As one of the most popular destinations in the world, Bali has come such a long way. It’s indisputable that the island is kinda a jack of all trades. Meaning, there are a lot of things to do in Bali. One of the most famed destinations in Bali is, of course, its beautiful beaches. The top one like Kuta beach is among the places to visit in Bali.
However, it’s no secret that Kuta is notoriously over touristy. Many wise travelers know to avoid Kuta and explore other places instead. The good news is, there are no short of pretty beaches all over the island. One of them is Amed Beach. Located at the easternmost of the island, the beach could be your next escapade.
Where is Amed?
Amed Beach is located at a fishing village with the same name. Located 2 hours from Kuta, the beach is located in Karangasem regency, Eastern Bali. A quiet settlement, the beach is rather secluded. However, recently the beach it garnered more attention among traveler. The highlight of Amed is its snorkeling spot. Many tourists go to Amed to explore its underwater beauty.
How to get to Amed
You can go there using various ways of transportation. Among common option is hiring local Bali private driver and car. They cost around IDR 650k/day but you can always negotiate. You can rent a car at one of tour companies spread around Kuta.
You can also use Perama Tours shuttle bus service. With only IDR 175k for one way trip, they can take you to Amed either from Kuta or Ubud. Learn more about their Bali tour package at their official website. You can order a ticket online too.
Top things to do in Amed, Bali
Now that you have arrived at Amed, buckle up for the excitement. Here are things you can do in this tranquil beach.
1. Diving and snorkeling
Amed is blessed with a relatively calm sea. You can snorkel at ease here, even though you’re a beginner. The seabed of Amed is home to corals, colorful tropical fishes, and many other sea creatures. If you wonder how Amed can be so quiet, you’ll now that the excitement lies below the surface. On lucky days, divers can even spot sea turtles and reef shark!
To snorkel or dive here, it’s better for you to rent a guide. You can choose among many tour package offered by diving companies around Amed. They abound, so you can easily haggle for the best price and the best service. You can ask them for a special activity tour, where you will sail around 15 miles offshore and encounter a Japanese World War II shipwreck.
2. Fishing
Fishing is the livelihood of Amed locals. They have been feeding their family for generations with this profession. Experience the local life by going fishing yourself. It’s one of the exciting parts of Bali activities tour. It’s an opportunity to sail with Jukung, Balinese traditional fishing boat. You can rent a boat and fishing equipment for a local Bali tour company or directly from a fisherman.
3. Cook your own catch
There’s nothing more satisfying than enjoying your own hard work. After fishing, you can proudly head to a nearby restaurant by the beach with your catch. Ask them to cook the freshly caught fish the way you like it. Wait several minutes and you will have a delicious meal in front of you. You can eat it on the beach while enjoying the scenery and the sea breeze. Live couldn’t be more perfect than this moment.
4. Enjoy the beach
The beach of Amed is not what you expect. It’s rocky as opposed to sandy. The rocks here are from the volcanic eruption years ago. So, it means you can lay a mat and sunbath.
But don’t worry, there are many ways to enjoy the rocky shore. Since the waves are calm, you are more than welcome to swim and play with the water. Afterward, pick a lounge and enjoy nature in front of you. The lounge here is available at a rent, ask locals first. They’re usually cheap at around 100k for two-three hours.
Another you can enjoy here is the atmosphere. Forget the hustle and bustle of Kuta, Amed offer nothing but an authentic Bali feel. Around the beach, you will see regular people. Fishermen mending their boats, local children playing, workers go and about their day. Nothing touristy as you would feel at other places in Bali. It’s truly something to appreciate.
5. Catch the sunrise
There are two ways you can enjoy the sunrise of Amed. First, you can come along with a fisherman when he’s going fishing. You said early in the morning and catch an epic sunrise in the middle of the sea! It will be an unforgettable experience.
Another, no less epic way to enjoy the sunrise is by hiking the nearby hill. From the beach, you can see a little bay by the south. This bay is called Jemeluk Bay. Hike up to its top and enjoy a breathtaking view of the sun as its rise up behind Mount Agung, the highest peak of Bali.
If you are an adventurous traveler, these 5 top things to do in Amed are just a beginning. There is still a whole village to explore, with rice paddies, traditional markets, and Bali traditional street food. Make sure you ask around what activities tour you can join in Amed. Locals will gladly help you.
