Keen on exploring the best things to do in Amed, Bali? Amed is one of those places people either love deeply or leave too quickly, usually because they stayed in the wrong area or underestimated how spread out it really is.
Stretching along a rugged coastline beneath Mount Agung, Amed is not a single beach town but a collection of small villages, each with a very different feel.
Known for its black sand beaches, laid-back pace, and some of the best shore diving in Bali, Amed is a paradise for quiet mornings, sunrise swims, and being close to nature. It is especially loved by divers, photographers, and anyone looking to escape the crowds of southern Bali.
In this guide, I’ll show you the best things to do in Amed, where to base yourself depending on your travel style, and how to make the most of a short stay without rushing through it.
My Amed Essentials (Book these first!)
If you only have 2-3 days in Amed, your experience comes down to three things: where you stay, whether you get in the water, and how easy your arrival is. I’d lock these in first before planning anything else.
Best Beachfront Stay for Sunrise & Easy Access If waking up, stepping onto the beach, and watching Mount Agung light up is what you’re after, book Anda Amed Villas & Spa. It’s in one of the most convenient stretches of coastline, quiet but still close to everything. The good beachfront rooms tend to go first, especially in peak season, so I’d check availability early.
Must-Do Experience (Even If You’re Not a Diver)
The USAT Liberty shipwreck in Tulamben is one of Bali’s most accessible and rewarding dive sites. If you’re even slightly curious about diving, book your Tulamben Dive here – this is the place to try it! Spots fill up quickly because most travelers in Amed have this on their list, so it’s worth securing in advance.
Stress-Free Arrival (Highly Recommended)
Getting to Amed takes a few hours, and the last stretch isn’t where you want to be negotiating or figuring things out. Booking a private driver from Ubud, Canggu, or the airport makes the whole trip feel easy from the start, especially if you arrive late or with camera gear.
If you get these three right, the rest of your time in Amed naturally falls into place!
Looking for more peace and quiet? If you love the laid-back vibe of Amed, you need to see the other two corners of the ‘Quiet Luxury’ triangle. I’ve just published a full breakdown of the top quiet boutique hotels in Bali across Sidemen, Munduk, and Amed to help you escape the crowds for good.
The ATM Workaround: ATMs in Amed are notoriously moody and often run out of cash. I always used Wise to pay my dive center via bank transfer or to pull a stack of Rupiah in larger towns before arriving. It saves me the 5% “tourist” conversion fee every time. Get your travel money card.
Life in Amed: Beaches, Sunrises & Slow Mornings
Amed Beach
Unlike the white-sandy beaches found in other parts of Bali, Amed Beach is known for its volcanic black sand. The coastline is dotted with traditional fishing boats known as jukungs, adding to the picturesque charm of the area.
Staying right by the beach will also make it easier to get up in the morning and see the sunrise on the beach. Jumping out of bed and watching the sunrise was never easier!
The fishermen returned with their catch, just in time for the local woman to buy a bag from them.
It was a spectacle! To the right, you had a rainbow turning into an orange sunrise, whereas to the left, you had candy-floss clouds, looking like they’ve been painted in the sky.
Amed Sunset Point
Amed’s rugged coastline changes altitude and makes it the perfect scenery for nature lovers and to unwind from city life. Only a 10-minute drive from Amed Beach, you can find yourself high on top at Sunset Point. A low-key local bar, serving basic food and cheap drinks – views are priceless.
The views of Jemeluk Bay and Mt Agung are incredible. As it’s Bali, chances are high you will experience a fantastic sunset – similar to this one.
Amed Bali Diving
One of the main reasons I wanted to head to Amed was to go diving. One of Bali’s most renowned dive sites and competitive prices sounded intriguing.
Indeed, I have rarely seen a coral reef that was so healthy and the variety of fish was outstanding. With a visibility of 20 meters and a temperature of 28 ° degrees, diving in Amed Bali is something you have to try!
You’ve got a couple of great dive sites near and in Amed – two of them being a shipwreck. However, the more popular one is the WWII shipwreck in Tulamben is apparently very worth seeing. If you don’t want to organize dive logistics yourself, this Scuba Diving at Tulamben Tour includes equipment, guides, and lunch, which makes it an easy option for first-time divers in the area.
The most impressive dive site worth mentioning is called Pyramid. It’s an artificial reef made up of three-meter-high, hollow concrete pyramids. In between, we spotted a green moray, a huge pufferfish, various scorpionfish, and a blue octopus.
The second dive site that will surely enchant you is called Jemeluk. Right in front of Jemeluk Beach, you have a sandy bottom that leads to a 45-metre wall. During this dive, we encountered massive fan corals shimmering in pink. Straight out of a fairytale!
Also, ask your dive instructor to show you the motorbike – so much fun to have a ride!
Snorkeling trips like this one are a good alternative if you’re curious about Amed’s underwater world but don’t want to commit to full scuba dives.
The Diver’s Safety Net: Sign up with SafetyWing because it covers scuba diving (standard for PADI/SSI) and motorized scooters – which you’ll definitely need to hop between the bays. It’s the easiest way to get ‘adventure-ready’ for about $1.60/day.
Where to Stay in Amed (Choose This Based on Your Travel Style)
Amed is stretched out and choosing where to stay can make a big difference to your experience. Some areas are better for diving, while others feel more social with easier access to restaurants.
For Iconic Volcano Views & Privacy
If you want that “private pool with Mount Agung in the background” moment, book The Griya Villas and Spa, it is hard to beat. It sits slightly elevated above the coastline, which gives you complete privacy and uninterrupted views. This is the kind of place you book if the hotel itself is part of the experience, not just somewhere to sleep.
For the Best Mix of Beachfront + Diving Access
Anda Amed Villas & Spa is one of the most balanced options in Amed. You’re right by the beach, close to some of the best snorkeling spots, and within easy reach of dive centers. It’s a strong choice if you want a relaxed stay without feeling isolated.
For Easy Sunrises & a More Affordable Stay
If your priority is waking up for sunrise without effort, staying near Amed Beach makes a big difference. Reserve Classic Beach Villa and have a well-located stay where you can walk straight onto the sand in the morning. It’s not about luxury here, it’s about location and atmosphere.
For Seclusion, Views & Slower Days
Aquaterrace sits higher up along the coast and feels more like a retreat. Private pools, wide ocean views, and a quieter setting make it ideal if you plan to spend more time at the hotel itself rather than moving around a lot.
For Minimalist Design & Quiet Luxury Feel
If aesthetics matter to you, Julim Nila stands out. It’s modern, clean, and tucked away from the main road, which gives it a calm, almost hidden feel. Book Julim Nila if you are a design-focused traveler who wants something different from the usual Bali style.
As you already drove to a laidback beach town, I’d recommend staying in a place with an ocean view. Especially if you are on a short stay, as being beachfront saves you from constantly driving back and forth along the coast.
Book The Best Hotels in Amed Bali
Getting Around Amed and East Bali
Amed is long and stretched out along the coast, and distances in East Bali are often bigger than they appear on the map. While many travelers rent a scooter, this only works if you’re confident riding on uneven roads and longer distances.
If you’re arriving from Ubud, Canggu, or Sidemen, the easiest option is to hire a local driver for the day. This is especially helpful for visiting Tirta Gangga, Lempuyang Temple, and other East Bali highlights, which are not ideal scooter rides for first-timers.
For getting around Amed itself, short scooter rides work well, but many hotels can also arrange drivers for short trips, sunset viewpoints, or early morning starts. If you don’t want to drive at all, organizing a driver through your accommodation is simple and affordable.
For longer distances or day trips, booking transport in advance saves time and avoids negotiating on the spot, especially during high season.
Cash is still common in Amed, and ATMs aren’t always reliable. I always used Wise to pay my dive center via bank transfer or to pull a stack of Rupiah in larger towns before arriving. It saves me the 5% “tourist” conversion fee every time. Get your travel money card here.
Best Day Trips from Amed (East Bali Highlights)
Tirta Gangga Water Palace, Karangasem
As a former royal palace, it features a wonderful green garden, fountains and an array of carvings depicting mystical creatures. The place is a mix of Chinese and Balinese culture and offers some fantastic photography opportunities – if you can beat the crowds!
The large pond right near the entrance with its golden koi fish is the most popular spot for everybody visiting. There are plates in the pond on which you can wander through it, as well as feed the fish. Once the fish come close to you, you can snap some nice pictures.
To actually enjoy the place, I’d suggest coming early morning as soon as they open. We visited Lempuyang temple first and arrived at maybe 10 am – too late already!
If you want to see Tirta Gangga and Lempuyang in one day without worrying about transport, this traveller-approved East Bali day tour covers the route comfortably and starts early enough to avoid the worst crowds. Just make sure to get off at Amed Beach to stay in the area overnight!
East Bali and its main sights are far from each other, so if you want to make the most out of your visit, this tour will cut it!
Pura Lempuyang Temple
Located on the slopes of Mount Lempuyang, this place is often referred to as the ‘Gates of Heaven’. The main cultural spot that everybody is lining up here for is between the gates, where you get the view of Mt. Agung.
This Cultural Lempuyang Temple Tour is the easiest way to reach the sacred spot without any hassle. Just make sure to be there early!
Lempuyang is Bali’s mother temple and therefore the holiest of them all. The way up is steep and the whole area is bigger than one might expect. When I visited in 2018, there was a big ceremony happening. Hundreds of Balinese flooded into the place. All of them were dressed in white, women carried massive offerings on their hats and the temple was gloriously decorated.
Leaving Amed: Scenic Stops Toward West Bali
Candidasa & Virgin Beach
On the way back to Canggu, we thought, why not take the scenic route? So we headed towards Candidasa and passed countless rural villages and the most stunning coastline. During the whole drive, we could see Lombok in the distance.
If you leave Amed early enough, you can easily squeeze a visit of Virgin Beach in. Both are stunning, white-sandy beaches featuring turquoise water – another great opportunity to unwind and have fun on the beach!
Another amazing thing to see in Amed and East Bali is the Lotus Lagoon. This local landmark features 1000s of magenta and fuchsia-coloured lotuses and makes for a really unique experience. And, it’s free to visit!
Have you read my other articles on what to do in Bali?
Amed also pairs well with places like Munduk, North Bali, or a Mount Batur sunrise hike before heading south to Uluwatu again.
One of the best trips for divers: Budget Scuba Diving in Komodo
When in Bali you should also visit: Sumba, The 20 Most Amazing Places to See
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