Amed, a string of traditional fishing villages along Bali’s northeastern coast, offers a tranquil escape from the island’s more touristy areas. With its black sand beaches, world-class diving spots, and stunning views of Mount Agung, Amed is quickly becoming a must-visit destination for 2024. Amed is the perfect destination for those seeking relaxation, adventure, and a deeper connection with Bali’s natural beauty and culture. Here’s your ultimate guide to exploring Amed, Indonesia in 2024.
Getting to Amed
Amed is located about 2.5 to 3 hours from Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) by car. While it’s a scenic drive, it’s recommended to hire a private car or book transportation in advance. We recommend to opt for a car with a driver so you can enjoy the journey through Bali’s picturesque countryside, dotted with direct cliff side with ocean view and volcano views.
For an even more scenic journey to Amed, we highly recommend traveling via Taman Ujung and Seraya Village. Here’s why this route is worth the detour:
- Visit Taman Ujung Water Palace: Start your trip with a visit to Taman Ujung, a beautiful royal water palace located near Karangasem. It’s a peaceful spot filled with ponds, historical structures, and lush gardens. You can stroll through the palace grounds and enjoy panoramic views of Mount Agung and the coastline.
- Scenic Drive through Seraya Village: After your stop at Taman Ujung, continue your journey by driving through Seraya Village. The road takes you along the stunning ocean cliffs, offering breathtaking views of the sea. The route is calm, with little traffic, making it a peaceful and scenic drive.
- Ocean and Cliffside Views: As you drive, you’ll be treated to continuous ocean views, with the road hugging the cliffs. It’s the perfect opportunity to take in Bali’s natural beauty. The drive is particularly spectacular during sunset, as the sky and sea light up in vibrant colors.
- Spot the White Lighthouse: As you travel along this route, you’ll also pass by a white lighthouse, which adds a unique charm to your journey. It’s a great spot for a quick photo stop before continuing on to Amed.
However, the road is quite narrow, so it’s best suited for motorbikes, or you can hire a skilled car driver familiar with the area. Also, avoid this route during the wet season, as heavy rain can cause rivers to overflow and block the road.
How to Get Around Amed
Getting around Amed can be a bit tricky, as public transport is nonexistent. While Grab and Go-Jek officially operate in the area, drivers are often unavailable on these platforms, making them unreliable options. For those unable to legally ride a scooter, hiring a private car and driver is a practical alternative. Fortunately, most hotels and hostels offer this service and can help coordinate a group rental to split costs.
Within Amed Town itself, getting around is much easier. You can either walk or rent a bicycle to explore the area. The traffic is significantly lighter than in busier tourist destinations, making it much safer to navigate on foot or by bike. This allows you to enjoy the local scenery and culture at a more leisurely pace.
The only downside is that the area is not well-lit at night, so be cautious when walking around, as there are essentially no sidewalks, and you will be walking on the road.
Things to do in Amed, Bali
Diving and Snorkeling
Amed is a haven for marine life enthusiasts. The coral reefs just off the coastline are teeming with tropical fish, sea turtles, and even occasional reef sharks. Top snorkeling and diving sites include:
- USAT Liberty Shipwreck: One of the most famous dive sites in Bali, located near Tulamben. This World War II wreck is home to a vibrant underwater ecosystem.
- Jemeluk Bay: A snorkeler’s paradise with shallow coral gardens, perfect for beginners.
- Japanese Shipwreck: A less crowded but equally stunning dive spot just north of Amed.
You can rent a fisherman’s boat for around 800,000 IDR, which includes snorkeling equipment to enjoy all the snorkeling spots. You can ask the hotel staff for assistance, as they will help you with the booking. The fun part is that by booking through the hotel, the boat will come to pick you up and drop you off at the hotel shoreline or beach.
Watch Sunset
One of the must-do activities in Amed is watching the sunset at Sunset Point. This popular spot offers breathtaking views as the sun dips below the horizon, casting vibrant hues across the sky and reflecting off the tranquil waters. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring and to soak in the natural beauty of the area.
Right now, Sunset Point has transformed into a beach club featuring an infinity pool that offers direct views of the ocean and the stunning sunset behind Mount Agung. There’s Rp200,000 entrance fee (food and beverage credit) to enjoy the view at Sunset Point.
Visit Mount Agung
Amed offers incredible views of Mount Agung, Bali’s highest and most sacred volcano. Adventurous travelers can trek the mountain (weather and safety permitting) for a challenging but rewarding experience. If hiking isn’t your thing, you can admire the sunrise over the volcano from one of Amed’s beachside cafes.
Bike Travel
We recommend using a bike or renting one in Amed to fully enjoy the area. With a bike, you can go beach hopping to Lipah Beach, Aas Beach, and Jemeluk Beach, capturing beautiful pictures of the traditional fishing boats along the shoreline. Additionally, you can ride up the hills from Amed to take in the lush scenery with views of Mount Agung and explore nearby local villages. Biking allows you to experience the charm of Amed at your own pace!
Visit Lahangan Sweet
If you’re traveling by bike, make sure to visit Lahangan Sweet. This viewpoint offers outstanding views of Mount Agung and features several viewing platforms, including a famous treehouse platform that provides panoramic vistas of Amed, the Karangasem region, and the majestic mountain. Aim to arrive around 5 AM, as it takes approximately 30 minutes to reach Lahangan Sweet from the nearest hotel along the Amed shoreline. Visiting during the dry season will give you the best chance to catch a breathtaking sunrise behind Mount Agung.
Best Places to Stay in Amed, Bali
The beauty of Amed lies in the fact that 90% of accommodations offer stunning beachfront views. While there are many options to choose from, you can easily browse the map below to find one that suits your needs. One helpful tip is to look for accommodations marked with a pin located along the shoreline for direct beach access. You can start your search by clicking the link here.
But if we have to choose,
- The Griya Villas and Spa: 4.6/5 (361 reviews). A luxurious resort offering stunning ocean views, private villas, and an on-site spa. Ideal for couples and those seeking a relaxing getaway.
- Bali Dive Resort Amed: 4.7/5 (201 reviews). Beachfront resort that caters to both divers and non-divers. Not a luxurious room, but the main selling point is beachfront access.
- Mathis Lodge: 4.5/5 (283 reviews). Not beachfront, but the panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and ocean create a serene atmosphere! Be sure to get another day just to spend at this beautiful villa! It’s perfect for romantic getaways or celebrations.
Practical Tips for Visiting Amed
- Bring enough cash, ATM is very limited and quite far.
- The best months for good weather in Amed are June through October
- Options range from budget guesthouses to luxury villas
- Go diving or snorkeling – Amed is known for excellent dive sites
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen to protect the marine environment
- Try local Balinese dishes at warungs (small family-owned restaurants)
Discover Your Dream Villa in Amed, Bali
Amed is a hidden gem on Bali’s northeastern coast, renowned for its stunning ocean views, tranquil lifestyle, and vibrant underwater ecosystems. Investing in a villa here offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and relaxation, making it an ideal retreat from the bustling tourist areas. Imagine waking up to breathtaking sunrises over the ocean and enjoying serene sunsets from your own terrace. With a growing real estate market and increasing interest from tourists, Amed presents an excellent opportunity for both personal enjoyment and rental income.
At Bali Exception, we specialize in helping you find the perfect villa in Amed that suits your lifestyle and investment goals. Whether you’re looking for a cozy beachfront retreat or a luxurious property with panoramic views, our expert team is dedicated to guiding you every step of the way. Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of paradise in Amed—contact us today to explore our exclusive listings and make your dream a reality!
FAQ
Yes, Amed is worth visiting for its stunning beaches, vibrant marine life, and peaceful atmosphere, making it an ideal escape from busy tourist spots.
Visitors can enjoy snorkeling, diving, beach hopping, exploring local culture, and watching breathtaking sunsets.
Amed is situated on Bali’s northeastern coast, approximately 2.5 to 3 hours from Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS).
Must-see attractions include the USAT Liberty shipwreck, beautiful coral reefs, Mount Agung views, and local fishing villages.
Enjoy local Balinese cuisine at warungs (family-owned restaurants) and beachfront cafes offering fresh seafood.
While tsunamis are rare, Amed has experienced some seismic activity, so it’s advisable to stay informed about safety measures.
Amed is approximately 85 kilometers (53 miles) from Denpasar, taking about 2.5 to 3 hours by car.
Amed is known for its laid-back vibe, excellent snorkeling and diving spots, and stunning views of Mount Agung, setting it apart from more commercialized areas.
The name “Amed” is derived from the local Balinese word for “fishing,” reflecting the area’s strong fishing culture.
Top snorkeling spots include Jemeluk Bay, Lipah Beach, and the Japanese shipwreck.
No you can not. It’s just not worth it to bring your surfboards there and get small waves.
Sunrise in Amed typically occurs between 5:30 AM and 6:00 AM, depending on the season.
Sunset in Amed usually happens between 6:00 PM and 6:30 PM, providing spectacular views over the ocean.
