Discovering Amed: East Bali’s Hidden Dive Paradise
Amed is a peaceful stretch of fishing villages along Bali’s northeastern coast, known for its black sand beaches, calm bays, and rich cultural and marine heritage. The coastline spans about 14 km and includes villages such as Jemeluk, Bunutan, Aas, Lean, Lipah, and Selang.
A Brief History
Originally a quiet area focused on salt farming, fishing, and subsistence agriculture, Amed has gradually opened up over recent decades to travelers, but still retains much of its traditional charm.
The name Amed refers both to the main village and to the coastal strip of villages. The region belongs to the Karangasem Regency in East Bali. Many locals still live in simple ways: salt pans, fishing from traditional boats (jukung), growing crops, and celebrating age-old cultural rituals.
Dive Opportunities in Amed
If you love diving, Amed is a real treat. Here are some of the standout dive sites and what you can expect beneath the waves:
Jemeluk Bay & Jemeluk Wall: A perfect introduction for beginner divers. Start with shallow coral gardens (3-8 m) in Jemeluk Bay, then drift or boat out to the wall which drops to ~30-35 m. You’ll find turtles, reef fish, and plenty of macro life.
Pyramids: Artificial reef structures set on sandy slopes that have become vibrant mini-reefs. Expect a mix of natural coral gardens, soft corals, macro species like frogfish and nudibranchs, and sometimes turtles. Depths range from ~5 to ~30 m depending on where you start. Drift dives are common and rewarding.
Japanese Shipwreck: A shallow wreck dive that’s very photogenic. The wreck is covered in coral (soft and leather corals), sponges, and is a good spot for macro critters. Because the wreck starts fairly shallow, even less experienced divers can enjoy it.
Lipah Bay: A gentler site, with both shallow reef gardens and a slope leading deeper. Great for spotting turtles and reef fish, plus macro opportunities in quieter, sandy patches.
Bunutan: More exciting for divers who want drift dives and slightly stronger currents. Expect large coral gardens, garden eels, barrel sponges, occasional sharks, fusiliers, and schooling fish.
Melasti & Ghost Bay: These are especially good for macro diving. You can find nudibranchs, shrimp, octopus, mimic creatures, etc. The visibility may vary but the underwater critters make it worthwhile.
Most dive centres in Amed offer shore entries (beach dives) and boat dives using the traditional jukung. The currents can range from mild to moderate depending on site and season. Water temperatures are usually warm (around 26-30°C), and visibility often good, especially in dry season.
Karangasem Province
Amed lies in the Karangasem Regency, a region in East Bali covering about 839.54 km².
The regency seat is Amlapura. Karangasem has a rich history, including having been a kingdom before colonial times. The area was significantly affected by the 1963 eruption of Mount Agung.
For more detailed information about Karangasem—its culture, geography, attractions—feel free to click the link below:
More about Karangasem Province
Amed is not just a diving destination — it’s a lifestyle: serene sunrises, warm ocean, vibrant reefs, and friendly local life.
Interested in a Property in Amed / East Bali?
If you’re charmed by Amed and considering a longer stay—or even owning property here—you're not alone. Many people are drawn to the relaxed pace, the underwater lifestyle, the scenic views of Mount Agung, and the blend of calm bays and rich marine life. Whether you're thinking of a small villa, a guest-house, or an investment property, Amed and East Bali offer unique opportunities.
Click the button below for more info on available properties, planning, regulations, and what life is really like living here.
