Having just returned from a two-week research trip mapping out the rugged eastern coast of Bali, I can confidently tell you that deciding where to stay in Amed, Bali comes down to knowing which specific fishing village matches your travel style. This coastal strip stretches for miles, meaning your experience can range from a vibrant dive hub to a secluded black sand retreat. Use this guide to bypass the generic advice and find the exact beachfront enclave that will serve as your perfect base.
Best Hotels in Amed🔥
- 💎 Luxury Hotel: Mathis Lodge Amed
- ✨ 5-Star: The Griya Villas and Spa
- 🏨 4-Star: Solaluna Beach Homestay
- 🛏️ 3-Star: Puri Wirata Dive Resort
- 💸 Cheap: Rivera Beach
- 🏢 Apartment: Travel Room Lipah Beach
- 👨👩👧👦 For Families: Teratai Boutique Resort
- 🏩 For Couples: Villa Melasti Amed
Quick Guide to the Best Areas
- 🍽️ Dining & Transport — Amed Village
- 🌊 Dive & Snorkel — Jemeluk Bay
- 🌅 Sunset Views — Bunutan
- 🏖️ Quiet Sands — Lipah Beach
- 🌿 Rugged Seclusion — Selang
1. Amed Village: The Best Place to Stay in Amed for First-Timers
Welcome to the gateway of the region, where the black sand beaches and snorkeling spots meet a dense cluster of warungs, homestays, and dive shops right on the beach. It is the most developed part of the coastline, offering unparalleled convenience for travelers looking to organize tours or easily access cash, and to explore life in Amed and discover things to do in Amed.
On-the-ground Feel & Insider Tips:
Stroll past the traditional salt-making pans at Amed Beach before browsing the morning catch at Pasar Amed, then grab a coffee at See You Again Cafe. Do not miss Warung Osin, a tiny local favorite known for its authentic, fiery sambal and homestyle cooking. Visit the market between 06:00 and 08:00 for the freshest produce; the main Perama bus drop-off is located right in the center of the village.
- Pro: Unbeatable access to ATMs, transport links, and a wide variety of restaurants.
- Con: The shoreline here is busier with fishing boats, making swimming less ideal; rent a scooter to easily reach clearer coves just five minutes down the road.
Best For / Skip If:
Best for first-timers, solo travelers, and those wanting easy access to gastronomy. Skip if you seek total beachfront isolation and pristine swimming conditions.
Best Hotels in Amed Village
💎 Luxury Hotels
- Ibus Beach Hotel — A serene beachfront property featuring beautiful sea views, private balconies, and a lovely swimming pool nestled in tropical greenery.
- Emocean Beach Boutique Dive Resort — A modern, dive-centric resort offering premium accommodations, an outdoor pool, and customized scuba diving excursions directly off the coast.
⭐ Best Value Hotels
- Solaluna Beach Homestay — Provides charming beachfront bungalows with direct access to the volcanic sands, offering a relaxed vibe and exceptional local hospitality.
- Puri Wirata Dive Resort — Features two beachfront swimming pools and an on-site PADI dive center, perfect for exploring Amed’s vibrant marine life right from the shore.
💶 Smart Budget Hotels
- Rivera Beach — A quiet, budget-friendly beachfront property offering clean, comfortable rooms and direct access to a calm, reef-lined swimming area.
2. Jemeluk Bay: A Hub for Snorkeling and Coastal Vistas
This sweeping, sheltered cove is the iconic postcard image of East Bali, and in any guide to Amed it is a defining area to stay and one of the most sought-after areas to stay in Amed, framed by the towering silhouette of Mount Agung. It boasts a spectacular offshore coral reef that draws underwater enthusiasts from all over the island, and is a highlight when you get to Amed, with nearby beaches in Amed and even a handful of excellent restaurant in Amed options along the coast.
The Lay of the Land & Local Advice:
Wade directly off Jemeluk Beach to explore the thriving coral gardens and dive down to the famed Underwater Post Office, then walk up the hill to Jemeluk Viewpoint. Locals regularly gather at Blue Earth Village for sunset yoga and unparalleled sweeping views of the bay. Arrive at the bay by 07:30 to experience the calmest waters for snorkeling before the midday winds pick up.
- Pro: Immediate access to incredible snorkeling right off the beach.
- Con: The shoreline is composed of large pebbles rather than soft sand; pack water shoes to make getting in and out of the ocean much more comfortable.
Best For / Skip If:
Best for snorkelers, divers, and photographers chasing iconic Mount Agung views. Skip if you require a pristine, sandy lounging beach.
Best Hotels in Jemeluk Bay
💎 Luxury Hotels
- Mathis Lodge Amed — Offers an elevated hillside retreat with breathtaking mountain and ocean views, featuring stylish private bungalows and a magnificent infinity pool.
- Dhauteya Villa — A secluded sanctuary featuring private pool villas, lush tropical garden settings, and peaceful surroundings perfect for travelers seeking tranquility.
⭐ Best Value Hotels
- Ola Rima Amed — Provides cozy, budget-friendly rooms steps from the beach, complete with a warm atmosphere, friendly local staff, and close proximity to dive sites.
- Aqua Dive Resort Amed — A premier beachfront dive resort featuring modern rooms, an outdoor pool, and exceptional waterfront dining overlooking the Lombok Strait.
💶 Smart Budget Hotels
- Jemeluk Beach Bungalows — Offers comfortable beachfront villas directly on Jemeluk Bay, allowing you to step out straight onto the sand and access the reef.
3. Bunutan: Where to Stay in Amed for Coastal Drives and the Best Restaurants
Stretching along a winding, elevated coastal road, this long village bridges the gap between the busy center and the quiet south, standing out as a relaxed spot in Amed within some of the most scenic places in Bali and the wider area of Amed. It offers a sophisticated dining scene paired with dramatic ocean views, making it especially rewarding for unhurried days in Amed. The steep roads leading inland provide some of the best vantage points in the area, including the famous sunset point Amed viewpoints along the hillsides.
Navigating the Neighbourhood & Insider Knowledge:
Drive the winding coastal road past Pura Bunutan to grab scuba dive gear at Euro Dive Centre, before descending the cliffs to access the Japanese Shipwreck snorkeling site. Locals favor eating at Gusto Resto, a laid-back hillside spot serving incredible homemade pasta with expansive sea views. Renting a scooter is almost mandatory here as the walking path is narrow; navigate the area during daylight hours for safety.
- Pro: Elevated geography provides consistent ocean breezes and spectacular infinity pool vistas.
- Con: The village stretches out along a steep, curving road without sidewalks; organize a trusted local driver if you plan to enjoy evening cocktails.
Best For / Skip If:
Best for mature couples, gastronomy enthusiasts, and travelers renting scooters. Skip if you prefer to walk easily from your room to restaurants.
Best Hotels in Bunutan
💎 Luxury Hotels
- Serenia Villas Amed — Offers private, modern villas equipped with functional kitchenettes, individual plunge pools, and serene views of the surrounding tropical hills.
⭐ Best Value Hotels
- Seamount Hotel Amed — A chic beachfront hotel featuring comfortable, modern rooms, an expansive outdoor pool, and immediate access to the tranquil black sand beach.
- Jepun Hill Studios — Set on a scenic hillside overlooking the ocean, these stylish studios offer private balconies, lush gardens, and a peaceful infinity pool.
💶 Smart Budget Hotels
- Green Coco House — A charming, eco-friendly guesthouse offering budget-conscious travelers comfortable, rustic rooms and a peaceful garden setting close to the beach.
4. Lipah Beach: Relaxed and Beach-Focused Getaway
Nestled in a quiet bay along the east coast of Bali, this area is a favorite for those who head to Amed in search of one of the few strips of soft, pale sand on the eastern coastline, often considering it among the best restaurants in Amed and places to eat nearby for fresh seafood after a long day by the water.
The drive from Amed into this bay is short and scenic, adding to the appeal of exploring different spots around the region. It retains the charm of a working fishing village while providing excellent swimming conditions and a relaxed dining atmosphere typical of the eastern coastline.
Atmosphere & A Pro Tip:
Walk along the soft sands of Lipah Beach and admire the colorful jukung fishing boats, then take a short walk to the neighboring cove of Vienna Beach to visit Pura Wayah Lipah. Stop by Warung Sabar, a humble eatery cherished by locals for its fresh grilled mahi-mahi. The best time to visit the beach is late afternoon when the fishing fleet returns; there are no public transit stops here, so pre-arrange transport.
- Pro: Features some of the softest sand in the region, making it ideal for barefoot beach walks.
- Con: Dining options are limited compared to the central villages; rent a bike to access a wider variety of restaurants in nearby Bunutan.
Best For / Skip If:
Best for families, beach relaxation, and quiet, low-key days. Skip if you want to be within walking distance of bustling nightlife.
Best Hotels in Lipah Beach
💎 Luxury Hotels
- The Griya Villas and Spa — A luxurious 5-star resort featuring private pool villas, a wellness spa, and panoramic views over Lipah Bay.
⭐ Best Value Hotels
- Villa Melasti Amed — A peaceful beachfront villa featuring traditional thatched roofs, an outdoor swimming pool, and private terraces looking out onto the ocean.
💶 Smart Budget Hotels
- Vienna Beach Resort — A safe, centrally located budget spot offering cozy rooms, free Wi-Fi, and instant access to the fishing village shoreline.
5. Selang: The Quieter Choice in East Bali
Tucked far down the coastline in one of the quieter areas of Bali, this remote enclave is among the best places in Bali for travelers seeking untouched scenery and is often overlooked compared to other places in Amed. It offers rugged coastal cliffs and a deep sense of tranquility, with simple yet memorable options to eat in Amed nearby.
It is the ultimate escape for those seeking absolute peace away from the tourist trail and modern distractions, making it one of the most peaceful areas of Bali for slow travel and authentic places in Amed experiences.
On-the-ground Feel & Insider Tips:
Navigate the steep descent to Selang Beach, check out the eclectic works at Amed Art Gallery, and hike up to the Gili Selang viewpoint for sweeping panoramas. Stop by Warung Ayu, a tiny cliffside eatery cherished by locals for its fresh tuna sambal matah. Ensure you visit during the dry season as the steep access roads can become slippery; there is zero public transport here, making private drivers essential.
- Pro: Exceptional privacy, dramatic cliffside scenery, and undisturbed offshore coral reefs.
- Con: You are entirely removed from the main hubs and amenities; stock up on snacks and cash in Amed Village before heading this far south.
Best For / Skip If:
Best for ultimate seclusion, nature lovers, and mature travelers seeking quiet. Skip if you rely on walking to cafes, shops, and dive centres.
Best Hotels in Selang
💎 Luxury Hotels
- The Angsa Villas — Offers private, spacious villas with private pools, modern amenities, and beautifully landscaped gardens just moments from the beach.
⭐ Best Value Hotels
- Villa Mimpi Tamarind — A beautifully secluded villa featuring a tranquil outdoor pool, spacious living areas, and peaceful views of the surrounding palm groves.
💶 Smart Budget Hotels
- Wawa Wewe Rock — A beachfront property featuring cozy, ocean-facing bungalows, an outdoor pool, and a vibrant local restaurant hosting regular live music.
FAQ
What is the best area in Amed for first-time visitors?
For your first time, staying in Amed Village is the most practical choice. It offers the highest concentration of dining options, dive shops, and direct transport links to the rest of Bali, allowing you to easily acclimate to the region.
How many days do you need in Amed to explore the highlights?
To truly experience the laid-back pace of the coastline, you need at least three to four full days. This allows enough time to snorkel Jemeluk Bay, explore the southern coves, and take a day trip to surrounding temples.
Where should you stay in Amed, Indonesia for the best snorkeling?
Jemeluk Bay is the top choice for snorkeling directly off the beach. The bay is incredibly calm in the morning, and the thriving coral gardens and the Underwater Post Office are just a short swim from the shoreline.
What is the best way to get around Amed during your stay?
Renting a scooter is the most efficient way to navigate the sprawling coastal villages. Because the area stretches for over ten kilometers with no public transportation between bays, having your own wheels gives you ultimate freedom.
Where to stay in Amed for the easiest access to the USAT Liberty shipwreck?
If you are planning to scuba dive the famous USAT Liberty wreck, staying in the northern end near Amed Village makes the most sense. From there, it is a straightforward 25-minute drive up the coast to the dive site in neighboring Tulamben.
