Amed, Bali Travel Guide: 2-4 Day Itinerary & Where to Stay
Amed is the kind of place you plan to visit for two nights, then spend the drive out wishing you'd booked another one.
This fishing village on Bali's east coast is famous for diving, but there's a lot more to it. I've visited Amed four times now and plan Amed stays for my travel clients, so in this guide, I'll give you my honest take on what it's really like and who it's for. With a slower pace and small-town vibe, it’s not for everyone. If it’s your vibe, I’ve got the info you need to plan a 1- to 5-day trip to Amed below (spoiler alert: I recommend at least two days!).
Below, I'll cover everything you need to plan your trip: getting there, where to stay, how long to stay, and a day-by-day itinerary with costs.
Heads up: This article may contain affiliate links. If you book through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
IN THIS ARTICLE:
What Is Amed Like?
Amed is technically one small fishing village, but you'll hear its name used for the whole stretch of coast around it: about 14 km, taking in neighbouring villages like Jemeluk, Bunutan and Lipah, with Mount Agung rising behind and colourful jukung boats lined up on the black sand.
It has its own laid-back pace and vibe, somewhere between a regular coastal Balinese village and a well-loved diving destination. Because of its popularity for diving, the area gets consistent tourism, but it doesn’t feel overwhelmed. It’s still very genuine and relaxed. There are short-term tourists in Amed as well as a small community of expats — largely European — who stay for diving courses and instruction, or as digital nomads.
What Are Amed's Beaches Like?
Amed's beaches are very unique: mostly dense black volcanic sand and pebbles — not the powdery white sand you might picture on a tropical island. The water is clear, the reef starts right off the shore all along the coast, and snorkeling or diving straight from the beach is the main event. Beaches are accessible from local hotels and bars, and are mostly free, although supporting local businesses is a great idea. There is a nominal fee to access the beach at the Japanese Shipwreck.
⭐ For my favourite beaches and snorkel spots, see my guide on the BEST THINGS TO DO IN AMED.
Is Amed Worth Visiting?
Who It's For (and Not For)
I know that small towns aren’t for everyone — you won’t find a wild nightlife or tons of shopping here. But it is such a beautiful opportunity to slow down and take in Bali’s old-school coastal vibes.
Amed is a great fit if you:
Love being on, in, or under the water
Want a slow, quiet pace after busier parts of Bali
Prefer village life and local warungs to beach clubs and nightlife
Enjoy diving, snorkeling, yoga, or simply doing nothing for a few days
You might want to skip it (or keep it short) if you:
Are dreaming of white-sand beaches
Want a big nightlife or shopping scene
Want to see lots of Bali's sights in a short trip (since Amed is far from most of them)
Want suggestions on the best parts of Bali customized for you?
Message me on Insta @travelynnecollective or email me! I’d love to help.
Can You Visit Amed on a Day Trip?
I really wouldn't recommend it.
With 2.5 hours each way from Ubud (and more from South Bali), you'd spend 5–7 hours in a car for just a few hours on the coast. And you'd miss the best parts of Amed, which mostly happen early in the morning and at the end of the day:
The sea is calmest and clearest in the morning, so that's the best time to snorkel or dive. By the time a day-tripper arrives, conditions are often already changing.
Sunrise on a fishing boat means heading out in the dark, which only works if you're already sleeping here.
Sunset drinks with a view of Mount Agung happen right before you'd need to start the drive back.
The slow pace is the whole point. Rushing in and out of Amed is a bit like going to a spa for a 10-minute massage.
Getting to & Around Amed
Getting to Amed
Amed is tucked away on Bali's far east coast, which is a big part of why it feels so peaceful. It's also why getting here takes a little planning.
Bali doesn't have much in the way of public transportation, so you have three realistic options: hire a driver, ride a scooter yourself, or take one of the limited shuttles. Driving a car yourself isn't very practical in Bali, since parking is hard to come by almost everywhere.
| From / to | Travel time | Private driver | Shuttle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ubud | 2–2.5 hrs | 850,000 Rp | 150,000 Rp |
| Sidemen | 1–1.5 hrs | 750,000 Rp | N/A |
| Padang Bai* / Candidasa | 1–1.5 hrs | 750,000 Rp | 100,000–110,000 Rp |
| Canggu | 2.5–3 hrs | 950,000 Rp | N/A |
| Sanur | 2–2.5 hrs | 800,000 Rp | 150,000 Rp |
| Airport / Kuta | 2.5–3 hrs | 800,000 Rp | 180,000 Rp |
NOTE: Drive times vary greatly depending on traffic and may be slightly more for shuttles due to stops. Private driver prices are per car, and they can vary a lot. You'll find quotes lower and higher than these, so feel free to ask around.
*Heading to the islands next? Padang Bai is the main harbour for fast boats to the Gili Islands and Lombok, and nearby Kusamba Harbour (about 20 minutes away) has fast boats to Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan.
⬇️ Here’s a little more on your options for getting around ⬇️
Option 1: Hire a Private Driver
This is how most people get to Amed, and it's what I recommend for most travellers. Your driver picks you up from your accommodation, drops you right at your next one, and can stop along the way (like at Tirta Gangga, more on that below).
Most accommodations can arrange a driver for you. Or, if you'd like a recommendation, contact me, and I'll put you in touch with one of my trusted drivers.
If you book with someone at your accommodation or an informal driver, just make sure you clearly agree on the price before leaving. A small tip can be a nice gesture, as wages are generally low for drivers.
Option 2: Ride a Scooter Yourself
If you're an experienced rider, riding to Amed on a scooter is possible, and the scenery along the way is beautiful.
That said, this is not the ride for your first time on a scooter. It's a long drive with busy stretches, hills, and winding roads, so only do it if you're confident, experienced, and (I have to say) legally permitted to ride in Indonesia.
You can rent a scooter from your accommodations, or contact me for a local contact for scooters anywhere in Bali.
➡️ READ NEXT: IS IT SAFE TO RIDE A SCOOTER IN SOUTHEAST ASIA?
Option 3: Take a Shuttle
Shuttles to and from Amed exist, but they're much more limited than a private driver. There's usually only one departure a day, and you can only go to (and get dropped off at) a handful of set destinations.
I took the Amed Stop Inn shuttle from Amed to Ubud, and it was good. We rode in a van, and since I was the only person heading to Ubud (everyone else got out in Candidasa or Padang Bai), they put me in a Grab that they paid for for the last 40 minutes. It wasn't what I expected, but it was totally fine!
The shuttle picks you up for free from any hotel in Amed and departs between 9:30 and 10:00 AM daily. You'll need to book via WhatsApp (number in the image). When I visited, the options and prices were as follows:
| From | To | Price per person |
|---|---|---|
| Amed | Tirta Gangga | 70,000 Rp |
| Amed | Candidasa | 100,000 Rp |
| Amed | Padang Bai | 110,000 Rp |
| Amed | Ubud | 150,000 Rp |
| Amed | Sanur | 150,000 Rp |
| Amed | Kuta | 180,000 Rp |
| Amed | Airport | 180,000 Rp |
Stop at Tirta Gangga on the Way to Amed
Tirta Gangga Water Palace is about 30 minutes from Amed and sits on the route to most places people come from or head to next, like Ubud and South Bali. So you can easily add it as a stop on your drive to or from Amed. If your stay is short, this is a great way to save time and keep your days in Amed for the sea.
It's open daily from 6 AM to 7 PM, but go as early as you can. It gets crowded and hot, and there's very little shade.
Want to know more about its history and what to expect? Read the Tirta Gangga section of my BEST THINGS TO DO IN AMED guide.
Alternatively, if you have a longer stay in Amed, you can also visit as a half-day trip from there.
Getting Around Amed
Amed is a small village far from the cities, so there are no rideshare options like Grab or Gojek here. That's why I really recommend staying somewhere central if you won't be riding a scooter or hiring a driver. Being able to walk to a beach and a few restaurants makes a huge difference.
Your options for getting around Amed:
Walk: totally doable if you stay somewhere central. Just be careful, since there aren't many sidewalks and the roads are windy.
Rent a scooter: the easiest way to get around if you're experienced and legally permitted to ride in Indonesia.
Book a driver through your accommodation: best for groups, or for trips to surrounding sights like Tirta Gangga, or getting further along the coast.
Without rideshare apps, short trips by private car add up quickly, especially if you're travelling solo. In a group, though, splitting on a driver is pretty affordable, so it's easy to head further down the coast for dinner or go exploring for a few hours.
Where to Stay in Amed
Because Amed is so spread out, where you stay shapes your whole trip. If you won't be riding a scooter, stay within walking distance of the beach and a few restaurants. ✨ Bonus points if you can snorkel right out front. ✨
Alongside small hotels and villas, you'll find lots of homestays and guesthouses in Amed. These are usually family homes, where the family has built a few extra rooms (or even a whole separate building) to host guests. They tend to be simple, often just a bed, bathroom and porch, but they can be super lovely, and they give you a little glimpse of local family life. They are also generally budget-friendly!
RECOMMENDED HOTELS & GUEST HOUSES
MY GO-TO:
Solaluna Beach Homestay (Ocean View Beachfront Bungalow from $64 USD)
FOR DIVE CENTER ACCCOMMODATIONS:
Scuba Tribe Bali Dive Resort (dorm beds starting from $7 USD)
Palm Springs Bali Dive Resort (king rooms from $58 USD)
FOR BUDGET-FRIENDLY OPTIONS:
Amed Lili Hostel (dorm beds from $7 USD)
d'Sawah Amed Homestay & Warung — note: you need a scooter to access this homestay, a short drive from town (from $30 USD per night with a 2-night minimum)
Timber Piece of Heaven — Amed (from $35 USD for a bungalow)
FOR SOMETHING SPECIAL:
Blue Earth Village (beautiful wooden design + yoga classes on-site with double room from $58 USD)
Serenia Villas Amed (1-bedroom villa with private pool from $66 USD)
Salt Resort & Spa (beachfront hotel with deluxe rooms from $71 USD)
FOR GROUP STAYS:
Bali Marina Villas - Amed (sea view bungalow from $96 USD)
Angsoka Villas Amed (villa with private pool from $117 USD)
Arta Villa Amed (3-bedroom villa with private pool from $91 USD)
How Many Days Do You Need in Amed?
I recommend at least 2 nights, but ideally 3, which gives you 2 full days.
Your travel days in and out eat up a fair bit of time, so 3 nights lets you settle in, enjoy a day in (and under) the water, wake up for a sunrise boat trip, and still have time to do absolutely nothing.
| Stay | Best for |
|---|---|
| 2 nights (1 full day) | A taste of Amed: one sea day and a sunrise boat before you leave |
| 3 nights (2 full days) | My recommendation for most non-divers |
| 4 nights (3 full days) | Divers, snorkel lovers and anyone who wants a slow, restful stay |
| 5+ nights | Dive courses, freediving or a proper fishing-village break |
💡 Travelling between October and April? That's when rain is more likely, so consider adding an extra night as a buffer to help increase your chances of a day for diving, snorkeling, or a sunrise boat trip.
4-Day Amed Itinerary (3 Nights)
This is my ideal Amed stay, and the one I recommend for most travellers: a couple of mornings in (and under) the water, a sunrise boat trip, time to slow down and take good care of yourself, and time for whatever you love most.
I've scheduled the water activities and the sunrise boat in the mornings on purpose. That's when the sea is calmest and clearest, and when there is the lowest chance of rain. Dives, boat trips and yoga classes run on set schedules, so check the start times and book ahead.
Day 1: Arrive, Unwind & Catch the Sunset
After the long drive, ease into Amed with a little self-care. Book a massage at Swasty Dewi Salon, treat yourself to a mani-pedi at Island Girls Bali, or stretch it out with a yoga, Pilates or breathwork class at Blue Earth Village (then have a smoothie on the deck).
DAY 1 — SUMMARY ITINERARY
Morning: Depart from wherever you are in Bali (airport, Ubud, Canggu…), and make a stop at Tirta Gangga Water Palace on the way
Afternoon: Check in, then book a massage and/or yoga class
Sunset: Drinks with a view at Joli Best View Café
Dinner: Rimba Cafe, my favourite restaurant in Amed. Save room for dessert!
Day 2: Under the Sea & on the Beach
The main event in Amed is always exploring underwater — and there’s a way in for everyone!
If you dive (or want to try):
Amed is one of Bali's best dive spots, and my guests have loved diving with both Aqua and Dive Culture Bali. Never tried? This is a great place for a Discover Scuba Diving session. (You can message me for rates!)
If you snorkel:
Rent gear from your hotel (mine charged Rp 40,000 a day) and head to Lipah Beach for healthy reef and a good chance of spotting turtles. You can also see the Japanese Shipwreck from the surface in clear conditions (Rp 25,000 entry at Kawi Karma, including a drink) or in Jemeluk Bay.
In either case:
Then spend the afternoon doing as little as possible. Rent a beach chair at Lipah for some shade, swim when you get hot, and stay put for sunset. Make sure you’re somewhere coastal for a view as the sun sets — maybe over at Warung Bobo where you can enjoy a cold Bintang beer and live music in a beachy ambiance.
DAY 2 — SUMMARY ITINERARY
Morning: Dive, freedive or snorkel while the water is calm and clear.
Lunch: A beach bar at Lipah Beach or fresh fish curry at Warung Lebah Seaview.
Afternoon: Beach chair, book, coconut, swim/snorkel. Repeat.
Sunset: A cold Bintang and live music at Warung Bobo.
Day 3: Sunrise Boat, Back in the Water + Your Pick
Today is an early one. You'll head out on a jukung traditional fishing boat in the dark and watch the day begin from the water, with Mount Agung on the coast behind you. Book through your accommodation, or message me for a trusted recommendation, and don't count on catching breakfast until you’re back.
If you want a leisurely brunch or lunch, check out Good Stuff Cafe, which has a cute shop next door for made-in-Bali souvenirs. If you want to get back on the water, you can book ahead with Crystal Kayak (they open daily at 10 AM) — the morning is the best time for turtle spotting! 🐢
Then spend the afternoon on whatever you've enjoyed most:
Love yoga? Book another class at Blue Earth Village.
Ride a scooter? Take the coast road south towards the little lighthouse, and get a Bali coffee at Ibus Sea View Warung along the way.
Here for the food? Cafe hop between Rimba, Good Stuff and Blue Earth Village.
Want more pampering? Book the massage you didn't get to on Day 1 (…or a second massage 😉).
Just want to rest? Back to the beach or nap at your hotel. No one's judging.
Get to your viewpoint for sunset — maybe the rooftop bar at Solaluna.
DAY 3 — SUMMARY ITINERARY
Morning: Sunrise on a traditional fishing boat
Brunch: Good Stuff Cafe + browse their EcoStore + optional see-thru kayak to spot turtles
Afternoon: Choose your own adventures (per above)
Sunset: A cold Bintang and live music at Warung Bobo.
Day 4: Departure
Squeeze in one last swim, then hit the road. If you didn't visit Tirta Gangga on the way in, stop on the way out.
3-Day Amed Itinerary (2 Nights)
Short on time? Follow Days 1 and 2 of the itinerary above, then fit in the sunrise boat before you leave.
Day 1: Stop at Tirta Gangga on the way, then a massage or yoga class and sunset at Joli Best View Café.
Day 2: Dive, freedive or snorkel in the morning, then a lazy beach afternoon, sunset at Warung Bobo, and dinner at Rimba.
Day 3: Wake up early for a sunrise fishing boat trip, have breakfast, then hit the road.
It's a short stay, but you'll still get Amed's two best moments: the reef and the sunrise.
Staying 4 Nights or More?
Lucky you. This is where Amed really starts to sink in. And if you're travelling between October and April, the extra time gives you a buffer for rainy mornings.
Follow the 4-day itinerary, then add:
Another morning in the water: dive, freedive, snorkel or kayak again.
More of what you loved: extra yoga classes, another massage, or a second round of your favourite cafes.
Learning to dive: A PADI Open Water Diver course takes 3+ days, and Amed is a great place to do it.
A freediving course: There are freediving courses in Amed from 2 to 7 days long — message me for info!
An East Bali day tour, such as:
A short trip to Tirta Gangga, if you didn't stop on your drive in or out.
One full day with no plan at all. Seriously, this is the point of Amed.
FAQ: Visiting Amed
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Amed is a destination for people who like a quiet space and a slow pace.
It feels very different from Bali's busy southern coast, and honestly, that's exactly why I think it's worth adding to your itinerary. The remoteness is part of the charm.
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No — Amed is a lovely little destination in its own right, but it is not a good base for exploring the rest of Bali.
It's far from most other destinations, and East Bali roads aren't exactly designed for ticking 17 places off a checklist in one afternoon.
Treat Amed as a destination of its own, then move on to somewhere more central, or plan a longer loop around the island.
If you need help creating an itinerary that suits your interests, you can always reach out to me.
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I'd stay at least 2 nights so that you have, at minimum, a full day to take in the fishing village pace.
If you're diving, or you're happy with a truly quiet, relaxed pace, around 4 nights could be great too.
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Amed is spread out along the coast, so if you stay too far and don’t have a scooter or a personal driver, you may feel a bit too isolated.
I recommend choosing somewhere central and coastal where you can easily walk to restaurants and the beach.
My personal is Solaluna Beach Homestay, and especially their beach-front ocean view bungalows — although those sell out early.
Otherwise, you can look at places along the coast within a ~10 minute walk from there for an area that is fairly walkable to restaurants and cafes.
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This is one of the places in Bali where you can't just open Grab or Gojek and expect a car to show up. There's no rideshare here in the village.
Your main options:
Stay somewhere central: avoid needing much transportation by staying somewhere central on the coast where you can walk around for the most part.
Rent a scooter: probably the easiest option, if you're comfortable riding and legally permitted to ride in Indonesia.
Arrange transport through your accommodation: most places can set you up with a local driver, although prices can vary quite a bit. You’ll also find people offering you a ride (for a price) when walking around Amed.
If you're not comfortable on a scooter, ask your accommodation about transport needs before you arrive so you can get an idea of prices.
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The best time to visit anywhere in Bali is from March-October.
October and March do have a higher chance of rain, but also can be less crowded with tourists. Those months vary a lot and can be beautiful and temperate, or rainy.
I advise people to avoid Bali completely during December, January and February, due to the risk of heavy rains and flooding.
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Absolutely.
Diving is what made Amed famous, but it isn't the only reason I'd recommend spending a few days here. In fact, I don’t dive at all :)
If anything, the lack of an enormous list of attractions to rush through is part of the appeal.
You can snorkel, watch the sunset, take a fishing boat out, do yoga, eat very well, visit a water palace, and spend an unreasonable amount of time on the beach or at your hotel pool doing absolutely nothing.
And sometimes that's exactly what you need from Bali.
Final Thoughts
If you’re after old Bali vibes — the charm of fishing villages, slow life and coastal views — I am confident you will love your trip to Amed. There is something in the air here that invites you to take it easy. Try not to overpack your days, focus on the beautiful waters and views, and enjoy the art of doing not-too-much. I sincerely hope you spot some turtles along the way!
Travel well,
Lynne
Planning Your Trip to Amed?
Need a hand planning your trip? Check out my travel planning services or contact me to set up a free consultation. I can help with a custom itinerary that matches your interests, plus bookings for your activities, accommodations, and drivers.
Was this helpful? Have more questions? You can reach me by leaving a comment below, sending me a DM on Insta, or getting in touch by email.
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