Amed

The Basics

Many travelers choose to stay several nights in Amed to appreciate the town’s laid-back vibe, enjoy the pretty jukung outrigger boats that line the shore, and get a handle on that magical coral reef. Amed Beach tours almost always focus on the USSLiberty shipwreck, a World War II–era wreck sunk just off nearby Tulamben. The traditional salt farms not far from Amed are an occasional stop on east Bali tours.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Amed is a must-visit for scuba divers, many of whom base themselves here to explore dive sites including the USSLiberty.

• A sleepy town, Amed Beach provides a sweet escape from the hustle and hassles of south Bali.

• Amed Beach is divided into a number of subdistricts, including Jemeluk, Bunutan, and Lipah.

• Hills around Amed can be steep. If driving, be sure your rental car has power.

How to Get There

Amed sprawls along the east Bali coastline, more than two hours’ drive northeast of Sanur, in the shadow of the volcano Mt. Agung. The Perama shuttle bus connects travelers to Kuta, Sanur, Ubud, Tulamben, Tirta Gangga, Padangbai, and Candidasa. This is both safer and, often, quicker than driving.

When to Get There

Amed Beach is at its most charming during the dry season, roughly May to September, but has its appeal during the wet season as well. Plastic trash in the water can be an issue at the height of the wet season, roughly January through March. If you plan to dive the USSLiberty, try to avoid visiting during the tourist peak season in July and August.

Snorkeling and Diving in Amed Beach

Amed’s best-known dive site is the USSLiberty, which is at Tulamben, yet the coral has plenty to offer both scuba divers and snorkelers. The Japanese wreck is a less visited wreck dive, while Deep Blue is a drift dive along a wall. A challenging site, Gili Selang offers the possibility of sighting sharks and other big pelagic fish.