What to Do in Amed, Bali: A Real Guide to Slow Travel and Budget 2026

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Are you planning your trip to Bali’s east coast? In this real guide I’ll tell you everything to do in Amed on your own: from how to snorkel in its best black-sand bays to updated temple prices, maps and honest tips for slow travelers.

Amed is one of our favorite corners of the island. If you’re planning your trip, we recommend checking out our Complete Guide to Traveling to Bali with everything you need to know to organize your itinerary, visa and transportation.

Introduction

For years I dreamed of traveling to Bali, in Indonesia. I wanted the Bali of my dreams, the one with quiet beaches, rituals in sacred temples and a real connection with nature.

Before the trip I watched videos, read reviews and researched everything I needed to “know” what it takes. And yet, when you arrive, the vibe surprises you. Yes, it’s crowded; yes, there are tourists everywhere, but there are also local people who welcome 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 in northeast Bali, Indonesia. It’s surrounded by volcanic hills, rice fields and the silhouette of Mount Agung. The name originally belonged to a small fishing village that became popular, and it ended up extending to what is now the name for the whole group of 7 traditional coastal villages: Amed, Jemeluk, Bunutan, Lipah, Selang, Banyuning and Aas. Together they make up roughly 14 kilometers of coastline; the area is currently in the middle of a tourism boom and is split between the districts of Abang and Kubu.

Why is Amed a haven for slow travelers?

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

There are no big shopping malls or highways. It’s a corner for people who want to be present. For us it was a constant source of inspiration for writing, drawing and remote work, a place to slow down.

That said, let’s be honest, Amed is not a well-kept secret. Tourism is part of the landscape and commercial offers are everywhere: there are specialty coffee shops, resort hotels and foreign-owned dive schools, but it all coexists with the rhythm of the village in a pretty friendly way. Amed is a strategic middle ground between “slow travel” and being close to tourist highlights such as ancient temples, historic palaces or paradise beaches like Virgin Beach. In my view, it’s an ideal balance for staying in Bali.

It also fits every budget, with pretty spectacular beachfront stays for every pocket. Here are a few examples, and there’s a comparison table at the end of the article.

• Beachfront stay with spa
• Beachfront stay at a local beach resort
• Mid-range stay, local experience
• Beachfront stay, mid-range
• Budget stay

The Jukungs: Bali’s seafaring tradition

One of the first things we saw on our first morning in Amed was the sea dotted with colorful sails. They’re jukungs, wooden canoes stabilized by two bamboo outriggers that local fishermen have used for generations. During the tourist season they also use them for snorkeling trips, fishing or sunset rides.

Ketut (a local fisherman and guide) told us that people who lose their jobs often choose to buy a jukung and fish for a living. By mid-morning the boats are parked on the shore; their owners carefully clean the engines and haul them up with ropes to put them in place, although we’ve also seen them carry the boats on their own shoulders to keep them safe from the tide.

In the rainy season the sea rises so much that the beach disappears under the waves, which crash straight against the sea walls people build to keep the water out of their homes and properties.

💡 Snorkeling + fishing experience: You can arrange it directly with the fishermen on the beach or, if you’d rather have everything sorted in advance and read other travelers’ reviews, you can book your snorkeling and traditional fishing trip here.

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

Snorkeling a few meters from the shore: a public gem

The best thing about Amed is that its underwater garden is public and free. In other words, you don’t need to pay for any tour to see healthy coral; it’s right there, a few steps from the sand.

That said, if you’re short on time, booking the boat snorkeling experience will let you reach the 3 main spots quickly and enjoy sailing on the classic jukung.

The coral reefs are among the most inspiring things I saw on the whole island: their shapes, their colors, so many different fish. It’s true that many travelers also recommend a trip to the Gili Islands or Nusa Penida to snorkel or dive with mantas, dolphins and turtles, but this place has its own charm.

There are three bays we most recommend for snorkeling from the shore. Pay attention, because here’s the real, practical information to walk straight onto the beach with no scams or funny business.

1. Jemeluk Bay (one of my favorites)

It’s a beautiful bay with calm, clear water. It’s ideal at any time of day because there’s almost no current; in the morning visibility is usually excellent, and in the afternoon it’s possible, but the tide drops a lot and exposes the coral, so getting in is difficult.

It’s famous for its small underwater stone temple, surrounded by coral and colorful fish that have made the structure their home.

• Entry: Free. We went in through the restaurant and bungalows “Blue Star Bungalows & Cafe”; the entrance is down an alley and there’s room to park motorbikes. The staff are very friendly, and if you order a drink or food you can use the sun loungers with umbrellas.
• Pros: Super calm water, ideal for beginners or kids. The temple is just a few meters from the shore.
• Cons: There’s usually quite a bit of boat traffic (nothing serious).

2. Lipah Beach

It’s a bay with slightly lighter sand and not as many big rocks on the shore. The coral here is very healthy. The beach is basically split into two areas: one with a dense coral garden and another a bit deeper where, if you go early in the morning (with a bit of luck and the wind in your favor), you might come across sea turtles (on the left-hand side).

• Entry: Free. We always went in and parked at Viena Beach Resort (map below).
• Pros: Nice for swimming, a very healthy coral garden. The tide isn’t very strong. It has a lovely view.
• Cons: If the tide drops a lot it’s really hard to get to the reef (usually in the afternoon). The road to get there is in pretty bad shape.

3. Japanese Shipwreck

It’s a much wilder, rockier beach in the village of Banyuning, a little further east. This is where you’ll find the remains of a small Japanese patrol boat from World War II that sank near the coast.

• Good to know: The wreck sits in an area where the seabed drops off suddenly, so visibility sometimes varies with the ocean currents.
• Entry: Free if you go in through the public access points, which are basically a not-very-friendly patch of abandoned land. Another option, and the one we recommend here, is to go in through a local beach café that charges a 25,000 IDR (1.39 USD) minimum purchase for using its facilities, parking and access.
• Pros: Fewer people than at Jemeluk and the chance to see a historic ship covered in marine life just a few meters down.
• Cons: Getting into the water means walking over big rocks only, and the tide can be strong and push you toward them; it’s doable but slow and requires care. Personally, I wouldn’t recommend it for kids.

Here’s a map showing the specific entrances we used for each bay.

Snorkeling FAQ and safety tips

• Rent or buy gear? Renting a snorkel mask on the beach costs around IDR 50,000 per day (about USD 3). If you’re staying a long time like we did, it’s better to buy a basic set at a supermarket or any small local shop.
  Buying tip: Apparently the test for a good mask is to put it on, breathe in through your nose and check that it stays stuck to your face. We bought an Intex one for around IDR 290,000 (USD 17) and it worked pretty well.
• What about the boats near the shore? Since these beaches are busy, it’s common for boats to pass close to the reef (they’re always paying attention, and if they need to get through someone will let you know), but better safe than sorry. Main advice: stay alert and, if you have an inflatable safety buoy, it’s really useful so people can see you from a distance (and it helps you float if needed).
• Do you need neoprene water shoes (booties)? To be honest, we didn’t wear any, but we did come away with a few small cuts at low tide. If you have sensitive feet or don’t want to suffer getting in and out of the water at low tide, basic neoprene booties (like these, which also look great) are a great option.
• UV-protection shirt for the sun: Recommended for long, happy snorkeling mornings without a sunburned back in the afternoon. We suggest bringing a shirt with UV protection; here are some examples for women, for men, for kids.

A mecca for scuba diving and freediving

It’s impossible to talk about Amed without mentioning that it’s one of the world’s top diving destinations, so even though we didn’t do it ourselves, here’s a short section on something that’s a big deal in the area.

• Freediving: Because the seabed drops off steeply close to the coast and many bays have hardly any strong currents, Amed is an important freediving spot. There are lots of schools that teach you how to breathe and dive several meters down while holding your breath. It’s a very interesting practice physically, since it involves a very specific (and trainable) mental and physical state of presence and relaxation. In fact, some centers (like Apneista Bali) combine it with yoga.
• Scuba diving: If you’ve ever thought about doing your first try dive (Discover Scuba Diving) or getting your first certification (Open Water), this is an ideal place for it. Calm water and affordable prices with good reviews. We didn’t get to do it here and ended up doing it in Nusa Penida, but honestly, it’s very tempting. One of the most recommended schools is Amed White Sand Divers.
• The USAT Liberty in Tulamben: Just 15 minutes north of Amed by motorbike is Tulamben. That’s where you’ll find the USAT Liberty, a US military transport ship that ran aground and was later pushed into the sea by the 1963 eruption of Mount Agung. It’s considered one of the most accessible wrecks in the world, suitable for beginners (it’s in shallow water) as well as advanced divers.

Sightseeing: points of interest

During our 15 days in Amed we mostly focused on everyday life, snorkeling and working. But we also explored the surroundings and the nearby tourist and historic sites and incredible landscapes. Below you’ll find all the information about things to do in Amed.

Lahangan Sweet: a mountain park with views of Mount Agung

It’s a group of mountain viewpoints with truly incredible views. The access road by motorbike is steep, cobbled and not for the faint of heart (but doable), or you can hire a local driver to take you there (which makes total sense).

• Entrance fee: IDR 50,000 (about USD 3). Includes parking and the truck that takes you up to the top.

Pura Lempuyang (The Gates of Heaven)

It’s a complex of beautiful temples made very popular by the famous traveler photos taken between two large classic-style pillars known as “The Gates of Heaven”, with the volcano in the background and the “reflection of a lake” that doesn’t actually exist; instead, someone holds a small mirror under the phone camera to create the effect (which looks pretty spectacular). The line for that photo can take anywhere from 1 hour 30 minutes to 4 hours. The closer to sunrise you go, the fewer people you’ll run into. General admission costs 100,000 IDR (about USD 6), and the mandatory round-trip shuttle bus up to the temple costs another 50,000 IDR (about USD 3).

If you keep climbing, you’ll find a completely different experience: other temples, far fewer tourists, mist and mountain views. You might also come across local people making their offerings.

Taman Ujung (Sukasada Water Palace)

This palace is a complex of beautiful pools and historic bridges known as Taman Ujung. It’s in the village of Tumbu, and honestly it was a real gem that surprised us. It turns out it was built in 1909 by the king of Karangasem, Anak Agung Anglurah, in an amazing blend of Balinese, European and Chinese architecture. Today it works as a tourist site, very well kept and maintained. Admission costs 100,000 IDR (about USD 6), and you can combine it with the next two stops on the same day.

Tirta Gangga: the royal water palace

A former royal palace surrounded by Balinese gardens and pools decorated with traditional statues. The main attraction is walking along the stepping stones that seem to float on the water while feeding the giant koi carp that live there. It’s a very visual, relaxed outing for mid-afternoon.

• Entrance fee: 100,000 IDR (about USD 6).
• Parking: 2,000 IDR for motorbikes and 5,000 IDR for cars (less than USD 0.50).

Virgin Beach

The most epic beach on the island: white sand, turquoise water, paradise itself. Entry costs 20,000 IDR (approx. USD 1.11) and includes parking. From the morning until around 3 pm the water is an incredible turquoise; the surrounding area has palm trees and grass with some shade, and in the afternoon it fills up with local people quietly enjoying the scenery. On the beach there are warungs and stands renting sun loungers with umbrellas so you can spend the day (100,000 IDR, about USD 6).

If you want to combine these stops into one tour without riding a motorbike, you can hire a local guide or a transfer service (or taxi); they’re very easy to find both on the street and at homestays and hotels, and you can negotiate the price. Just in case, here’s the number of Anderson, who drove us all over Bali. He’s kind, chatty and reliable, and he has an electric car: +6281574887501 (if you get in touch, tell him blogcito sent you).

If you’d like to visit these places leaving from Ubud, Kuta or Denpasar, here’s an experience we recommend. It’s a ready-made tour that includes transfers and a visit to several of the spots we recommend. It has historical and cultural content, and you also get to visit the village of Tenganan Pegringsingan, an indigenous village known for its traditional weaving.

Volcano hiking near Amed

The silhouettes of the volcanoes dominate the whole landscape and, although we haven’t climbed them yet, we’ve put together the key information every adventurous traveler needs before a good trek.

Mount Batur: the classic sunrise over the caldera

For those looking for a relatively accessible hike with incredible views, Mount Batur (1717 meters) is the island’s favorite option. It’s an active volcano whose last major eruption was in 2000. It’s in the Kintamani area. Most tours start at 3:00 or 4:00 am to reach the summit for sunrise, and going with a guide is mandatory.

• About the experience: It’s a moderate trek. It’s not a technical trail, but it is demanding because of the constant slope over volcanic soil and loose ash. The starting point is at roughly 1000 m above sea level, and the climb is 600 to 700 m of elevation gain. 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 on the neighboring island of Lombok, surrounded by a thick blanket of low clouds.
• You can book your tour on foot or with a jeep ride up here

Mount Agung: an active volcano with otherworldly views

Mount Agung 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 is a bigger challenge.

• The experience: It’s a hard trek, demanding and technical, since the summit is at about 3142 meters. There are two main routes: one starts from Pura Pasar Agung temple (it reaches the crater rim at about 2866 meters and takes around 3 or 4 hours to climb), and the full route starts from Besakih, the mother temple (it climbs to the true summit at 3142 meters and takes between 5 and 7 hours of continuous ascent over steep rock). You start walking around 11:00 pm the night before.

• Things to consider: It requires the physical fitness to take on the challenge and proper footwear. Also, since it’s a sacred site, there are times of year when access is forbidden because of religious ceremonies held at the volcano’s temples.

  You can book the private tour with local guides here. In this experience they pick you up from your homestay (both transfers included) and you’re welcomed by a local guide who leads a prayer beforehand according to Balinese tradition (for a harmonious climb). You go up one of the 3 available trails, and afterwards you visit the guide’s home in the area, where they treat you to a Balinese coffee and tell you about sustainable honey harvesting following the area’s traditional methods. Honestly, this one looks like a total winner.

Magical sunsets: where to watch the sun go down in Amed?

Sunset in Amed is a daily ritual. Since it’s on the east coast, the sun sets behind the outline of Mount Agung, leaving you with unforgettable views. Here are three places where you can have a drink and watch the sunset. PS: the beach is always a good plan.

• Amed Beach (the local, free option): keep it simple and sit on the rocks or the black sand. With the sound of the waves, the silhouette of the mountain and the sun setting right behind it, it’s a free show.
• Beach bars: a great plan that includes a fresh natural juice or something to drink for approximately 30,000 IDR (around 1.67 USD / 1.46 €), with live music in many places and beanbags on the sand facing the sea.
• Amed Sunset Point (the pool experience): A very popular viewpoint with an infinity pool facing Jemeluk Bay and the volcano. They have live music and sometimes traditional performances (like the fire dance).

The cost: They charge a minimum spend of IDR 125,000 per person (about USD 8), which you pay when you arrive and can use on drinks or food.

• The little local bar across the street (our hidden gem): If you want to skip the minimum spend and the more touristy feel of Sunset Point, right across the street there’s a local warung. Same view, they welcome you with so much warmth, and they charge a fraction of the price for a Bintang or the island classic: Balinese arak. It’s a traditional spirit distilled from palm or rice, similar to white rum, that they mix with different fruits and flavors.

Everything you need to know before you go: practical info

• Getting around: A motorbike is pretty ideal if you’re a confident rider. In Amed it lets you move freely from bay to bay, but keep in mind that the roads have sharp bends and steep slopes, and they’re not always in great condition. If you don’t feel 100% confident riding a scooter, there’s no need to risk your health. You can hire very helpful drivers at the homestays themselves. Traffic is friendlier than in Ubud or Canggu.

⚠️ Cash / ATMs: The ATMs in the area often run out of cash. We recommend withdrawing cash in advance, before you get to Amed.

Frequently asked questions

• What’s the beach like in Amed? It has black volcanic sand and lots of stones. The water is clear and the current isn’t strong. In the bays the wind is fairly sheltered.

• Can you go for walks along the beach? Yes, with some caveats: the coarse sand and stones can feel like a massage or a nuisance, but shoes solve that easily.

  • In the morning the tide is quite high and the jukungs (Bali’s classic boats) are on the beach, so you can walk but you’ll need to stay closer to the water, go around the boats, etc.
  • The afternoon is the best time, since the sunset is beautiful, many restaurants have live music and the tide is lower.

Amed, Bali 2026 cost table, plan your budget

Below are two tables with the costs of stays, entrance fees and tours. You can also put together your own personalized 2026 budget with our online calculator.

What to do in Amed, 2026 cost table

Item	IDR (Indonesian rupiah)	USD	EUR	Notes / Direct link
Jemeluk or Lipah entry	Free	0	0	Direct public access from the beach
Japanese Shipwreck entry (beach café)	25,000	1.39	1.22	Minimum purchase to use parking and showers
Snorkel mask rental (per day)	50,000	2.79	2.43	Standard rental rate at beach cafés
Snorkel mask purchase (Intex)	290,000	16.16	14.12	Small local shops
Snorkeling tour (online booking)	700,000	39.01	34.08	Guided trip to 3 spots
Snorkeling tour arranged locally	500,000	27.87	24.37	Reference price
Snorkeling + fishing tour	1,255,972	70	61.15
Lahangan Sweet entry (includes shuttle)	50,000	2.79	2.43	Mountain viewpoint (includes truck ride up)
Pura Lempuyang entry (+ shuttle bus)	150,000	8.36	7.3	General admission and mandatory local transport (to go up)
Tirta Gangga entry	100,000	5.57	4.87	Royal water palace
Taman Ujung entry	100,000	5.57	4.87	Water palace (Tumbu)
Virgin Beach entry	20,000	1.11	0.97	Includes vehicle parking
2 sun loungers + umbrella rental, Virgin Beach	100,000	5.57	4.87	Optional, to spend the day on the beach with shade
Private tour from Ubud or Kuta with entry fees and transfers	1,956,912	109	95.92	A standout option because it has historical and cultural content and you also visit an indigenous Bali Aga village and its weaving tradition
Currency conversion reference	100,000	5.57	4.87

Budget for staying in Amed

Item	Cost IDR	Cost USD	Cost EUR	Notes
Budget stay	150,000	8.36	7.31	Average price per night, budget, beachfront
Mid-range stay	350,000	19.50	17.05	Mid-range bungalow or resort, ideal for slow travelers
High-end stay	700,000	38.99	34.09	Beachfront resort with every comfort
110cc motorbike rental	50,000 - 70,000	2.79 - 3.90	2.44 - 3.41	Paid locally in cash (light, practical bikes)
125cc mid-size motorbike rental	75,000 - 85,000	4.18 - 4.73	3.65 - 4.14	Paid locally in cash (retro style, more power)
155cc large motorbike rental	100,000 - 130,000	5.57 - 7.24	4.87 - 6.33	Paid locally in cash (large automatic bikes)
Currency conversion reference	100,000	5.57	4.87	Figures updated July 2026 (subject to changes beyond our control)

*Reference costs per night. If you’d like a personalized budget, use our free online calculator below.

Plan your budget for traveling to Amed

Personalized calculator

Recommended articles:

• If you want to learn more about the fascinating culture and spirituality of Bali, discover The soul of Bali: traditions and secrets.
• If you want to see some of the most fascinating landscapes, plan your trip to the neighboring island: What to see and where to stay in Nusa Penida.
• We also recommend visiting Ubud, the cultural heart of Bali.