Amed Beach
Amed Beach
A quiet eastern beach, picturesque with morning 'Jukung' (outriggers) and snorkeling along the reef.
Amed is not a single beach but a series of small fishing villages strung along Bali's eastern coastline. Once a quiet area known for traditional salt farming, its beautiful sea was discovered by backpackers and divers in the 1980s, slowly developing it into a rustic resort destination. It lacks the glamour of the southern beaches, but the scenery of colorful traditional *Jukung* (outrigger canoes) lined up on the black sand beach, set against the backdrop of the majestic Mount Agung, is nostalgic and deeply calming. Amed's greatest feature is the snorkeling and diving spots, many of which are directly accessible from the beach. In particular, the wreck of a Japanese patrol boat sunk during WWII is a popular spot, attracting abundant marine life at a shallow depth. It's a place where you can experience authentic Balinese fishing culture in a relaxed, slow-paced environment.
Culture: Traditions of Salt Panning and Fishing
Amed has long been a center for traditional salt farming, using sun-drying methods. While the practice has declined, you can still find places using the age-old technique: seawater is boiled down in hollowed-out coconut tree trunks to produce salt crystals. The salt made here is rich in minerals with a mellow taste, making it a popular souvenir. In the early morning, you can see many *Jukung* heading out to fish, and in the evening, watch them unload their fresh catch. Daily life in Amed is still intrinsically connected to the sea.
Underwater World: Wrecks and Macro Paradise
While perhaps not as famous as neighboring Tulamben, Amed's waters offer unique underwater landscapes. The 'underwater temple' in Jemeluk Bay, an artificial reef of submerged temple structures and Buddha statues, is now colonized by coral and home to many fish. At sites like Batang Dalan and the Japanese Wreck, you might encounter schools of trevally and sea turtles. Furthermore, the sandy bottoms are home to many well-camouflaged critters and rare macro-organisms, making it an attractive location for underwater photographers.
How to Enjoy and Surrounding Area
The best way to experience Amed is to embrace a slower pace: stay in a guesthouse on the beach, take a *Jukung* out for morning snorkeling, read in a hammock in the afternoon, and watch the sunset over Mount Agung. Yoga and freediving schools are also popular. Amed is an excellent base for exploring East Bali, with easy access to the water palaces of 'Tirta Gangga' and 'Taman Ujung,' and the scenic 'Lempuyang Temple.'
Highlights (What to See!)
The view from the sunset point on the headland overlooking Jemeluk Bay is a must-see. It offers a panoramic vista of Mount Agung's majestic silhouette, the sea glowing at dusk, and the fleet of *Jukung* below. For snorkeling, the underwater temple at Jemeluk Bay or the Japanese Wreck point are recommended; both are easily accessible from the beach. Also, consider buying some traditionally made Amed salt as a souvenirโit's a special product infused with the local culture and the bounty of the sea.
Related Places
Tourist SpotTirta Gangga
A garden known as the "Water Palace," famous for its stepping stones.
TempleLempuyang Temple
A mountain temple complex, famous for its iconic "Gates of Heaven."
TempleBesakih Temple
The "Mother Temple" at the foot of Mount Agung. A massive sanctuary of 23 temple complexes aligned on an axis toward the mountain.