Amed

Stretching along the northeast coast of Bali, Amed is a string of sleepy fishing villages where black-sand beaches meet the turquoise Lombok Strait. Far from the island's party hubs, this laid-back enclave draws travellers with its world-class snorkelling, traditional salt farming, and the majestic silhouette of Mount Agung rising inland. The pace here is slow, the vibe authentic, and the underwater world breathtaking.

Highlights & What to See

• Snorkel the USAT Liberty Shipwreck – While the famous wreck is off Tulamben, Amed's house reef at Jemeluk Bay offers easy access to vibrant coral gardens, turtles, and colourful reef fish right from the shore.
• Explore the Japanese Shipwreck – A shallow wreck just off Lipah Beach, perfect for beginners and snorkellers; you can spot lionfish, moray eels, and schools of batfish.
• Visit the Salt Farms – Watch traditional sea-salt harvesting in villages like Bunutan or Amed itself, where seawater is channelled into sand-filled ponds and sun-evaporated – a unique cultural insight.
• Sunrise at Mount Agung Viewpoint – Drive up to a hillside cafe for a spectacular sunrise over the volcano, with the coast stretching below; a magical start to the day.
• Dive at the USS Liberty Wreck (Tulamben) – Just 20 minutes north, this iconic wreck is a must for certified divers, covered in soft corals and teeming with marine life.

Suggested Time to Spend

Two to three days allows you to settle into the slow rhythm, enjoy a couple of snorkelling sessions, and explore the salt farms and viewpoints. If you're a diver, add another day to do two dives at the Liberty Wreck and a night dive. Amed works beautifully as a three-night, two-full-day stop on a Bali self-drive itinerary, breaking up the journey between Ubud and the Gili Islands or Lombok.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Tulamben – Famous for the USAT Liberty wreck, a 20-minute drive north; ideal for wreck divers and snorkellers.
• Tirtagangga Water Palace – A beautiful royal water palace with tiered pools and lotus ponds, about 30 minutes inland.
• Padangbai – A busy port town with a lovely beach, Blue Lagoon snorkelling, and ferries to the Gilis and Lombok.
• Mount Agung – Bali's highest and holiest volcano; serious hikers can arrange sunrise treks (very challenging, requires a guide).
• Ubud – Bali's cultural heart, about 2.5 hours via scenic mountain roads; combine with Amed for a culture-and-coast trip.

Please check official sources for current details.