Amed Bali Indonesia – Top-10 Most Exciting Things to Do and to See

Ideal for travellers who long to shake the hustle and bustle of the usual tourist crowds, Amed, an east Bali town that is revered for its spectacular SCUBA diving, snorkelling and all things sun, sea and salt; is highly recommended for those who love the ocean. Whether you love lounging on sandy shores with a book and fresh coconut, or whether you love diving into the great blue and making eye contact with a green-sea turtle or coming face to face with a Japanese ship wreck; the treasures above and below the sparkling waves in Amed promise an unforgettable holiday. While the main sights and attractions are predominantly water-based, there are also several cultural-based activities and even a volcano to climb! Below are our top ten things to do and see in Amed.

1. Go wreck diving

Although Amed is a humble fishing village most of the treasures lie hidden below the lapping waves and the magnificent Japanese shipwreck site in Lipah is no exception. It’s an easy dive for most and this small wreck has been taken over by colourful corals, red skeletons and fluorescent sea life. For those seeking more of a challenge with wreck diving be sure to check out the larger USS Liberty shipwreck in Tulamben that’s about a 20 minute boat ride away. This 120-meter long wreck is occupied by more than a thousand marine species, highlights include, spectacular reef sharks, freckled eels, an octopus or two, and stingrays. In fact, this USS Liberty shipwreck is considered to be the number one dive site in all of Bali. Those with snorkel gear will be able to partially explore this wreck but scuba equipment is recommend to fully discover the hidden marine gems within all the nooks and crannies of the wreck.

2. Learn to free dive, go snorkeling and even get your PADI

Whether you’re a traveller who prefers to simply grab their snorkel gear and duck beneath the waves or whether you’re in Amed with the keen intention of getting a free diving or PADI qualification, you’re in the right spot. Scuba diving courses and free diving course here are extremely well priced and Amed has some of the best instructors in all of the country who will have you exploring the depths of the ocean in no time at all. Dive companies are here in abundance and travellers will have no difficulty in locating an instructor and a diving course that works best for their personal needs and preferences. A three-day Open Water License should cost around IDR 5 million (USD 350), and for those who are serious about getting qualified, a month-long Divermaster Course with unlimited dives will cost about IDR 13 million(UDS 1,000).

3. Learn about how salt is made

Despite not being as common as it once was, the production and manufacturing process of salt is a very well-known and cherished traditional craft here in Amed. The profession of making salt is a labour intensive and multiple day job in itself; and a tour of the salt process is well-worth it even if only to gain a greater appreciation for the common household ingredient. Visitors will be able to see open areas on the sandy beaches that are filled with rows of wooden trays filled with slowly evaporating sea water. The process of salt from sea water takes around ten days and supporting the locals by buying salt products to take home, or a bracelet made by the local children is a great way to support this painstaking livelihood.

4. Climb and conquer Mount Agung

Believed to be the source of Bali’s divine spirituality and calm, pure energy; Mount Agung is a 3031 meter high volcano that is the island’s highest peak. A sunrise on the summit of this holy summit offers trekkers a panoramic view of the Gili Islands across the sea and a breathtaking vista that stretches as far as Lombok. Guides are recommended even for experienced climbers as the best time to climb is just before midnight in order to make it to the top before the pink rays of sun make their first appearance in the morning sky. The way up takes around 6 hours and the way down around 4 hours as the pick up point is at Besakih Temple. Tour companies are naturally competitive but visitors have been known to get ripped off during the tour so be mindful of this. Tours are usually calculated in US dollars and travellers should expect to pay around USD 90 per person with a group of at least 2 climbers with decreasing rates as the group increases in size.

5. Explore the sights of the Tirta Gangga Water Palace

Once a royal palace, the Taman Tirta Gangga, meaning holy water of the Ganges, is a beautifully restored palace that is famed for its fountains, ornamental pools, bathing pools, colourful Koi, stunning lotus blossoms, manicured gardens and stone sculptures of mythical creatures. Just outside this palace is also some of east Bali’s most breathtaking terraced rice terraces and a countryside hike can easily be included in a trip to Tirta Gangga. The palace is open daily from 7am until 6pm and entrance fee is IDR 10,000 per person.

6. Check out the black sanded beach at Jemeluk Bay and try SUPing

This pebbly beach is a bit hit with snorkellers of all abilities and is also a popular spot for beach-bums who fancy a bit of sunbathing or lounging under an umbrella. From newbies to professionals, Jemeluk Bay is well known for its abundant marine life and for those on a budget, snorkelling gear can be cheaply rented for IDR 30,000 for the day. There is also a place next to Apneista Freediving School that hires out SUPs (stand-up paddle-boards) for those wanting to explore the bay more thoroughly.

7. Go sea-kayaking at sunset or sunrise

For travellers who enjoy a bit of exercise, there are tour operators who can take you on a 40-hour kayaking tour that includes time to snorkel. Amed Canoe is a reputably name in the industry and they offer 3 daily time slots: a very early sunset tour, a bright light tour at 8:30am, or a sunset tour that begins at 2:30pm. During the time of full moon there is also a moon-gazing time slot.

8. Go fishing or on a cruise in a traditional fishing boat

It’s difficult to get a more authentic experience in Amed than finding a local fishermen to take you out to sea on one of their traditional fishing boats. It’s easy enough to do and only requires that you ask around and negotiate a price and time. For those who might enjoy catching some fish of their own, this can be easily added on to the price of the tour. Barracuda, Mahi-Mahi and mackerel abound in these waters and the fishermen are usually only too happy to rent out their fishing equipment to eager travellers. Why not plan your trip to end at dusk and watch the sun set behind the impressive Mount Agung? A three-hour trip on a traditional out-trigger boat should cost around IDR 150,000.

9. Cycle through the rice paddies of Eastern Bali

A wonderful way to explore the countryside of Amed is via the saddle of a bicycle. With the wind rushing through your hair and a view of stunning rice paddies ahead you’ll get to see hidden gems off the beaten track that would otherwise have been impossible. There are several operators that offer guided bike tours in Amed that account for different skills and fitness levels. You’ll get to decide whether you’d prefer slow scenic rides through the rice paddies and rural villages, or whether you’d prefer to race downhill on the roads of Mount Agung.

10. Trek through lush countryside of Amed

Yet another excellent way to fully experience the village of Amed is by trekking. There are a number of tracks that lead inland and head to the coasts and ones that will take you through the quaint and charming villages of Mount Serava. As with the cycling, there are various trails that are suitable for different levels of fitness but the more adventurous can even opt for the summit of Mount Serava which rewards with stunning, all-encompassing views of the area. Unwinding with a traditional massage after a day of trekking or cycling is highly recommended.