Amed & the east coast · East Bali
Amed guide — Bali's calm dive-and-snorkel coast
Amed is a string of black-sand fishing villages along Bali's dry, quiet far-east coast, where traditional jukung outriggers still line the beach and the sea is calm and clear. It's the island's easy underwater base — snorkelling straight off the beach, coral gardens, and, just up the coast at Tulamben, the USAT Liberty shipwreck, one of the world's most accessible wreck dives. Come for the water, the sunrises and the low-key pace.
Who Amed suits — and who it frustrates
It suits Snorkellers, freedivers and divers, and travellers who want a calm sea and a slow, unpolished coast — sunrise over the water with Mount Agung rising behind.
It frustrates Anyone after surf, nightlife or a resort scene. Amed is spread out and rustic, and its beaches are black volcanic sand and pebble rather than white.
What Amed is known for
- Snorkelling off the beach. Jemeluk Bay's coral garden and a small sunken Japanese wreck are reachable straight from shore — some of Bali's easiest, most rewarding snorkelling.
- The USAT Liberty wreck at Tulamben. A large WWII-era shipwreck lying in shallow water just up the coast, dived and even snorkelled from the beach. One of Bali's signature dive sites.
- Freediving. Amed is one of Asia's freediving hubs, with schools along the coast drawn by the calm, clear, easily accessible water.
- Jukung boats & sunrise. The traditional fishing coast: colourful outrigger canoes on the sand at dawn, an east-facing sunrise over the sea, and Mount Agung as the backdrop.
Practical notes (read before you plan)
- It's a long, spread-out coast — “Amed” covers several villages over roughly 10 km, so pick your bay and expect to scooter between them.
- The sea is generally calm and beginner-friendly, but always check local conditions before you get in.
- Bring cash — ATMs are limited along the coast.
- Pair it with the east — Sidemen, Tirta Gangga and the round-the-east road all connect from here.
Good to know
What is Amed best for?
Snorkelling and diving. It's a calm, quiet stretch of black-sand fishing villages on Bali's far-east coast, with coral gardens off the beach and the famous USAT Liberty wreck nearby at Tulamben.
Is Amed good for snorkelling?
Yes — it's among Bali's best and easiest. Jemeluk Bay has coral and a small wreck reachable straight from the beach, and the Tulamben Liberty wreck is a short drive up the coast.
Is Amed worth visiting?
For divers, snorkellers and travellers who want a slow, low-key coast, very much so. It's quiet and spread out with black-sand beaches rather than white — not a resort or party base.
How do you get to Amed?
It's on the far east coast, roughly two to three hours by car from south Bali's airport and beaches. There's no fast option; most visitors come by private driver.