Amed is a quiet and charming village on the east coast of Bali. It’s not as heavily visited as many other places in Bali and is primarily known for its underwater world and black volcanic beaches. Additionally, you can take a boat from Amed to the Gili Islands, making it a great destination if you plan to visit the Gili Islands as well. Here, you can find some of the best diving spots in Bali and snorkel at a shipwreck. Besides the underwater activities, there are several other cool things to do in and around Amed.
What to Do in Amed?
Amed is a quiet village, and one or two days is enough to see and do everything here.
Snorkeling and Diving Around Amed
One of the main reasons to visit Amed is its underwater world. Off the coast, you’ll find several snorkeling spots, with Japanese Ship Wreck Point being the most unique. Other great snorkeling spots include Kembali Beach Bungalows Reef and Jemeluk Bay. Unfortunately, the coral is mostly dead at the places where we snorkeled in Amed, but despite that, there are plenty of different tropical fish swimming around. You can’t find better diving anywhere else in Bali than along the coast of Amed. There are several excellent dive spots where you’ll encounter a variety of fish. With a bit of luck, you might even see turtles and white-tip reef sharks! Amed is also a great place for beginner divers, as there isn’t much current, and visibility is often good. We’ve heard fantastic stories about the dive spot at the wreck of the USS Liberty.
Viewpoint of Mount Agung
About a 40-minute drive from Amed lies one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Bali. Especially during sunrise, the view is incredible. The first rays of sunlight shining on Mount Agung, along with the mist lingering over the rice fields, create a magical moment. The viewpoint is easily accessible from the side of the road and is completely free. Not many travelers know about this viewpoint, and when we were there, there were only two other people! You can walk a little further down to take amazing photos. Wear good shoes, as the descent can be quite steep and sometimes slippery. This is the exact location of this viewpoint.
Watch the Sunset at Blue Earth Village
The best place to watch the sunset in Amed is definitely at Blue Earth Village. Here, you can overlook Jemeluk Beach Bay, with Mount Agung in the background. Enjoy a delicious cocktail as the sun slowly disappears over the horizon and the sky turns pink. There are comfy bean bags, and it’s often pleasantly busy, especially during sunset. If you enjoy yoga, you can also book a yoga session at this unique location.
Alternative option: Directly across from Blue Earth Village is the local spot Sunset Point. This is a cheaper alternative to Blue Earth Village. You can enjoy the same view, but it’s less nicely decorated, and the prices are significantly lower.
Relax at Vienna Beach Resort
Most beaches in Amed are filled with fishing boats, making them less than ideal for laying down your towel and lounging on the beach. Therefore, it’s nice to spend an afternoon at Vienna Beach Resort. They have comfortable sunbeds, a good restaurant, and excellent snorkeling. If you eat and drink here, you can use the sunbeds.
Delicious Food at Gusto Resto
As is the case almost everywhere in Bali, Amed has many excellent restaurants. There are especially a lot of great local restaurants offering tasty Indonesian dishes. Want something different from Indonesian food? Head to Gusto Resto. This restaurant serves delicious international dishes, including hearty Hungarian goulash with fried potatoes, schnitzels, pastas, and pizzas.
Our Favorite Spots in Amed
Villa Melasti is a hidden gem in Amed. You’ll stay in a traditional bungalow that is beautiful both inside and out. They are also well-equipped with air conditioning, a comfy bed, a large veranda, and a lovely outdoor shower. As a cherry on top, there’s a nice swimming pool! At d’Sawah Amed Homestay, you can expect a good, quiet, and comfortable stay without a hefty price tag. You’ll stay in a lovely room that is spotless, beautifully decorated, and has a balcony where you can enjoy a fantastic view of the rice terraces. Villa Infinite Horizon is a hotel with an incredible swimming pool. From the infinity pool, you have a direct view of the sea. This is a small-scale hotel, so there’s a good chance you’ll have the pool all to yourself.
Good to Know: All three hotels are small and have only a few rooms. Therefore, it’s wise to book in advance to avoid missing out.
Villa Melasti |
d’Sawah Amed Homestay |
Villa Infinite Horizon |