Black Sand Coast
Snorkelling • Diving • Volcano Views
Amed, the Little Paradise in Bali
Amed is a peaceful chain of fishing villages on Bali’s northeast coast, bordered by black volcanic beaches and calm clear water.
It is one of the best places in Bali for snorkelling, scuba diving, and slow travel.
Renowned for coral gardens, drop-offs, wreck sites, and spectacular views of Mount Agung, Amed has become one of East Bali’s most rewarding destinations.
If you are looking for a different side of Bali, less hectic and more ocean-focused, Amed is a superb choice.
The drive there is also part of the experience, with beaches, rice fields, temples, and water palaces along the way.
Quick answer: why visit Amed?
Amed is one of the best places in Bali for snorkelling, diving, black sand beaches, fishing village atmosphere, Mount Agung views, and easy day trips to East Bali landmarks.
It is especially attractive for travelers who prefer nature, underwater life, and a slower pace over nightlife and crowds.
At a glance
Snorkelling, diving, calm beach days, East Bali road trips
Just under 3 hours in normal traffic
At least 2 nights
Location of Amed
Amed lies on Bali’s eastern coastline, at the foot of Mount Agung, Bali’s most sacred volcano.
The area is known for its long coastal stretch of black sand and pebbled beaches, with excellent access to snorkelling and diving spots.
Nearby beaches and attractions include Lipah Beach, Jemeluk Beach, Virgin Beach,
the Tirta Gangga Water Palace, the Taman Soekasada Ujung Water Palace, and the
Lempuyang temple area.
A fishing village
Amed is still very much a fishing village. You will see traditional fishing boats along the shore and a way of life that feels slower and more local than South Bali.
Late afternoon is a wonderful time to take a short traditional boat ride, go fishing, or simply watch the light fade behind Mount Agung.
A diving and snorkelling destination
Amed is one of Bali’s best regions for underwater exploration. Jemeluk Bay, Lipah Beach, Selang Beach, the Japanese Wreck, and nearby Tulamben all offer exceptional underwater scenery.
For divers, the famous Liberty wreck in Tulamben is one of Bali’s must-do sites.
Related read:
The best dive spots in Bali
Volcanoes and East Bali culture
If you only plan to climb one volcano during your Bali trip, many travelers find Mount Batur easier than Agung, especially for a sunrise hike.
But Amed’s setting beneath Agung gives the whole coast a dramatic and almost mystical atmosphere.
Amed is also a great base for discovering East Bali landmarks such as the
Taman Soekasada Ujung Water Palace,
Tirta Gangga, and Lempuyang.
Amed overview and East Bali atmosphere
How to get around?
Amed is just under 3 hours by road from Kuta, Seminyak,
Canggu, or Ubud in normal traffic. The easiest way to explore the area is by scooter if you are confident, or with a private driver if you prefer comfort and flexibility.
If you take a private driver, it is worth planning stops along the route, because East Bali has many scenic and cultural places on the way.
What to do in Amed, on the east coast of Bali?
The road to Amed is part of the adventure. If you travel by scooter, you can stop wherever you like. If you hire a driver, tell them in advance which places matter most to you.
- Virgin Beach
- Taman Soekasada Ujung Water Palace
- Tirta Gangga Water Palace
- Ababi rice fields
- Pura Penataran Agung Lempuyang Temple
- Jemeluk Beach
- Sunset Point
- Lipah Beach
- Tulamben and the wreck of the USAT Liberty
A little story
The most famous wreck near Amed is the USAT Liberty, a former U.S. Army ship torpedoed during World War II.
After being brought to Tulamben, it was later pushed farther underwater by lava flows during the 1963 eruption of Mount Agung.
To enjoy Amed properly, staying at least 2 nights is a good idea. One day can be spent stopping at places of interest on the road to Amed,
and another can be dedicated to Amed itself, with snorkelling or diving.
1. Go to Pantai Jemeluk (Jemeluk Beach)
Jemeluk Bay is one of Amed’s best playgrounds for snorkelling. Depending on conditions, it can be ideal for beginners because much of the snorkelling is shallow and accessible.
Some submerged structures, including statues and temple-like features, lie at around
2 to 5 meters (6.6 to 16.4 ft) depth. The reef also includes canyons and reliefs that attract schools of fish.
Most beachfront restaurants can arrange snorkel gear rental. If you wear fins, be careful not to strike corals.
2. Snorkel or dive at the Japanese Wreck
The Japanese Wreck is one of Amed’s most fascinating shallow underwater sites. It is unusual to be able to explore a wreck so close to shore with only mask and snorkel.
The remains lie at around 2 to 6 meters (6.6 to 19.7 ft) depending on tide. Soft and hard corals have colonized the wreck,
attracting many fish including trumpetfish, surgeonfish, butterflyfish, bannerfish, and damselfish.
The site is in front of the Kawi Kawa Beach Cottages area and is often indicated by large black buoys.
3. Snorkel or dive at the wreck of the USAT Liberty
From Amed to the USAT Liberty wreck in Tulamben takes around 20 minutes by car, or slightly less by scooter.
Even if you are not diving, part of the wreck can still be appreciated while snorkelling from the beach. Strong freediving skills are not required to enjoy the shallower sections.
Deeper parts of the wreck sit around 30 meters (98.4 ft), but some sections are accessible much shallower, making it one of Bali’s most famous mixed snorkel-and-dive experiences.
4. Relax, snorkel or dive at Lipah Beach
Lipah Beach is often described as one of Amed’s top snorkelling and diving spots. Many of the best reefs begin a few tens of meters from shore and extend toward a drop-off roughly
100 meters (328 ft) offshore.
It is a magical coral garden where you may see octopus, triggerfish, tiny mantis shrimps, and sometimes even small reef sharks.
Snorkelling is often best between mid and low tide.
5. Selang Beach
Selang Beach is a small protected bay shaped like a half moon. It is quieter and less famous than some of Amed’s other snorkelling spots,
which also means it can feel more preserved.
Snorkelling is usually done in shallow water. Blacktip reef sharks are sometimes seen here; they are generally harmless if left undisturbed.
If you encounter one, move calmly and avoid splashing or sudden gestures.
Related coastal read:
Exploring Bali’s coastlines with a yacht or boat rental
What to do around Amed?
Amed itself is relatively small, so many travelers use it as a base for East Bali excursions. Scooter rental or a driver makes these side trips easy.
1. Visit Tirta Gangga Water Palace
Tirta Gangga is one of East Bali’s most famous water palaces and lies only about 15 minutes by car or less by scooter from Amed.
Its pools, gardens, fountains, and stepping stones make it both a cultural site and one of Bali’s most photographed places.
2. Mount Agung and the sacred mountain landscape
From Amed, Mount Agung is a constant presence. The volcano is both a natural landmark and a sacred mountain in Balinese culture.
The nearby Pura Besakih, Bali’s “mother temple,” is one of the island’s most important spiritual sites.
- Besakih temple: about 1 hour 30 minutes by car
- Pura Pasar Agung trailhead: about 1 hour 15 minutes by car
- Batur trailhead: about 1 hour 30 minutes by car
3. Walk through the Ababi rice fields
The Ababi rice fields are around 20 minutes by car from Amed. They offer a beautiful rural landscape of green terraces, traditional irrigation, and quiet countryside.
It is a rewarding stop if you want to contrast Amed’s coast with East Bali’s inland scenery.
4. Explore Taman Soekasada Ujung Water Palace
The Taman Soekasada Ujung Water Palace is one of East Bali’s most elegant historic sites.
Built in 1909, it combines ponds, pavilions, bridges, and long views toward the sea and nearby islands.
Read more:
Taman Soekasada Ujung Water Palace
•
Nusa Penida guide
Related guide:
Water sports places in Bali
Sources:
CleverlySmart,
PinterPandai,
Museum of Wander
Photo credit:
Wawansatriawan Bali via Wikimedia Commons
(CC BY-SA 4.0)
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Villa Carissa offers a private swimming pool and enclosed garden in Seminyak Center, making it an excellent base for exploring Bali’s beaches,
temples, water palaces, volcanoes, and day trips to East Bali destinations like Amed.
Whether you are traveling with family, friends, or on a romantic getaway, Villa Carissa gives you a comfortable and stylish Seminyak base
while keeping Bali’s best attractions within reach.
Villa Carissa in Seminyak Center
