Is Amed Worth It? The Slow Alternative to Bali's Crowds
Lipah Beach, Amed
Amed, East Bali
I'll be honest with you. Two years ago, when I visited Amed for the first time, I didn't like it.
I'd heard all the usual things - peaceful, quiet, beautiful. But the timing was off. There was construction everywhere, hardly any people, and not much going on. Plus I visited during heavy rainy season (January), so definitely it wasn’t what I expected to see and feel.
Today, in 2026, it's a different story. Amed has grown into itself. Tourism here has developed in the best way, and it's quietly definitely becoming one of my favourite places in all of Bali. S
So, if you're wondering whether Amed is worth it, here's my honest answer: yes - as long as you're coming for the right reasons. If you want a slower, quieter, more authentic side of Bali, Amed delivers.
And if you're chasing beach clubs and nightlife, you'll want to be somewhere else.
Let me explain my thoughts on Amed.
So, where is Amed?
Amed is a small fishing village on the northeast coast of Bali - but most people use the name for the whole area, a roughly 14 km stretch of bays and little villages along the coast.
It's around 2 hours from Ubud and 3–4 hours from the international airport in Denpasar (DPS). That distance is part of the reason it stays quiet. Amed simply isn't as easy to reach as Canggu or Uluwatu, so it attracts a completely different kind of crowd. The best way to reach is by car or scooter for the scenic views if you are an experienced driver. 🚕
What is Amed like?
Amed is laid-back in a way other parts of Bali no longer are. It's known for diving, snorkelling, freediving, nature, and some of the best sunrises on the island. You eat fresh fish right on the beach, and you wake up to incredible views of Mount Agung, the holiest mountain in Bali, sitting right behind the coastline.
It draws the kind of traveller who wants to slow down - people who'd rather snorkel at sunrise than queue for a viral photo spot. Those who appreciate authenticity over polished attractions and places. Those who want real moments rather than curated.
What to do in Amed ?
Snorkelling, diving & free diving 🤿
This is the main reason people come. The water here is calm and clear, which makes Amed one of the best places in Bali to learn to dive or free dive. There are many dive and free dive centres suitable for beginners and advanced divers. A few of the most popular and renowned places are Apneista Freediving Center and Fresh Fins Diving.
Some of the dives also happen in the nearby Tulamben area.
Shall I snorkel from the shore or do I need to book a snorkelling trip?
You can easily snorkel from the shore, you'll see colourful coral and fish straight off the beach. You can rent mask and fins from the beach guys and they cost €2.50 each.
For the full experience I also recommend booking a Snorkelling trip. It takes around 3-4 hours and the local guide will take you on a traditional jukung boat - it is an amazing experience. You stop at 4 different bays and you snorkel from there. You can either book it via your hotel or directly on the beach.
👉 Locals will also take you on their boats for fishing tours or sunrise and sunset trips.
🎟️ Typical price for sunset boat trip for two people ~ Rp. 400.000 (€20)
Beaches 🐚
Start with Lipah Beach and Jemeluk Bay - both are great for swimming and snorkelling. On Lipah beach you are likely to see a turtle near the shore.
There are no fancy beach clubs in Amed. But you can rent sunbeds and an umbrella from the locals on the beach. The last time we paid IDR 150.000 (€7) for two people at Lipah Beach.
You can also jump on a scooter and drive around to the Easternmost point of Bali, where you'll find quieter, lesser-known beaches with barely anyone on them and some you’ll even have completely to yourself.
Sunset & sunrise spots 🌅
For sunset, head to Amed Beach, Blue Earth Village, or Joli Best View Cafe.
And since you're on the east coast, make sure you wake up at least once for the sunrise - it’s incredible seeing the full sun coming out behind the horizon and on a clear morning you will see Lombok island in the distance.
👉 Pro Tip: stay beachfront, so that it’s easier to wake up and watch the sunrise
Viewpoints
For panoramic views of Mount Agung and the coast, my top pick is Bukit Indah - it is a new place and alternative to the Lahangan Sweet spot. It is still free of crowds and the entrance fee is lower.
🎟️ Bukit Indah, Entry fee ~ Rp. 50.000 (€2.50)
If you don't mind sharing the view, Lahangan Sweet is the more famous (and busier) option.
🎟️ Lahangan Sweet, Entry fee ~ Rp. 100.000 (€5.00)
Day trips 🛵
If you want to see more in the area, Tirta Gangga (the royal water palace) and Lempuyang Temple (the famous "Gates of Heaven") are within reach. Fair warning, though: both are much more touristy than Amed itself, so go early if you go at all.
And a place I discovered last time but
A for a change of scenery visit Savana Tianyar
If you want something completely different, head to Savana Tianyar - yes, Bali has a savanna, and it's about a 45-minute coastal drive from Amed. It's known as one of the best spots to see Mount Agung up close, with golden rolling grassland in the foreground and incredible photo opportunities. I still haven't made it there myself, but it’s on my list and I hope I can visit it soon.
A few things I've researched: it's free to enter, it looks best in the dry season (roughly May–October) when the grass turns golden, and you'll want to go at sunrise or just before sunset - Mount Agung often hides behind clouds in the middle of the day. Or sometimes the heat is too extreme at lunchtime.
Where to stay in Amed?
Amed is a long, spread-out stretch of coast, so where you stay really shapes your trip. Here's how I'd break it down:
Melasti area :
Near the new Om Karma café. This is the first area you reach when arriving in Amed, where the rice fields are, and a few new villas and hotels have popped up. It's perfect if you want the beach and Amed town centre within walking distance — ideal if you'd rather not rent a scooter. Bonus: some of the best Mount Agung views are from here.
Beachfront:
I've stayed at Salt Resort Amed four times now, and for me it's the perfect value for money. You wake up to the sound of the waves and have direct beach access. Also, breakfast is included in the room rate.
Near Amed beach:
If you want central access on a budget, there are plenty of homestays right on the beach here at lower prices.
Near Jameluk Bay:
This is the spot for divers - it's packed with dive centres and has direct beach access, so you can roll out of bed and into the water.
Bunutan Valley:
Want to feel fully surrounded by nature and away from it all? This is the quieter, more isolated alternative to Amed town. Look at places likeTropical Habitat and Villa Asri Amed.
Where to eat and drink in Amed
Amed is slowly becoming more and more popular for tourists and a spot for digital nomads, and there are many new good places for food and even laptop-friendly cafes.
Some of my favourite cafés:
One Way Espresso - you can also buy coffee beans from here
Rimba Café - the greenest cafe ever
Om Karma Café - I love everything from their menu
Ciao Bali - this is literally the best pizza not only in town but also one of the best I’ve ever eaten
For local food, there are plenty of warungs and almost every place delivers. Some of my favourite are:
Bubu - come here for the sunset and have grilled fish right on the beach
La Plage - the Balinese lady who is the chef here is the best - she does deliscious fish/chicken or veggie curry and potato gnocchi
👉 A sneaky tip: in the early morning, locals sell fresh fish on the side of the road. You can buy some and bring it to BUBU warung in the evening, and they'll grill it for you and serve it vegetables and rice. It doesn't get fresher than that.
Working from Amed?
Coverage is good, most cafés are laptop-friendly, and there's even a coworking space in town called La Timba with a view of the Bunutan valley.
What I like about Amed:
For me, Amed is all about the feeling. There's nowhere to rush and no posing for the camera. You can be in shorts and flip-flops all day and no one cares.
What I love most is waking up at 6am for the sunrise, watching the locals fish every morning, snorkelling, and having some freshly grilled fish. And of course watching the sunset is the best part of my day.
By the way, the locals own the beach - they park their boats there and go about their day, exactly as they always have. It's refreshing to see a place where the land hasn't been completely taken over by foreign businesses. Yet. Amed still feels like Amed.
Who is Amed for?
Amed is perfect for couples, nature lovers, and families with kids. If you love quiet mornings, swimming, snorkelling, and slow days, you'll feel right at home.
It's also a great base for slow travellers and remote workers — people who still need to get some work done but want to do it in a calm, relaxed environment rather than the buzz of Canggu. Good wifi, easy days, and nothing pulling you to rush.
If you're coming to Bali for nightlife, shopping, and big crowds, this probably isn't your place — and that's okay.
Just a couple of things to know before you go:
No Gojek or Grab here - There's no ride-hailing in the area, so you'll either need to rent your own scooter, arrange a local driver, or organise transport through your hotel. Otherwise, you need to stay somewhere central and use your feet.
Bring cash - Cafés are getting more card-friendly, but smaller warungs and local sellers are cash-only.
Timing matters - Amed is much livelier in the dry season. If you visit in the quietest months, some restaurants may be closed - so don't judge it on a slow day like I almost did.
So, is Amed worth visiting?
If you are looking for a busy place with loads to do - modern cafes, trendy spots, gyms, shopping, beach clubs or big resorts where everything is arranged for you - then Amed, may not really appeal to you.
However, if you want a calmer, more authentic side of Bali - slow mornings, sunrises over the ocean, fresh fish on the beach, and a withnessing how locals live - then yes, Amed is absolutely worth it. You will experience something authentic yet you won’t have to sacrifice any of your needs as Amed has it all.
It took me a second visit to fall for it. But now I can't imagine a Bali trip without it.
