Are you planning your trip to East Bali coast? In this real guide I’ll tell you everything to do in Amed for free: from how to snorkel at its best black sand bays, up to updated prices of temples, maps and honest survival tips for slow travelers. Now, no more introductions, let’s start the trip.

Years ago I had the dream of traveling to Bali, in Indonesia. I wanted the Bali of my dreams, that one with quiet beaches, sacred temple rituals and a real connection with nature.

Before traveling I watched videos, read reviews and researched everything necessary to “know” what’s needed. And yet, when you arrive the vibe surprises you. Yes, it is overpopulated; yes, there are tourists everywhere, but there’s also local people who greet you with a genuine smile. There’s a Bali beyond the traditional tourist circuit; that’s exactly what we set out to discover, and that’s why halfway through the trip we decided to head to Amed.

Amed is a coastal strip northeast of Bali, Indonesia, surrounded by volcanic hills, rice fields, and the silhouette of Mount Agung. The name originally belonged to a small fishing village that gained popularity and eventually extended to the designation it receives today for the traditional coastal 7 villages: Amed, Jemeluk, Bunutan, Lipah, Selang, Banyuning, and Aas. Together they form an area of approximately 14 kilometers of coastline; currently in full tourist development, the area is divided between the districts of Abang and Kubu.

Why Amed is a haven for slow travelers?

For those who want to inhabit Bali, being in Amed means staying close to the beach, discovering new bays, reefs, and colorful fish every day, watching sunsets chatting with fishermen or playing soccer with kids on the sand. More than about “doing”, it’s about “being”.

There are no large shopping centers or highways. It’s a corner for those seeking to be present. For us, it was a constant source of inspiration for writing, drawing, and remote work, a place to wind down.

Let’s be honest, Amed is not an absolute secret. Tourism is part of the landscape and commercial proposals are constant: there are specialty coffee shops, resort hotels, and foreign-owned diving schools, but everything coexists with the rhythm of the village in a fairly friendly way. Amed is a strategic midpoint between “slow travel” and proximity to tourist attractions of interest such as ancient temples, historic palaces, or paradisaical beaches like Virgin Beach. From my point of view, it’s an ideal balance for being in Bali.

Besides, it fits all budgets with stunning ocean views for all pockets; here are some examples and a comparative table at the end of the article.

• Sea View Spa Stay
• Sea View Beach Resort Local
• Mid-Range Experience Local
• Sea View, Mid-Range
• Budget-Friendly

The Jukungs: The Tradition of Sailors in Bali

One of the first things we saw in the morning in Amed is the sea dotted with colored lanterns. With the jukungs, wooden canoes stabilized with two lateral bamboo bases that local fishermen have been using for generations. During the tourist season, they also use them for snorkeling excursions, fishing or sunset strolls.

Ketut (a local fisherman and guide) told us that many times people stay without work and opt for buying a jukung to fish as a means of sustenance. By mid-morning, they’re parked on the shore; with great care, their owners clean the motors and pull them in with ropes to accommodate them, although we’ve also seen how they load them onto their shoulders to keep them safe from the tide.

During the rainy season, the sea grows so much that the beach disappears beneath the waves, which crash directly against the retaining walls built to prevent water from entering their homes or enclosures.

🔥 Snorkeling + Fishing Experience: You can coordinate directly with the fishermen on the beach or if you prefer to have everything settled and opinions from other travelers, you can book your snorkeling and traditional fishing tour here.

Book your snorkeling departure + transfer from Amed, Ubud or Kuta

Snorkeling just meters from the shore: a public gem

The best of Amed is that its underwater garden is open to the public and free. That’s to say, it’s not necessary to pay for any tour to see healthy corals; they’re just there, a few steps from the sand.

Similarly, if you have little time, booking the snorkeling experience on a boat will allow you to quickly visit the 3 main points and enjoy navigating the classic jukung.

Coral reefs are one of the most inspiring things I saw on the entire island: their shapes, colors, many different fish. Although it’s true that many travelers also recommend taking a getaway to Gili Islands or Nusa Penida to snorkel or dive with mantas, dolphins, and turtles, this place has its charm.

The most recommended bays for doing snorkeling from the shore are three. Attention, because here’s the real and practical information to get straight to the beach without scams or weird stuff.

1. Jemeluk Bay (One of my favorites)

It’s a beautiful bay with calm and transparent waters. It’s ideal to go at any time of day because it almost has no current; in the morning the visibility is usually excellent, in the afternoon it’s possible but the tide drops significantly leaving the coral exposed, so entry becomes difficult.

It’s famous because it houses a small underwater stone temple surrounded by coral and colorful fish that have turned the structure into their home.

• Entry: Free. We enter through the restaurant and bungalows “Blue Star Bungalows & Cafe”; the entrance is through an alleyway and there’s space to park motorcycles. The people who work there are very friendly, and if you consume a drink or food, you can use the loungers with umbrellas.
• Pros: Super calm waters, ideal for beginners or kids. The temple is just a few meters from the shore.
• Cons: It often has quite a bit of boat traffic (nothing serious).

2. Lipah Beach

It’s a sandy bay a bit clearer, without many large rocks on the shore. The coral reefs here are very healthy. The beach basically splits into two sectors: one area with a lush coral garden and another a little deeper where, if you go early in the morning (with a bit of luck and wind in your favor), you can cross paths with sea turtles (in the left-hand zone).

• Entry: Free. We always enter and park at Viena Beach Resort (map below).
• Pros: Pleasant for swimming, very healthy coral garden. The tide isn’t very strong. It has a beautiful view.
• Cons: If the tide goes down a lot it’s really hard to get into the reef area (usually in the afternoons). The road leading there is pretty rough.

3. Japanese Shipwreck

It’s a much wilder and rockier beach located in the village of Banyuning, a bit further east. Here you’ll find the remains of a small Japanese patrol boat from World War II that ran aground near the coast.

Data: The shipwreck is located in an area that gains depth with the waves, so visibility sometimes fluctuates according to marine currents. Entrance: Free if you enter through public access points, which basically amounts to a abandoned terrain not very friendly. Another option, and one recommended in this case, is to enter through a local inn, which charges 25,000 IDR (1.39 USD) for using their facilities, parking, and entrance. Pros: Fewer people than at Jemeluk, and the chance to see an historic ship covered in marine life just a few meters deep. Cons: The water entry is purely rocky and the tide can be strong and push you towards the rocks; the entrance is viable but slow and requires caution. I wouldn’t recommend it for children personally.

Here is the translated text:

Here we leave you a map indicating specific entrances by which we entered each cove

Frequently Asked Questions About Snorkeling and Safety Tips

• Rent or buy equipment? Renting a snorkeling mask at the beach costs around IDR 50,000 per day (USD 3). If you’re going to stay for a long time like we did, it’s more convenient to buy a basic set from a supermarket or local shop. Tip of purchase: The quality test seems to be: wear it, inhale through your nose, and make sure it doesn’t come off. We bought an Intex brand mask for around IDR 290,000 (USD 17) and it worked pretty well.

• What about boats offshore? Since the beaches are busy with a lot of activity, it’s common to have boats passing by the reef (always on the lookout and if they need to pass someone, they’ll let you know). As a precautionary measure: pay attention and if you have an inflatable safety buoy, it’s very useful for being seen from afar (and helps you float in case of emergency).

• Are neoprene booties (escarpines) necessary?: Honestly, we didn’t use them, but we brought some as a gift with the low tide. If your feet are sensitive or you don’t want to suffer when entering and exiting the water during low tide, it’s a great option to wear basic neoprene booties like these.

• Swim shirt with UV filter for the sun: Recommended for long and happy snorkeling days without burned backs in the afternoon. We suggest wearing a swim shirt with UV protection, like these for women, like these for men, or like these for kids and girls.

The Mecca of Scuba Diving and Freediving

It’s impossible to talk about Amed without mentioning that it’s one of the most outstanding diving destinations globally, so even though we don’t practice it, we’ll leave a brief section on a very significant topic in the area.

• Freediving (Apnea): Due to the coastline’s sudden depth gain and lack of strong currents in many bays, Amed is an important point for apnea practice. There are many schools where you’re taught to breathe and descend several meters while holding your breath. It’s a very interesting physical practice as it requires a specific mental and bodily state of presence and relaxation (and training). In fact, there are centers (such as Apneista Bali) that combine it with yoga practice.
• Scuba diving: If you ever thought about getting certified (Discover Scuba Diving) or certifying your first level (Open Water), this is an ideal place to do so. The calm waters and affordable prices with good recommendations. We left it pending and finished it in Nusa Penida, but honestly, we really wanted to. One of the schools that recommends it most is Amed White Sand Divers..
• The USAT Liberty in Tulamben: Just 15 minutes by motorbike north of Amed lies Tulamben. There lies the USAT Liberty, a US military transport ship wrecked and then pushed into the sea by the eruption of Mount Agung in 1963. It’s considered one of the most accessible wrecks in the world, suitable for both beginners (it’s at shallow depth) and advanced divers.

Tourist Circuits: Points of Interest

During our 15 days in Amed, we mostly focused on living day-to-day, snorkeling, and working. But we also explored the surrounding areas and tourist attractions, historical sites, and incredible landscapes really close by. Here’s all the information on things to do in Amed below.

Sweet Occupation: a park in the mountains with views of Mount Agung

It’s a set of viewpoints located on the mountain with really incredible views. The access road by motorcycle is steep, paved, and not suitable for heart patients (but possible) or you can hire a local driver to go there (it makes perfect sense).

• Entrance price: IDR 50,000 (approximately USD 3). Includes parking and the shuttle bus that takes you to the summit.

Pure Lempuyang (The Gates of Heaven)

It’s a complex of beautiful temples that has been very popularized by famous traveler photos taken between two classic-style pillars called “The Gates to Heaven” with the volcano in the background and a reflection of water from a lake that doesn’t exist; instead, someone places a small mirror underneath their smartphone camera to create this effect (which looks quite spectacular). The lines to take that photo can last anywhere from 1:30 to 4 hours. The more you’re near sunrise, the less people you’ll encounter. The general admission costs IDR 100,000 (around USD 6) and the mandatory shuttle bus service for round-trip travel up to the temple costs an additional IDR 50,000 (around USD 3).

If you keep going up, you’ll find yourself in a completely different experience: other temples, fewer tourists, with fog and mountain views. You may even cross paths with local people making their offerings.

Ujung Water Palace (Sukasada Water Palace)

This palace is a complex of stunning ponds and historic bridges known as Taman Ujung. It’s located in the village of Tumbu and honestly was a real gem that surprised us. What’s more, it was built in 1909 by King Anak Agung Anglurah of Karangasem, blending Balinese, European, and Chinese architecture in an astonishing way. Currently, it operates as a tourist center, well-maintained and cared for, and admission costs 100,000 IDR (around USD 6) and you can combine it with the two next points on the same day.

The Royal Water Palace: Tirta Gangga

An ancient royal palace surrounded by Balinese gardens and pools of water decorated with traditional statues. The main attraction is walking on the stone paths that float on the water, feeding giant koi carp that live there. It’s a very visual and relaxing stroll to do at half past noon.

• Entrance cost: 100,000 IDR (around $6).
• Parking: 2,000 IDR for motorcycles and 5,000 IDR for cars (less than $0.50).

Virgin Beach

The most epic beach on the island: white sand, turquoise water, pure paradise itself. The entrance costs 20,000 IDR (approx. USD $1.30) and includes parking. From morning until around 3 pm, the water has an incredible turquoise color, the surrounding area has palm trees and grass with some shade that fills up in the afternoon with local people who enjoy the peaceful landscape. On the beach there are warungs and rental stands for umbrellas and lounge chairs to spend the day (100,000 IDR, approximately USD $6).

If you want to combine experiences in a single tour without renting a motorbike, you can hire a local guide or book a transfer service (or taxi) which are very common both on the street and at homestays/hotels and you can negotiate the price. As a precaution, we’re sharing Anderson’s number with whom we used for transfers all over Bali, he’s friendly, chatty, reliable, and has an electric car +6281574887501 (if you contact him, tell him you’re from blogcito).

If you’d like to know about these places departing from Ubud, Kuta or Denpasar, we’ll share this experience is a tour package that includes transportation, a stroll through several recommended points. It has historical and cultural content, and you can also get to know the village of Tenganan Pegringsingan, an indigenous town known for its traditional textiles.

Hiking near volcanic areas around Amed

The silhouettes of the volcanoes dominate the entire landscape and, although we haven’t climbed them yet, we’re gathering the key information that every adventurous traveler needs before embarking on a good trekking experience.

Mount Batur: Classic Sunrise Over the Caldera

For those seeking a relatively accessible hike but with incredible views, Monte Batur (1717 meters) is the top choice on the island. It’s an active volcano whose last significant eruption occurred in 2000. Located in the Kintaman area. The majority of excursions begin at 3:00 or 4:00 am to reach the summit and watch the sunrise, mandatory guide required.

• Experience Data: It’s a medium-difficulty trekking. It’s not a technical trail, but it is demanding due to the constant slope over volcanic soil and loose ash. The starting level is approximately 1000m above sea level and the ascent is 600-700m of positive slope. It takes between 1.5 and 2 hours to reach the summit.
• The Reward: A panoramic view of Lake Batur, Mount Abang, and on clear days, the distant silhouette of Mount Rinjani in neighboring Lombok Island, surrounded by a dense mantle of low clouds.
• You can book your tour walking or with jeep ascent here

Mount Agung: active volcano and otherworldly views

The Mount Batur is the highest point on the island and the most sacred volcano for the Balinese, who consider it the “navel of the world”. Climbing it involves a greater challenge since

• The Experience: It’s a high-difficulty trekking that is demanding and technical since the summit is at around 10,342 meters. There are two main routes: one that starts from Pura Pasar Agung temple (which reaches the crater rim at around 9,286 meters and takes around 3-4 hours to ascend). The complete route from Besakih’s mother temple (which ascends to the real summit at 10,342 meters, requiring between 5 and 7 hours of continuous ascent over steep rock). You start walking near 11:00 pm the previous day.

• Considerations: It requires physical fitness preparation to face the challenge and suitable footwear. Additionally, since it’s a sacred site, there are periods throughout the year when access is prohibited due to religious ceremonies at the volcano temples.

• You can book the private tour with local guides here

In this experience: you’ll be picked up from your homestay (includes both transfers) and greeted by a local guide with whom an earlier blessing is performed according to Balinese tradition (for a harmonious ascent). You’ll ascend via one of three available trails and then visit the guide’s home in the area where you’re invited with a Balinese coffee and told about the sustainable honey collection process, following traditional methods from the region. Honestly, this proposal seems like a total hit.

Magical Sunsets: Where to Watch the Sunset in Marmaris?

The sunset in Amed is a daily ritual. Being on the eastern coast, the sun hides behind the contour of the Agung volcano, gifting unforgettable postcards. Here are three places where you can take something and watch the sun fall. PS: the beach is always a good plan.

• Amed Beach (The Local and Free Option): keep it simple, sit on the rocks or black sand. With the sound of waves, the silhouette of the mountain, and the sun setting directly behind the mountain, it’s a free show.
• Beach Bars: a plan that includes a fresh natural juice or something to drink for approximately 30,000 IDR around (1.67 USD) (1.46 €) at many places with live music, and puffing on the beach with a view of the sea.
• Amed Sunset Point (The Pool Experience): It’s a very popular lookout point with an infinity pool that points directly to Jemeluk Bay and the volcano. They have live music and sometimes traditional shows (like fire dancing).

Cost: They charge a minimum fee (minimum spend) of IDR 125,000 per person (around USD 8) that you pay upon entry and can be used for drinks or food.

• The Local Pub Across the Street (Our Hidden Gem): If you’d like to skip the minimum spend and more touristy atmosphere of Sunset Point, just across the street is a local warung. They have the same view, welcome you with all the love, and charge you a fraction of the price for a Bintang or the island classic: Balinese arak. It’s a traditional drink, distilled from palm or rice similar to white rum that combines with different fruits and flavors.

Everything You Need to Know Before You Go: Practical Details

Transport: The motorbike is quite ideal for those who drive with audacity. In Amed, it allows you to move from bay to bay with freedom, but that’s it: the routes have pronounced curves and steep inclines, and the road isn’t always in optimal conditions. If you don’t feel 100% secure driving a scooter, there’s no need to risk your health. At the same homestays, you can hire very predisposed drivers. Traffic is more friendly than in Ubud or Canggu.

⚠️ Effective / ATMs: The cash machines (ATM) in the area frequently run out of cash. We recommend withdrawing in Amed in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How is the beach in Amed? It’s characterized by having volcanic black sand and many rocks. The water is transparent and the current isn’t strong. In the bays the wind is relatively calm.
• Can you walk along the beach? Yes, but with nuances: the coarse sand and rocks can be a massage or a nuisance, but it resolves easily with footwear.
• In the morning the tide is quite high and there are the jukungs (classic Bali boats); so you can walk but you have to get closer to the water, avoid the boats, etc.
• The afternoon is the ideal moment since the sunset is beautiful, many restaurants have live music and the tide is lower.

Budget Table Amed Bali 2026, Arm Your Budget:

Hereafter we leave you with two tables detailing the costs of stays, entrances, and tours. Additionally, you can build your personalized budget for 2026 by entering our online calculator.

What to do in Amed: Cost Table 2026

Concept	IDR (Indonesian Rupia)	USD	EUR	Observations / Direct Link
Jemeluk or Lipah Entrance	Gratis	0	0	Public access directly from the beach
Japanese Shipwreck (Parador)	25,000	1.39	1.22	Minimum consumption required for parking and showers
Snorkel Mask Rental (Day)	50,000	2.79	2.43	Standard rental fee at beach resorts
Snorkel Mask Purchase (Intex)	290,000	16.16	14.12	Local shops
Snorkeling Tour (online reservation)	700,000	39.01	34.08	Guided tour to three points
Snorkeling Tour to Coordinate (Locals)	500,000	27.87	24.37	Reference cost
Snorkeling + Fishing	1,255,972	70	61.15
Lahangan Sweet Entrance (includes shuttle)	50,000	2.79	2.43	Mountain viewpoint (includes van ride)
Pura Lempuyang Entrance (+ Shuttle Bus)	150,000	8.36	7.3	General admission and local transportation required (for ascent)
Tirta Gangga Entrance	100,000	5.57	4.87	Royal water palace (Tumbu)
Taman Ujung Entrance	100,000	5.57	4.87	Water palace
Virgin Beach Entrance	20,000	1.11	0.97	Includes vehicle parking
Rental of 2 Umbrellas + Shade Virgin Beach	100,000	5.57	4.87	Optional for spending the day with shade on the beach
Private Tour from Ubud or Kuta with entries and transportation	1,956,912	109	95.92	Highlighted option because it has historical cultural content and you know an indigenous Baliaga people and their weaving tradition

Accommodation Costs

Concept	Cost IDR	Cost USD	Cost EUR	Observations
Budget Stay	150,000	8.36	7.31	Average nightly cost for a budget-friendly stay by the sea
Mid-range Stay	350,000	19.50	17.05	Ideal bungalow or resort for slow travelers
Holiday Package	700,000	38.99	34.09	High-end resort with all amenities overlooking the sea

Motorcycle Rental

Model	Cost IDR	Cost USD	Cost EUR	Observations
110cc Bike	50,000 - 70,000	2.79 - 3.90	2.44 - 3.41	Cash payment in local currency for light and functional bikes
125cc Intermediate	75,000 - 85,000	4.18 - 4.73	3.65 - 4.14	Cash payment in local currency for retro-style bikes with higher power
155cc Large Bike	100,000 - 130,000	5.57 - 7.24	4.87 - 6.33	Cash payment in local currency for large and automatic bikes

Currency Conversion Reference

Currency	Cost IDR	Cost USD	Cost EUR	Observations
Reference Rate	100,000	5.57	4.87	Up-to-date conversion rates as of July 2026

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