Riding a Scooter in Amed, Bali

Amed is east Bali at its most beautiful and unspoilt. A long string of fishing villages stretches along a dramatic volcanic coastline, with Mount Agung looming overhead and crystal-clear water at your feet. It's the best diving and snorkeling area in Bali, and a world away from the bustle of the south.

A scooter is essential in Amed. The area spans around 10 km of coastline, with each village — Amed, Jemeluk, Bunutan, Lipah, and Selang — having its own character, beach, and dive site. The road that connects them hugs the cliffs above the sea and offers some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in all of Indonesia.

The classic route to Amed follows the coast road east from Sanur — passing through Candidasa, over the mountain pass, and down to the black sand beaches of the east coast. It's one of Bali's great riding journeys, and the destination is well worth the trip.

There is no public transport in Amed, and taxis are scarce and expensive. A scooter is not just convenient here — it's practically essential. It's the way locals get around, and it gives you total freedom to hop between dive sites, fishing villages, and beachside warungs whenever you feel like it.

The coastal road north to Tulamben (home of the famous Liberty shipwreck) is a beautiful 30-minute ride past lava fields and black sand beaches. Inland, Tirta Gangga water palace and the rice terraces of the Karangasem regency are easily reached in under an hour. East Bali rewards explorers, and a scooter makes you one.

Fill up before you leave. Petrol stations are available in Amed town, but they are fewer and more spread out than in south Bali. Top up before any longer ride toward Tulamben or inland.

The mountain pass is steep. The road from south Bali to Amed crosses a significant mountain pass. The descent into the east coast is winding with tight corners — take it easy, especially if you're unfamiliar with the route.

Sunrise is worth setting an alarm for. The view of Mount Agung reflected in the sea from the Amed coastal road at sunrise is one of Bali's great spectacles — a scooter gets you there in seconds from most villas.

Plan at least 2 nights. Amed is around 2.5–3 hours from south Bali. A single day trip doesn't do it justice — staying overnight lets you dive at dawn, explore the Liberty wreck at Tulamben, and ride the highlands on the way back.