Are you planning a short break or weekend getaway? When it comes to popular destinations in Bali the same few come up time and time again. Uluwatu, Ubud and Canggu are well known tourist hotspots but what about getting off the well beaten track and exploring Bali’s East Coast? You might be surprised to learn that there is plenty to do away from the crowds (or boarded up tourist attractions).
Amed is a great place to start when it comes to discovering the ‘real’ Bali (and when we say real, we don’t imply that this means roughing it, there are plenty of great accommodation options too (check out Amed Beach Resort)! Despite boasting stunning natural landscapes, a flourishing underwater world, and an infectious laidback vibe, Amed remains somewhat of a hidden gem.
Here are a few of our recommendations for things to do, see and visit while you are here.
This post was first published in Jul 2021 and re-published Dec 2024.
1. Scuba Diving
Until recently, scuba diving was the primary reason that most tourists visited Amed. Amed’s beautiful coral reefs combined with some of the best muck diving sites in Bali is also the reason why we established Two Fish Divers in Amed, our award winning PADI 5 Star IDC Center located at the Amed Beach Resort on Amed Beach.
The waters of Amed are an underwater playground, boasting a variety of dive sites and marine life. Divesites like our House Reef (also known as Ghost Bay) provide top-class muck diving, with mimic octopus, ghost pipefish and more. Amed Wall and Pyramids provide easy drift dives with turtles, reef sharks, blue-spotted stingrays and many reef fish.
If you want wrecks then we are just 20 minutes from the famous USAT Liberty wreck. Lots of marine life also call the wreck their home including Bumphead parrot fish, barracuda, turtles, hard & soft corals, and macro life like pygmy seahorse, nudibranch, scorpion fish, etc.
Whether you are an experienced diver adding a few extra dives to your belt, or a newbie wanting to secure your PADI license, you are sure to be blown away by the thriving aquatic eco-systems.
Not sure if diving is for you? Stay with us at Amed Beach Resort and try diving in the swimming pool with us free!
2. Snorkelling in Amed
Its easy to experience the vibrant marine life in Amed. Amed is ideal for a calm and gentle snorkelling experience which makes it perfect for families with water babies too! There are several reefs just metres out from the coast that are perfect for snorkelling where you’ll find a variety of coral species playfully circulating the reef. There is even an underwater temple which makes for great photo opportunities.
For a more adventurous snorkelling experience in Amed, there are several sites where it isn’t uncommon to see the likes of sea turtles and black tips sharks. Visit Lipah Beach or Selang Beach for the best chance of spotting these bigger species.
Our snorkelling trips go out by boat to ensure you see the best spots. Our boats are purpose-built for water sports and have shaded areas as well as sunny spots so you can enjoy your time out on the water in comfort.
3. Black Sand Beaches
Amed Beach Resort is located right on the seafront with direct access to the beach. Pull up a bean bag and kick back and relax with Mount Agung dominating the skyline in the distance. Amed’s beaches with their glistening black sand are pleasantly quiet compared to the Beaches around the south of the island.
If you are an early riser, look out for the local fishing boats landing with their catches and if you’re visiting with kids, take a stroll along the beach looking for shells. They are easy to spot on the black sand!
4. Sunset Point
There is no better way to draw an active day to an end than by watching a stunning sunset with an ice cold beer!
The best sunset spot in Amed is undoubtedly Sunset Point. The elevated point boasts stunning views over Amed, the ocean and across to Mount Agung.
If you’d rather stay at Amed Beach Resort, don’t worry, you won’t be disappointed with the impressive sunset from the beach!
5. Bukit Cinta – Mount Agung Viewpoint
Bukit Cinta offers one of the best views of Mount Agung to be found in Bali.
If you don’t mind an early start, we suggest visiting Bukit Cinta for sunrise. On a perfect morning, mist cloaks the low-lying rice fields while pink hues in the sky cast a magical glow on Agung. It’s a breathtaking sight that is well worth the early wake-up call!
6. Pura Lempuyan Temple
If you are looking for more cultural things to do around Amed, a trip to Pura Lempuyan Temple should be on your bucket list. Located upon Lempuyan Mountain, (around a 30-minute drive from Amed), this Balinese-Hindu temple is considered to be one of the most sacred sites in all of Bali.
The temple is made up of seven separate sanctuaries, but most are only familiar with the famous ‘Gateway to Heaven’. The Gateway to Heaven is two large “gate posts” which perfectly frame the view of Mount Agung in the distance. It’s also now one of the most Instagrammed places in Bali. (You can also follow us on Instagram here!)
If you are planning to take a picture here, we recommend arriving early. If you prefer to be genuinely active and not just active on Instagram, there is a 1700 stair climb which leads you through the several other temples located within the grounds.
7. Explore Amed by Scooter
Amed is a small town and it’s beautiful to stroll around and meet the friendly locals. However, if you have an international (or Indonesian) driving licence, we recommend renting a scooter and exploring a little further afield. If you do, you’ll find endless rice fields, small tokos (stores) and warungs (cafes) selling tasty nasi bungkus (Balinese rice parcels) which are the perfect fuel for a day of exploring. Try cruising down the coastal road and find your favourite view point over the ocean!
8. Fantastic Food
If you like fresh seafood then you are in the right spot! Historically, Amed was a small fisherman’s village, and the fishing trade is still the backbone of the community. As well as watching the fishing boats landing in the mornings, you’ll often find local fisherman selling their catch of the day at the side of the road. You can guarantee you’re getting the freshest of seafood here and fresh fish, or ‘catch of the day’, can be found on most menus in town! We love Bliss Cafe in particular for great seafood at local prices
For dining out in Amed, there is a large and ever-growing selection – right next to our car park on the main road there is a great bakery (Baker Street) for a croissant in the morning and fresh bread, next to that a new Kebab restaurant and a Thai place. Within 10 minutes walk there are lots of places on the beach and also food from round the world, like Mexican and French restaurants.
And for coffee lovers there are plenty of coffee shops that also offer bagels and naughty (but very nice) sweet treats. It’s pretty much impossible to go hungry here!
9. Tirta Gangga
Another beautiful cultural attraction near Amed is the former royal palace of Tirta Gangga. Today the grounds have been transformed into a lavish garden, adorned in intricate carvings, fountains, and typical Balinese flora and fauna.
Located just 30-minutes outside of Amed, a visit to Tirta Gangga makes for a peaceful and spiritual retreat. Tirta Gangga is also another place you might recognise from Instagram with plenty of photography opportunities.
This is a great trip to combine with nearby Bukit Cinta.
10. Indulge in a Massage
It’s impossible to be in Bali without indulging in some quality spa time! Amed has a number of spas, all of which offer a range of massages, manicures, pedicures and facials. After a day of snorkeling, diving, and exploring there’s no better way to end the day than by having tired and aching muscles cared for by an expert.
We recommend trying the Balinese Massage at Swasty Dewi Salon and Spa!
Interested in Amed?
If you would like to join us at Two Fish Divers Amed send us a message and we will get right back to you!
