Tucked away on the eastern coastline, Amed, Bali is where things slow right down. It’s a long stretch of quiet villages, backed by Mount Agung and fronted by some of the best reefs on the island.
Most people come here for the diving, but there’s more going on than just what’s under the water. From sunrise views to local food spots, the range of things to do in Amed is bigger than most expect.
This guide breaks it all down properly: what’s worth your time in 2026, what’s nearby, and what you can skip.
Things to do in Amed
Amed isn’t one single beach or town. It’s a long stretch of coastline made up of seven small villages, each with its own feel.
That’s why the “things to do in Amed” aren’t all in one place, they’re spread out along the coast.
Most of the action is built around the water, with snorkelling, diving, and laid-back beach time being the main draw.
But once you start exploring properly, you’ll also find traditional salt farms, local warungs, yoga spots, and quiet corners that feel a long way from the busy south.
Because Amed runs for over 10 kilometres, where you stay matters. Some activities are right on your doorstep, while others can be a 10 to 20-minute scooter ride away.
Sunrise at Amed Beach
If you do one thing in Amed, make it sunrise. It’s easily the best time of day here, and it costs you absolutely nothing except waking up early.
Head down to the black volcanic sands of Amed Beach just before 6:00 AM. As the sun rises over the Lombok Strait, the sky shifts through deep purple into bright orange, with Mount Agung sitting quietly behind you.
The real highlight is the fishing boats. Around sunrise, dozens of traditional jukung boats glide back to shore after a night at sea, giving you that classic Amed scene without trying too hard for it.
- Location: MJ8R+HF Purwakerti, Karangasem
- Entrance fee: None
- Best time: 6 AM
☀️ Morning Routine: After sunrise, head straight to Rooftop Sunset Amed for breakfast. The name throws people off, but it’s actually one of the best morning spots in town, with an elevated view over the boats and Mount Agung as everything slowly comes to life.
Live Music at Amed Kedai
If you’re looking for things to do in Amed at night, don’t expect full-on party mode. The vibe here is more “quiet fishing village” than “Canggu at 2AM.” Not your typical Bali nightlife.
That said, there is one place that consistently brings a bit of energy, and it’s Amed Kedai. This is the go-to spot for live music in Amed, pulling in a mix of locals, expats, and tourists.
On Wednesdays and Saturdays, they host live bands, and it’s usually the busiest place in town by a mile.
- Location: MM65+JMX, Jl. I Ketut Natih, Purwakerti
- Entrance fee: None
- Best time: Saturdays from 8 PM
⚠️ Heads Up: The Arak here is safe and cheap but go easy on it. It can creep up on you fast. Stick to beers if you’re a lightweight.
Amed Balinese Cooking Class
If you’re looking for more cultural things to do in Amed, a cooking class is an easy one to add to your list. It’s something you actually take home with you, not just photos on your phone.
One of the more popular options runs out of Susie’s Cafe, where the whole experience feels relaxed and personal rather than overly staged.
You’ll usually cook a few Balinese foods like sate lilit, nasi goreng, and gado gado, with a proper hands-on setup instead of just watching someone else do the work.
Compared to the bigger cooking schools in Ubud, this feels a lot more local. Smaller groups, more interaction, and a better sense of how these dishes are actually made day to day.
- Location: Jl. Melasti, Purwakerti
- Class price: IDR 450k / person
- Opening hours: 12 PM to 10 PM
Natural Facial at Blue Earth Village
Most people come to Blue Earth Village for the sunset views and bamboo setup, but one of the most relaxing things to do in Amed is tucked away at the back.
Head past the main restaurant to the quiet reception area and ask for their “Garden Facial.” It’s around $10 USD for a full hour, which feels borderline unfair for what you get.
They use simple, natural ingredients like cucumber, avocado, and local botanicals, which is exactly what your skin needs after a few days of sun and salt water.
- Location: MM66+GX Bunutan, Karangasem
- Price: Starts at IDR 150k
- Booking time: 12 PM to 7 PM
💡 Pro Tip: They usually have a limited number of therapists on-site. To avoid disappointment, I highly recommend booking your appointment a day or two in advance.
Beachside Sunset Seafood Dinner
For food-focused things to do in Amed, this one’s a no-brainer. If you’re by the coast, you may as well eat seafood, and in Amed, it doesn’t get much fresher than this.
Warung Bobo is a local favourite in 2026, sitting right on the beach with a clear view of the water while you eat. It’s the place you go for a proper Balinese-style seafood BBQ.
Most of what’s on your plate was likely caught that same morning by the fishermen you saw at sunrise, so the menu shifts depending on the day’s catch.
- Location: Jl. I Ketut Natih, Purwakerti
- Average prices: IDR 85k-150k
- Best time: Sunset dinner
Drinks at Sunset Point
Watching the sun drop behind Mount Agung is one of those essential things to do in Amed. It’s the main event every evening, and most places along the coast get a view, but this is where people naturally end up.
Sunset Point sits up on the cliffs above Jemeluk Bay, giving you that wide, elevated view over the coastline with the volcano in the background.
It’s a social spot. Music stays chilled, Bintangs are cold, and the beanbags fill up quickly around golden hour, so don’t show up late expecting the best seat.
- Location: MM67+R5 Bunutan, Karangasem
- Entrance fee: IDR 150k (min. spend)
- Best time: After 4:00 PM
💡 Seating Tip: Head early (around 4:00 PM) for your choice of seats. I recommend sitting in the restaurant area or reservation a sunbed with an umbrella. Crowds start piling in around 5:30 PM.
Massage at Amed Bali Spa
A massage quickly moves up the list of things to do in Amed if your body is feeling it after a few dives.
There are plenty of small roadside spots, but Amed Bali Spa is one of the more reliable options if you want something a bit more consistent.
They’ve built a solid reputation for skilled therapists, professional service, and pricing that still feels reasonable compared to resort spas.
Whether you go for a traditional Balinese massage or something deeper, it’s one of those places that tends to deliver without much guesswork.
- Location: Jl. I Ketut Natih, Amed
- Prices: Starts at IDR 150k
- Opening hours: 11 AM to 8 PM
💡 Pro Tip: If you want the ultimate 2-in-1 relaxation combo, you can also book a session at Blue Earth Village right after your “Garden Facial.” It’s a great way to consolidate your wellness time in one location without having to move between villages.
Visit the Salt Farm
This is one of the more unique things to do in Amed, and is also quite unique to the area.
Amed salt is well-known across Indonesia and even makes its way into gourmet shops in places like Japan. The reason is the process, which hasn’t really changed for generations.
Farmers use volcanic sand and hollowed coconut trunks to filter seawater before slowly drying it into crystals.
It’s a slow, hands-on method that produces a slightly coarse “rice-like” salt with a clean, natural flavour. Not a big tourist attraction, just a simple setup by the beach.
- Location: MJ7W+VR Purwakerti, Karangasem
- Entrance fee: Free
- Opening hours: 9 AM to 5 PM
Important: It’s Seasonal. This is a weather-dependent craft. Salt production only happens during the dry season (usually August to November). If you visit during the rainy season, you’ll see the salt pans sitting empty as the process requires consistent, hot sun to evaporate the seawater.
Breakfast with a View
This is one of the more scenic things to do in Amed in 2026 if you want to ease into the morning properly. Joli Best View lives up to the name.
Most people come up here for sunset, but breakfast is the better move. It’s quieter, cooler, and you’re not fighting for a seat.
The cafe looks straight out over Jemeluk Bay, with clear views of the coastline and the fishing boats heading back in. On a good morning, you’ll end up sitting longer than planned.
Because it faces east, you also get a slightly elevated sunrise view. If you’re not keen on standing on the beach at 6 AM, this is the comfortable version with coffee already sorted.
- Location: MJ7W+VR Purwakerti, Karangasem
- Price range: IDR 75k-100k
- Opening hours: 7 AM to 10 PM
Recover at The Lift
If you’ve been stacking early mornings, dives, or even a Mount Batur trip, recovery quickly becomes one of the smarter things to do in Amed.
The Lift is known as the best-equipped gym in the area, but a lot of people come here for the recovery setup instead.
Skip the workout for once and go for their “Relax and Recharge” package. You get access to a proper sauna and cold plunge, which is surprisingly rare out this side of Bali.
- Location: MJ7X+PH Purwakerti, Karangasem
- Recovery Session: IDR 150k
- Opening hours: 6:30 AM to 9 PM
Learn to Make Offerings
If you’re after more cultural things to do in Amed, this is one of the more meaningful ones you can try.
You’ve probably seen Canang Sari everywhere by now. Most people walk straight past them without realising how much detail goes into making one.
At Susie’s Cafe, you can join a simple class where you learn how to fold the base from young coconut leaves and arrange the flowers properly.
It’s a short, hands-on experience, but it gives you a much better understanding of something you’ll see all over Bali.
If you’re staying in or near Ubud, this Canang Sari Workshop above teaches you how to make offerings in a traditional setting. Hit the button above to see more details.
Try a Yoga class
Ever since Eat Pray Love, yoga has been part of the Bali experience. In Amed, it’s a lot more low-key than Ubud or Canggu, but the quality is still seriously good.
If you’re looking for more zen-focused things to do in Amed, there are a few solid options depending on what you’re into:
- Deep Flow Training at Blue Earth Village: Easily one of the nicest yoga spaces in Amed, with an open-air setup and ocean views. Good mix of strength and flow.
- Apneista: Amed is Bali’s freediving hub, and this place is well known for its “Yoga for Freedivers” sessions, focused on breathwork and flexibility.
- Freediving Amed: Another popular option, mainly geared towards divers, but still open to anyone wanting a more functional, breath-focused session.
It’s a nice change of pace from the water, and a good excuse to slow things down for an hour.
Relax at Lipah Beach
If Jemeluk Bay is the social side of Amed, Lipah Beach is where things slow right down.
When it comes to relaxing things to do in Amed, this is one of the best spots to park yourself for a few hours without much effort.
The sand here is finer than most beaches in the area, and the water is usually calmer thanks to the natural shape of the bay.
That makes it ideal for an easy swim, a bit of snorkelling, or just doing absolutely nothing for a while.
- Location: MM2J+4VG, Bunutan, Abang, Karangasem
- Sunbed rentals: IDR 50k / person
- Opening hours: 10 AM to 10 PM
🧉 Coconut Tip: Grab a sunbed at Warung Indah and order one of their coconuts. I’m not exaggerating when I say their coconuts are massive, easily some of the biggest you’ll find in Bali.
Shell Museum at Aiona
As you cruise along the coastal road towards Lipah Beach, you’ll probably notice a sign for the “Shell Museum.” It’s not a full-scale museum. It’s more of a curated display inside the shop.
Still, it’s one of the more random and interesting things to do in Amed if you like unique little finds. The space itself is part vegetarian cafe, part gift shop, with an artsy vibe that fits Amed perfectly.
You can browse the collection, pick up a few souvenirs, and then sit down for a juice or a bite if you feel like it. It’s not a must-do, but it’s the kind of stop you end up enjoying more than expected.
- Location: MM49+R7 Bunutan, Karangasem
- Entrance fee: IDR 25k
- Opening hours: 12 PM to 5 PM (closed Sun-Mon)
Lunch in a Garden
When you look up things to do in Amed, Galanga shows up everywhere. Naturally, it sounds like one of those places that’s overhyped. I thought the same, until I actually went.
It’s just off the main road, and once you’re inside, it feels completely removed from everything. The standout here is the seating.
You eat in private bales, those traditional raised huts, spread across a well-kept garden. It’s quiet, green, and surprisingly peaceful, making it one of the best spots in Amed for a slow, no-rush lunch.
- Location: MM49+8M Bunutan, Karangasem
- Price range: IDR 60k-150k
- Opening hours: 12 PM to 9:30 PM
🍷 Wine Prices: If you enjoy a glass of wine with lunch, you’ll be surprised. Their local wine prices are quite close to retail store prices, which is a rare find in Bali where restaurant markups are usually massive.
Go Glass Bottom Kayaking
If you want to see what’s under the water without actually getting in, this is one of the more unique things to do in Amed on the water.
Crystal Kayak sits right on the main stretch of Amed Beach and rents out fully transparent kayaks.
Because the bottom is clear, you can paddle over coral gardens and spot tropical fish swimming underneath you while staying completely dry.
It’s an easy, low-effort activity, especially if you’re not into snorkelling or diving but still want a look at Amed’s underwater side.
- Location: MM83+39 Purwakerti, Karangasem
- Rental: IDR 200k / hr
- Opening hours: 10 AM to 6 PM
Boat Trip for Sunset
While most people head up to the clifftop bars, one of the more underrated things to do in Amed is getting out on the water for sunset. Honestly, if you’re travelling as a couple, this is a solid move.
Plenty of local snorkelling and dive operators will rent out a traditional jukung boat for a private sunset cruise.
You don’t need to snorkel or dive. Just hire the boat with a driver for an hour or two and cruise along the coastline while the light fades behind Mount Agung.
- Location: Jemeluk Bay or Lipah Beach
- Boat Rentals: IDR 500k
- Best time: Around 5 PM
💡 Pro Tip: Most boat captains are totally fine with you bringing your own drinks. Just grab a few cold Bintangs from a local shop before you head down to the sand.
Go on a Fishing Trip
Fishing is at the core of life here, so if you want something more authentic, this is one of the more local things to do in Amed.
Like snorkelling trips, you can arrange this directly with local fishermen who’ll take you out on a traditional jukung for a morning session.
This isn’t a polished charter boat experience. You’re heading out before sunrise, using simple line fishing methods, and seeing firsthand how the day starts for most of the village.
- Location: Jemeluk Bay or Lipah Beach
- Trip prices: Starts at IDR 500k
- Best time: Sunrise
🎣 Fishing Tip: If you catch something, many local warungs will happily grill it for you for a small fee. There is nothing quite like eating a Mahi-Mahi dinner that you caught yourself just a few hours earlier.
Things to do Near Amed
This part of the island, known as Karangasem, feels very different from the south. Less developed, more spread out, and packed with iconic landmarks.
Most of the following things to do in Amed sit within about 30 to 60 minutes, but distances here can be misleading. Roads are narrow, winding, and cut through hills.
If you’re planning to hit a few spots in one day, a scooter can feel like hard work. Most people end up hiring a private driver for the day, especially if they want to cover the classic East Bali loop without rushing.
Visit Lempuyang Temple
If you’re building out your list of things to do in Amed, this is one of the most iconic spots just outside the area.
Lempuyang Temple is the place with the famous “Gates of Heaven” photo, where Agung sits perfectly framed between the split gates. It’s also one of Bali’s oldest and most important temples.
Quick reality check though. This is not a quick stop. Between the drive, queue system, and the photo process itself, you’re looking at around 3 hours minimum, often longer if you arrive mid-morning.
- Location: JJ5H+GQF, Jl. Pura Telaga Mas Lempuyang
- Entrance fee: IDR 150k
- Opening hours: 6 AM to 6 PM
💡 Pro Tip: If you want the best light and the shortest wait, you need to leave Amed by 4:30 AM to be there for the very first light.
Photos at Lahangan Sweet
If you’re planning things to do in Amed and the 4-hour queue at Lempuyang isn’t appealing, this is your backup plan. Lahangan Sweet sits about 20 minutes away.
You get a wide-open mountain ridge with Mount Agung right in front of you, no crowds blocking the shot.
Instead of lining up for a numbered ticket, you can move around freely between different photo spots. There are wooden platforms, treehouses, and even a gate-style setup if you still want that classic Bali shot.
- Location: JJHQ+6C Bunutan, Karangasem
- Entrance fee: IDR 100k
- Opening hours: 6 AM to 8 PM
Explore Tianyar Savanna
Head north to Tianyar Savanna, a wide-open stretch of grassland sitting right at the base of Mount Agung. It’s dry, rugged, and doesn’t look like the Bali most people expect.
You’ll often see horses and cows roaming freely across the plains, which adds to that raw, untouched feel.
It’s not a structured attraction. No tickets, no setup, just open space, big views, and a completely different side of the island.
- Location: QGF5+X4 Tianyar, Karangasem
- Entrance fee: Free
- Opening hours: None
💡 Pro Tip: Go for sunrise. The sun comes up over the ocean behind you and lights up the face of Mount Agung in front of you.
Tirta Gangga Water Palace
This is one of the most recognisable things to do in Amed during a day trip, mainly for those iconic stepping stones surrounded by bright orange koi fish.
Built in 1946 by the King of Karangasem, the name translates to “Water from the Ganges,” and it’s still considered a sacred site for Balinese Hindus today.
The easiest way to visit is to treat it as a stop along the way rather than a full mission. It sits right off the main road, making it perfect for a quick 45-minute break if you’re heading to or from Amed.
Tirta Gangga Water Palace is worth seeing, just don’t plan your whole day around it.
- Location: HHQQ+836, Jl. Raya Tirta Gangga
- Entrance fee: IDR 90k
- Opening hours: 6 AM to 7 PM
Berina Rice Terrace
Among the quieter things to do in Amed, Berina Rice Terrace is a nice change of pace from the coast.
It feels like the opposite of Tegalalang. It’s low-key, locally run, and easy to miss if you don’t know it’s there.
There’s no big setup or staged photo spots. Expect layered green rice fields, a calm valley view, and a more natural look at how farming actually works out here.
It’s the kind of place you stop for 30 minutes, take it in, and move on without dealing with crowds.
- Location: JJJ5+9J Tista, Karangasem Regency
- Entrance fee: Free
- Cafe hours: 9 AM tp 6 PM
💡 Pro Tip: They have a small cafe overlooking the terraces that is famous for its Goreng Pisang (fried bananas) served with local honey and palm sugar.
Bukit Cinta Viewpoint
For that classic postcard view of Mount Agung, Bukit Cinta is hard to beat.
This is the spot you’ve probably seen online, with green rice fields and palm trees in the foreground and Agung rising perfectly in the background. On a clear day, the scale really hits you here.
It’s a short drive, and easily one of the more photogenic things to do in Amed during a day tour if you want a clean, unobstructed view without dealing with crowds.
Best to go early morning before clouds roll in, otherwise Agung has a habit of disappearing on you.
- Location: HJF5+C3 Karangasem, Karangasem
- Entrance fee: IDR 5k (parking)
- Opening hours: 7 AM to 7 PM
💡 Pro Tip: Right at the viewpoint, you’ll find Paborito Coffee. It’s a small, open-air cafe where you can sit with a fresh brew and just soak in the landscape.
Photos at Taman Ujung
Taman Ujung is the bigger, more expansive version of Tirta Gangga, built as a royal retreat for the King of Karangasem.
Among the more cultural things to do in Amed, this one stands out for its scale. The complex stretches across wide gardens, walkways, and viewpoints, with a mix of Balinese, European, and Chinese design.
Most people visit on the way in or out of Amed in 2026. It sits about 15 minutes south of Tirta Gangga, so it works well as a final stop before heading back towards Ubud or the airport.
- Location: GJPJ+Q7 Tumbu, Karangasem
- Entrance fee: IDR 100k
- Opening hours: 7 AM to 7 PM
Puri Agung Karagasem
For a bit of history, this is one of the more insightful things to do in Amed, especially if you want context beyond beaches and viewpoints.
Karangasem Royal Palace is the actual royal center of the region, not a restored tourist site. It was the seat of power when Karangasem operated as its own kingdom.
It’s a fairly quick stop, but walking through the grounds gives you a better feel for how Balinese royalty lived and how important this area once was.
- Location: HJ48+M9 Karangasem, Karangasem
- Entrance fee: IDR 30k
- Opening hours: 6 AM to 9 PM
Visit the Lontar Museum
For a deep dive into the intellectual heritage of the island, head to Museum Pustaka Lontar in Dukuh Penaban.
This site is dedicated to ancient Balinese manuscripts etched onto dried palm leaves, offering a side of Bali most travellers never see.
If you’re drafting an itinerary of cultural things to do in Amed, I suggest looking past the display cases and signing up for their hands-on workshop.
The highlight is learning to write Balinese script on a physical lontar. You’ll use a traditional iron stylus to etch characters into the leaf, then rub it with burnt hazelnut to bring the writing to life.
- Location: HJH6+PR Karangasem, Karangasem
- Lontar writing: IDR 50k
- Opening hours: 8 AM to 4 PM
Gili Selang Lighthouse
If you find yourself staying on the eastern side of Amed or just want an excuse for a coastal drive, this is a solid addition to your list of things to do in Amed.
Gili Selang marks the easternmost point of Bali, and the scenery out here feels noticeably more rugged than the main bays. Steeper cliffs, stronger currents, and fewer people.
Getting to the top of the lighthouse isn’t guaranteed. There’s no formal system, so access depends on whoever is on duty when you show up.
- Location: HPX5+PP2, East Seraya, Karangasem
- Entrance fee: IDR 50k
- Opening hours: 24hrs
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re lucky, the person working might offer to take you up to the balcony for around IDR 50k. Other days, they might strictly deny access for safety or maintenance. It’s a bit of a toss-up, but definitely worth the attempt.
Relax at Virgin Beach
Amed is known for its black volcanic beaches, but sometimes you just want that classic white sand setup.
Virgin Beach, near the village of Bugbug, gives you exactly that. It’s a tucked-away crescent of light sand between two cliffs, and easily one of the best-looking beaches in East Bali.
When planning your things to do in Amed in 2026, treat this as more of a stop along the way rather than a separate trip.
It sits about 45 minutes south, so it fits best when you’re travelling to or from Amed. Good spot to reset for a few hours, swim, grab a coconut, then keep moving.
- Location: Jl. Raya Bukit Asah No.Desa
- Entrance fee: IDR 20k
- Opening hours: 7 AM to 6 PM
Things to do in Amed (Underwater)
While the coastline is impressive, what’s under the surface is what really puts Amed on the map.
This stretch of East Bali, along with nearby Tulamben, sits right in the Coral Triangle. That means warm water, strong biodiversity, and some of the best shore diving and snorkelling you’ll find anywhere.
You don’t need to be an expert to enjoy it either. From first-time snorkellers to experienced freedivers, getting in the water is one of the most essential things to do in Amed.
USAT Liberty Shipwreck
Located about 15 minutes north of Amed, the USAT Liberty Shipwreck is easily one of the most famous dive sites in Indonesia.
The 120-metre US Army transport ship was torpedoed in 1942, then later pushed into the sea by lava from Mount Agung’s 1963 eruption.
What makes this one of the standout things to do in Amed is how accessible it is. The wreck starts at around 3 metres and slopes down to about 30, so there’s no boat involved. You literally walk in from the beach and swim out to it.
- Snorkelling: On a clear day, you can see the upper sections of the wreck, including the exposed ribs, with large schools of fish moving through it.
- Diving: Divers get the full experience, swimming through sections of the ship now covered in coral, with marine life all around.
Japanese Ship Wreck Point
If you want underwater things to do in Amed without heading up to Tulamben, this is one of the easiest options right in the village.
The Japanese Shipwreck in Banyuning is much smaller than the Liberty, but it sits in very shallow water, which makes it incredibly accessible.
You’ll spot a black buoy just a few metres offshore marking the site. The wreck is covered in soft corals and acts like a magnet for tropical fish.
- Snorkelling: Starting in just 2 metres of water, you can see the entire structure clearly without needing to dive. It honestly feels like a natural aquarium.
- Diving: Take your time around the wreck and nearby reef and you’ll find plenty of macro life, including nudibranchs, leaf scorpionfish, and occasionally pygmy seahorses. It’s also a great spot for a relaxed check dive or even a night dive.
💡 Pro Tip: The entry is quite rocky, so I highly recommend wearing reef shoes or fins to get into the water. After your swim, head to one of the nearby warungs for a cheap lunch—it’s one of the most chilled-out things to do in Amed to round out a morning.
Turtle Point (Selang Beach)
If swimming with turtles is on your list in 2026, this is one of the most reliable spots and easily one of the more memorable things to do in Amed.
While you might get lucky in Jemeluk or Lipah, this stretch near Selang Beach is where they show up consistently.
The entry point is right in front of Warung Pyramids, named after the pyramid-shaped artificial reef structures sitting on the sandy bottom.
- Snorkelling: Walk straight in from the beach and head towards the pyramids. Turtles here are used to people, so don’t be surprised if one casually glides past you.
- Diving: The structures attract more than just turtles. Look closely and you’ll find macro life like ghost pipefish, leaf scorpionfish, and nudibranchs tucked into the reef.
It’s one of those spots where you don’t need a tour or a boat, just a mask and a bit of patience.
Pro Tip: Go in the morning when the water is calmest. This area can sometimes experience a side-shore current, so if you’re a beginner, it’s worth hiring a local guide for 50k–100k IDR to help you spot the turtles and keep you in the right area.
Jemeluk Bay
If one spot sums up the whole experience, it’s Jemeluk Bay. This is the most iconic stretch of coastline and easily one of the essential things to do in Amed.
The bay is naturally sheltered by hills, which keeps the water calmer and makes it one of the easiest places in Bali to snorkel or dive.
It’s also home to one of the more unique features in Amed, an underwater postbox and a collection of Balinese statues that have turned into a thriving artificial reef.
- Snorkelling: You can reach the statues in under two minutes from shore. Look for the white buoy out front. Even if you stay shallow, the coral wall on the right side of the bay is worth exploring.
- Diving: The bay offers a proper wall dive dropping to around 40 metres. You’ll get a mix of larger marine life like reef sharks and Napoleon wrasse, plus macro opportunities closer to the sandy bottom near the statues.
Planning Your Amed Trip
Before heading out east, there are a few things worth knowing. The list of things to do in Amed is long, but getting there and getting around takes a bit more planning than other parts of Bali.
Best Time to Visit
Amed runs on its own little microclimate. It’s usually hotter, drier, and sunnier than Ubud or the south.
- Dry Season (April to October): This is the sweet spot. Clear water, better snorkelling conditions, and consistent blue skies for Mount Agung views.
- Rainy Season (Nov to March): Everything turns greener, but underwater visibility drops a bit. Expect short, heavy afternoon rain.
Essential Travel Tips
- Cash is king: Cards are accepted in more places now, but plenty of warungs and dive shops are still cash-only. There are a few ATMs, but don’t rely on them always working. Bring backup.
- Getting around: One of the best things to do in Amed is simply cruising the coastline. If you’re not on a scooter, a private driver makes life much easier.
- The beaches: Sand here is volcanic, so expect black and pebbly shores. If you’re chasing soft white sand, plan a trip to Virgin Beach.
See Also
FAQs About What to Do in Amed
What are the best things to do in Amed?
The best things to do in Amed include snorkelling at Jemeluk Bay, diving the USAT Liberty shipwreck, watching sunrise on Amed Beach, and visiting local salt farms.
Is Amed only for diving and snorkelling?
No, while Amed is famous for its underwater scene, there’s plenty to do on land. You can visit viewpoints, take cooking classes, relax on quiet beaches, enjoy live music, and explore nearby temples.
Are there free things to do in Amed?
Yes, many things to do in Amed are free, including watching sunrise, snorkelling from the beach (with your own gear), visiting viewpoints, and exploring the coastline.
What is there to do in Amed at night?
Things to do in Amed at night are more laid-back. You can catch live music at Amed Kedai, enjoy a beachfront seafood dinner, or watch sunset drinks at cliffside spots like Sunset Point.
What are some things to do in Amed as a couple?
For couples, things to do in Amed include sunset boat rides, beachfront dinners, spa treatments, and quiet time at beaches like Lipah or Selang.
What to do in Amed with kids?
With kids, things to do in Amed include easy beach snorkelling, glass-bottom kayaking, visiting calm beaches like Lipah, and short cultural activities like salt farms.
What to do in Amed for seniors?
For seniors, things to do in Amed include scenic drives, beachfront cafes, gentle snorkelling, spa treatments, and visiting nearby temples without strenuous hikes.
What is the best part of Amed to stay in for activities?
Jemeluk Bay is the best area to stay if you want easy access to restaurants, snorkelling spots, and tour operators, all within a short distance.
Do I need to stay in Amed or can I visit for the day?
You can visit Amed as a day trip, but staying at least one or two nights is recommended to enjoy sunrise, snorkelling, and the slower pace without rushing.
How many days do you need in Amed?
Most tourists spend 2 to 3 days in Amed. This gives you enough time to explore the coastline, enjoy the water, and visit a few nearby attractions.
Are there any waterfalls in Amed?
There are no major waterfalls directly in Amed itself, but you’ll find a few in East Bali. The closest options are small, less-developed falls, while bigger and more impressive waterfalls are usually found further west toward Sidemen or Ubud.
Can you surf in Amed?
Surfing isn’t a main activity in Amed. The coastline is better suited for snorkelling and diving, with only occasional small waves in certain conditions.
