Amed Beach Bali – Reasons Why Amed is Becoming More Popular  

Recently listed as LonelyPlant's #2 places to visit in Southeast Asia, Amed is rapidly gaining the attention of travellers and long-term residents as they seek an alternative destination to the island's busy south.

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Visiting Amed Beach in Bali

Running along the northeast coast of Bali is a traditional fishing town best known for its world-class diving waters and stunning tropical landscape. At the center of it all, Amed Beach Bali is emerging into one of the island’s fastest-growing tourist hotspots.

The lifestyle in Amed is the complete opposite of what you will find in Bali’s more popular destinations. A slow pace of life, authentic Balinese charm, and zero congestion are a throwback to what Bali was like 30 years ago.

Villages in Amed

The 14km coastline of Amed stretches along 7 traditional fishing villages.

Looking out onto the ocean, each of the 7 villages has a unique character, blessed with some of Bali’s most attractive tropical surroundings and sunset points.

The seven villages running along the coastline of Amed Beach in Bali are:

  • Amed Beach
  • Jemeluk
  • Bunutan
  • Lipah
  • Selang
  • Banyuning
  • Aas

As many of the small villages have merged over the years, the developed areas where most of the accommodation, cafes, restaurants, and shops are located are around Amed Beach, Jemeluk, and Lipah.

On the map below you will see Melasti, which is also popular with its mix of trendy cafes, art shops, and magical scenery.

Map showing the 7 villages along the coast of Amed Beach Bali.
The 7 villages along the coast of Amed Beach Bali.

Accommodation in Amed

There are plenty of places to stay in Amed. Ranging from budget guesthouses to five-star resorts, Agoda and Booking.com are the best places to search for places to stay.

Amed’s leading Villa Management Company provides a range of luxury villas for rent. Private villas are a perfect accommodation choice for families and larger groups looking for a home-from-home holiday experience.

The supply of quality villas for rent in Amed are currently limited, however as more tourists begin to recognise Amed as a holiday destination, property developers are building villas to accommodate the increasing demand.

Learn about Amed the premier lifestyle destination in Bali

By reading this article, you will learn;

  • why Amed is emerging as one of Bali’s premier lifestyle destinations.
  • that Amed offers great investment potential for investors.
  • that Amed provides a unique lifestyle and various amenities for residents and tourists.

Why Amed is attracting more tourists

Holidays in Bali are not what they used to be. The popular destinations in Bali’s south have lost their charm and connection to the true heritage of Balinese culture. 

Long-time visitors and permanent residents are facing heavy traffic and expensive living costs. Commercialism has taken over and Bali’s natural beauty has overgrown in concrete. 

The situation has forced tourists, ex-pats, and business owners to look at other areas of Bali as they search for a true representation of what the island stands for. 

Amed Beach in Bali provides the perfect blend of traditional culture with an ever-increasing variety of things to do and places to eat.

Restaurant and Cafe scene

Modern coffee shops and trendy cafes are popping up all over Amed. Serving amazing coffee and a wide selection of food, the foodie culture in Amed is gaining momentum.

Healthy bowls from Good Stuff Cafe. Spicy and authentic Burritos from La Cocina Mexicana (check out the home made hot sauce). The jungle surroundings of Rimba Cafe, are a selection of the many great places to eat freshly cooked, wholesome food at very reasonable prices.

Healthy food bowl from Good Stuff Cafe in Amed Beach Bali.
Good Stuff Cafe - Wide selection healthy food bowls, drink and coffee.
Tropical gardens and seating in Rimba Cafe at Amed Beach Bali.
Rimba Cafe - Some of the best food in Amed served in tropical surroundings.
Home made nachos with spicy sauce and guacamole available in Amed.
La Cocina Mexicana - Freshly prepared food with home made hot sauce.

Businesses relocating to Amed

Many business owners in Bali’s southern resorts are facing increasing rental prices and intense competition. 

In search of an improved work-life balance, business owners are moving away from the developed tourist hotspots and setting up shop in Amed’s more relaxed environment.

As a result, high-quality coffee shops, fitness facilities, and lifestyle venues have opened to provide visitors with many more choices of places to eat and things to do.

What is Amed Beach famous for

Once known as a sleepy fishing town, Amed Beach is emerging into a popular tourist destination as visitors from around the world begin to search for a more authentic experience of Bali.

Recognized as a leading scuba-diving destination, Amed attracts advanced scuba divers, passionate snorkelers, and some of the world’s most experienced free-diving experts.

Facing the world-class waters of the Bali Sea are some of the most impressive landscape views on the entire Island. 

Towering tropical hills and mesmerizing sunsets over Mount Agung are just some of the reasons why Amed Beach in Bali is capturing the attention of tourists.

View of Mount Agung with clear blue sky from Amed Beach in Bali
Mount Agung on a clear day with blue skys.
Colorful marine life off the coast of Amed Beach Bali
Marine diversity in Amed's water is one of the main attractions.

World-class diving waters

The waters off the coast of Amed Beach in Bali are recognized as some of the best diving waters in Southeast Asia.

Lonely Planet recently added Amed to its list of the best places to visit in Southeast Asia, noting the many dive spots amongst other attractions and things to see.

Here is a list of the most popular dive sites around the Amed Beach area;

  • Pyramids – Famous for the pyramid structures that have developed into enchanting colorful reefs
  • Ghost Bay – What this dive site lacks in color it makes up in its surreal environment with eels and sting rays patrolling this underwater arid landscape.
  • Japanese shipwreck – A shallow dive allowing for good visibility for snorkelling
  • Jemeluk Wall – Lots of marine life to be seen including small sharks for those able to scuba to deeper depths.
  • Tulamben – Famous for the Liberty Shipwreck and the Coral Garden, Tulamben can be a full day of diving in itself.

Untouched Tropical Scenery

Bali is truly a hotbed of Instagram-able photo locations. The general vibe in Amed is more authentic than the main tourist spots so it is less about bikinis and selfies and more about connecting with nature.

Capture some of Mother Nature’s finest gifts with some of the more breathtaking tropical scenery anywhere to be found.

  • Lahangan Sweet – Hiking up the hills to the summit of this stunning viewpoint that opens up to an elevated view of Bali’s majestic northeast.
  • Berina Rice Terraces – Remaining untouched by tourism, concrete, and cars. Views across a vast array of layered rice paddies.
  • Sunset Point – Watch the sun setting over Mount Agung as you gaze across Amed Beach and the Bali Sea.
Rice paddies in Amed with tropical hills in the background
Rice paddies set under the towering hills that surround Amed.
Tropical hills looking down towards the ocean and Amed Beach in Bali
Tropical hills looking down towards Amed Beach and the Bali Sea.

How to get to Amed Beach Bali

Located around 100km from the international airport in Denpasar, the journey to Amed by road can take 3-4 hours depending on the time of day. 

At the airport, you will find many options to take a taxi to Amed. The hustle and bustle of the airport can be daunting for first-time arrivals and getting to grips with how things work in Bali can be a little overwhelming.

The easiest way to get to Amed Beach from the airport is to book your transport in advance. This way you can walk out of the airport and be greeted by a driver holding a sign with your name on it.  

The cost of a taxi in Bali is relatively cheap. The journey to Amed will cost around $50 for a comfortable car for four persons.

  • Booking through your host – Arrange your transport pickup in advance by contacting your accommodation booking agent.
  • Professional taxi company – Use one of many taxi companies to meet you at the airport and take you to Amed. Bali on Tours is highly recommended with competitive prices and friendly drivers.
Map with directions from the airport to Amed Beach in Bali.
Screenshot

The Journey to Amed Beach

The journey to Amed from southern Bali may appear off-putting at first glance. However, after passing through the traffic in Denpasar the rest of the journey is picturesque. There are many stop-off points and sights to see that will help to break up the journey.

Goa Lawah Temple

Around 50km from the airport the road begins to hug the coastline as you approach the Goa Lawah Temple. Translated into English, Goa Lawah means ‘Bat Cave’.

As the name suggests, you will find a bat cave inside the temple, which is both unique and eerie at the same time. 

This is a good time to stretch your legs, walk through the temple, and take some photos at the rest point with a stunning ocean backdrop.

Eating on the beach

Continuing your journey to Amed Beach Bali, the coastline route has a string of amazing beaches that are worth a visit. Stopping to embrace the stunning stretch of coastline for a meal at one of the many beaches is a great way to break the journey up.

We would recommend Virgin Beach. There are several restaurants serving local and Western foods and lots of places sit.

Goa Lawah Temple Google listing overview
Goa Lawah Temple - 4.6 Stars on Google reviews
Tirta Ganagga Temple Google listing overview
Tirta Ganagga Temple - 4.6 Stars on Google reviews

Tirta Ganagga - Water Temple

Perhaps the region of Karengasem’s most famous temple – Tirta Ganagga –  is worth a visit during your trip to Amed Beach Bali. 

Around 30 minutes before you reach Amed Beach, this stunning water temple presents many photo opportunities as you wind through this sacred temple.

Giant carp fish, tropical gardens, and a true taste of the heritage that Balinese culture is based upon. The temple is one of the most famous on the island for good reason.

Arriving in Amed

After driving up the hills through Amalpura, you arrive at the entrance to Amed. Winding down the road to view is beyond breathtaking. 

Towering tropical hills layered with traditional rice paddies. Below, at the foot of the hills in the distance, you will see the Bali Sea hugging the beachfront town of Amed.

Rice paddy fields and tropical hills with Amed. each and the Bali Sea in the distance
Rice fields and hills as you approach the town of Amed.

Summary

The rise in popularity of Amed Beach in Bali is being driven by tourists, residents, and business owners looking to escape the overdeveloped south. The string of seven villages along the coastline of Amed Beach adds a unique character to this charming town giving a true representation of Bali and its heritage.

Luxury accommodation choices are growing as property developers build private villas suitable for family holidays and longer-stay residences. Amed also has a range of beachfront guesthouses and hotels to suit all budgets.

As more tourists visit Amed, businesses are opening to serve the tourist number. Cafes, restaurants, and lifestyle facilities are opening up along the stretch of Amed with healthy options and Western foods catering to a variety of foodie types.

With world-class diving waters off the coast of Amed Beach, the area attracts advanced and beginner divers for its marine life diversity. From sea to land, the tropical scenery and sunsets in the area are some of the best spots on the entire Island.

And whilst a trip to the northeast may seem like a long way, the journey is pleasant and can be memorable as you stop at some of the beaches and temples before finally arriving at Amed Beach in Bali.

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Picture of Daniel Hemingway
Daniel Hemingway
Daniel has been involved in property development since 2013. During the past decade his focus has been on buying, renovating, selling and renting single family homes in the London property market. Since the 2019 global pandemic, Daniel has partnered with Richard to focus on developing property in Amed, Bali. In 2023, Vesica Property Developments PT was incorporated where Daniel is responsible for legal and administrative matters allowing Richard to concentrate on operational issues. Daniel currently resides in Hua Hin, Thailand, with his 10 year old son, Sebastien. He remains an avid golfer and spends his time cooking, reading and keeping fit.
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