Looking for a quieter side of Bali? Head to Amed – a coastal village in East Bali known for world-class diving, black sand beaches, and a refreshingly slow pace of life.
There’s something almost cinematic about arriving in Amed. The traffic thins, the roads cut through mountains, and suddenly you’re driving along a coastline dotted with traditional fishing boats and black volcanic sand. Far from Bali’s buzzy south, Amed is a sleepy fishing village on Bali’s northeastern edge, backed by Mount Agung and the endless Bali Sea. It’s a side of the island that still feels raw and real, which is exactly why I love it.
Where is Amed?
Amed sits on Bali’s northeast coast in Karangasem Regency, about 90 kilometres from Bali’s international airport. The drive takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, winding through mountains, rice fields and coastal roads — it’s one of the most scenic routes on the island.
Travel times to Amed:
- Seminyak to Amed: approx. 2.5 – 3 hours
- Canggu to Amed: approx. 3 hours
- Ubud to Amed: approx. 2 – 2.5 hours
- Ngurah Rai Airport (Denpasar) to Amed: approx. 2.5 – 3 hours
- Sidemen to Amed: approx. 1.5 hours
- Uluwatu to Amed: approx 4 hours
Despite being easy to reach by car, Amed feels worlds away from the island’s southern crowds. There are no beach clubs, no traffic jams, and no inflated prices — just local life, small resorts, and crystal-clear seas.
Why visit Amed
Amed is best known for diving and snorkelling, thanks to its calm waters and thriving coral reefs. The nearby USAT Liberty shipwreck in Tulamben is one of Indonesia’s most famous dive sites, while Jemeluk Bay is perfect for easy snorkelling right from the beach.
Beyond the water, Amed offers a glimpse of authentic Balinese culture. Locals still make artisanal sea salt by hand, fishermen head out in colourful jukung boats at sunrise, and simple warungs serve freshly caught seafood with ocean views. You won’t find flashy restaurants or surf breaks here — instead, Amed is all about quiet tourism. It’s the perfect escape if you want to slow down, explore East Bali’s natural beauty, and experience a part of the island that still feels local.
Things to do in Amed, Bali
1. Go scuba diving
If you’re into the underwater world, Amed is one of the best places in Bali to scuba dive. Calm waters, easy access, and coral reefs with wrecks teeming with life make it ideal for beginners and experienced divers alike.
- For wreck diving: Head 20 minutes north to Tulamben to explore the famous USAT Liberty Shipwreck – one of the most accessible wreck dives in Asia.
- For reef diving: Try Jemeluk Bay or Coral Garden, where you’ll spot turtles, ribbon eels, and schools of reef fish.
- For courses: Check out Adventure Divers Bali (SSI) or Eco Dive (PADI) for safe, professional certification and guided dives.
2. Go snorkelling at Jemeluk Bay
You don’t need a tank to see Amed’s marine magic. Jemeluk Bay is one of Bali’s best snorkelling spots, with calm, clear water full of coral gardens just a few metres from shore. Look out for the Underwater Post Office and statues hidden below the surface.
Snorkelling gear can be rented right on the beach for around IDR 50,000, and if you’re lucky, you’ll spot a turtle or two gliding past.
3. Watch the fishing boats at sunrise
Amed is still a working fishing community, and sunrise is the best time to see it in action. Head down to Jemeluk Beach early to watch the jukung boats set out at dawn, or book a short sunrise cruise with a local fisherman. It’s a simple, beautiful glimpse of everyday Balinese life.
4. Visit the Amed Salt Centre
Amed is one of the few places in Bali where traditional sea salt farming still happens. Visit the Amed Salt Centre to see how locals use age-old techniques to harvest salt from the sea, then dry and mould it by hand. It’s a fascinating look at a dying craft, and you can buy the salt directly from the producers as a take-home souvenir.
5. Explore East Bali’s temples and water palaces
Amed is perfectly placed for a cultural day trip. Within 30 minutes’ drive, you can explore some of Bali’s magical Hindu temples and most iconic landmarks:
- Lempuyang Temple (The Gates of Heaven): one of Bali’s oldest temples, famous for its mountain-framed gateway view.
- Tirta Gangga Water Palace: a former royal garden with ponds, fountains, and stepping stones surrounded by lush rice terraces.
- Taman Ujung Water Palace: another royal estate with elegant architecture and sweeping coastal views.
6. Chill on Amed’s black sand beaches
The beaches in Amed are different from Bali’s southern coast. Think volcanic black sand, large rocks, pebbles, and calm waves. Lipah Beach is a favourite for swimming and snorkelling, with warungs and shaded spots for lounging. It’s not about beach clubs or sunbeds here, just quiet, natural beauty.
7. Get a Balinese massage
After a day of diving or exploring, treat yourself to a massage at a local spa. Amed Bali Spa and Sama Sama Spa are both affordable and relaxed, offering traditional Balinese massages, scrubs, and reflexology treatments. Prices are typically a fraction of what you’ll pay in Seminyak.
8. Take a trip into nature
If you want to trade saltwater for greenery, head 30 minutes inland to Maha Gangga Valley — a riverside nature park with small waterfalls, bamboo swings, and thatched huts for camping or picnics. On the way back, stop at Berina Rice Terrace, a lesser-known but stunning viewpoint that rivals Ubud’s famous paddies.
9. Catch sunset views with a cocktail
Amed is on the east coast, but you can still watch the sun turn orange at sunset if you know where to go. Head to Waeni’s Sunset View for happy hour and simple Indonesian bites, or to Sunset Point Amed, where you can dip in the infinity pool overlooking Mount Agung and Jemeluk Bay. Both spots are casual and local, though in recent years, Sunset Point has become much louder and more touristy.
Where to stay in Amed: 5 top hotels & villas
Amed’s accommodation scene is small-scale and scenic — think ocean-view villas, boutique beach cottages, and hilltop lodges instead of mega resorts. Most of the hotels and villas are located off the main road that goes straight through Amed, while others are set in the hills of Bunutan Village. If you stay central near Jemeluk Bay and Amed Beach, you’ll be within walking distance of cafes and dive shops, while the hillside areas will require a short drive. Here are my top picks for every style and budget.
Best Luxury Villas: The Angsa
Modern, ocean-facing villas with Balinese soul and modern style.
If you want to wake up to nothing but blue, you’ll want to book one of The Angsa Villas. This small boutique stay is home to just four luxury villas, located slightly out of town for a peaceful escape. Every open-air villa faces the ocean, and if you score one of the front villas, you can literally lie in bed and feel like you’re floating on water.
The design is stunning too – the curved roofs look like a wave, and each villa cascades down the hillside to make the most of the sea views. You’ll also have your own private pool and small kitchen, surrounded by lush gardens and natural wood finishes. They feel modern and sleek, but also warm and authentically Balinese.
Top tip: A small rocky walkway winds down to a little sea-side platform where you can go for a sunrise swim or an afternoon plunge.
Best for: Couples or friends after an intimate oceanfront stay.
Price: From IDR 3,000,000 per night
Address: Jl Raya Amed, Seraya, Amed
Best Boutique Stay: Life in Amed
A colourful, bohemian hideaway right on the beach.
Set right on the sand in Lean Village, Life in Amed is one of East Bali’s most beloved boutique stays. Its bright Balinese cottages and bohemian villas are homey but super cute. The beach cottages are ideal for families with kids, with upstairs mezzanine bedrooms and views of the fishing boats coming in and out with the sun. For larger accommodation options, try the Paradiso or the Sari Sunrise Villas, or the stunning three-bed Perfumed Garden villa, inspired by a Javanese Joglo. There’s also an in-house yoga shala, a shared swimming pool, a healthy on-site cafe, and direct beach access for morning dips or snorkelling just metres from your room.
Best for: Creative travellers and families
Price: From IDR 1,650,000 per night
Address: Jl Amed, Bunutan, Abang
Best Eco-Luxury Stay: Mathis Lodge Amed
Want to live it up in Amed, high in the hillside? Head to Mathis Lodge Amed. Perched 400 metres above sea level, Mathis Lodge Amed combines the feel of a mountain retreat with Bali’s coastal calm. Each boho-chic lodge is filled with local art, polished timber, and open-air bathrooms, with some offering private infinity pools or jacuzzis overlooking the valley. I just love the wooden antiques and handmade Balinese artwork, and the sprawling Private Pool Lodge is my top pick. It’s remote enough to feel like an escape, yet just a short drive to Amed’s main strip.
Best for: Couples looking for an earthy, hillside lodge
Price: From IDR 3,072,000 per night
Address: Bunutan, Abang, Karangasem
Best Resort: The Griya
An old-school all-villa resort with ocean views from Amed’s hillside.
A short drive from Amed Beach, The Griya is an all-villa resort that sits high on the hillside overlooking the Bali Sea. Each one-, two- or three-bedroom villa comes with a private pool, contemporary interiors, and sweeping views. If you’re bringing the kids, there’s family-friendly dining here. Or, book a babysitter and dine at the open-air Safka Restaurant – it’s got a rooftop lounge with panoramic views, refined dishes from around the world, plus an excellent wine selection.
Best for: Luxury couples and families.
Price: From IDR 3,600,000 per night
Address: Jl Raya Bunut, Abang
Best Budget-Friendly Stay: Mejore Hotel
A simple, affordable hotel close to Amed’s best cafes and dive shops.
For an easy, affordable base in the heart of Amed, Mejore Hotel ticks all the boxes. Expect clean, modern rooms, a small pool, and an in-house restaurant serving Indonesian and Western dishes. It’s just a short stroll from the beach, and almost all of the main cafes, restaurants and dive shops are in walking distance – perfect for travellers who want to explore without spending big.
Best for: Budget travellers or solo adventurers
Price: From IDR 520,000 per night
Address: Jl Ketut Natih, Amed
Where to eat in Amed: 5 best cafes & restaurants
Amed’s dining scene may be small, but it’s full of character. You won’t find beach clubs or fine dining here, just a handful of laid-back cafes, warungs and seaside restaurants serving everything from fresh-caught fish to homemade pasta and healthy brunches. Here are my favourite spots worth bookmarking.
1. Rimba Cafe
Best for: Healthy all-day dining with good coffee and homemade desserts.
Sitting opposite the Mejore Hotel is Rimba Cafe. This is my go-to for breakfast, lunch and dinner (yes, I often come here more than once in a day!). You can choose to sit in the jungle-like garden at the front, or indoors in the greehouse-style interiors (rimba means jungle in INodneisna.
Graze on smoothie bowls, wraps, burgers, salads and daily specials – there’s even a tiny ice-cream counter and patisserie out front for post-snorkel treats. Everything is fresh, homemade and full of flavour — and yet it doesn’t feel like “health food” at all.
Local tip: This is one of the most popular cafes in Amed, so you may need to wait for a table.
Opening hours: Daily 7am – 9pm
2. Trattoria
Best for: Classic and consistently good Italian pasta and pizza.
Trattoria is the best Italian restaurant in Amed hands down. It’s famous island-wide for its delicious pasta, pizza, salads and entrees with a beautiful ocean view. The service is excellent, they have a good wine list, and they even serve ‘smoking’ specials too!
Local tip: This place is best in the evening when it’s positively buzzing!
Where: Jl Karangasem, Seraya
Opening hours: Daily 10am – 10pm
3. Warung Enak Amed
Best for: Local Balinese food from Amed’s most famous warung.
Warung Enak Amed is a long-time local favourite and the best restaurant in town for authentic Balinese and Indonesian food. Expect grilled seafood, nasi campur, curries and a few Western options like burgers and pasta. Everything is cooked fresh and served with heart. Grab a seat upstairs around sunset for the best ocean views, and don’t miss their homemade desserts.
Local tip: They have home delivery service and great coffee, too.
Where: Jl I Ketut Natih, Purwakerti
Opening hours: Daily 7.30am – 11pm
4. Galanga Garden Restaurant
Best for: Indonesian cuisine with plenty of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.
Little sister to Rimba Cafe (above), Galanga Garden Restaurant serves up a mix of Indonesian and Western food. But honestly, it’s the Indonesian options you’ll want to try (the Belayag Tlengis is incredible!). Almost everything is healthy, with plenty of vegan or vegetarian options. Dine in one of the private bamboo huts surrounded by greenery for the full experience, though you’ll need to book well in advance.
Local tip: Galanga offers plenty of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Where: Jl Amed, Bunutan
Opening hours: Daily 12pm – 9pm
Book Galanga Garden Restaurant
5. La Cocina Mexicana
Best for: Insanely good homemade Mexican food from a locally-run kitchen.
This place might be small in size, but wow, it’s seriously big on flavour! La Cocina Mexicana brings proper Mexican food to the coast with its tacos, burritos and nachos made from scratch using local produce and freshly pressed tortillas. The spicy Birria Burrito and the classic beef tacos are standouts, and there are plenty of plant-based options too. They even make their own spicy sauce, and you can buy a bottle to take home (I bought two!).
Local tip: There are daily happy hours, but they close on Tuesdays.
Where: Jl I Ketut Natih, Purwakerti
Opening hours: Wednesday to Monday, 12pm – 10pm
Did I miss any? Send us a DM on Instagram or email me on louise@thehoneycombers.com to share your favourites!
FAQs on Amed, Bali
Where is Amed?
Amed sits on Bali’s northeast coast in Karangasem Regency, around 90 kilometres from Denpasar Airport. Most travellers reach Amed via private driver or transfer, and the route takes you past rice terraces, volcano views and rural villages – half the fun is getting there.
What is Amed known for?
Amed is famous for its diving and snorkelling, particularly the USAT Liberty Shipwreck in nearby Tulamben and the colourful coral gardens of Jemeluk Bay. It’s also known for its black sand beaches, traditional fishing villages, and the peaceful, unspoiled pace of local life.
When is the best time to visit Amed?
The dry season (April to October) is ideal for diving, snorkelling and sightseeing, with calm seas and clear visibility underwater. The wet season (November to March) is quieter but still beautiful, just expect occasional rain and greener hillsides.
Where can I stay in Amed?
Most places in Amed are centred around the main street, Jalan Raya Amed. You’ll find everything from private oceanfront villas and boutique beach cottages to budget-friendly homestays. Many stays come with direct beach access, while other hotels are set back in the hillsides, offering elevated sea views from afar.
What are the top things to do in Amed?
Dive or snorkel the coral reefs, take a sunrise boat trip with local fishermen, or explore East Bali’s nearby cultural landmarks — Lempuyang Temple, Tirta Gangga, and Taman Ujung Water Palace are all within a one-hour drive.
Is Amed suitable for families?
Yes. Amed is family-friendly, with calm beaches, small-scale resorts and safe snorkelling spots right off the shore. There aren’t big kids’ clubs or playgrounds, but plenty of space to explore nature and local culture at a slower pace.
Love this guide to Amed? Check out this guide to Pemuteran too!