7 Incredible Things to Do in Amed, Bali

This post was originally published in May 2018 and updated in February 2020.

When I first visited Bali, I was so lukewarm about the island that figured there was no way I’d ever return. Yet, somehow I’ve found myself back in Bali not once but six times in the past five years. I’m such a Bali convert that I literally just went on a month-long trip to Bali (including Amed!) and neighboring Lombok in January 2020. So how can a Bali hater be turned into such a Bali enthusiast? Travel to Amed – arguably the prettiest place in Bali – and I guarantee you’ll fall in love with the Indonesian island too. And the quaint fishing village is more than just good looks, there are so many things to do in Amed!

i-love-bali

What makes Bali such a great travel destination is that it’s full of amazing – and very unique – places to travel. From the otherworldly beaches of Nusa Penida to the street art of Canggu to the unreal snorkeling of Amed, Bali just never ceases to amaze me.

mount-agung-amed-bali
I’m not kidding when I say Amed is beautiful!

Before I visited Amed, I’d seen the name mentioned a bunch of times – mainly in guidebooks. But for some reason, I had it in my mind that Amed was yet another tourist trap. That’s not to say that Amed isn’t touristy, but it’s nothing like the island’s main tourist hubs like Kuta, Ubud and Seminyak in Southern Bali.

Because I’ve been to Bali so many times, I was looking for a new place to explore during a visit to Bali in 2017. So very randomly, I decided to give Amed a chance. I didn’t really know what to expect when I booked a quick three-day trip to Amed, but as our taxi emerged from the jungle-clad mountains and careened along Amed’s long coastal road, I’m pretty sure I said, “Whoa, it’s so pretty!” like 20 times.

Honestly, it’s nearly impossible not to be taken with Amed’s beauty. With the enormous Mount Agung (Bali’s largest active volcano) serving as the backdrop, the town is lined with coral-filled bays, azure waters and colorful fishing boats. And that’s just the coast. Look inland and you’ll spot picturesque rice paddies and towering green mountains that look like they were shipped straight from Maui.

rice-terraces-amed-bali

Amed is just insanely beautiful. But there’s more to Amed than just good looks, there are also so many things to do in Amed. There’s a reason I’ve now visited Amed twice and have plans to visit again and again!

So if you’re wondering what to do in Amed, here’s my guide.

7 incredible things to do in Amed…

1. Rent a scooter

It’s no secret that my favorite way to explore any Southeast Asian city is on a motorbike. And Amed is the perfect place to do that. Amed consists of a handful of fishing villages that dot the northeastern tip of Bali. The area known as Amed is roughly 14-kilometers long, and the most well-known of Amed’s villages are Amed Beach, Jemeluk Bay and Lipah Bay.

amed-bali

Amed’s attractions are fairly spread out, so renting your own scooter is the best way to get from place to place. Amed is pretty sleepy, so driving isn’t all that treacherous and the roads are relatively good. Though you can order a taxi or car if you’re not comfortable on two wheels. Also, most restaurants will actually pick you up and drop you off at your hotel if you don’t want to drive!

Renting a scooter in Amed: Scooters should cost you roughly 50-60,000 rupiah ($4-5US). I arranged mine through my hotel (Mango 5 Hotel near Amed Beach). However, you can rent them at one of the many shops in Amed or just ask at your hotel.

2. Go snorkeling at Lipah and Jemeluk bays

OK, OK, this one’s painfully obvious! I knew that Amed was famous for its snorkeling and coral reefs but I had no idea how great the snorkeling would be. Literally, head to Jemeluk or Lipah, rent a snorkel and mask from a vendor on the beach, and hop in the water. The coral reefs and abundance of sea life are amazing. I’ve never seen so many giant purple starfish in my life. I even had the chance to stalk a sea turtle for a while.

fishing-boats-amed-bali

But the best part about snorkeling in Amed is that there’s no need to hop on a boat. The reefs are quite literally right offshore. If you’re feeling adventurous, get on a motorbike and head south and you’ll see that there are numerous bays that are great for both snorkeling and swimming all along the coast! Or, if you’re short on time and want to check out a few different snorkeling spots in one go, you can always join a fun Amed snorkeling tour.

Renting snorkels and chairs at the beach: From my experience, snorkels cost roughly 50,000 rupiah (US$3.50) from a vendor on the beach. You can also rent a beach chair and umbrella for the day for 50,000 rupiah each. During the low season (I was there in January) some vendors will let you have a chair for free if you purchase something to eat or drink.

If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, it’s also possible to book a full-day snorkeling tour that takes you to all of Amed’s greatest hits, including a Japanese shipwreck.

3. Go to Sunset Point for stunning views of Mount Agung

Watching the sun sink behind Mount Agung at Sunset Point while sipping on a Bintang is probably the most touristy thing you can do in Amed, but you should totally do it! Unfortunately, the viewpoint (which overlooks Jemeluk Bay) was taken over by an outdoor restaurant a few years ago. As of January 2020, the area is under construction — it looks like some sort of resort is being built — but you can still grab a table to watch the show. Seats fill up quickly, especially the front row, so I recommend getting there a bit early. I think it’s possible to reserve tables too – though you’d have to call and ask. There are also a few other restaurants on the hillside that have great views. There is a parking area to the right of the entrance, for those of you who are driving.

If you’re looking to escape the crowds I have two tips.

sunset-point-amed-bali

Tip #1: First of all, the restaurant isn’t open during the day. I snuck in around noon during my first visit to Amed and had the place all to myself. I was able to take as many photos of the volcano and the sparkling bay below as my heart desired. Definitely check it out during the early morning.

mount-agung-amed-bali
The unblemished view of Mount Agung from the secret Sunset Point.

Tip #2: If you want to go for sunset you don’t actually have to sit at the restaurant. You can just walk through the restaurant area (head to the right) and follow the path along the cliff. You’ll get the same views and it’s likely that no one else will be around. That way you don’t have to pay for pricey drinks and you can watch the show without a bunch of people taking selfies around you. Plus, if you keep walking along the path you get some amazing panoramic views of the ocean. Again, this whole area is now being built up so it’s unknown how long it will be accessible to the public.

4. Head inland and check out the rice terraces

Sure, the beaches and underwater attractions are the reason why most tourists visit Amed but trust me when I tell you to go inland. I’m the type of person who loves to get lost, so during my visit I decided to just drive down random roads to see what I could find. Best decision ever! I had no idea that a mere 10-minute drive inland would lead to some seriously beautiful hillside rice terraces and lush mountains that reach so high they’re ringed with clouds.

rice-paddy-amed-bali

Sadly, I don’t know which road I actually drove down. But it was relatively new. I drove for about 40 minutes and ended up pretty far up a super steep mountain. When it got to the point that the road got too steep, I decided to turn around since the breaks on my motorbike weren’t so good. After crashing on Nusa Penida, I’ve learned my lesson! I only wish I could have kept driving. The views were absolutely incredible.

5. Eat Indian at Nad Brahma

Nad Brahma Amed

I don’t often recommend restaurants in my “things to do” posts, but this vegan Indian restaurant was something special. Even if you’re not vegan or vegetarian, I swear this place is well worth a visit. Nad Brahma is a super cozy restaurant located on the rooftop of a building at Amed Beach. Not only does the owner serve up some incredible Indian food, but the view of Mount Agung from the restaurant is breathtaking. It’s a great spot to eat an early dinner so you can watch the sunset. The place is small though, so I’d make reservations!

amed-beach-bali
The view is like this but better!

During my visit, there was a power outage, yet the owner still managed to whip up one of the best meals I’ve had in Bali. And she did so in the dark, all by herself, with no electricity! The fact that this was such a memorable dining experience is saying a lot because I love the food in Bali and I love Indian food. So my bar is high.

6. Dive at the USS Liberty wreck at Tulamben

amed-bali

I’m not a diver but Amed is a famous diving destination for a reason. Based on my experience snorkeling in Amed, I can only imagine how amazing the diving must be. Many people visit Amed solely to dive at the USS Liberty wreck at Tulamben (roughly 30 kilometers north of Amed). I’ve heard from friends that it’s an absolutely incredible dive site.

7. Check out the Japanese wreck at Banyuning

If you’re not a diver but still want to check out one of Amed’s offshore wrecks you can snorkel at the Japanese wreck in Banyuning. The wreck is super easy to access, it’s located a short swim from the beach. I didn’t personally check it out because it was a bit too choppy during my visit. From what I hear it’s a small wreck site but well worth a visit.

Stop off at Tirta Gangga

tirta-gangga-bali

The former palace isn’t actually in Amed, but it’s a popular stop along the way to Amed. Aaron and I hired a driver for $30 to take us from Canggu to Amed. We didn’t expect him to make any stops along the way, but he pulled over at Tirta Gangga and encouraged us to get out of the car and take a look around. We actually didn’t know where we were but paid the modest fee to peruse the former palace.

tirta-gangga-bali-1

It was a bit rainy that day, which ended up being a good thing because there were very few people at the temple. It was really beautiful and peaceful and I’m so glad our driver encouraged us to make this stop. Plus, I bought some fresh cassava chips from a vendor outside and they were amazing.

Where to stay in Amed

amed-beach

We stayed at Mango 5 Hotel across the street from Amed Beach. It was a great little place with a small pool and it cost less than USD$30. I highly recommend it if you’re looking for a budget-friendly hotel. But after spending a couple of days exploring the area I realized how many amazing options there are in Amed.

If you’re looking to splurge for a special occasion, Amed boasts tons of incredible hotels. The Griya Villas and Spa is easily one of the best hotels in the city and is well worth it for its lavish Balinese-style villas with private infinity pools! This would be such a cool place to stay if you’re traveling as a group. Or, if you prefer to stay in one of Amed’s many beachfront resorts, Vienna Beach Resort gets rave reviews and is right on Lipah Beach.

Is it safe to travel to Amed?

In November 2017, Mount Agung erupted causing Bali’s airport in Denpasar to close down. Since then, the volcano has spewed ash a few times, evoking all sorts of panic among would-be visitors. Yes, Amed is close to Mount Agung but it’s not in the evacuation zone. As of January 2020, it’s business as usual in Amed.

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7 Incredible Things to Do in Amed, Bali - Travel Lush

Have you been to Amed? Do you have any recommendations for other things to do in Amed?

About Justine

Justine Lopez is a California native who always seems to take the unconventional route in life. She also suffers from a serious case of wanderlust. In 2013, she set out on a yearlong round-the-world journey and never looked back. Since then she's lived the expat life in Jakarta, Phnom Penh, Beijing, and Ho Chi Minh City. She's now living and working as a freelance writer in Dubai. As she meanders her way through Asia she's always seeking out great vegetarian food, pretty beaches, and amazing new travel destinations.

19 thoughts on “7 Incredible Things to Do in Amed, Bali

    1. I highly recommend it, Hayley! It really is stunning and while it is sleepy, there’s still so much to do. I’m thinking of going back in a couple weeks. But I’m torn because there are so many places I’ve yet to discover in Bali and Indonesia 🙂

  1. We are here right now and what you fail to mention is the number of filth and garbarge all over Amed . Every picture you’ve shown of the beaches are all filled with trash when up close . The road themselves are practically non existent and filled with half done construction projects and again, garbage everywhere . Calling it sleepy is a funny way to say it . Unless you dont have your head underwater looking at corals the place is pretty much a dump no offense . Don’t get me wrong the views are nice but it’s practically impossible to visit the mountains as the roads are extremely limited .The rice fields of Tabanan are much more impressive and here (in Amed) they have plastic bags floating around the rice fields everywhere. Gorgeous views but many places in bali have that as well . The ridiculous number of diving schools are out of hand and it’s literally the ONLY thing to do . Bars are empty and it seems to only cater to the stereotypical vegan who dosen’t shower . No tropical vibes here ,this blog is pretty misleading . They’re isn’t a single clean beach , unless , again you have your head 20 feet deep in the water skip it .

    1. Sorry to hear you’re disappointed with Amed. I had a fantastic time and didn’t experience the trash your describing. I’d hardly say the photos I took are filled with trash. The water was also very calm, clear and clean. That being said I visited during August, I believe. Bali does experience a trash season around this time of year so I’m guessing that’s what you’re experiencing? Also the trash bags on the rice terraces are there to catch bugs/scare birds away I think. Anyway, there are so many destinations other people loved that I did not. To each his own. I hope you enjoy the rest of your Bali trip. I really do love that island. Safe travels!

    2. Agree!! Bali is filled in trash..
      So disappointed and sad to see how this this “natural” island full of trash! Tourist and villagers don’t seem to know a thing about recycling and separating trash into bins…

  2. Hi Justine, thanks for the blog. Travelling to Amed soon! Don’t see what Lucas is seeing in your pictures- maybe he can see trash nobody can, interesting power haha. I hope though that the trash problem there isn’t so bad- I’ve heard it can get particularly awful in rainy season and is sometimes bad (luck of the draw) in non rainy seasons too.

    Just wondering, were there any cool markets there in Amed within short walking distance from Amed/Jemeluk beach?

    THanks!

    1. Hi Jackie. Sorry for the late reply. Perhaps you’ve already gone on your trip. If so I’d love to hear your thoughts on Amed. If you haven’t gone Kiwi Carol just left a comment below yours with market tips!

  3. We love the more peaceful pace and fabulous locals at Amed and go there every year. We love staying at Wawa Wewe II, at Lipah, eating at Sails restaurant a little further round the coast, and usually fit in a visit to the morning markets at nearby Culik – not a tourist market, but one for the locals, but if you want to see how local folk live and trade then it is very interesting. Yes, there is some trash sometimes on the beaches, but I like joining the Trash Hero Amed team of locals and tourists who weekly do beach cleanups. Check out their facebook page for their schedule.

    1. Thanks for the very useful comment! I’ll have to check out that hotel next time I’m in town. That local market is a great tip too. And thank you for pointing out that tourists can partake in beach cleanups. I’ll add that into this post when I get the chance 🙂

    2. Darn, I don’t know why I forgot to go to the morning market in culik! Maybe something to do with only really spending 2 days in Amed, the first getting there afternoon, the next morning diving, the next a lazy sleep in before a long journey. Would you say culik is a must, and is there anything for tourists to buy- cool things, clothing, street food, fresh produce?

      Good on you for doing the clean ups Btw, thankfully I didn’t really see any floating trash. Just a few things on the seabed, but nothing more than you would see in Australia.

      And just a comment on this blog in general

      I found Celagi restaurant quite nice, their smoothie and grilled fish and curry dishes were good :). Not outta this world but quite nice and interesting, and the Beach Front view and location was nice too. Probably better during the day, unless you bring or wear some insect repellent for night time mozzies.

      Warung enak was nice- but a bit westernized mi goreng (used 2m noodles and didn’t have a strong flavor) and another one I can’t recall near Warung enak but closer to jemeluk (maybe just 1-2m walk from enak) had really mouthwatering satay fish sticks!

      Other highlights are the sunset yoga and might I say the best massage I had in bali was at swasti Dewi, near Amed Beach. Not even the more expensive Jembawan spa in ubud could compete. Synergy spa in ubud came 2nd close though.

  4. Hi Justine,
    Thanks so much for you insights to Amed, I am heading that way this morning from Ubud and very much looking forwards to it.
    I am a free lance Expedition leader for National Geographic, NYT, Smithsonian Institute and Stanford University… I am from Northern CA, although Dutch.
    I see you are currently in Ho Chi Minh.
    I arrive there on the 26th for work but am getting there a few days early, might be fun to get together and meet if you have time or interested?
    Let me know. No worries if it doesn’t work out. I’ll be at the Park Hyatt.
    Warm greetings,
    Sylvia
    p.s. I’m staying at a place in Amed called Kembali Beach Bungalows, highly recommended by a friend. I’ll let you know how it is!! 🙏🏼

    1. How funny! Enjoy your time there. It’s such a beautiful place. I’m not sure about the turtles. I just saw one while snorkeling at one of the bays. Maybe ask the people at the hotel. They should know. Have fun!

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