Black-sand beaches curve around quiet bays, Agung volcano on the horizon and coral reefs burst just metres from the shore; it’s no wonder you’re searching for the best things to do in Amed.
This ribbon of sleepy fishing villages on Bali’s east coast quickly became my favourite place on the island. After weeks exploring Indonesia’s most offbeat destinations, there was something about Amed that felt different: calmer, slower, more real.
With Mount Agung rising in the background and village life unfolding by the sea, it’s perfect for low-key travellers craving a gentler pace.
Snorkelling and diving are the obvious highlights, but venture inland, and you’ll find rice paddies, waterfalls, ancient temples and sweeping viewpoints that feel worlds away from South Bali.
In this guide, I’m sharing what to do in Amed, plus my favourite spots to stay and eat.
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At a Glance: Best Things To Do in Amed, Bali
Amed sits within Karangasem Regency. It’s a long stretch of small fishing communities scattered along Bali’s east coast; a place where salt farming still happens by hand, and colourful boats line the shore.
- Snorkelling & Diving: Explore coral reefs at Jemeluk and Lipah, dive the USS Liberty shipwreck, try free diving, or join a snorkelling tour to the Japanese Wreck and Turtle Point.
- Beach & Ocean Activities: Relax on black-sand beaches, enjoy scenic beach walks, kayak at sunset, or head out on a traditional jukung fishing boat at sunrise.
- Culture & Local Life: Visit the Salt Farm Centre (dry season only), explore nearby temples like Lempuyang and Besakih, and experience Amed’s fishing village atmosphere.
- Viewpoints & Nature: Chase Mount Agung views at Bukit Cinta and Lahangan Sweet, or venture inland to waterfalls like Yeh Mampeh.
- Wellness & Slow Living: Practise yoga at Blue Earth Village, enjoy fresh seafood at local warungs, and soak up Amed’s laid-back rhythm.
🌟 My top pick >> Join a snorkelling day trip and explore the WWII Japanese Shipwreck, meet sea turtles at Turtle Point, and discover a mystical underwater temple.
How to get to Amed
Amed is around 3–4 hours by road from South or Central Bali.
The easiest options are a private driver or shuttle minivan, though confident riders can also scooter as part of a Bali road trip. Once in Amed, renting a scooter locally is the easiest way to get around.
🏨 Accommodation // Where To Stay In Amed // 8.2+ ratings
Budget-friendly: Dharma Yoga | Mid-Range: Villa Adi | Luxury: Griya Villa & Spa
Amed Activity Map
Below is an activity map to help you plan a visit to Amed. I’ve marked each activity and location to make things easier for you.
The Best Things to Do In Amed, Bali
1. Go Snorkelling
Snorkelling is easily one of the best things to do in Amed. As a total water baby, I’m always chasing coral reefs, and Amed delivers.
The water here is usually clear, warm and calm, which makes it ideal for beginners and experienced snorkellers alike. You don’t even need a boat in many places; most of the reefs sit just metres from the shore.
I snorkelled around Lipah Beach and Jemeluk Bay, both of which have beautiful shallow coral gardens teeming with life. If you’re hoping to spot blacktip reef sharks, head over to Selang Beach, where sightings are fairly common.
If you’d rather go with a guide, there are plenty of Amed tours that combine multiple snorkelling spots in one morning.
⭐ BOOK: Join a snorkelling day trip and explore the WWII Japanese Shipwreck, meet sea turtles at Turtle Point, and discover a mystical underwater temple.
2. Enjoy Relaxing Beach Walks
One of my favourite things to do in Amed is simply walk. No plan, no schedule, just following the curve of the coastline.
Head north from the village, and you’ll gradually leave the fishing boats behind.
When I first arrived, all I wanted was to slow down, so I wandered along the beach, stopped at a laid-back beach bar or two, and sipped a cold Bintang with my feet buried in the sand.
Amed Beach is perfect for strolling. The waves roll in gently, Mount Agung looms in the distance, and the whole place feels unhurried. It was exactly what I needed after three busy weeks travelling around Bali.
Can you swim at Amed Beach?
Yes, you can. Because the beach sits inside a small bay, the sea is usually calm and easy to swim in. Water temperatures hover around 28°C, and the visibility is often good enough to spot fish even close to shore.
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3. Learn to Scuba Dive
Scuba diving is hands down my favourite hobby, and one of the absolute best things to do in Amed, Bali.
The diving on this side of Bali is phenomenal. I don’t say that lightly.
There’s something surreal about dropping below the surface and spending an hour drifting through coral gardens, watching reef fish flicker past, and the world above disappear.
Around Amed, you’ll find incredible dive sites, from colourful coral walls to famous shipwrecks like the USS Liberty in nearby Tulamben.
I personally used Dive Concepts in Amed (and again in Nusa Lembongan) and had a brilliant experience. Professional, friendly and reasonably priced.
⭐ BOOK: If you’ve never tried diving before, this is a great place to do a Discover Scuba Dive. Conditions are generally calm, visibility is good, and the marine life is incredible even at shallow depths.
4. Try Free-Diving
Another one of the more adventurous things to do in Amed is to try free diving.
Free diving is exactly what it sounds like: diving down on a single breath, without scuba equipment. It might sound intense (and it can be), but it’s also incredibly calming and technique-focused.
Amed has quietly become one of Bali’s free-diving hubs thanks to its calm waters and clear visibility, especially around Jemeluk Bay.
You absolutely don’t need to be an athlete to give it a go. There are beginner courses that focus on breathing techniques, relaxation and safety, so even first-timers can have a go.
Company Shoutout >> With practice, you could be diving to depths within Jemeluk Bay, spotting schools of fish and other macro marine life. If you’re curious, Ocean Prana Bali is one of the well-known schools in the area offering courses and training.
5. Traditional Boat Ride & Fishing in Amed
In Amed, these classic jukung outriggers are still used for fishing and short coastal trips, and local captains often offer authentic experiences that feel completely off the tourist track.
If you’re an early riser, you can organise a trip with a fisherman on his jukung: line fishing and soaking in sunrise views over the water.
This isn’t a tour-booked excursion, so you’ll usually arrange it directly with locals on the beach or through your guesthouse, agreeing on a price before you go.
As a rough guide, negotiate a fishing trip in Amed at around 225,000–325,000 IDR for 2 people for a few hours on the water.
⭐ BOOK: Alternatively, it is possible to pre-book a Jukung sunset cruise instead. Prices are inflated, though it’s a good idea if you prefer not to negotiate.
6. Yoga at Blue Earth Village
I don’t know about you, but I love a bit of yoga.
These days, I don’t practise as much as I’d like, but when I was in Bali, it became a daily ritual (I’m now living on Gili Meno). And in Amed, it’s easily one of the most grounding and rewarding things to do.
Blue Earth Village has one of the most beautiful yoga shalas I’ve experienced in Bali.
Perched above Jemeluk Bay, the views stretch across the ocean with Mount Agung rising in the distance, a pretty unbeatable setting for a slow morning practice.
The resort itself is more than just yoga. It’s a place to stay, meditate, eat well, and unwind, and it’s also known as one of the first freediving communities in Bali.
⭐ BOOK: Stay at Blue Earth Village, it’s a fantastic place if you’re looking for a co-working and social yet relaxing experience in Amed.
7. Kayaking in Amed
With its calm, glassy waters, kayaking is one of the more relaxed things to do in Amed.
I didn’t actually get out on a kayak myself, but I saw plenty of people paddling along the coastline, especially in the late afternoon.
The sea here is usually gentle, particularly in Jemeluk Bay, making it perfect for beginners or anyone who just wants to float around without battling waves.
Sunset is the golden hour. Heading out around 5:30 pm gives you the chance to paddle as Mount Agung slowly glows in the background, which looks pretty magical from the water.
⭐ BOOK: If you’d prefer to book in advance, there are transparent kayak rentals available so you can glide over the reef and spot fish beneath you while you paddle.
8. Try the local Seafood
One of the best things to do in Amed is incredibly simple: eat the seafood.
I had some genuinely delicious meals here, including fresh fish wrapped in banana leaf and grilled to perfection at See You Again Café.
Simple, smoky, full of flavour, and exactly what you want after a salty day at the sea.
Amed is a fishing village at its core. Colourful jukungs line the shore, heading out at dawn and returning with the day’s catch. That fish goes straight to the local warungs, so you’re usually eating something that was in the ocean just hours before.
My advice is to find a beachfront spot, order the catch of the day, and take your time.
Pro tip: What I will say is that prices can vary depending on the place, so it’s always worth checking the menu before you order — but when it’s good, it’s really good.
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9. Salt Farm Centre In Amed
This is one of those quieter attractions in Amed that many people completely miss.
Salt farming has been part of life here for centuries, and a handful of local families are still keeping the tradition alive using the same slow, hands-on methods.
Watching the process gives you a real insight into Amed’s history beyond beaches and diving.
Tourism wages have made it harder for this tradition to survive, so visiting, taking a tour and buying locally produced salt genuinely helps support the community. It’s simple, educational and a lovely way to connect with Amed’s roots.
💡 Good to know
It’s worth noting that the salt farms operate only during the dry season, typically from August to November, when there’s enough sunlight for evaporation. Outside of those months, tours may not be running, although the small shop is often still open.
10. Explore Amed by Bike
One of the most eco-friendly activities in Amed is to hop on a bike and explore the coastline. It’s relaxed, scenic and a lovely way to see another side of East Bali.
You can absolutely go it alone, and cycling along the quiet village roads is a fun way to see more of daily life. Just be warned, Amed is not flat.
At some point, you’ll probably find yourself staring up at a monster hill, wondering if you’ve made a terrible decision. Maybe you’ll conquer it. I personally prefer not to test my luck.
If you’d rather enjoy the views without the leg burn, East Bali Bike Company is a great option. They’ll drive you up into the hills and let you cruise downhill, either in a group or on a private tour.
11. Visit Temples Near Amed
If you’re wondering what to do in Amed beyond the sea, heading inland to explore Bali’s temples is a beautiful way to experience the island’s spiritual side.
Amed itself has small local temples tucked between houses, and along the coastline, but within an hour or so, you can reach some of Bali’s most important and photogenic temple complexes.
It makes the perfect day trip to mix up your Amed itinerary.
12. Besakih Temple
Known as the Mother Temple of Bali, Besakih is the island’s largest and most sacred temple complex. It’s not just one temple but a vast collection of over 80 shrines and structures layered up the slopes of Mount Agung.
13. Visit Tirta Gangga
Tirta Gangga was once a royal palace, built in 1946, and today it’s a peaceful water garden filled with fountains, koi ponds and intricate stone carvings.
Stepping stones lead you across ornamental pools, and the whole place feels calm and elegant. It’s one of the prettier temple-style sites near Amed and is easy to pair with another stop on the same day.
14. Pura Lempuyang Temple
Pura Lempuyang is famous for its “Gate of Heaven” framing Mount Agung in the distance. In reality, the temple itself is quite small, which surprised me, but the setting is undeniably beautiful.
Pro tip: Go early in the morning on a clear day for the best chance of seeing the volcano without cloud cover. And a little reality check: there isn’t actually a reflective pool beneath the gate. Photographers use a mirror to create that iconic illusion.
⭐ BOOK: Join this private day tour and witness the Bali Aga culture at Tenganan Village, the pools of Tirta Gangga, Lempuyang Temple and sunbathe on Virgin Beach.
15. Agung Viewpoints
![Lahangan Sweet viewpoint near Amed. [image courtesy of © Catherine Xu]](https://igoa-adventure.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Lahangan-Sweet-Viewpoint-Bali-©-Catherine-Xu-900x600.webp)
One of the biggest reasons people fall in love with Amed is the Mount Agung backdrop.
Towering at just over 3,000 metres, Bali’s highest volcano dominates the skyline and looks especially dramatic from the east coast.
If you’re building your list of things to do in Amed, chasing those volcano views should be high on it. Early mornings are best, before the clouds roll in and hide the summit.
16. Bukit Cinta
Bukit Cinta (Google Maps) is probably the easiest and most popular viewpoint near Amed. Around 30 minutes from the village, it’s simply a roadside stop overlooking rice paddies with Mount Agung rising in the distance.
There’s no long hike or complicated route, just a grassy field and wide-open views. Go at sunrise for your best chance of clear skies.
17. Lahangan Sweet
Lahangan Sweet (Google Maps) is one of the most impressive viewpoints in East Bali. Set high in the hills, it features a series of wooden platforms that frame Mount Agung beautifully.
The entrance fee was 20,000 IDR when I visited (worth checking current prices), and the views are absolutely worth the drive. It feels more adventurous than Bukit Cinta and gives you that “wow” moment when the mountain is fully visible.
⭐ BOOK: Start your day before dawn on this private tour at Lahangan Sweet, then visit the iconic Gate of Heaven and Tirta Gangga Water Palace.
18. Visit Waterfalls
Chasing waterfalls has to be one of the classic Bali experiences, and honestly, it never gets old. If that were a full-time job, I’d sign up immediately.
While Amed is best known for the sea, there are a couple of impressive waterfalls within reach if you’re happy to venture inland. It’s a great way to add variety to your list of things to do near Amed, Bali.
I won’t mention the popular waterfalls, but here are two hidden gems:
19. Jagasatru waterfall
Jagasatru is more of a hidden gem, definitely for those who enjoy a bit of adventure. Getting there can be tricky, particularly during the wet season when the roads are rough and muddy.
It’s less developed and a little harder to access, but that’s part of the appeal. If you’re confident on a scooter and don’t mind a challenge, it’s a rewarding addition to your Amed activities.
21. Yeh Mampeh (an hour away)
Yeh Mampeh is one of the tallest waterfalls in Bali and still feels relatively untouched compared to the more famous spots further south. Its name translates to “Flying Water,” and when you see the cascade tumbling down from such height, it makes sense.
It’s about a 20-minute walk to the base, and on sunny days, you might even catch a rainbow forming in the mist. It feels wild and dramatic, especially after rain.
⭐ BOOK: Explore Bali your way with a private car and driver. Plan your own route in advance and get picked up directly from your hotel in Amed.
21. Temukus Village & The Marigold Fields
A spot I missed on this trip (and one firmly on my return list) is Temukus Village and its marigold fields.
These bright orange flowers are used daily in Balinese-Hindu offerings and create a stunning landscape when in bloom.
The best time to visit is during the dry season, especially from July to September, when the fields are at their most vibrant. It’s a beautiful, lesser-known stop to round off your Amed itinerary.
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Amed Itinerary Trip Practicalities
Where to stay in Amed, Bali
Amed isn’t one single village, but a long stretch of small coastal communities spread along the east coast. Where you stay can really shape your experience, so it’s worth choosing a spot that matches how you want to travel.
Amed Beach is the most central and convenient base. It’s great if you want easy access to cafés, dive centres, snorkelling spots and sunset viewpoints. This area suits first-time visitors and anyone following a relaxed Amed itinerary, with minimal driving.
Jemeluk Bay and Lipah Beach are ideal if you’re here primarily for snorkelling, diving and beach time. These areas feel quieter and more laid-back, with beautiful bays, making them perfect for couples, divers, and slow travellers.
How to get to Amed, Bali
Getting to Amed takes a bit of effort, but that’s part of what keeps it feeling calm and uncrowded.
Depending on where you’re coming from, you can travel by public bus, shuttle minivan, taxi, scooter, or private driver; most routes start from South or Central Bali.
Here are some suggested options.
- Ngurah Airport to Amed: Mini-van – check prices
- Sanur to Amed: Mini-van/ taxis – check prices
- Kuta to Amed: Mini-van – check prices
- Ubud to Amed: Mini-van/ taxis – check prices
- Canggu to Amed: Mini-van/ taxis – check prices
Travel time is usually 3–4 hours, depending on traffic and your starting point.
If you want the easiest option, arranging a private driver is very popular. You’ll get an air-conditioned car, door-to-door service, and the flexibility to stop along the way.
For confident riders, it’s also possible to scooter to Amed, especially from places like Ubud or Sidemen. The roads are mostly good, the scenery is beautiful, and it makes for a memorable part of a Bali road trip.
Where to eat in Amed
The beach is lined with cosy restaurants. The night scene is quiet, but there is some entertainment and a few bars; you’ll find plenty of cafes.
Galanga: One of my favourite restaurants in Amed, serving beautifully presented Indonesian and Thai dishes in a relaxed garden setting.
Chill Bar & Grill: It reminded me of Greece with its white-and-blue decor, gentle reggae playing, and a perfect sea view. With sand under my feet and a partly Mexican menu, it’s perfect.
Green Leaf Cafe: Our favourite vegan-friendly cafe in Amed. It sits right on the sand at Jemeluk Bay and serves decent crepes.
Rimba Cafe: I loved this cafe for breakfast smoothie bowls, and it turned out to be one of the better breakfast places in Amed. It’s right in the centre of town and easy to get to, the staff are really nice too.
See You Again Cafe: My favourite restaurant in Amed, the view over Jemeluk Bay was superb, and the food was delicious!
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Resources For Bali
Is it your first time visiting Bali? We’ve written lots of useful posts to help you plan your trip. You can check them all out on our Bali Page here, but below are some of our most popular articles:
- Not far from Amed is Mount Batur; its sunrise hike is a must-do activity.
- I travelled around Bali on a 4-week road trip.
- I’ve also written 3-week and 5-day itineraries to help you plan.
- Read this post to learn about our favourite hot springs in Bali, and this one is the best waterfall.
- Here are guides to the best Tanah Lot temple tours and half-day Ubud tours.
- If you’re visiting Ubud, don’t forget to visit Campuhan Ridge.
- Penglipuran Village, the cleanest village in Bali, but is it worth a visit?
End Note: Best Things To Do In Amed, Bali
Amed is one of those places that quietly gets under your skin.
It’s not flashy. It’s not trying to impress you. But between the early morning boat rides, coral reefs just metres from the shore, volcano views that stop you in your tracks and evenings that feel slow and golden, it becomes somewhere you don’t really want to leave.
For me, it was the highlight of Bali. If you’re looking for things to do in Amed that mix ocean adventures with simple village life, I genuinely think this little stretch of the east coast.
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FAQs: Top Things To Do In Amed
Is Amed safe for tourists?
Yes, Amed is considered very safe for tourists. It’s a quiet fishing region with a relaxed, local feel and far fewer crowds than South Bali. As always, use common sense with valuables and take care on scooters.
How many days do you need in Amed?
I’d recommend at least 3 days in Amed at least. That gives you enough time to snorkel or dive, explore viewpoints like Lahangan Sweet, visit nearby temples, and still have slow beach walks and sunset dinners. If you love the ocean as I do, you could easily stay a week.
What is Amed best known for?
Amed is best known for snorkelling and diving, particularly the USS Liberty shipwreck near Tulamben and its colourful coral reefs. It’s also loved for its volcano views, traditional salt farms, and laid-back village atmosphere.
