A GUIDE TO AMED : BALI’S BEST-KEPT SECRET

When I asked my friends on social media for their favourite spots in Bali, an old friend replied: Amed. Why? Because it’s away from the crowds, perched on the coast, and feels like a more authentic side of Indonesia. So I followed his recommendation.

I initially booked two nights, but ended up staying four, unable to leave this peaceful coastline. Amed charmed me with its rare calm in Bali and its proximity to some of the island’s best diving spots. Amed is home to discreet guesthouses, ideal for recharging your batteries, far from the hustle and bustle of the tourist towns in the south. Here, the coral reef has not yet been destroyed, and exploring its crystal-clear waters remains a precious and authentic experience.

If Bali is on your itinerary, here’s how to make the most of a stay in Amed.

BEFORE YOU GO : WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT TRAVELING TO INDONESIA

• Visa: Most travelers need a visa to enter Indonesia. You can get one on arrival, valid for 30 days and renewable once. Or apply for an e-visa online for more convenience.
• Flights: Indonesian customs require proof of onward travel, so book your return or onward ticket in advance. Prices soar during July–August and around New Year, so plan accordingly.
• SIM Card: Stay connected with a local SIM card (cheaper outside the airport) or an eSIM. You’ll need it for apps like Grab and Gojek.
• Insurance: Don’t skip travel insurance. Between “Bali belly,” dengue, and scooter accidents, it’s a must – I learned that lesson the hard way after an accident that cost me a small fortune -.
• Health: Tap water isn’t safe to drink. Bring a filtered bottle, purification tablets, or refill from dispensers often available in hotels.
• Language: Bahasa Indonesia is spoken nationwide, but each island has its own dialect. A few polite words—hello, thank you, goodbye—never go unnoticed. Locals appreciate the effort, and it might even earn you a friend (or a better price).

GETTING TO AMED

• By Bus: From Ubud, the Perama Tour offers daily morning departures. A shared minibus costs around €10, and the journey takes approximately three hours. Check the website 12go Asia to book for your transportation.
• By Plane: Bali’s main airport is about 100 km from Amed, roughly a three-hour drive. The airport serves both domestic and international flights every day.
• By Car or Scooter: Renting a car or scooter is the most flexible and convenient way to explore Bali at your own pace, allowing you to reach hidden gems and remote beaches on your schedule.

DIVE INTO BALI’S LEGENDARY SHIPWRECK

Amed is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs. You can snorkel right off the shore and encounter curious visitors like colorful tropical fish and even sea turtles. For those seeking a deeper adventure, nearby dive sites such as Tulamben offer the chance to explore the USAT Liberty shipwreck, arguably Bali’s most famous dive site. The 120-meter wreck sank off Tulamben in 1963 after being struck by a Japanese torpedo. It’s easily accessible from the shore, with shallow sections starting at just 5 meters and the deepest reaching 30 meters. Anemones, soft and hard corals, and countless marine creatures now call the wreck home, creating a magical underwater world.

VISIT THE SACRED TEMPLE PURA LEMPUYANG LUHUR

Just 20 km from Amed, Pura Lempuyang stands as one of Bali’s oldest and most sacred temples, perched 1,175 meters above sea level on Mount Lempuyang. Reaching the summit involves climbing 1,700 steps, a rewarding test of stamina and determination. Once at the top, the views of Mount Agung are truly breathtaking—and far quieter than the lower temple, where visitors flock for a shot at the famous “Gates of Heaven”

Practical information : Entry costs around 50,000 IDR (€3), including sarong rental, and the temple is open daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. To make the most of your visit—and avoid the heat and crowds—it’s best to arrive before 9:00 AM, especially if you hope to capture that iconic photo.

TEST YOUR FREEDIVING LIMITS

Freediving is a type of underwater diving without any breathing apparatus. Instead of relying on scuba tanks, you simply hold your breath, exploring the ocean with nothing but your lungs, relaxation, and technique. It might sound impossible at first—but with good physical condition, it’s something anyone can try.

And luckily, Amed is home to some of Indonesia’s best diving schools. I decided to try a two-day freediving course at Ocean Prana, and I can’t recommend it enough. I signed up on a whim, partly because I had some past fears about diving, and mostly because I wanted to see what my body was truly capable of. The course starts in a pool, where you learn breathing techniques and perfect your swimming skills, before moving into the open water. While it can feel intimidating at first, the instructors are calm, patient, and incredibly reassuring. ou can also opt for a one-day introduction, which is a great way to gauge your abilities—and might just inspire you to dive deeper.

TREK TO THE SUMMIT OF MOUNT AGUNG

Mount Agung, known in Balinese as Gunung Agung, is not only Bali’s tallest peak but also its most sacred. Rising 3,142 meters above sea level, the summit can be reached in three to four hours of hiking, requiring good physical fitness and good trekking shoes. The effort is more than rewarded: the sunrise from the top is absolutely breathtaking. For safety, it’s strongly recommended to hike with a local guide (prices starting at 30€), readily available throughout Bali, who can navigate the trails and share insights into the mountain’s spiritual significance.

☆

If you’re heading to Bali soon, I hope you’ll come to appreciate Amed, its rhythm of life and the beauty of its surroundings. To help you explore the island responsibly and make the most of your visit, I’ve put together a comprehensive guide to traveling to Bali, Indonesia, definitely worth checking.