9 Things to Do in Amed, Bali: East Bali's Best-Kept Secret
9 Things to Do in Amed, Bali: East Bali's Best-Kept Secret
Blog Article
Published by TourDesigner
Although Canggu, Ubud, and Uluwatu are the top tourist spots, East Bali's Amed remains one of the island's best-kept secrets. This quaint ocean village boasts stunning views of volcanoes, world-class diving, and genuine Balinese culture—all without the crowds. Here's your complete guide to unleashing the magic of Amed.
Wake Up to Sunrise at Lahangan Sweet:
The Experience: Lahangan Sweet offers what is arguably the most breathtaking sunrise view in Bali. Coming up from behind Mount Agung with the sun at these fabled tree houses is enchanting.
Practical Tips:
- Arrive by 5:15 AM for the best spots
- There is no charge, but expect a wait at the popular photo location tree houses
- Road Warning: The final 2% of the journey includes some of Bali's worst roads—steep, rocky, and muddy. You can consider renting a jeep the last 100-200 meters if you don't feel like riding on a motorbike.
Best Time: Dawn for sunrise, though late morning visits (around 11:30 AM) are less crowded.
Bukit Cinta Rice Terraces Marvel At:
The Experience: Only 30 minutes from Amed, Insta-famous gem features stunning rice fields with Mt. Agung as the background—when clouds cooperate.
Practical Tips:
- Rice harvest season for fullest, greener fields
- Weather here is capricious; clouds tend to obstruct view of mountain
- Perfect spot for photogs who desire that iconic Bali shot
Dive the Famous USAT Liberty Wreck:
The Experience: Amed is one of Bali's best diving areas, topped by the USAT Liberty—a World War II transport torpedoed, left to rot for 20 years, and rattled into the ocean by Mount Agung's 1963 eruption.
Practical Tips:
- Suitable for divers of all experience levels, including beginners
- Several dive shops offer equipment and guided tours
- The wreck is situated in shallow water, perfect for underwater photography
- Even non-divers can snorkel portions of the wreck too
Snorkel Three Beautiful Beaches:
Amed Beach
- Features: Black volcanic sand, in walking distance from Warung Bobo
- Wildlife: Sea turtles are regularly spotted
- Note: Rocky beach, wear water shoes
Lipah Beach
- Features: Sandy beach, family-friendly with a gradual entry
- Access: Drive to Vienna Beach Resort and park there
- Highlights: Breathtaking coral gardens and turtle sighting on the left
Ibus Beach
- Features: Our top pick for snorkeling with incredible coral diversity
- Bonus: Japanese WWII patrol ship wreck
- Caution: Stronger currents—flippers highly recommended
- Environmental Note: Some plastic debris present; please help by collecting trash when possible
Explore Tirta Gangga Water Palace: -
The Experience: Gorgeous royal water palace with intricate pools containing enormous koi fish, stepping stones, and lovely Balinese structures.
Practical Tips:
- Hours: 6:00 AM opening time
- Note for complimentary, 2,000 IDR parking fee
- Best Time: Early morning (8:00 AM) to escape the crowds
- Activity: Walk across stepping stones together with schools of fish (fish food available for 5,000 IDR)
- Duration: 1-2 hours for thorough walk-through and photo shoots
Dine at Berina Rice Terraces Café:
The Experience: Savoring fresh coconut and fried banana done the traditional way while looking down at stunning rice terraces—a view which makes tears fall down your eyes literally.
Practical Tips:
- Where: 10 minutes from Tirta Gangga
- Try Not To Miss: Fresh kelapa (coconut) and fried bananas with brown sugar
- Best For: Breakfast, coffee breaks, or sunset cocktails
Amed's Coffee Culture:
The Experience: Amed has surprisingly well-refined coffee culture with some of the cafes having latte art champions and a proper technique for brewing coffee.
Practical Tips:
- A number of good cafes scattered throughout town
- Suitable for activity breaks
- Authentic Balinese coffee experience can be found in most warungs
Drive Scenic Routes for Breathtaking Panoramas:
The Experience: Even driving around Amed provides some of Bali's best views—coastal roads with volcano scenery and rural villages.
Practical Tips:
- Hire a motorbike for total freedom
- Stop at view points for photography
- Roads mostly well paved except roads leading to viewpoints
Experience Living Authentic Balinese Culture at Samsara Living Museum:
The Experience: 45 minutes from central Amed, this cultural center offers interactive experiences in daily Balinese life like welcome ceremonies, traditional drinks, and knowledge about life-cycle ceremonies.
Practical Tips:
- Price: 100,000 IDR per person
- Offers: Welcome jamu drink, arak tasting, cultural presentations
- Optional Supplements: Cooking class and traditional dance lessons
- Features: Learn about the 14 life ceremonies that each Balinese person is subjected to
- Session Length: 2-3 hours for complete experience
Planning Your Amed Adventure:
Arrival: Amed is about 2-3 hours from central Bali locations like Ubud or Canggu.
Best Time to Visit: Dry season (April-October) offers finest mountain vistas and conditions for diving.
Where to Stay: Beachside bungalows, dive resorts, or homestays for the full experience.
Transportation: Renting a motorbike is the most accessible freedom of movement, but some vantage points involve a little tricky negotiating.
Why Amed Needs to Be Your Next Bali Trip?
Amed demonstrates Bali's most memorable experiences usually lie off the tourist grid. From first-class snorkeling and diving to cultural authenticity and some of Indonesia's finest landscapes, this East Bali beauty has it all without the crowds that infested other spots.
If adventure, cultural truth, or good ol' fashioned natural beauty is what you're looking for, Amed provides a Bali experience that will lead you to question why so many more haven't yet discovered this wonderful place.
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