Are you looking for a hidden gem in Bali that offers stunning scenery, tranquil atmosphere, and amazing underwater adventures? If yes, then you should definitely visit Amed Beach, a secluded coastal village that is home to some of the best diving and snorkeling spots in Indonesia.
Whether you are a beginner or an expert, you will find something to suit your level and interest at Amed Beach. From exploring the fascinating shipwrecks of USAT Liberty and Japanese fishing boat to admiring the colorful coral reefs and marine life, you will have an unforgettable experience at Amed Beach.
In this guide, we will tell you everything you need to know about Amed Beach, including how to get there, where to stay, where to eat, and what to do. Read on and discover why Amed Beach is a must-visit destination for any diving and snorkeling enthusiast.
Diving and Snorkeling at Amed Beach
One of the main reasons why people visit Amed Beach is to enjoy the incredible diving and snorkeling opportunities that it offers. Amed Beach is blessed with clear and calm water, rich and diverse marine life, and a variety of dive sites that cater to different levels and preferences. You can see everything from tropical fish, sea turtles, sharks, and rays to octopus, nudibranchs, and seahorses at Amed Beach. But the most famous and unique attractions of Amed Beach are the two shipwrecks that lie on its seabed: the USAT Liberty and the Japanese fishing boat.
The USAT Liberty is a former US Army cargo ship that was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine in 1942 and beached on the shore of Tulamben, a neighboring village of Amed. In 1963, the volcanic eruption of Mount Agung caused the ship to slide into the water, where it became a haven for marine life and divers. The USAT Liberty is one of the most accessible and popular wreck dives in the world, as it lies at a depth of 9 to 30 meters and can be reached from the shore. The ship is 120 meters long and covered with coral and sponges, creating a stunning contrast with the metal structure. You can see a variety of fish, such as jacks, groupers, barracudas, and parrotfish, as well as some rare species, such as the pygmy seahorse and the ghost pipefish, around the wreck. The USAT Liberty is also a great spot for night diving, as you can witness the bioluminescence of the plankton and the nocturnal activity of the marine life.
The Japanese fishing boat is another wreck that can be found at Amed Beach, near the Jemeluk Bay. It is a smaller and newer wreck, as it was sunk in 1999 by the local fishermen to create an artificial reef. The boat is 20 meters long and lies at a depth of 6 to 12 meters, making it ideal for beginners and snorkelers. The boat is surrounded by coral gardens and teeming with fish, such as angelfish, butterflyfish, lionfish, and moray eels. You can also spot some critters, such as shrimps, crabs, and lobsters, hiding in the crevices of the boat.
If you want to dive or snorkel at Amed Beach, you will find plenty of options to choose from. There are several dive operators and dive centers that offer dive equipment rental, dive courses, and dive trips to the best dive sites in the area. Some of the most reputable and reliable dive operators are Ecodive Bali, Adventure Divers Bali, and Bali Reef Divers. You can expect to pay around $25 to $35 for a single dive, depending on the dive site and the dive operator. You can also get discounts if you book multiple dives or dive packages. If you want to learn how to dive or improve your skills, you can enroll in a dive course at Amed Beach. You can find courses for all levels, from open water to advanced, as well as specialty courses, such as wreck diving, deep diving, and nitrox diving. The prices for the courses vary depending on the level and the duration, but you can expect to pay around $300 to $400 for an open water course, which takes three to four days to complete.
Accommodation and Dining at Amed Beach
Another reason why Amed Beach is a great destination for diving and snorkeling lovers is that it has a wide range of accommodation and dining options that cater to different budgets and tastes. You can find everything from cozy homestays and budget hotels to luxurious villas and resorts at Amed Beach, many of which offer stunning views of the ocean and the mountains. You can also find some accommodation that are specifically designed for divers, such as Hidden Paradise Cottages, Santai Hotel, and Puri Wirata Dive Resort and Spa, which have their own dive centers and facilities. You can expect to pay around $10 to $20 for a basic room, $20 to $50 for a mid-range room, and $50 to $100 for a high-end room per night at Amed Beach.
When it comes to dining, you will not be disappointed by the variety and quality of the food that Amed Beach has to offer. You can find some of the best local and international cuisine at Amed Beach, from traditional Balinese dishes, such as nasi goreng, sate, and gado-gado, to western favorites, such as pizza, pasta, and burgers. You can also enjoy some fresh seafood, such as grilled fish, squid, and prawns, as well as some exotic fruits, such as mango, pineapple, and papaya, at Amed Beach. Some of the best restaurants and warungs that you should try are Warung Enak, Warung Ole, and Baliku Restaurant. You can expect to pay around $2 to $5 for a meal at a warung, and $5 to $10 for a meal at a restaurant at Amed Beach.
If you are looking for some nightlife and entertainment at Amed Beach, you will find some bars and cafes that offer live music and drinks, such as The Grill, Blue Moon Bar, and Eco Beach Bar. You can enjoy some local and international beers, wines, and cocktails, as well as some snacks and desserts, at these places. You can expect to pay around $1 to $3 for a drink, and $2 to $5 for a snack or dessert at Amed Beach.
Other Activities and Attractions at Amed Beach
Besides diving and snorkeling, there are many other things to do and see in and around Amed Beach that will make your trip more enjoyable and memorable. You can try some other water sports, such as fishing, freediving, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding, or relax with a massage, yoga, or meditation session at Amed Beach. You can also explore the local culture and nature of Amed Beach, such as the salt farming, the fishing village, and the black sand beach, or visit some of the nearby attractions, such as Jemeluk Beach, Tirta Gangga Water Palace, and Mount Agung.
Jemeluk Beach is another beautiful beach that is located next to Amed Beach, and is famous for its underwater temple and statues. You can dive or snorkel to see the temple, which is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu, and the statues, which depict various animals and deities. You can also see some coral formations and fish, such as clownfish, triggerfish, and pufferfish, around the temple and statues. Jemeluk Beach is also a great place to watch the sunset, as you can see the silhouette of Mount Agung in the background.
Tirta Gangga Water Palace is a former royal palace that was built in 1948 by the king of Karangasem, and is now a popular tourist attraction. The palace features a complex of pools, fountains, gardens, and statues, that are inspired by the Balinese and Chinese architecture and mythology. You can walk around the palace and admire the intricate details and designs, or swim in the pools and feed the fish. You can also enjoy some panoramic views of the rice fields and the hills from the palace.
Mount Agung is the highest and most sacred mountain in Bali, and is considered to be the home of the gods. The mountain is an active volcano that last erupted in 2018, and is a challenging but rewarding hike for adventurous travelers. You can join a guided tour that will take you to the summit of the mountain, where you can witness the sunrise and the stunning views of the island. You will need to be physically fit and well-prepared for the hike, as it takes around four to six hours to reach the top, and another three to four hours to descend. You will also need to respect the local customs and beliefs, as the mountain is a holy site for the Balinese people.
Amed Beach is a perfect destination for anyone who loves diving, snorkeling, and nature. It offers a unique and unforgettable experience that will make you fall in love with Bali. From the amazing shipwrecks and marine life to the charming accommodation and dining options, Amed Beach has something for everyone.
If you are looking for a relaxing and adventurous getaway, you should definitely book your trip to Amed Beach today. You will not regret it.
