Amed, Bali is quickly becoming a favorite destination in Bali, and once you’ve been, you understand why! This region sprawls along the eastern coast, offering a different experience, so learn about the different areas to stay in Amed!
No matter where you stay, you’ll get a tranquil blend of snorkeling, views, rice terraces, yoga, and the best part; the people.
If you’re looking for beach parties, extra trendy acai bowls (although there are some here), and surfing, check out the west coast in Canggu or Uluwatu! Amed is truly a gem, and I cannot wait to return one day…I hope the shark is still there.
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Pocket Guide to Amed
When I think of Amed...
I'm dripping with salt water on the beach, lost in the view of Mount Agung. One drink from a coconut before diving back in the water to swim alongside the fish, turtles, and jellies.
Where To Stay
- Jemaluk (Best for first-timers and social bees)
- Lipah Beach (Best for snorkeling and relaxation)
- Selang (Best for luxury and privacy)
- Tulumben (Best for diving)
When To Visit
April-October during dry season. Best underwater visibility and weather!
Things To Do
- Swim or snorkel almost anywhere on the coast
- Hike Mount Agung
- Go fishing on a Jukung boat
Know Before You Go To Amed
- You’ll definitely want a motorbike!! The area is pretty big, with beautiful drives into the mountains and lava fields, get yourself a bike so you can freely explore!
- From what I’ve seen, there is a lot of construction in Amed! Ask your host about any nearby construction that may disrupt your stay (and also ask about roosters, there are TONS OF ROOSTERS!)
- There is one main road that goes through Amed, and although it was only paved in 2023, the growth is happening!
- Medical services are limited, and you’re quite far removed from western-level amenities.
If you're going to Amed, you better be trying to Snorkel. Check out the 5 Best Spots in Bali to Snorkel, and don't worry, you can rent fins and a mask on shore of all these places!
Getting to Amed
The only way into Amed is by driving, and all of the routes are incredibly beautiful. We landed in Denpasar, rented motorbikes from a friend in Ubud, and made the journey east along rice paddies and the salty coastline.
You can either drive yourself (highly recommend), or hire a driver for around $55 USD. Either way, you will want a motorbike in Amed… it is not very walkable (unless you’re on the main strip of Amed Beach), and being here is 10x better when you can just go with the flow.
From Denpasar – 2.5 hours
From Ubud – 2.5 hours
From Padang Bai – 1.5 hours
From Kintamani – 2 hours
Check out Everything You Need To Know About Transportation in Bali, so you're ready for your next best adventure!
Best Restaurants in Amed
After 3+ months in Amed, we tried a lot of food! Since everything is so close, don’t miss the chance to try these delicious, local, and unique warungs/restaurants.
Balinese & Warungs
- Galanga – unique bungalow seating with traditional balinese cuisine
- Aroma de la Mer – great local food with insane views of Agung
- Warung Amed Sea View – great food, small dining right on the beach
- Green Melon Warung – Close to Lipah Beach with clean atmosphere and the best Chicken Satay I’ve ever had!
Western Food
- Gusto – insanely good western food, we still talk about it.
- Good Stuff Cafe & Eco Store – Love to support an eco shop with good classic acai bowls
- Om Karma Cafe – peaceful open air with rice paddie views
- One Way Espresso – award winning coffee drinks, but a bit overpriced
1. Amed Beach / Jemaluk
BEST FOR – first time visitors / short stays / social bees
- Snorkeling – Underwater Temple & Pyramids
- EcoDive dive shop
- BlueEarth Village Yoga & Movement
- Insane views of Agung!
Where to Stay in Jemaluk / Amed Beach
We stayed at Aroma de la Mer, and loved it! It was right next to Blue Earth yoga, there were great views of Agung, and super affordable. Putu, the woman in charge, is a hardworking saint of a woman, and she will make you feel right at home.
2. Lipah Beach
- Blue Harmony Coral Restoration
- Beach lounging
- Boat tours
Lipah is home to my favorite snorkeling in Bali, and one of the Best Cafes For Remote Working in Amed!
Where to Stay in Lipah Beach Area
3. Selang
BEST FOR – privacy / resort stays / luxury
Selang is the most private area in Amed, with luxury and affordable resorts on the elevated coastline, and pristine snorkeling all to yourself! You’ll mostly find older couples, honeymooners, and well-off travelers in this area, so get ready for good food, and the luxuries of life to add to the insane views.
As one of the closest places to the Japanese Shipwreck dive site, it’s is a perfect location to easily access dive spots and the main town.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Private luxury resorts
- Peace and tranquility
- Japanese Shipwreck Dive Site
While Amed does extend along the coastline, I don't recommend staying further east than the Japanese Shipwreck unless you want a real authentic stay and removal from the main town.
Where to Stay in Selang Beach Area
We stayed at Relang Resort, and out of all of our travels, this was the only hotel we actually went back to! Manager Wayan is laid back and will welcome you in like family, while Buddhi the receptionist is an angel reincarnate. Highly recommend Selang Resort for amaging diving off the coast, an infiniti pool, and hosts that feels like family <3
4. Tulumben
- USAT Liberty Shipwreck
- Freediving Schools
- People who live, breathe, sleep diving
The USAT Liberty was torpedoed by Japan in WWII, and was beached in Tulamben to salvage materials. However, the 1963 eruption from Mount Agung carried the ship back into the ocean, where it's been resting ever since. Today, it is home to thousands of aquatic species, divers, and exploration.
A beautiful reminder of death coming back to life, and that gods don't want our rusty war ships on their land.
Where to Stay in Tulamben
We stayed at Hotel And Rooms Naha Port the night before flying out of Okinawa, and it was perfect. Their onsens opened at 6:00am, perfect for a pre-flight soak and relaxation. This hotel is unfortunately anti-tattoos, so be aware of this in case you have tattoos that cannot be covered without a bodysuit.
Summary - Where to Stay in Amed, Bali
When faced with the decision of where to stay in Amed, Bali, you really can’t go wrong. I’ve spent weeks in Jemeluk in the hub of it all, and weeks in the outskirts of Selang! While Amed is growing FAST, there is still such sacred, peaceful regions in Amed that haven’t been touched by western influence (yet), and it is so sweet to get to experience that, even if just for a few days.
So get to booking your stay, your dive trips, and make sure your camera is charged, you’re going to need it!
