Amed
Amed is not one village but a string of small fishing bays running along Bali's dry north-east coast, under the eastern flank of Mount Agung. It is one of the least developed and most relaxed parts of the island.
The sand here is black volcanic gravel rather than powder, the water is calm and clear, and the reef starts a few metres offshore in most bays. That combination makes Amed one of the best places in Bali to get in the water without a boat: you can snorkel a healthy house reef straight from the beach at Jemeluk, Lipah or Selang.
Amed is also Indonesia's main freediving centre, with several schools running courses in the deep, sheltered water off the bays, and it has a growing reputation for diving — the Japanese Shipwreck at Banyuning is shallow enough to snorkel, and Tulamben with the USAT Liberty is 20 minutes north.
Outrigger fishing boats, *jukung*, line the beaches in painted rows, and they go out at dawn. The Jemeluk Bay viewpoint on the coast road looks back over the bay with Agung behind it, and there are salt-making operations on the shore where sea water is evaporated in palm-trunk troughs.
There is no nightlife and few shops. Most people come for three or four days of water and quiet, and stay longer than planned.
Travel tips for Amed
- Snorkel straight off the beach. Jemeluk, Lipah and Selang all have house reefs a few metres from shore.
- Reef shoes or sandals. The beaches are coarse black gravel and the entries are stony.
- This is Indonesia's freediving hub — several established schools run beginner to advanced courses.
- Tulamben and the Liberty wreck are 20 minutes north, easily done as a half-day.
- It is 2.5–3 hours from the airport on winding roads — come for several days, not one night.
- Bring cash. ATMs are limited and card acceptance is patchy outside the larger dive resorts.
Popular tours here
- Bali Private Day Tour with Driver & Guide
- East Bali Day Tour: Temples & Water Palaces
Frequently asked questions
What is Amed known for?
Quiet black-sand fishing bays, excellent shore snorkelling, and Indonesia's main freediving scene, all under Mount Agung on Bali's north-east coast.
Can you snorkel from the beach in Amed?
Yes — healthy house reefs start a few metres offshore at Jemeluk, Lipah and Selang, so no boat is needed.
How far is Amed from the airport?
Roughly 2.5 to 3 hours by road, which is why it stays quiet.
Is Amed good for diving?
Yes — there is a shallow Japanese shipwreck at Banyuning, good wall and muck diving locally, and the USAT Liberty wreck at Tulamben is 20 minutes north.
Is there nightlife in Amed?
Essentially none — a handful of restaurants and beach bars, and most places are quiet by ten.