Absolutely! This coastal village is one of the most beautiful places in Bali, with stunning views and a laid-back atmosphere.
It’s perfect for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of South Bali and enjoy some restorative relaxation. Plus, it has plenty of activities to do; whether you are looking for adventure, culture, or just a chance to kick back and relax.
Best Things To Do in Amed
Tourism hasn’t quite descended on Amed yet (which is one of the reasons why we think the area is so special) but there is still so much to do. Here is our list:
1. Snorkel the clearest waters on the island
Amed offers some of the best snorkeling on the island. The waters of Amed are crystal clear and offer beautiful views of colorful fish, corals, and other marine life. The most popular snorkeling spot in Amed is Jemuluk Bay and a close second is Lipah Beach.
Amed is also a great place to mix it up and snorkel to some unique sites like the underwater temple often referred to as the “Post Office” sitting in Jemulek Bay (marked with a buoy) as well as several sunken ships in the surrounding area.
We wrote a detailed post all about snorkeling in Amed.
For the best snorkel experience in Amed make sure to keep a close eye on the tide schedule and aim to go as close to low tide as possible. Especially for the wreck sites, a low tide will put you so much closer to the action.
2. Dive into the most unique sites in Bali
Scuba diving in Amed is a must-do for any certified diver. Diving is still the number one draw to Amed because it is home to some of the most unique dive sites on the island, including the USS Liberty wreck and the Japanese shipwreck. You will get up close and personal with a variety of marine life as well as explore sunken treasures from WWII.
If you’re a beginner or want to get scuba certified, Amed offers some great dive courses for all levels. There are plenty of great dive companies in Amed but some of the best are Amed Dive Center, Bali Dive Trek, and Dive Concepts Bali.
Most of the dive companies do offer transportation and stay accommodations for Amed which makes planning a cinch.
3. Take in the sunset at Jemulek Viewpoint
If you ask any of the locals in Amed where the best place to see the sunset is, they will tell you without hesitation to head over to the Jemulek Viewpoint. This stunning viewpoint overlooks Amed and the surrounding ocean, making it the perfect spot for a romantic evening stroll or an unforgettable sunset picnic.
4. Kick back on a volcanic beach
There are many black sand beaches found in Bali but none quite as stunning as the volcanic beaches found in Amed. The black sand is created from Mount Agung which is Bali’s tallest volcano.
The beaches that line Amed’s shores are great for basking in the sun, taking a dip in the sea or just relaxing and enjoying one of Bali’s most beautiful coastlines. Lipah, Amed and Jemuluk beach are our favorites and each has lounge chair and food services on hand.
5. Capture Mount Agung from Bukit Cinta
The view of Mount Agung from most parts of Amed can be quite breathtaking but if you want to get the full panoramic view then head over to the Bukit Cinta viewpoint. This is one of Amed’s best-kept secrets and it offers a stunning view of Mount Agung and its surrounding landscape.
Make sure to bring your camera because this is one spot that will make for some amazing shots. We recommend going at sunrise when the light is perfect for taking photographs.
6. Take a trip to Pura Lempuyang Temple
Only a 30 minute drive from Amed is the famous Pura Lempuyang Temple, one of Bali’s most iconic temples and probably the most Instagrammed. This stunning temple complex has an impressive collection of shrines and is home to over 700 steps that lead up to its peak where you will get a view of the ocean and Mount Agung in the background. It’s worth the climb, and it’s an unforgettable experience.
Consider this a ‘Must See’. Really no visit to Amed is complete without a trip to the iconic Pura Lempuyang Temple, so make sure you add this spot to your itinerary. Be aware that modest dress (covering knees and shoulders) is required when visiting any temple in Bali. This is also a very popular stop for tourists, including large tours coming from the south. Thankfully there is a ticketing system for taking pictures, which keeps things orderly and saves you from having to wait in long lines. The best lighting for pictures is in the morning, but you will want to get there before 6am if possible to beat the rush. Otherwise it is possible to wait for up to 4-5 hours later in the morning.
7. Visit Tirta Gangga
Also only about a 30-minute drive from Amed is the holy water temple of Tirta Gangga. This beautiful place has a tranquil atmosphere and is home to an array of pools, gardens, and temples. There are many spots to explore such as the central pond where you can feed the carp fish or take a dip in one of its natural springs.
Tirta Ganga is the perfect place to take a break from all of the Amed hustle and bustle, so make sure you drop by here during your stay. It’s also a great spot for couples looking for some romantic moments together.
8. Sample the fresh catch of the day
Amed is a 14km strip of fishing villages and seafood is a major part of the local cuisine. It’s here that you can find some of Bali’s freshest catches and sample them in one of its many restaurants. If you love seafood, then this is the place to be – they have everything from lobster to mackerel and sea urchin.
Make sure to check out Warung Asri, Warung Sinta, Kampung Lumba-Lumba, and Bamboo Café; these are some of the best seafood restaurants in Amed.
Make sure to always be mindful to avoid Bali belly.
9. Experience fishing in a traditional boat
Fishing is life in Amed and the perfect way to get a glimpse into the local fishing culture is to take a day trip on a traditional jukung boat. You’ll be taken out by an experienced guide who will teach you about the local fishing techniques and show you how to cast your line. Kids especially love this outing!
If you are feeling fancy, you can also opt for a fishing dinner cruise where you’ll enjoy a freshly cooked seafood dinner on board the boat. If you’re lucky, maybe you’ll catch your own dinner!
Planning a Bali adventure? Check out this perfect 10 day Bali itinerary. It is designed for first-timers and gives the best taste of the epic island of Bali.
Best Amed Bali Restaurants
There is a surprising number of really good restaurants in the sleepy fishing village of Amed. Here are some of our favorites:
Warung Asri
A seafood restaurant serving up the freshest catches from Amed’s waters. This is a small family owned restaurant overlooking Lipah Bay. The views are fantastic, and the fish is even better. Our favorite is the garlic butter tuna! It remind us of the famous garlic butter shrimp we used to get on Oahu’s north shore when we lived there. We usually visit this restaurant at least twice per trip. Our son adds “This is the best fish you will ever taste!”
Cafe Rimba
Seriously amazing, highly instagrammable cafe with vegan options. The menu is packed with delicious food, but the waffles are to die for! There are sweet versions, but we all agree the savory Mediterranean version is our favorite. The restaurant area is small, but the tables are nestled among a gorgeous garden which makes it feel intimate and private. If you come at night, the garden is lit up with ground lights and fairy lights to make it feel even more magical. Last tip – save room for dessert! Our favorite was the Banoffee pie, but the whole dessert menu is next level. Pro tip: You don’t have to eat at the restaurant to enjoy their dessert! There is a counter out front with a few little tables for the people who just want something sweet on their way by.
Galanga Restaurant
Cafe Rimba’s big sister! So you know this is going to be another good one. A french chef married a Balinese fisherman, and that is how this incredible restaurant was born. Indonesian food with a french twist is something you shouldn’t miss! The menu is labeled with vegan and gluten free options, too. The kids ordered comfort foods like pasta while the adults ordered Indonesian and even Indian themed options. Everything was incredible! Don’t forget to save room for dessert.
La Cocina Mexicana
Fantastic, authentic Mexican food (which is not easy to find in Asia!). We are from the southwest United States, so Mexican food is comfort food! The burritos, tacos, and quesadillas all hit the spot. In fact, we are all divided on our favorites, so we usually order everything and then do a lot of sharing. The hot sauce is solid, and Griff usually buys a bottle when we visit. The menu is well labeled with spicy, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options.
Trattoria
Solid Italian restaurant with beautiful sea views. Located just up the road from the Japanese Shipwreck, this is the perfect after snorkel meal! Our favorites were the pizza and gnocchi, but the molten chocolate cake for dessert definitely gave the meal a run for its money.
How many days in Amed Bali?
To get a good flavor of Amed we suggest that 2-3 days is enough. You can easily fill up your days by exploring the local beaches, visiting temples, diving or snorkeling in Amed’s waters, and enjoying a delicious seafood meal at one of its many restaurants. That said, if you want to relax and take it slow then we recommend staying here for a week or longer.
How to Get to Amed
With no public transportation options in Bali you are very limited when it comes to getting around. The most convenient way to reach Amed is by renting a self-drive car or booking a private driver. Self-drive cars will cost you around $15-$20 and hiring a private driver will run about $30-$35 a day. The hotel or resorts can help you with booking.
If you’re adventurous and have some experience riding bikes then you may want to consider renting a motorscooter. The cost is generally $5-$10 dollars a day and I would recommend getting the larger 155cc bikes since they are more comfortable for long-distance travel.
Whichever mode of transport you choose the drive will take about 2.5 hours from Denpasar to Amed depending on traffic and will be slow going and tedious along the coast road.
How to Get Around Amed
Depending how you chose to get to Amed you may have your own transport to get around. If you are staying for multiple days, then renting a motorbike or car is the best option. This will allow you to explore more of the area and take trips further afield.
If you don’t have your own transportation, then you can easily rent motorcycles from local vendors or hire a car and driver for the day. Prices will vary depending on how far you want to go but generally range from $10-$20 USD per day.
Taxis are also available, although they may be hard to come by in some places, so it’s best to book ahead if possible. The cost is usually around $4-$5 for a one-way trip.
Best Time to Visit Amed
The best time to visit Amed is the between May and September as this is when the weather is driest and temperatures are cooler. It’s also peak season for diving in Amed so you’ll be able to get the most from your experience if you visit during these months. For more details visit Bali weather by month.
The summer months (June-August) tend to be busiest with tourists, so if you want to avoid the crowds, then it’s best to visit in April or October when temperatures are still pleasant and the resorts aren’t as busy.
Best Places to Stay in Amed
There is a range of accommodation options depending on your budget and needs.
For luxury seekers, there is the Mathis Lodge or The Griya Villas and Spa which offers 5-star amenities and stunning views of the ocean. The prices per night start at $200 USD.
If you’re looking for something more affordable then there are plenty of mid-range and budget options to choose from. Prices start from $40 USD per night. Vienna Beach Resort is one such option – a boutique hotel with an outdoor pool and great views of the ocean or Aquaterrace which has options steps from the beach. Our family favorite is Aquaterrace as the rooms are beautiful with high end toiletries, the breakfast is great, and the pool has a great view. The beach is also quiet with solid snorkeling and a beautiful swing that the kids love.
Finally, if you’re really on a budget then you can opt for homestays or guesthouses like Bali Sari Homestay. These will usually cost between $10-20 USD per night and provide basic amenities.
In a Nutshell: Things To Do Amed Bali
Amed is a great destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty of Bali while avoiding the hustle and bustle of more touristy areas. With its stunning beaches, delicious seafood restaurants, and wide range of accommodation options there’s something here for everyone regardless of budget. Whether you want to relax on the beach or explore some amazing temples and dive spots Amed has what it takes to give you a true taste of Bali.