AMED: 12 THINGS TO DO FOR A SLOW EAST BALI ESCAPE
AMED: 12 tHINGS TO DO FOR A SLOW EAST BALI ESCAPE
there’s something quietly magical about Amed.
Stretching 14 kilometres along Bali’s east coast, this string of fishing villages moves to the rhythm of the ocean. Traditional jukung boats rest against black volcanic sand, and days are shaped by the ocean’s tides — exploring life beneath the ocean’s surface. One of Bali most loved diving spots, this is your guide to the ocean and beyond and the 12 reasons you’ll find yourself returning to Amed again and again.
THE FEELING OF AMED
On this trip to Indonesia, I set an intention to explore more of Bali and visit places I hadn't yet been. I'd had Lahangan Sweet saved on Google Maps for two years, and took myself on a five-day solo date through Bali's east, from Bangli to Amed.
Amed feels like a small beach town in bloom. Pink bougainvillea spill over fences, and coastal roads wind upwards to quiet lookout points above the sea. It reminds me of the Greek islands — intimate, vibrant and not a high-rise in sight to interrupt the skyline. Just palm trees that sway in the breeze and pastel skies at dusk.
Walking across the black volcanic sand beaches is a quiet reminder of Mount Agung’s presence. Its fertile soil nourishes cassava, corn, peanuts and snake fruit to grow in the surrounding hills. Fishermen head out before sunrise with their nets, and here, you watch life gently unfold where it still feels rooted in both land and sea.
THINGS TO DO
01 / Snorkel at Lipah Beach and Jemeluk Bay
Coral gardens are just meters from the shore at Lipah Beach and Jemeluk Bay. For something unique, snorkel the nearby Japanese Shipwreck — a shallow, accessible site teeming with marine life.
02 / Visit Lahangan Sweet
Lahangan Sweet offers sweeping views over East Bali from around 300 metres above sea level, with Mount Agung and layered valleys stretching into the distance. If you’ve dived, remember to wait at least 12 hours before ascending.
03 / Hire A Traditional Fisherman’s Boat
Head out before sunrise in a wooden jukung with a local fisherman. Arrange it directly on the beach for a simple, authentic experience — with dolphins often spotted offshore.
04 / Sunrise At Amed Beach
Watch fishermen return with their catch as golden tones stretch across the water
05 / Eat Your Way Through Amed
Good Stuff Cafe & Eco Store – wholesome plates and a concept store next door.
Rimba Cafe – fresh food and juices with a cosy interior that blurs the lines ofindoor and outdoor living.
Asmat Restaurant – local flavours with ocean views.
Blue Earth Village – nourishing, health-conscious meals with local ingredients.
06 / Yoga at Blue Earth Village
A hilltop shala overlooking both the ocean and Mount Agung. Ground yourself in a morning flow and return for sunset when the sky turns soft pink and lavender.
07 / Get PADI Certified + Dive World-Class Sites
Take your Open Water course with a local dive centre and explore nearby Tulamben’s famous USAT Liberty Shipwreck.
08 / Take a Freediving Lesson
Calm, clear waters make Amed ideal for building breathwork confidence and refining technique.
09 / Visit a Marigold Farm
Vibrant orange fields of marigolds — used daily in Balinese temple offerings — offer a beautiful cultural glimpse into local life.10 / Sunrise Bukit Cinta
Capture the peaceful hilltop overlooking the rice fields, framed by Mount Agung in the distance.
11 / Explore Tirta Gangga + Taman Ujung
Visit Tirta Gangga and Taman Ujung for royal water gardens, fountains, and mountain views.
12 / Hike Mount Agung
For the adventurous, hiking Bali’s sacred volcano is a challenging but unforgettable sunrise experience.
Note: to get around Amed, you will need a scooter unless you organise a taxi or private driver, as Grab and Gojek are not available here.
HOW LONG TO SPEND
2–4 days is perfect for a slow weekend escape — whether solo, with friends, or for a romantic getaway. Stay longer if you dive. Amed is a popular weekend destination — plan ahead with your accomodation.
RECOMMENDED STAYS
A private, peaceful villa stay with clean lines and coastal views, perfect for a quiet retreat.
Elevated hillside bungalows with panoramic views over the coastline and Mount Agung, blending tropical design with comfort.
THOUGHTS ON AMED
Amed is the kind of place where days feel longer — not because they’re busy, but because they’re unhurried. Where time stretches gently — inviting you to wake with the sun, swim before breakfast and watch the fishermen return with their morning catch as soft light spills across the shoreline.
And somewhere between the salt on your skin, the softness of the black sand, and the stillness of early mornings, you realise you’re already planning your return.
