Where to Stay In Amed Bali for an Authentic Experience (2025)

If you are looking for a break from the busy Bali destinations, Amed is the place for you. This stretch of coastal villages in the east of the island is peaceful, friendly and has a blissfully slow pace of life. I spent four months in Bali, including 10 days in Amed where I enjoyed its world-class scuba diving and discovered why it’s known as the ‘real Bali’. This is my guide to where to stay in Amed Bali for an authentic experience.

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Quick overview of Amed Bali

• Amed is made up of 8 coastal villages on the northeastern tip of Bali
• Best village to stay in for first-timers: Amed Village – longest beach, most amenities
• Best for yoga and wellness: Jemeluk Village – yoga studios, peaceful vibe
• Most peaceful: Aas Village – end of the road, total relaxation
• Best for scuba diving and snorkelling: Selang and Aas Villages – close to dive sites
• Accommodation ranges from budget homestays to luxury villas with infinity pools
• Getting there: 2.5 hours from the airport, 2 hours from Ubud
• Top activities: World-class diving, snorkelling with sea turtles, black sand beaches
• Best time to visit Amed Bali: during the dry season from April to October

Is Amed, Bali worth visiting?

Amed is one of those places where you come for 1-2 days and end up staying for a week or more. This is what happened to us, and I met other travellers who experienced the same thing. Disarmingly relaxed and slow-paced, it’s a great place to unwind and appreciate the simple joys of life. Along with the world-class scuba diving, this authenticity is one of many reasons why Amed in Bali is worth visiting.

Buy the excellent Lonely Planet Bali guide book and prepare for your trip.

How to get to Amed, Bali

The most convenient way to go to Amed in east Bali is by taxi. It is 60 miles or almost 100km from Bali’s international airport in Denpasar to Amed. The journey takes about two and a half hours by car. You can avoid hassle at the airport by booking a private transfer in advance.

From Ubud to Amed, it’s about 45 miles (just over 70km) and around 1.5 hours by taxi, depending on traffic. If you’re on a budget, you can take a public bus from Ubud – the journey takes two hours. Many travellers staying in the south of the island, in places like Canggu, rent a scooter to reach Amed. While it’s a 3 hour journey, the scenic coastal route is stunning, though some roads can be steep and winding.

For maximum comfort and convenience, book your private transfer from the airport to Amed online here.

Where to stay in Amed, Bali

Amed is actually a series of fishing villages dotted over nine miles (14 km) along the east coast of Bali. The villages are called Amed, Jemeluk, Bunutan, Lipah, Lean, Selang, Banyuning and Aas.

In this section, I introduce each village, from west to east, and share some of the best accommodation options in each one. Accommodation is available for all budgets, from beautiful beach resorts to villas, hotels, Airbnbs and homestays. 

Amed village

The eponymous Amed village has the longest beach and stunning views of Mount Agung. Here, you’ll find a wide range of accommodation options.

Stay at the divine Amed Beach Resort, which has an outdoor swimming pool, friendly staff and live music. Other top-rated hotels in Amed village include the superb Amed Beach Villa, which has an infinity pool and panoramic views. The Hotel Uyah Amed Spa Resort doubles as a dive centre.

Budget hotels in Amed village include the Mango 5 Hotel close to Amed beach. It has a sensational swimming pool and well kitted-out rooms, making it a good choice for couples.

For solo travellers looking for the best hostels in Amed, check out the Black Sand Hostel near Amed beach. It offers garden and mountain views, coffee machines, natural toiletries and a homemade vegan breakfast.

Check out the latest availability and prices from this great selection of accommodation in Amed. 

Jemeluk

Jemeluk is a 15 minute walk from Amed village. I liked this village with its charming homestays close to lovely restaurants with friendly staff. It’s one of the best places to find yoga in Amed. Here, you can also find the ferry terminal where you can catch fast boats to the gorgeous Gili Islands.

I recommend the fabulous Dharma Yoga. We stayed in this spacious, sunny and affordable homestay with reliable WiFi connection, managed by the delightful manager, Ketut. The upstairs rooms have a large balcony overlooking the sea and every day we enjoyed the glorious sunrises.

Alternatively, try the wonderful Bamboo Bali bungalows , which each have their own hammock and terrace with impressive views. Another good option is the Jemeluk Beach Bungalows.

Yoga lovers will adore the beachfront Ocean Prana Village hostel. As well as rustic wooden huts and spacious dorms, it has yoga classes, a swimming pool and an on-site restaurant. The nearby Apneista Bali Freediving and Yoga School also runs yoga classes and has a lovely organic cafe.

Other places to go in the area include the rustic, open air Blue Earth Village. It has an eclectic, vegetarian-friendly menu, jaw-dropping views and a beautiful yoga deck. Meanwhile, the Jemeluk Viewpoint is an ideal spot to watch the sunset as you dine.

Bunutan

Places to stay in Bunutan village include the Santai Hotel Amed. It has rustic cabins set in a tropical garden and offers spa treatments. A good hotel option is the Amed Dream Ibus Beach Club hotel, which has a private beach.

The superb Bali Dream House has elegant villas and an outdoor pool. Meanwhile the Apa Kabar Villas have beautiful modern Balinese decor. The Kampung is an exceptional high-end resort in Bunutan, with luxurious wooden villas.

For Balinese massages and spa treatments, try the Om Shanti Spa or the Bamboo Sweet Spa. If you’re looking for a fun place to enjoy a Bintang beer and music, check out Bunutan village’s Peace Bar.

Lipah

Lipah beach has warm black sand and fantastic snorkelling. However, be aware that there are jellyfish in the area.

Places to stay here include the superb beachfront Puri Wirata Dive Resort and Spa, which has two swimming pools. You could also try the fabulous and highly-rated luxury Griya Villas and Spa. The Hidden Paradise Cottages have spacious, well-appointed bungalows surrounded by tropical gardens and an on-site beachfront restaurant.

Another good place to stay in Lipah is Waeni’s Sunset View Hotel & Restaurant. At their on-site restaurant they’ll serve you large portions and happy hour drinks.

Lean

Lean is a quiet, two-street fishing hamlet, known for its black-sand bay and clear waters. Like the other Amed Bali coastal villages, it has a ‘slower and more rooted‘ rhythm of life and community.

For a slice of luxury, check out the 4-star Life in Amed boutique hotel in Lean village. This top-rated hotel has a restaurant and a fabulous outdoor pool.

As well as swimming and sunbathing on Lean’s tranquil beach, you can dine at the Sails restaurant. It’s popular for its outstanding food and magnificent sea views.

Selang

The scenic Selang Beach is known for its beautiful coral reef and is another good spot for snorkelling and diving. For tasty food in a relaxed setting, try the catch of the day at the local Green Melon Warung.

The Aquaterrace Amed hotel is Bali’s answer to an Ibiza-style boutique retreat. It has hillside and beachside rooms, an infinity pool and a fabulous restaurant. The Blue Moon Villas Resort is another popular choice.

The beachfront Good Karma Bungalows is an excellent place to stay in Selang if you’re on a budget. Its bamboo bungalows and villas have private terraces with views of the beach and gardens. There is an onsite restaurant and two swimming pools, as well as yoga and water sports facilities.

Banyuning

About 5 miles or 8km southwest of Amed village is the fishing village of Banyuning. Here you can find the sandy Ibus beach and the nearby Japanese Ship Wreck Point. This is a wonderful and unique place to snorkel. Trattoria Amed is a popular local Italian restaurant.

Places to stay in Banyuning include the excellent Villa Infinite Horizon, which has an infinity pool and panoramic sea views. The nearby Nalini Resort has a wonderful private beach area, swimming pool, yoga classes, cooking classes and a vegan-friendly restaurant. A private chef is on hand to prepare a candlelit seafood barbecue dinner on the beach.

Aas

Amed’s final village of Aas is all about total relaxation. The superb Villa Sky Dancer is a hidden paradise hotel run by all-female staff. The four rooms have their own flatscreen TVs and hot tubs, and there’s a lovely outdoor pool and restaurant.

Yoga fans will adore the peaceful Meditasi Bungalows & Villas. Take classes at the on-site Buddha Sunset Yoga centre and enjoy organic food at their Smiling Buddha restaurant.

Overall best villas in Amed Bali

If you’re looking for the ultimate luxury experience, consider booking one of these stunning villas. The Griya Villas and Spa in Lipah has lavish Balinese-style villas with private infinity pools. The Apa Kabar Villas in Bunutan feature beautiful modern Balinese decor. For something truly special, Villa Sky Dancer in Aas has rooms with private hot tubs and stunning ocean views. Villa Infinite Horizon in Banyuning is perfect for groups, with panoramic sea views and a spectacular infinity pool.

These are the best things to do in Amed Bali

Life in Amed is super laid-back but it has an entrepreneurial spirit. A group of friendly local guys told us that many of them have several jobs supporting the area’s tourism. Don’t be surprised if you recognise your taxi driver serving dinner at a restaurant in Amed. Or perhaps you’ll spot your scuba diving instructor later than night performing on stage in a reggae band. This means, if you’re looking for things to do in Amed, they’re sure to be able to help you – or they’ll know someone who can.

Beyond the stunning scenery, there’s plenty to keep you busy during your stay. From relaxing on black sand beaches to experiencing traditional Balinese culture, here are my favourite things to do in Amed.

Black sand beaches

One of the main things you’ll notice when you’re in Amed is the imposing Mount Agung. This is Bali’s highest volcano and dominates the backdrop. Head to Amed beach for awe-inspiring views of this impressive peak. Look down and you will see there is volcanic black sand under your feet. Sunbathing on this black sand is one of the most popular things to do in Amed during the day.

Other black sand beaches in the area include Lipah Beach, Lean and Jemeluk Beach. At the latter you can enjoy a Bintang beer at a local Amed warung called Sunset Point.

This popular Amed day trip includes time to relax on the beach.

Relax in a spa

Take your time and enjoy a relaxing massage in Amed’s spas. They include the Om Shanti Spa and the Bamboo Sweet Spa, both in Bunutan village.

Take a yoga class

If you’re a fan of yoga studios, the best places for yoga in Amed include Apneista Bali in Jemeluk. In this village, there’s also the Ocean Prana freediving and yoga school. In Aas, check out the Blue Earth Village and Buddha Sunset Yoga. 

See the Balinese festivals

While I was in Amed, the locals were preparing for the Galungan festival, one of Bali’s most significant religious ceremonies. I chatted to a guy who was creating a penjor. This is a beautiful decorated bamboo pole arching over the street, laden with gifts and offerings for the spirits.

Extended families from all over the country are reunited for this important event in the Balinese calendar. Our homestay owner Ketut kindly offered to lend us a motorbike and visit her family temple for the festival. We dressed in traditional Balinese sarongs that we’d bought from local shops and they welcomed us in. Here, we watched the women in their colourful lace and sashes carry plentiful offerings of food and flowers.

Where to go scuba diving and snorkelling in Amed Bali

A 35 minute drive from Amed is Tulamben. This is home to the USAT Liberty (better known as USS Liberty) shipwreck. It’s known as one of the world’s best scuba diving sites. The best thing is it’s even suitable for total beginners.

A Japanese submarine torpedoed this US Army cargo ship during World War II. Its remains originally lay on the beach. When Mount Agung erupted two decades later, the tremors caused the shipwreck to slip into the sea.

As it is still in relatively shallow waters, it’s easily accessible if you’re learning to scuba dive in Amed. There are several dive shops in the area so you have plenty to choose from. If you are looking for somewhere blissful to stay in Tulamben, check out the wonderful Bali Dive Resort & Spa.

My experience diving the Liberty Wreck

It had been one of my ambitions to explore a shipwreck and it was truly a magical experience. The ship’s dark iron skeleton is now home to an abundance of marine life. We even swam inside the wreckage.

After the Liberty wreck, we went to an Amed scuba diving site known as the Tulamben drop-off. This is a sheer wall covered in colourful coral. We were treated to a rare sighting of a school of large silver bumphead fish. They were on their way to rest in the wreck for the evening.

Book your place on a dive trip to Tulamben’s shipwreck. First time? Try this beginner’s dive experience.

Snorkelling with vibrant marine life

Amed is renowned for its snorkelling. If you’re at one of Amed’s beaches, why not explore the coastline’s many pretty underwater spots. The unspoiled coral and colourful marine life make this area an underwater paradise, even if you’re a novice snorkeller.

Jemeluk Bay is a well-reputed snorkelling location thanks to its vibrant marine life and its incredible underwater temple and sculptures. Other popular areas to snorkel include Lipah Beach which has many vivid coral formations.

Enjoy one of the premier snorkelling spots in the world on this Amed snorkelling adventure.

Freediving

If you’re feeling adventurous, Amed freediving is also renowned in Bali. Visit one of the area’s freediving centres such as the Apneista Bali Freediving and Yoga School in Jemeluk. Here you’ll get full guidance on how to safely descend into the water without equipment.

The best day trips from Amed Bali

While Amed itself has plenty to keep you occupied, its location on Bali’s east coast makes it an ideal base for exploring nearby attractions. The peaceful water palace of Tirta Gangga is just a short drive away, while the Gili Islands are easily accessible by fast boat from Jemeluk bay. Here are the top day trips from Amed.

A peaceful and pretty water palace

Thirty minutes’ drive from Amed is the Tirta Gangga water palace. This pretty place is a former royal palace in eastern Bali. It’s named after the sacred river Ganges, which flows through India and Bangladesh.

Here, you can wander around the peaceful gardens and fountains. We enjoyed hopping between paving stones, like lily pads, across the main pond.

Check out this top-rated Amed day trip including an unforgettable visit to the Tirta Gangga Water Palace.

Take a fast boat to the Gili Islands

Amed is the perfect location to catch a fast boat from Bali to the Gili islands. This is a popular destination loved by travellers for their chilled-out scene, fun parties and famous sea-swing.

Departing from Jemeluk bay, the fast boats operated by Freebird Express leave daily at 9:30am. The fast boat from Amed Bali to Gili Trawangan only takes an hour. This is quicker than other boat routes from Bali to Gili. To Gili Air it’s 1.5 hours. The boat’s final stop is at Lombok, two hours by fast boat from Amed. The price for boat tickets is around €33 one way or €65 return.

You can read my full guide to Gili Trawangan. 

The best restaurants in Amed Bali

Despite being a quiet coastal area, Amed has a surprisingly diverse food scene. From fresh seafood caught that morning to authentic Indonesian cuisine and international dishes, you’ll find plenty of delicious options. I loved simply relaxing in Amed’s restaurants, organic cafes and local warungs. Often you’ll dine to the sounds of live music played by local reggae bands.

Fresh seafood and Indonesian cuisine

Warung Made’s in Jemeluk serves authentic Indonesian food including fresh fish curry. Warung Asri is another excellent choice for fresh seafood. The restaurant is situated right over the water, so you can watch the fishing boats while you eat.

For a more upscale dining experience, Sails Restaurant in Lean village is popular for its outstanding food and magnificent sea views. The seafood here is beautifully presented and the sunset views are incredible.

International cuisine

La Cocina Mexicana in Jemeluk serves authentic Mexican food – they use real corn tortillas and have a homemade dragonfruit hot sauce that is to die for.

Trattoria Amed in Banyuning is the place to go when you’re craving Italian food. Their pizzas are tasty and generously sized.

Cafes and light bites

Small Point Cafe is perfect for breakfast. They have everything you could want for a great price, from smoothie bowls to eggs benedict. For coffee lovers, Wedang Amed has cheap coffee, while Kopi Di Tymor is a cute little place with good coffee and a relaxed atmosphere. The rustic, open air Blue Earth Village in Jemeluk has an eclectic, vegetarian-friendly menu, wonderful views and a beautiful setting. It’s an ideal spot for a healthy lunch or sunset dinner.

Sunset spots

One of the most popular spots to watch the sunset is Sunset Point Amed Bali. This place has an infinity pool, cocktails, food and a DJ. There’s a minimum spend, but it’s worth it for the incredible views and atmosphere. The setting is spectacular, perched on the hillside with panoramic views over the bay.

Other excellent sunset cafes include Joli Best View Cafe, See You Again Cafe, and Blue Earth Village. These cute cafes are on the side of the mountain, giving you amazing views of the sunset and the bay below. I recommend getting to these places early so you can snag the best seat. There’s often live music in the evenings.

Nightlife in Amed Bali

Life in Amed is super laid-back, so don’t expect the nightclubs and parties you’ll find in Seminyak or Canggu. However, that doesn’t mean the evenings are boring.

Local reggae bands

Some warungs in Amed will often have a live reggae band playing while you have dinner. However, the best way to find out about the Amed nightlife during your stay is to ask one of the locals. They are well-connected and sure to be able to help you.

One day during our stay, one server we chatted with invited us to the launch party for a new bar in a neighbouring village. We wandered up the road to find locals and tourists dancing all night to the band’s cool reggae grooves. They made us feel really welcome and we had a great night.

Bars and evening spots

Peace Bar in Bunutan village is a fun place to enjoy live music and Bintang beer. The atmosphere is relaxed and you’ll often find both locals and travellers mingling here.

Sunset Point Amed often has a DJ and a lively atmosphere in the evening. Many of the beachfront restaurants also have live music several nights a week.

That said, the nightlife in Amed typically winds down around 11pm or midnight, reflecting the area’s peaceful, early-to-rise fishing village culture.

The best time to visit Amed

The best time to stay in Amed is during the dry season from April to October. These months have calmer seas, perfect for diving and snorkelling. The wet season (November to March) can still be enjoyable, with lush green landscapes, though you should expect occasional heavy rainfall.

Weather in Amed Bali is tropical year-round. During the dry season, expect sunny days with temperatures around 27-32°C (81-90°F) and minimal rainfall. The wet season brings afternoon showers and slightly cooler temperatures of 24-29°C (75-84°F). Water temperatures remain fairly constant at 27-29°C (81-84°F) throughout the year, so you won’t need a thick wetsuit for diving.

Peak season runs from July to August and around Christmas and New Year. For the best balance of good weather and fewer crowds, consider visiting in April, May, September or October.

Frequently asked questions about Amed Bali

How do I get around Amed?

The best way to get around is by renting a scooter. The villages are spread out over 9 miles (14km), so having your own transport is ideal. Otherwise, ask around and one of the locals will most likely be able to offer you a taxi ride.

Is it better to stay in Amed or Tulamben?

I stayed in Jemeluk village and it was no problem to travel the short drive to Tulamben for the scuba diving. Amed has a livelier atmosphere and a wider range of accommodation, restaurants and activities so it makes a great base. That said, if your priority is the diving then choose Tulamben.

Where to stay in Amed for snorkelling?

Jemeluk Bay is the best area for snorkelling, thanks to its incredible underwater temple sculptures. Lipah Beach also has excellent snorkelling with marine life and coral.

Where to stay in Amed on a budget?

There are plenty of affordable guesthouses in Amed. I loved the Dharma Yoga homestay in Jemeluk village which has friendly hosts and amazing sunrise views. If you prefer a hostel, try the Black Sand Hostel in Amed village.

How long should I stay in Amed?

Amed is one of those places where you come for a couple of days and end up staying for a week. I met other travellers who did the same thing. It’s a great place to unwind and appreciate the views, the activities and the simple joys of a slow-paced life.

Can you swim at Amed Beach?

Yes, you can swim at most beaches in Amed, though conditions vary by location and season. Jemeluk Bay is particularly good for swimming as it’s protected from strong currents. Lipah Beach is also safe for swimming, though be aware of jellyfish during certain times of year.

What’s the nightlife like in Amed?

The nightlife in Amed is pretty laid back. In the evenings, you’ll sometimes see live performances from local reggae bands at restaurants. Popular spots include the Peace Bar in Bunutan village.

Final thoughts on where to stay in Amed

Amed captures the essence of ‘real Bali’ that many travellers seek. This corner of Bali remains refreshingly free from crowds. You can choose one of its villages and settle into the slow-paced daily life there.

From world-class diving at the USS Liberty shipwreck to peaceful black sand beaches, Amed blends adventure with tranquility. You can go freediving, see traditional festivals or simply relax and appreciate the impressive views of Mount Agung.

Most visitors plan to stay a day or two, then find themselves extending their visit. The combination of friendly locals, stunning diving and authentic laid-back charm makes Amed impossible not to love.

Next up, discover more perfect destinations on island in this complete Bali itinerary.