When it comes to vacationing in Bali, many popular places popup again and again.
Uluwatu for magical sunset views from the cliffs, Seminyak for beach clubs, Ubud for serenity seekers or Canggu for surf lovers.
Not very often does Amed appear in the main hit list – unless you are planning a diving expedition.
Amed is famous for amazing diving activities from reef diving, muck diving, wreck diving, to night diving.
That being said, there are endless things to do in Amed out of the water too.
Go Scuba Diving – Beginners and Advanced Divers
Scuba diving is one of the main reasons tourists travel to Amed. So it’s only fitting it makes it to our number one activity.
The underwater world of Amed is a playground, with numerous dive sites and marine life.
Whether you’re an experienced diver or a beginner looking to get your PADI license, Amed is the perfect spot.
Get ready to be blown away by the thriving aquatic ecosystem. There are a lot of amazing dive centers in Amed.
Grab Your Goggles and Snorkel
If you aren’t a diver, maybe snorkeling is more your speed.
There are at least seven snorkeling spots in Amed each with different offerings.
Just off Amed beach you can expect to see turtles! Just be sure to bring flip flops as the beach is lined with sharp pebbles.
Or, choose Jemeluk Bay if you want to be mesmerized by an underwater gallery and temple created by Indonesian artists, but just look and don’t touch.
Visiting Amed with family? Lipah beach is the best spot as the snorekling sites aren’t too deep.
Book a stay in Good Karma Bungalow for access to the private Selang beach, and snorkel without being bothered by crowds of tourists.
Visit the USS Liberty Wreck at Tulamben
Before becoming a must-go dive site, the USS Liberty had been sunken for decades.
It was during WW2 that the ship got stranded, not in Tulamben but in the Lombok strait. When Mount Agung erupted in the 60s, the ship was pushed closer to the coast.
Once in its final resting spot, it was visible from the shore and curious divers made it a diving hotspot.
A relatively easy dive, its one of the best things to do in Amed. And there are plenty of guided tours to take you!
Take Some Epic Shots at Tirta Gangga
The iconic images of stepping stones on water that dominate the Bali Instagram hashtag come from the Tirta Gangga Water Palace.
Meaning ‘water from the Ganges’, it was a former palace of the King of Karangasem.
There is a 10m high water tower, pouring with water considered sacred by local residents, that is still used for traditional ceremonies.
One of the most popular spots in the palace is the swimming pool. To cool off from the island heat and play with local kids, it is huge!
Hop on a tour to hit other hotspots around the area!
Stand Between the Famous Lempuyang Luhur Gate
Ever heard of the Gates of Heaven in Bali? It is a favorite tourist spot that you probably recognize from the ‘gram.
The famous place is Pura Lempuyang Luhur in Karangasem.
As a place of worship, you will need to be sure to dress appropriately and respect the culture.
Now, as beautiful as the images posted from the temple are, there is a little bit of photographic trickery that goes on.
You will want to get there early as the queue for a prime spot between the gates gets pretty long.
Catch Sunset at Jemeluk Bay
Jemeluk Bay is a stunning setting for a magnificent sunset.
You can recline on the sand for a simple coconut, or head further up to Sunset Point Amed for a clifftop view.
Wake Up to the Sounds of the Ocean
Staying in a hotel or villa on the beach is the ultimate luxury.
Luckily, Amed beach is lined with amazing resorts, private villas and hostels at much more affordable prices than those in the south.
Salt Resort & Spa is an ultra-comfortable spot, overlooking the sand and ocean. Spend a relaxing weekend escaping the crowds, or hit the nearby dive sites.
It is a magnificent spot for an unforgettable Amed trip.
Have a Eco-Responsible Meal at Blue Earth Village
Blue Earth Village
A place to stay, eat and yoga, Blue Earth Village is the home of all things eco in Amed.
Providing a caring community for locals, expats and visitors alike, the impressive bamboo structure is filled with spots to network, relax and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings.
Take party in classes, dine over delicious fresh produce and make some new eco-conscious friends.
Blue Earth Village is something a little different to try out in Amed.
Visit Bukit Cinta for Sunrise
Amed’s Bukit Cinta has a stunning view out over Mount Agung.
The mountain looks majestic, with a vast expanse of rice fields and greenery shrouded in a light mist. Coupled with the morning sun, your photos will look unbelievable.
It is an incredible way to start a day, and one of the best things to do in Amed.
Walk to Gili Selang
Gili Selang has a unique charm and natural underwater beauty that has made it a paradise for divers and snorkelers.
It has calm waves and water breaks with interesting corals like the ones found on Crystal Bay beach.
It is a remote spot, that is not very well known, and very rarely visited by tourists. When the tide is low, you can walk across the ocean to the island.
Rent a Scooter to Roam Around
Renting a scooter gives you flexibility and freedom to roam around.
There is a lot of beauty in Amed from lush jungles, quaint villages to rice paddies, and enjoying this side of the area is relatively easy since it’s incredibly small.
There are plenty of spots to rent a scooter in Amed – ask at your accommodation for help.
Motorbikes can be rented daily for less than IDR 100,000 per day.
Be sure to always wear a helmet, and be aware of your surroundings.
Laze Around on the Black Sand Beach
A stark contrast to the brilliant white sands of the south of Bali, Amed has volcanic black sands.
Not only beautiful and picture-worthy, they are also less visited, promising a peaceful and relaxing day.
Snorkel right off the sand, enjoy the luscious surroundings and sip coconuts on a reclining sun bed – Amed has some of the most beautiful beaches in Bali.
Watch Salt Farmers in the Water
Amed has the perfect conditions for producing salt.
The sandy soil of the beaches contains clay, which captures salt minerals from the seawater. Using coconut tree trunks, the salt goes through a drying and crystallization process.
Salt from Amed crumbles easily in the mouth.
If you are lucky, you can see the salt farmers working in salt ponds.
Eat at Warung Enak
Warung Enak
As the name suggests, Enak – which means delicious and tempting – this warung serves a variety of tantalizing dishes that will satisfy your taste buds.
They have a menu featuring Balinese, Indonesian, Italian, seafood, Asian and healthy meals. Indonesian food is out of this world.
Each meal is beautifully presented, has decent portions.
And the hospitality! The owner and staff are incredibly friendly and lovely.
Take a Yoga Class at Apneista
Apneista
Apneista is located right on the beach offering both free diving and yoga classes.
It is an intimate experience, with incredibly small classes and a beautiful setting overlooking Mount Agung.
Between the simple yoga sessions there are also retreats, teacher training and yoga for freedivers (lots of breathwork).
Bali is famous for yoga, and this spot in Amed is a magnificent spot to do it.
Become a Fishermen for a Day
Fishing is the main occupation for locals in Amed. They use jukung, small traditional fishing boats, that you see dotting the shoreline.
You can sail on a traditional fishing boat and become a fisherman for the day.
You can watch the sunrise over nearby Lombok, or catch it setting over the towering volcanoes of Bali.
Jukung are only suitable for only 2 people and one driver. If you are more than 2, you will need extra boats!
Join a Balinese Cooking Class
Want to know the secrets that make Balinese and Indonesian cuisine so flavorful?
In Amed, you can take a traditional cooking class!
Combined with trekking or palm wine tasting, you can immerse yourself in Balinese culture while learning some skills to take the tastes of the island home with you.
Stay in a Freedivers Community
Ocean Prana
Ocean Prana Hostel is located in the heart of Jemeluk Bay.
There is a stunning beach right in front of the hostel, with beautiful corals for snorkeling and diving.
Whether an experienced freediver or newbie, there are classes available onsite in the huge 25m pool.
Featuring quaint, rustic bungalow rooms, it is a comfortable spot even if you don’t plan to dive.
Trek Mount Batur at Sunrise
Trekking Mount Batur is an adventurous travelers dream.
Most start the trek from Ubud, however from Amed it is just a 2 hours drive to the base of the trek.
Starting at dawn, you can meet up with the team and start the challenging hike up the volcano.
It is possible to trek without a guide, but it’s not recommended. Guides do this day in and day out, they know all the best tricks.
Enjoy a Night at Pacha Reggae Bar
Pacha Reggae Bar
Pacha Reggae Bar is a must try while in Amed.
Chilled, relaxed and vibey, you can sip a Bintang, groove to class reggae tunes and meet the locals and Amed expats.
After a day of exploring the area, it is a great spot to unwind.
Final Thoughts
A 3 hour drive from Canggu, Amed is on the far east coast and is much quieter than the southern tourist centers.
Diving, hiking, drinking and lounging, the idyllic town has it all!
