13 Things to Do in Amed, Bali

August 30, 2024

13 Things to Do in Amed, Bali

Bali is a booming tourist hotspot, renowned for its culture, lush landscapes, and stunning coastlines. But, when you think of Bali, Amed may not be the first destination that comes to mind. Located on the island’s northeastern shore, Amed is a less-trodden destination waiting to be explored. With its black sand beaches, rich underwater life, beautiful landscapes, and variety of activities, Amed offers an authentic Balinese experience away from the crowded tourist hubs. In this guide we’ll cover the best things to do in Amed, along with tips on accommodation, transportation, and everything else you need to know for an unforgettable trip.

Sections

Amed

Things to Do in Amed

Where to Stay in Amed

Vegan & Vegetarian Food in Amed

How to Get to Amed

Getting Around Amed

Amed FAQs

Amed

Amed is a picturesque coastal area made up of several small fishing villages. The area is famous for its stunning coral reefs, making it more popular with divers and snorkelers. Unlike the busy areas of Kuta and Seminyak, Amed is laid-back and peaceful, making it an ideal destination for those looking to escape the usual hustle and bustle of Bali.

A woman diving down to a Japanese shipwreck off the north Bali coast

A couple standing between traditional Balinese gates at Lahangan Sweet

A woman looking through a window with some stained glass at a temple garden

Small fish swimming upright in the water near a shipwreck

The black sand beaches get their color from the volcanic activity in the region. This also gave rise to the area’s lush hills and valleys, and its most prominent resident—Mount Agung—Bali’s highest and most sacred mountain. There isn’t a huge amount to do in Amed itself, so many of the things on our list are a short journey away in the surrounding rural areas.

Things to Do in Amed

1. Diving USAT Liberty Shipwreck

Diving at the USAT Liberty Shipwreck is one of the most popular activities in Amed. The USAT Liberty was a United States Army cargo ship torpedoed by a Japanese submarine during World War II. The ship was beached on the shores of Tulamben, just a short distance from Amed, and has since become a world-renowned dive site.

A diver dwarfed by an enormous shipwreck reaching up to the surface

A wall of a shipwreck with square shaped structures covered in coral and teeming with life

This was probably the cheapest dive we’ve seen anywhere in the world at under $25 including full equipment! Diving in Bali is generally cheap anyway, but the wreck lies just off the shore, meaning there’s no need for a boat.

There’s not as much marine life at the Liberty as some of the coral reefs, it’s more about the incredible wreck itself. If you’re an experienced diver there’s a lot to explore and plenty of swim throughs available.

A black and yellow map of the USAT Liberty Shipwreck in Amed

Three divers swimming through the USAT Liberty Shipwreck near Amed

A diver viewed through a swim-through of a shipwreck in Bali

You can dive here as a beginner too since the top of the wreck is only 3m under the surface. There are more enjoyable dives to be had for inexperienced divers though like the nearby Coral Garden.

2. Lahangan Sweet

For some of the best scenes of the surrounding landscape, you should head to Lahangan Sweet. This attraction offers panoramic views that include Mount Agung, the lush valleys below, and the coastline stretching out to the horizon.

A couple at traditional Balinese gates at Lahangan Sweet, reflected in what looks like water

A couple sitting on a wooden platform attached to a tree with a view of Mount Agung in the background

There’s a series of platforms, swings, and gates similar to the insta-famous Gates of Heaven which offer great photo spots with Mount Agung towering behind.

A woman standing on a platform extending out from the hillside with a view of a cloudy Mount Agung

A view from the top of a hill looking out over forest, shoreline, and sea

The muddy road wasn’t the easiest to navigate with two of us on a scooter. You can take a transfer to the top for a few dollars if you’d prefer.

3. Japanese Shipwreck

The Japanese Shipwreck to the east of Amed is much smaller than the USAT Liberty but much more accessible. The wreck lies in shallow waters, making it an ideal snorkeling spot.

A woman snorkelling above the Japanese shipwreck near Amed

A man diving amongst a large shoal of small fish with a Japanese shipwreck behind

A Japanese shipwreck underwater covered in coral and vegetation and surrounded by fish

As well as the wreck itself, there’s some coral and plenty of tropical fish to see. The site is easily accessible from the shore, and you can rent gear from the nearest hotel—Kawi Karma.

4. Tirta Gangga

Tirta Gangga, a former royal palace, is a beautiful water garden located near Amed. The palace is known for its tiered fountains, stepping stones, and calming pools filled with koi fish.

A man sitting on a stepping stone in the middle of a large pond feeding koi carp

A woman sitting on a stepping stone in the middle of a large pond feeding koi carp

A woman sitting on a stepping stone surrounded by a pond of koi carp

A stone statue of a bull's head with water spouting from his mouth and temples in the background

You can feed the enormous koi karp from small stones crossing the pools and watch them as they surround you. The grounds are a peaceful retreat where you can explore the gardens and wander among the statues and fountains.

5. Underwater Temple

Another of Amed’s marine attractions is the underwater temple just off the coast of Jemeluk Beach. The temple was deliberately submerged to create an artificial reef and attract marine life.

A man diving down to a sunken temple and ruins

Three people diving down to a sunken temple

A woman snorkelling next to a sunken temple

The underwater temple is surrounded by statues of gods and goddesses, making it a fantastic place to snorkel. The site is relatively shallow, and close to the shore, making it accessible even to those new to snorkeling.

6. Amed Salt Centre

The Amed Salt Centre offers a glimpse into the traditional way of life in this coastal region. Salt production has been a vital part of Amed’s economy for centuries, and the Salt Centre preserves this heritage. You can learn about the traditional methods of salt harvesting, which involve drying seawater in the sun and collecting the crystallized salt in hollowed out trees.

Rows of hollowed out trees used to evaporate sea water to harvest salt

A green, square sign with yellow writing reading "Amed Salt Center"

Jars of coarse salt with the words "Garam Amed"

Visiting the Amed Salt Centre is a great way to support the local business and learn about an important aspect of the region’s culture.

7. Taman Ujung – Water Palace

Taman Ujung is a beautiful water palace complex located near Amed. It’s somewhat of a hidden gem, with far fewer visitors than some less impressive sites. The palace, also known as the Water Palace of Karangasem, was built in the early 20th century by the King of the region.

A view of a water temple and gardens from a high viewpoint

A woman walking across stepping stones in a pond

A Hindu statue with a water temple behind

A water temple with fountains, statues, and manicured gardens

The palace is surrounded by large pools and connected by elegant bridges and pathways. You can wander through the beautiful gardens with statues and sculptures, cross the ornate bridges, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. There’s also a large set of stairs leading panoramic views of the grounds and the surrounding hills.

8. Sunset Point

Sunset Point is the best way to end an evening in Amed. It’s a pool club with an incredible clifftop location and breathtaking views. The bar features a large infinity pool facing west for the perfect sunset—as you may have guessed from the name.

A selfie of a couple in an infinity pool, holding a tropical martini cocktail

A woman at the Sunset Point infinity pool in Amed looking at a view of Mount Agung

You can relax on comfortable loungers or bean bags, while enjoying refreshing cocktails and snacks from the bar. There’s no entrance fee, just a minimum spend of 125,000 IDR (around $8).

9. Pura Lempuyang – Gates of Heaven

Pura Lempuyang is one of Bali’s most iconic temples, and most photographed landmarks. Located a short drive from Amed, the temple is famous for its ‘Gates of Heaven’, a stone gate that perfectly frames Mount Agung in the distance.

If your heart is already set on going, by all means go for it, but there’s a few things to note. The photos suggest that there’s a still lake in front creating a perfect reflection, but that’s not actually the case. The locals that work there use a reflective piece of plastic to create the illusion of still water. Also, it’s one of the most crowded tourist attractions anywhere in Bali, and that’s saying something!

We’d recommend going to Lahangan Sweet for a similar experience with far fewer people. Although there’s no guarantee that lasts, it will likely gain popularity over time too.

10. View of Mount Agung

Mount Agung dominates the landscape around Amed, and you can enjoy stunning views of this sacred mountain from various places around the region.

A woman walking on a road surrounded by rice fields with a view of Mount Agung

A woman in asian watercolor style clothing looking at Mount Agung from a distance

One of the best spots is amongst the rice fields to the south of Amed on Bukit Cinta which means ‘Love Hill’. It’s a fair distance from Amed, but near to the next thing on our list anyway.

11. Lontar Museum – Balinese Writing

The Lontar Museum is dedicated to preserving Bali’s unique writing style. The museum houses a collection of ancient scripts written on lontar leaves, a traditional Balinese method of recording text.

A woman carving Balinese letters into a dried palm leaf (lontar )

A woman holding a palm leaf manuscript - Balinese lontar

Two names carved into dried palm-leaves known as lontar

You can learn about the process of making writing with lontar and even attempt it yourself. The letters are carved into the dried leaves with a pointed knife and rubbed with burnt nuts to make it readable.

12. Black Sand Beaches

Amed’s black sand beaches are a distinctive feature of the region. The sand gets its dark color from volcanic ash and minerals.

An interesting wicker lantern at a black sand beach

The beaches in Amed are less crowded than those in other parts of Bali, making them perfect for a peaceful day by the sea. You can relax on the sand, take a dip in the clear waters, or explore the coral reefs just offshore.

13. Apneista – Freediving and Yoga

At first, freediving and yoga may seem like very unconnected activities, but actually the focus on mental strength and wellness lends itself to both. Learning to freedive involves controlling your breathing and ensuring a calm mind, skills that are also central to yoga.

But there’s no requirement to do both, so if you’re interested in either then Apneista is a good option. They offer freediving courses from beginners to advanced as well as daily yoga classes for any level.

Where to Stay in Amed

Amed offers a range of accommodations to suit different budgets and preferences. Here are some recommendations:

Luxury: The Griya Villas and Spa is a luxury retreat offering villas with private infinity pools and stunning views of the ocean.

Mid-Range: The villas in Life in Amed Boutique Hotel are a good option for comfort and style without the hefty price tag.

Budget-Friendly: Anda Amed Villas & Spa is great value for money with a temple garden feel and a spa area that offers Balinese massages.

Vegan & Vegetarian Food in Amed

Bali’s vegan and vegetarian game is strong, though Amed is not as good as other areas like Ubud yet. That said there are still a few great spots, here are two top places you should try:

A plate of noodles and veg at a cute cafe

Green Leaf Cafe which is part of Apneista offers a variety of plant-based dishes like curries, salads, and bowls made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients, all with a view of the beach.

Blue Earth Village is another good spot for vegan and vegetarian food in Amed. They’re also linked to Apneista and take the daily yoga classes. They offer a variety of local dishes with a focus on fresh, organic ingredients.

How to Get to Amed

Amed is located on the eastern coast of Bali, about a 3-hour drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar. The most common way to reach Amed is by car.

If you’re coming from the airport or a major place like Ubud or Canggu, you can book a taxi via the ride-hailing app Grab. Or alternatively you can hire a private driver, which are easy to find in Bali. Either ask your accommodation or take a card from any of the taxi drivers.

Getting Around Amed

It is possible to get private drivers and taxis around Amed, but it might be expensive. The best option to get everywhere efficiently is to rent a scooter.

A selfie of a couple on a motorized scooter in the wing mirror

A man on a scooter on a muddy road near Amed in Bali

Scooter rentals are widely available, just ask in your accommodation. If you’ve never ridden a scooter before, Amed’s not a bad place to start—the roads are far quieter than elsewhere in Bali. That said, there are a lot of steep winding roads to get to some of the attractions, so take your time.

Amed FAQs

Is Amed, Bali Worth Visiting?

Yes, Amed is absolutely worth visiting for incredible diving and snorkelling as well as its natural beauty and cultural sites. It’s a peaceful alternative to Bali’s busier tourist areas, with plenty of activities to keep you busy.

What is Amed Known For?

Amed is best known for its diving opportunities, rare black sand beaches, and stunning views of Mount Agung. The area is famous for its coral reefs and shipwrecks, making it a popular destination for divers and snorkelers.

How Many Days to Spend in Amed?

You should spend at least three to four days in Amed to fully experience what the area has to offer. This allows enough time to explore the main attractions, dive, enjoy some beach time, and take a day trip to explore nearby sites like Tirta Gangga and Taman Ujung. If you’re a diving enthusiast, you might want to stay longer to explore more of the dive sites.

Is Amed Expensive?

Amed is very cheap in terms of accommodation, food, scooter rental, and activities. It’s one of the cheapest destinations in the world for scuba diving.