The ultimate guide to Amed
Are you tired of the chaos in Ubud center and the non stop traffic jams in Canggu or Seminyak? Maybe it’s time to pack your bags and make your way up to North East Bali! In this blogpost, I will spill the beans on the best places to stay, eat, beach and watch sunsets in Amed!
Amed isn't just a spot on the map ,it's a whole mood! You’ll find cute fishing villages, black sand beaches, the best diving spots on the island and stunning yoga shala’s! And if you want to get up close and personal with the locals and their traditions, Amed is the place to be. You can discover the artistry behind the production of local artisanal salt—a testament to the community's traditions!
This cluster of quaint fishing villages paints the coastline, serving as the gateway to an jaw dropping marine world—think incredible coral reefs and even shipwreck diving! It's an absolute must-visit on your Bali itinerary! Above the waterline, cultural water palaces and an array of outdoor activities await you. And when it comes to dining, Amed spoils you with an abundance of fresh, local delights.
So, whether you're diving into Bali's aquatic wonderland or gobbling up some of the island's finest bites, hop on this ride with me! I'll tell you where to lay your beach towel, eat like royalty, and dive headfirst into the awesomeness of Amed!
Amed beach
WHERE IS AMED?
Amed is a charming coastal area located on the northeastern tip of the island. It spans along the eastern coast, approximately 2.5 to 3 hours' drive from the bustling southern tourist hubs like Kuta, Seminyak, and Denpasar. This tranquil haven is nestled away from the more crowded and touristy regions of Bali, offering a serene and quieter escape for travelers seeking a more laid-back and authentic Balinese experience.If you’re coming from the International Airport in the south, it’s a 2.5-3 hour drive.
Amed map
HOW MANY DAYS SHOULD YOU STAY IN AMED?
So, how many days should you plan to spend in Amed? Well,If you're aiming for a taste of everything this coastal gem has to offer—from wandering through fishing villages to soaking up rays on various beaches—you’ll need at least two or three days. However, you could easily spend a week or more if you just want to relax in this quiet corner of Bali; there are plenty of snorkeling spots, hidden bays, and mountain views to discover.
Mathis Lodge Amed
THE BEST HOTELS IN AMED FOR EVERY BUDGET
If you’re wondering where to stay in Amed, you came to the right place! I will share my favorite places to sleep below! You will see that even the splurge options are still very affordable in this part of Bali!
But first let's talk Amed geography. Depending on where you're at, it might take you a good ol' 20 minutes to breeze from one side to the other. If you're aiming to set up your Bali HQ in a spot that's not just jaw-dropping but also super peaceful (think birds chirping, waves crashing—the whole serene shebang), I've got the inside track for you. Cue the drumroll for Jemeluk Bay or Lipah Beach—these little havens are the chill zones you've been dreaming of!
SPLURGE €€€ (still cheap however!!!)
MID RANGE €€
BUDGET €
Rimba cafe Amed
BEST RESTAURANTS IN AMED
Life in Amed
Rimba cafe: the best!
Gusto: Italian food
Galanga garden restaurant
Warung asli
Trattoria: great Italian restaurant with legit pizza, pasta, gnocchi, bread, soups and wine overlooking Ibus Beach.Might just be the best Western food in Amed
La cocina mexicana
Aquaterrace:best Japanese in Amed
Good stuff cafe: Amed’s newest addition to the foodie scene and hotspot. Smoothie bowls and granola bars to cold-pressed juices and kombucha.
Ibus seaview (ocean view)
See you again cafe (ocean view)
blue earth village amed yoga shala
BEST THINGS TO DO IN AMED
1.Yoga at Blue Earth Cafe
Blue Earth Village is an evolving educational and community hub on the beautiful Amed coast. They also offer a pool, yoga classes (yoga space with insane views!) and a restaurant! You shouldn’t miss out on this place!!
2.Diving
Amed is known to be THE diving spot in Bali! Head over to Amed Reef, a popular spot, known for its warm shallow waters and breathtaking underwater scenery. It’s great for both beginner divers and more experienced divers. Even more exciting, go to the USAT Liberty Shipwreck,just off the shoreline at the village of Tulamben. This ship was sunk by a Japanese submarine during World War II and, in the years since, has transformed into an incredible artificial reef, covered in coral and teeming with sea life. You can find everything from huge shoals of fish to turtles and seahorses. Best of all, it is easily accessible from the shore, making it a great dive for beginners.
3.Spa
What’s a holiday without a trip to the spa? Pamper yourself at Swasty Dewi Salon & Spa, without breaking the bank! Or check out the ocean front spa at the Santai Hotel! Massage overlooking the ocean? Yes please!
sunset spot Amed
4.Watch sunset
Where to go? Waeni’s Sunset View, See you again cafe, Blue earth village and sunset point at Jemeluk bay (has a pool too!!)
4.Explore the black sand beaches
Amed Beach (black sand), Jemeluk Beach (great snorkeling and swimming), Lipah Beach (the most beautiful), Selang Beach (snorkeling), Ibus beach (the quietest. It’s also a great spot for lunch or dinner!)
Lahanghan Sweet viewpoint Amed
5. The best volcano viewpoint in Bali: Lahangan Sweet
Lahangan Sweet is your ticket to a jaw-dropping visual feast! Nestled atop a lush hill adorned with a canopy of trees, this spot is straight out of a postcard. What's the claim to fame? Well, it's hailed as one of the holy grails for panoramic views—hello, Mount Agung and the breathtaking Amed Bay!
It’s about a 30 minute drive from Amed, but o so worth it! The entrance fee to the area is 30.000 IDR (± 2 USD) per person.
6. Discover Amed's salty secret: Where tradition meets taste!
Fun fact alert: Amed isn't just about stunning views and ocean adventures—it's also a salty sensation! For centuries, this coastal gem has been dishing out top-notch, high-quality salt that's so deliciously unique, it once scored a VIP spot as a gift for the King of Karangasem in Bali. Yep, it's that good!
So, how's this savory magic made? Local salt farmers keep the tradition alive by using age-old salt pans crafted from coconut trees. Talk about a labor of love! It's a meticulous process passed down through generations, where every step—collecting the salt by hand—is like a dance performed with utmost care and expertise.
What's the secret ingredient to this salt's fame? Well, besides its mouthwatering umami flavor, it's the sheer dedication and craftsmanship poured into every crystal. That's the story behind Amed's sea salt—a delightful blend of tradition, taste, and a sprinkle of local love!
Amed beach Bali
HOW TO GET AROUND IN AMED?
Unfortunately there is no Gojek or Grab available in Amed (yet) - or hardly any. So your best option is to rent a scooter or hire a private driver!
By scooter
Renting a motorbike is your best option, mainly as it allows you to explore more rural areas. Rental is also very reasonable, with an average cost of 50,000 – 70,000 IDR (3.30 – 4.62 USD) per day.
Private driver
Hiring a private driver is a great option if you don’t want the hassle of organizing your own travel or are scared to drive a scooter yourself. Even more so, it’s actually very common in Bali! Just ask your hotel or homestay, they always have family members or friends that are looking for some extra jobs!
