10 Best Things To Do in Amed, Bali – A Laid-Back Traveler’s Guide

If you're looking for “the Bali” that still feels untouched, where fishing boats line the coast, coral gardens bloom just offshore, and sunrise breaks over volcanic peaks—Amed might be the place for you. Nestled in the northeast of Bali, Amed is a quiet coastal strip of fishing villages that offer peace, adventure, and unforgettable views.

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While Amed is known among divers, it's so much more than just a dive town. Whether you're seeking cultural discoveries, laid-back beach days, or scenic scooter rides, this guide will walk you through the 10 best things to do in Amed—so you can make the most of your stay in this beautiful and lesser-traveled part of Bali.

Getting to Amed

Amed is about a 2.5–3 hour drive from Denpasar Airport, Ubud, or Canggu. The route winds through rice fields and small villages before reaching the coast. Hiring a private driver is the easiest way to get there, especially if you’re carrying luggage or diving gear.

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If you're feeling adventurous, renting a scooter for the journey is possible—but make sure you're confident on Bali’s roads. Once you arrive in Amed, you’ll find that everything is easily accessible by scooter or on foot.

Where to Stay in Amed

Amed offers a range of accommodations, from budget-friendly beachfront bungalows to charming boutique villas and dive resorts.

• Budget stay: Bali Yogi or Amed Beach Villa
• Mid-range: Blue Earth Village – popular among yogis and digital nomads
• Luxury: Palm Garden Amed Beach & Spa Resort for stunning views and great food

Most places are nestled right along the beach or a short walk from it, so you’re always close to the water.

Where to Eat in Amed

Amed may be a small village, but it’s big on flavor. Expect fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and fusion dishes.

• Galanga – a top pick for fresh, locally-sourced meals with a modern twist
• Warung Enak – great for authentic Balinese dishes
• Blue Earth Village Café – for healthy bowls and an epic view over Jemeluk Bay
• Gusto Resto – perfect for grilled fish and romantic seaside dinners

Top 10 Things to Do in Amed

1. Snorkel Along Amed’s Colorful Reefs

Amed is a snorkeler’s paradise. The coral reefs here are shallow and easily accessible from the shore, making it perfect even for beginners. You can rent gear almost anywhere, and many warungs by the beach will let you leave your stuff while you swim.

Top snorkeling spots:

• Jemeluk Bay – clear water and an underwater temple garden
• Lipah Beach – home to a vibrant reef teeming with fish
• Japanese Shipwreck at Banyuning – remnants of a WWII wreck just a few meters offshore

2. Scuba Dive the USAT Liberty Wreck

While technically located in Tulamben, about 25 minutes from Amed, the USAT Liberty wreck is one of Bali’s top dive sites. This sunken WWII ship now serves as a coral-encrusted reef buzzing with marine life. It’s an excellent dive for both beginners and experienced divers.

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Amed has several well-rated dive schools offering PADI certification and fun dives, so you can plan a full diving day with ease.

3. Catch the Sunrise at Lahangan Sweet

For panoramic views of Mount Agung surrounded by clouds, head to Lahangan Sweet early in the morning. It's a short drive and a mild uphill walk from Amed, and the sunrise views from the wooden platform are absolutely worth it.

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Pro tip: Go with a scooter or hire a local driver for sunrise. Bring water, comfy shoes, and a camera.

4. Visit Tirta Gangga Water Palace

A 30-minute ride from Amed brings you to one of Bali’s most iconic landmarks: Tirta Gangga. This water palace features royal ponds, fountains, koi fish, and stepping stones that are Instagram-famous. But beyond the photo op, it’s a peaceful place to learn about Balinese culture and enjoy the landscaped gardens.

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There’s a small entrance fee, and sarongs are provided if needed.

5. Relax on Amed’s Black Sand Beaches

Unlike Bali’s typical white sand shores, Amed’s beaches are lined with volcanic black sand. It adds to the area’s rugged charm. Spend a lazy afternoon sunbathing, swimming, or just watching traditional fishing boats come and go.

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Jemeluk and Lipah Beach are among the most popular, but almost every stretch of coastline in Amed has its own beauty.

6. Watch the Sunset at Sunset Point

Though Amed faces east, it has a few elevated spots where you can catch the last light of day. Sunset Point, just a short walk or scooter ride from Jemeluk Bay, offers a cliffside view over the water with Mount Agung in the distance.

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Many visitors bring a cold drink and enjoy the golden hour with soft music or silence. Some warungs nearby also serve cocktails and small bites.

7. Explore Amed Salt Farms

Salt farming in Amed is an ancient tradition. Along the coast, you’ll find traditional sea salt farms where locals still harvest salt by hand using techniques passed down for generations. It’s a fascinating look into Bali’s history and a chance to support local artisans.

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Many of the farmers sell handmade salt in small packets—great for souvenirs or gifts.

8. Go for a Scenic Scooter Ride

Amed is surrounded by green hills, ocean views, and quiet roads that make for a perfect scooter adventure. Cruise along the coast, pass tiny temples and rice fields, and stop whenever a view takes your breath away.

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Recommended routes:

• Amed to Tulamben for ocean views
• Amed to Lahangan Sweet or Bukit Cinta for mountain vistas
• Amed to Tirta Gangga through local villages and rice paddies

9. Visit Pura Lempuyang and the Gates of Heaven

Just an hour from Amed lies Pura Lempuyang, home to the famed "Gates of Heaven" – a stone gate framing Mount Agung in the background. It’s one of Bali’s most photographed spots, but it’s also a sacred temple site.

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Be prepared for a long wait if you're after the iconic reflection photo, or go early in the morning to avoid crowds. Don’t forget to dress respectfully—sarongs are mandatory and usually available at the entrance.

10. Enjoy Amed’s Local Music and Chill Beach Vibes

When the sun goes down, Amed doesn’t turn into a party town—but you will find live reggae, acoustic music, and beach bars with a mellow vibe. Head to Warung Enak, Chill Bar, or Kembali Beach Bungalows for laid-back tunes, happy hour drinks, and a friendly crowd.

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It’s the perfect way to wind down after a day of exploring.

Amed is More Than Just a Dive Town

Amed offers a rare slice of Bali—quiet, authentic, and surrounded by natural beauty. Whether you're snorkeling in coral gardens, sipping coffee with a view of Mount Agung, or riding through the hills on a scooter, Amed gives you the space to slow down and reconnect.

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It’s not the place for fast-paced nightlife or busy shopping streets. But if you’re seeking a tranquil, oceanfront retreat with soul, Amed is Bali at its most genuine.

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