Amed isn’t one of the locations most people associate with Bali, but it truly should be. This quiet cluster of villages lies on Bali’s east coast, roughly three hours from Kuta. And it is certainly worth a visit if you’re on the island.
For many, Amed is known as a diving and snorkelling haven, with plenty of healthy coral and marine life.
The gentle currents and excellent underwater visibility make it a fantastic Scuba location. However, there are plenty of other offerings in this seaside village.
The coastline near Amed is beautiful, and there is a strong local culinary scene, with a number of notable warungs and restaurants.
These days, more travellers spend time circumnavigating Bali island and head to locations outside of the known hotspots like Canggu, Seminyak and Uluwatu.
Amed is increasingly becoming a popular port of call. I can absolutely see why, and I’d recommend it to everyone who wants to get a little off the well-worn Bali tourist path.
What Are the Different Areas in Amed?
The area of Amed is actually made up of a 14-kilometre strip of coast, with seven different villages. The villages are Amed, Jemeluk, Bunutan, Lipah, Selang, Banyuning, and Aas. I’ll delve into a little more detail below.
Amed
Amed village sits at the northernmost part of the strip of villages known as Amed. There are many accommodation options here, along with the ferry terminal, which services Lombok and the Gili Islands. Amed beach is a black sand beach, with calm waters.
Jemeluk, Bunutan, Lipah
These three villages make up the area that is most popular with tourists. The vast majority of villas and hotels are strung out along the beach, and as a result, the area is a little more built-up than Selang, Banyuning, and Aas.
There are also more restaurants here, making this strip more family-friendly. Lipah beach is a real highlight, with a stunning sunrise view!
Selang, Banyuning, Aas
The three lower villages in the Amed cluster are less built-up, with fewer options for accommodation and less infrastructure.
However, you will find a few resorts in the area and even a beach club. There are also plenty of warungs (small restaurants) too if you’re up for trying some local cuisine.
Where to Stay In Amed?
Amed comes with a range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels like The Griya Villas, to more affordable abodes such as Melasti Villa.
If you’re looking for the best places to stay in Amed, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s start with some higher-end options.
Mathis Lodge markets itself as a charming lodge between sea and mountain… and the views from the accommodation are truly amazing! Set up in the hills above the water, guests can enjoy the views right from the comfort of their swimming pool or jacuzzi.
The lodge is about a 15-minute drive from the beach and is set on 2 hectares of land, which can be explored with electric vehicles.
There are twenty lodges on the property, built in a traditional manner but offering all the comforts and amenities of a top-line hotel. They range in size, with some able to accommodate a family of 4.
The Griya is a private luxury hideaway in Amed, sharing similarly stunning views to Mathis Lodge. The accommodation looks out over Lipah Beach, and consists of 14 luxury villas.
These Amed Bali villas make use of traditional Balinese design and contemporary style, giving them a unique and tasteful look and feel.
The facilities in the complex are top-of-the-line, with a wellness centre with a spa, gym, and sauna, a boutique, and an award-winning restaurant set beside the main infinity pool.
The Griya is the pinnacle of Amed luxury accommodation, and is certainly worth a look if you want to treat yourself!
Palm Garden resort is set right on Amed Beach, in a charming coconut grove, and is quite possibly the best beach hotel in Amed.
The resort offers 11 rooms, complete with a spa and an excellent restaurant. The sunrise views from the front of the resort are second to none, particularly from the beach-view deluxe rooms.
The accommodation is affordable for a higher-end resort, and the location is ideal for those wanting to explore the area in more depth.
Aquaterrace sprawls across a hillside right by Selang beach and provides both beachside and hillside cabins.
The pool looks out over the water, and has a bit of a European feel to it, thanks to the design of the buildings and balconies. The restaurant serves up excellent Japanese, Asian and International cuisine, and breakfast can be provided.
If you’re searching for the best Amed hotels, Aquaterrace will pop up every single time.
There are some excellent mid-range hotels available too.
Blue Moon is set in a lush tropical garden and includes four swimming pools looking out over the sea. Access to the beach is also easy from the grounds.
The accommodation on offer is made up of 17 rooms and villas, in a range of sizes.
The resort staff can help you organise and book a wide range of activities, including diving, trekking, and cycling.
Santai is a boutique hotel, also set amongst a tranquil forest. Mount Agung looms up behind the accommodation, meaning excellent views of both the beach and the mountains.
Santai includes a restaurant and a beach bar, with a variety of Toraja-style bungalows and rooms at an affordable price. Santai even hosts weddings!
Amed Cafe is regularly mentioned as one of the best hotels in Amed, combining value and great facilities.
It boasts two swimming pools, a spa, and a rooftop bar. Previous guests always mention the lovely staff and the comfort of the beds.
The rooms are simple, with local wooden design throughout. And of course, the accommodation is right by the beach!
Best Budget Hotels in Amed
Looking for something more budget-conscious?
This budget-friendly Amed accommodation is approximately 400m from Amed Beach and gives a truly authentic experience.
The bungalows are made from local timbers, using traditional Balinese architecture and design. Never fear though, all of the bungalows come with air conditioning!
There’s also a shared pool and an on-site spa for a great massage.
Mejore is a 3-star beachfront hotel, complete with a restaurant, swimming pool, bar, and shared lounge.
Amed Beach is just a stone's throw away from the hotel, and you can watch the waves right from the edge of the swimming pool.
Prices start from around 400k IDR per night.
All You Need to Know About Amed
Is Amed in Bali Worth Visiting?
Yes, Amed is absolutely worth a visit! Personally, I love to take every opportunity I can to get out of the busier areas, and Amed is a perfect place to spend a few days.
On the island, it’s well regarded as one of, if not the most underrated place in Bali.
Amed and its surroundings offer excellent beaches, stunning views, and plenty of activities to do, including diving and snorkeling. The drive itself, from down south, also offers a great opportunity to see more of the local side of Bali, which you might be missing out on in Kuta, Seminyak, or Canggu.
There’s a growing community of digital nomads in Amed, more restaurants and bars popping up, and some really fantastic yoga facilities (we’ll touch on those shortly).
In essence, there really is something for everyone in Amed! And with this article, now you’ll have a really good idea of where to stay in Amed, too.
Best Things to Do in Amed
Wondering What to Do in Amed, Bali?
Sunrise at the Beach
Lipah Beach is one of the best spots in Amed to catch a truly breathtaking sunrise. There’s nothing like sitting on the beach and watching the sun come up, with the waves lapping at the beach.
Amed Beach itself is another great spot for sunrise, and watching the sunset over the mountains later on really completes the experience.
Walk Around Town or Hillside
There are plenty of opportunities for a pleasant walk through and around Amed.
Whether that’s a walk along the beach (14 km if you like!), or along some of the hillside paths, there’s always a great view at the end of it! An added bonus is that you won’t really need to worry about traffic either.
Go Scuba Diving in Amed
Ask anyone in Amed what their favourite thing to do is, and the most common answer you’ll get is probably Scuba diving.
Amed is an absolute haven for diving, with a number of shipwrecks, reefs, and underwater landmarks that attract divers from all over the world.
If you’ve never done it before, don’t fear… there are plenty of spots offering a PADI diving course, which you’ll come out with an internationally recognised certification.
Snorkel the Famous Underwater Temple
If Scuba diving isn’t your thing, no worries… Amed is also great for those who prefer to stay closer to the surface.
Jemeluk Bay is the go-to spot for snorkelers in Amed, thanks to the calm waters and famous underwater temple. There are also healthy reefs and plenty of fish to spot.
Join a Yoga Lesson
Amed is blessed with several great yoga houses and retreats. The tranquillity of the area provides a really fantastic vibe, well away from the hustle and bustle of the more populated regions.
If you want to know more about where to do yoga in Amed, keep on reading; we’ll mention some specific spots further down the page.
Enjoy Some Fresh Seafood
A number of warungs and restaurants in Amed specialise in incredibly fresh seafood, literally right off the boat.
Warung Segara, Bliss Cafe, and Warung Amed Sea View are all worth a mention. Oftentimes, the fish is caught by the owners that very morning!
Check out Tirta Gangga
Tirta Gangga is a former royal palace, built back in the 1940s.
It’s named after the River Ganges in India, a sacred waterway in Hindu culture, and includes many water features… and is often known as the Karangasem Royal Water Palace.
There are also bathing pools and a Patirthan temple. The complex is about 30 minutes away from Amed.
Hire a Scooter and Cruise
Your accommodation will be able to tell you where to hire a scooter. If you’re not experienced on a scooter, there will be bicycles available at some hotels.
Once you’ve got your vehicle of choice, take a ride around the town, and check out the surrounding rice paddies and villages.
There’s nothing like cruising along the beach at sunrise or sunset.
Dive at the Japanese Wreck at Banyuning
This is one for the divers and snorkelers… the wreckage of a Japanese navy ship from World War 2.
It’s not far from the actual beach, and is not a particularly difficult dive. There are refreshments and food options available at the beach.
If you don’t want to think too hard, find a tour guide in town who can take you there and organise everything for you. An absolute must for anyone interested in diving Amed.
Climb Mount Agung
Agung is only accessible with a local guide, so make sure you ask around at your hotel.
It takes a little more than an hour to get there, but the views from the top are truly spectacular.
At 3,142 metres, Mt. Agung is the highest point on the island, so is well worth the hike.
Where to Do Yoga in Amed
Amed is a bit of a yoga haven, just like the rest of Bali boasts beautiful yoga retreats, Amed has a number of world-class hotels and facilities for yoga enthusiasts.
Blue Earth Village sits above Jemeluk Bay and is surrounded by natural beauty at every turn. The yoga deck has open views out to the hills and the water, creating an incredibly relaxing atmosphere, perfect for yoga classes at any time of the day.
Life Yoga in Amed combines wonderful yoga facilities, along with accommodations. They have a range of packages for those wanting to experience a yoga retreat in one of the most peaceful places in the world.
Meditasi Bungalows and Villas combine excellent accommodation and a restaurant, along with on-site yoga classes. The views from the accommodation are excellent, and there is even a meditation cave on-site.
Best Time to Visit Amed and How Long to Stay
As with most spots in Bali, it’s best to visit in the summer months, which run from May to September.
By visiting at that time, you’ll be able to avoid the majority of the rain, and ensure that the currents and swells at the beach aren’t too wild.
I could comfortably spend a week in Amed, but a few nights is enough time to see everything and immerse yourself in the charm and tranquillity of the coastal villages.
Any shorter than that means you might be a bit pressed for time, thanks to the long journey from the airport, or one of the southern areas.
How to Get To Amed?
Amed is a decent journey from Kuta, Seminyak, Legian, and Canggu. It can take more than 3 hours to get there, so do make sure you allow plenty of time.
It’s possible to organise a private driver for the journey, and some hotels or villas will be able to transport you from the airport, up to Amed.
Make sure you explore your options before landing, as it could save you plenty of hassle once you’re on the ground.
Is Amed Safe?
Amed is incredibly safe, and even more so than the more built-up areas down south.
As long as you practice safety in the water and drive carefully (if you have hired a scooter or vehicle), you don’t have anything at all to worry about.
If you want to spread your wings and check out some other parts of Bali, Amed should be at the top of your list.
This cluster of coastal villages offers something for everyone, and I can’t recommend it enough. Happy travels!
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