8 Amazing Things To Do in Amed, Bali; A 2025 Guide
Amed, a fishing town on the east coast of Bali, is one of my favorite places to visit on the island. I had an amazing three weeks here on my last trip, and the beauty, real Balinese culture, and stunning environment keeps stealing my heart every time i visit.
I think Amed is one of the most beautiful villages in Bali. It’s a great place to get away from the busy south. Amed is the place to go if you want a mix of peace & quiet, adventure, and real Balinese charm. You can go diving, explore old temples, hike on volcanoes, and see beautiful waterfalls.
I’ve explored every corner of this destination and curated the ultimate guide to its top experiences and attractions for you.
As an affiliate, I may earn a small commission for purchases on the links provided at no extra cost to you – disclaimer. All the tours and services I recommend are carefully selected and I use them myself throughout our travels.
How to get to Amed
Amed is on the most eastern part of the island of Bali. It’s approx. 2.5 hours from Airport Denpasar and is known for being a peaceful fishing town, although that last part is changing as more and more people are discovering this amazing village.
By private driver – this is the most convenient way to get here, and you will be surprised by the affordability. You can get a driver for the day for $35, and he can bring you everywhere on the island. This is the most booked activity with my readers, and I have used them myself as well multiple times.
By Scooter – Not for everyone, as Bali is not the easiest island to drive a scooter on, but once you get the hang of it, it gives an incredible sense of freedom. I personally love driving the scooter and like to rent a 150cc+ for the longer drives to the north and east of the island.
Make sure you are prepared and have experience driving before renting a scooter here. It’s a long drive, no matter where you come from, so take your time and enjoy the ride!
Local Tip: Did you know that you need a motor license, Not a car license! to drive a scooter in Bali. The same applies to the rest of Asia. If you have an IDP (covered below), you most of the time have enough when the cops stop you, but likely your insurance won’t cover it, as the IDP is an extension from your normal driver’s license.
If your license doesn’t include the motor (type A), then it’s not sufficient, and the insurance most likely won’t cover it! So check with your insurance before driving (or ask ChatGPT/Grok for a quick screening).
If you have your motor license, make sure you have your International Drivers License!
The cost of this is around $50, and that price is pretty much worldwide. By booking it through our partner, you can avoid scams and ensure that you receive the IDP fast.
For renting a scooter, we only use Bikago, as they have the best service, are reliable, and you can pick the scooter up right at the airport when you have landed.
8 Great Activities in Amed:
Here are my 8 favorite things to do in and around Amed, all within an hour’s driving distance.
Amed is somewhat secluded, and there are no other villages around that offer a lot of activities, but if you are a fan of wild nature, scuba diving, or snorkeling, or just want to enjoy some peace and quiet and a lovely center with great restaurants, Amed will be a destination to remember.
1: Scuba Diving at USAT Liberty Wreck
Driving 20 minutes to Tulamben for the USAT Liberty Wreck was a highlight of my trip. I joined a guided dive and descended to the 5-30 meter depth where this World War II ship rests. The wreck, now an active reef, was filled with huge schools of fish, barracudas, and even a reef shark swimming through its corridors.
The water was so clear I could see tiny nudibranchs and an octopus hiding in the shadows.
Diving in Amed is cheap, with around $25 per dive, often combined with 2 dives for $50. Pretty much all dives are from the beach and perfect for the beginner to the experienced diver. If you have never dived before, Amed is an ideal location to get your PADI. There are dozens of dive schools available, and most are PADI certified.
2: Visit Lahangan Sweet for Mount Agung Views
I’m not exaggerating when I say Lahangan Sweet gave me one of the best views of my life. A 30-minute scooter ride from Amed, this lookout serves up jaw-dropping views of Mount Agung, rice paddies, and the glittering coast.
I went at sunrise, and the golden glow over the mountain felt like a personal gift from Bali. The short hike to the top is easy enough, but wear decent shoes—flip-flops like mine weren’t the smartest choice.
Entry is 30,000 IDR/$2, or pay 50,000 IDR/$3 for a jeep if you’re not up for scootering. Locals might offer to guide you for a small tip; their stories about the area are worth it. Pair this with a quick stop at Berina Rice Terrace for more green goodness. Get there early, around 5:30 AM, to have the place to yourself. You’ll thank me when you’re sipping coffee with that view.
3: Snorkeling at Jemeluk Bay
Imagine floating in warm, clear water with groups of electric blue fish darting around coral gardens all around you. You can find that in Jemeluk Bay. When I came here for the first time to swim, I jumped into the water right off the beach and saw a sea turtle floating by like it owned the place. Since the reef is so close to the shore, it’s great for people who are just starting to dive or who want to do it without a boat.
With its strange architecture and Balinese figures, the underwater temple is like a treasure trove. The nice people along the beach will rent you equipment for about 50,000 IDR/$3 a day. For around 150K IDR, you can take a guided boat tour to see Amed Reef or the Japanese Shipwreck.
If you want to see better and avoid groups, get out on the water early, around 7 AM. Get a fresh coconut at a warung, like Warung Enak, and enjoy the atmosphere.
4: Hiking Mount Agung
Hiking Mount Agung was a tough but amazing experience, one that left me with a real appreciation for Bali’s landscapes. This 3,142-meter volcano, about 30 minutes by car from Amed, is Bali’s highest peak and carries deep spiritual weight for locals. I’ve hiked my share of trails, and this one stands out for its challenge and views. If you’re considering it, here’s what you need to know to make it a solid trip.
You’ve got two main routes: the summit trek from Pura Besakih or the shorter Pura Pasar Agung trail. I went for the summit, starting at 2 AM to reach the top by sunrise. It’s a grueling 6-10 hour climb with steep, rocky paths and loose scree that tests your balance. My legs were burning halfway, but the view from the top with clouds below and Bali’s coast stretching out will be worth the effort.
The shorter route, about 4–6 hours, starts higher up. Guided tours run 800,000-1,200,000 IDR ($50-75 USD), covering transport, snacks, and a guide. Don’t go without one; the trails aren’t marked, and weather shifts fast.
I booked with Get yout Guide, and my guide’s knowledge of Agung’s cultural significance added depth to the hike. Wear proper hiking boots, and bring layers, as it gets cold at higher altitudes. A headlamp and at least 2 liters of water are essential, plus a decent breakfast to keep you fueled.
I wished I’d packed gloves for the chilly summit. If you’re not in top shape, try some hill training first; this hike isn’t forgiving. The shorter route from the Pasar Agung temple is less intense if you want solid views without having to start from the bottom.
Standing at the top, tired but taking in the quiet expanse, I felt a connection to the island. Locals see Agung as sacred, a home for gods, so approach it with respect. Start early, follow your guide’s advice, and take it slow. The view and sense of accomplishment will stick with you, no question. You’ll come back with a story worth telling.
5: Relax on Amed’s Black Sand Beaches
The black sand beaches of Amed, such as Lipah Beach and Amed Beach, seem unreal. I swam in crystal-clear waters and felt the world melt away for hours at Lipah, where the volcanic sand glows.
The horizon is dotted with jukung fishing boats, which add to a certain degree to the genuine Bali atmosphere. For 30,000–60,000 IDR ($2-4 USD), several warungs on the beach sell hot grilled fish, and if you’re lucky, you can buy the fresh fish directly from the fishermen when they come in. The best time for this is in the morning between 7 and 8am.
Absence of lounge chairs? Spread a sarong and soak it in, no problem. For a laid-back day, pack a book and sunscreen (preferably one that is safe for reefs), and enjoy the peace and beauty Amed’s beaches have to offer. I think you’ll end up staying longer than you intended; so did I.
6: Examine the Water Palace in Tirta Gangga
Tirta Gangga Water Palace is like entering a Balinese fairy tale and is around a 25- to 35-minute drive from Amed. Built in 1946, this old royal palace features a nine-tiered fountain that is begging to be shown on Instagram, as well as koi ponds and stone carvings.
I had a blast hopping across the stepping stones in the main pool, feeling like a kid again. The gardens are lush, and the spiritual vibe, tied to Balinese water worship, hits deep. Entry is 50,000 IDR/$3, and a local guide can share the palace’s history for a small tip.
Visit Tirta Gangga Water Palace early morning or late afternoon to avoid the tour buses. Grab a sate lilit (minced fish skewers) from a nearby stall for 20,000 IDR/$1. If you’ve got time, swing by Taman Ujung Water Palace for more royal vibes. You’ll leave feeling like you’ve touched Bali’s soul.
7: Watch the Sunset at Sunset Point
Sunset Point above Jemeluk Bay is a great place to enjoy your evening. Nestled right on a cliff, you get front-row seats to Mount Agung glowing against a sky painted in pinks and oranges. I sipped a Bintang at the poolside bar, with live music in the background, and felt like the world could just wait.
The minimum spend is 125,000 IDR/$8, but their cocktails and seafood platters are worth every rupiah. Get there by 5 PM to snag a good spot, especially in peak season (July-August). Afterward, head to Warung Enak nearby for their grilled prawns and start the night of great.
8: Cruise Amed by Scooter or Motor
If you want to feel free, rent a scooter (>150cc recommended) and explore Amed’s winding roads and untamed mountain landscape. I zipped along the coast, wind in my hair, passing rice terraces, mountains, and tiny villages that felt untouched by time. Berina Rice Terrace is a must for its emerald-green views, and Bukit Cinta’s hilltop lookout is perfect for a romantic pit stop.
Please wear a helmet and check your brakes—my first scooter had a dodgy one; lesson learned. Stop at a warung for a 15,000 IDR/$1 USD for a kopi Bali or fresh mango juice to fuel up. Make sure you carry cash for small entry fees at several viewpoints along the way.
This is a great chance to discover Amed’s hidden corners at your own pace; the landscape around Amed is too beautiful not to explore.
Conclusion, 8 best things to do in Amed Bali
These eight activities demonstrate why Amed has a gentle enchantment that captivates me. I felt like I was a part of something genuine, away from Bali’s congested areas, when I was snorkeling Jemeluk’s reefs, watching the sun set at one of the many viewpoints and exploring the beautiful landscape around Amed.
Every moment felt like I became more and more part of the magic of Bali. Here, you’ll discover your own rhythm while taking in the sights, culture, and beaches. Allow Amed’s charm to work on you, pack light, and keep an open mind. You’ll take that journey home for sure!
