I’ll be honest, Bali has become rather too hectic for my liking, or so I thought when I was running the gauntlet on the streets of Canggu, Ubud, and Seminyak.
So I was on a mission to find even more remote and authentic spots on the island. And boy, do I have some good news—Amed is where it’s at!
This fishing village is everything you would expect from a laid-back beach town. It is situated on the east coast of Bali, around a 3-hour drive from popular tourist areas like Kuta and Seminyak. It has epic diving spots, black sand beaches, and glorious yoga retreats (it’s a yogi’s paradise).
But for somewhere off the beaten track like Amed, finding information was like looking for a needle in a haystack, or a parking spot outside a CrossFit gym on the Canggu shortcut!
So after spending my days lazing around, enjoying the slow pace of life, I’ve put together this epic guide on where to stay in Amed so you don’t have to waste time trawling the Internet like I did!
Photo: @audyscala
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Where is the Best Place to Stay in Amed?
Kura Kura Divers Lodge | Best Luxury Hotel in Amed
If you’re headed to the East Coast to check out the underwater world, then this is where you’re going to want to stay. The Kura Kura Divers Lodge offers clean and comfortable rooms with direct access to the beach and their dive center. They also have a pool, a sunset bar, and an in-house restaurant serving up delicious local cuisine.
Dharma Yoga Homestay | Best Hostel in Amed
The vibes are high at Dharma Yoga Homestay, making it a perfect spot for yoga enthusiasts and backpackers. This homestay is a clean and cozy gem, nestled just a bit away from Amed Village, giving you an uber-peaceful atmosphere in Bali. Enjoy ocean views with your morning coffee from the upstairs terrace and afternoon yoga classes.
The Kampung | Best Backpacker Resort in Amed
For some luxury in your life, the Kampung is an epic villa on the outskirts of town. Located right on the beach, with a gorgeous pool overlooking the ocean, this is the perfect spot for a romantic getaway or a family vacation. Enjoy breakfast every morning on your private terrace while the staff arranges your massages, snorkeling trips, and any other activities for the day.
Amed Neighborhood Guide – Best Places to Stay in Amed
Amed Village
Amed Village is, predictably, the main area of Amed. Full of restaurants, dive shops, and cafes, this is the perfect place to base yourself if it’s your first time in Amed.
Jemeluk
South of Amed Village lies Jemeluk, a small and laid-back fishing village with stunning views of the Bali Sea. The vibes are so laid back here that it’s one of those places where you continuously extend your stay.
Bunutan
A little further from the hustle and bustle of central Amed, Bunutan is a peaceful, family-friendly village that offers a more secluded stay.
Amed is like how all of Bali was 10 years ago, you know when it was all vibes and good energy. Right along the coast, you’ll find clusters of fishing villages with locals living their everyday lives and gorgeous beaches with crystal clear waters. It’s seriously the best escape from the chaos of Canguu if you want to get the authentic backpacking in Bali experience.
Because Amed is small, it’s easy to stay pretty much anywhere along the coast and have access to diving, hanging at the beach, and a whole heap of other activities ken would be proud of you for participating in (that’s a Barbie reference if you didn’t get it!)
But depending on your budget, who you’re traveling with, and what you’re up for, there are a few different options to consider when choosing the best place to stay in Amed.
If it’s your first time staying in Amed, Amed Village is going to be the perfect place for you. It’s the main hub of the town and has everything from hostels to gorgeous resorts giving you plenty of options to choose from. It’s also super close to the main beach and restaurants. If you stay here, you’ll run out of things to do whilst in Amed.
If you’re looking for a more local experience at a low price point, Jemeluk is the place to be. This quiet and secluded area down the road has a few budget-friendly homestays and small guesthouses, giving you a taste of authentic Balinese life. Jemeluk is also home to some of the best yoga retreats in Bali for those who want to get their zen on.
If you’re traveling with the fam and are looking to spread out a little bit Bunatan is the ideal spot. It’s a bit further away from the main beach and restaurants, but it has beautiful private villas with private pools, gardens and some of the best snorkeling spots in Amed.
Photo: @audyscala
Amed’s Three Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
Beachfront villas, yoga homestays, and even some classic hotels are scattered along the coast, and this guide will give you a better idea of what to expect in each of Amed’s three best areas to stay in. Afterall, this is what you went backpacking in Indonesia for right!?
1. Amed Village – Where to Stay in Amed for Your First Time
Amed Village is, predictably, the main area of Amed. Full of restaurants, dive shops, and cafes, this is the perfect place to base yourself if it’s your first time in Amed. You’ll be within walking distance of everything, including some of the best beaches on Bali, which, is pretty much all you need!
Photo: @audyscala
It also has the most diversity on stays, you can snag waterfront villas with a pool and all-inclusive options or diver homestays if you’re ballin’ on a budget. It’s the most popular area to stay in Amed, as it’s secluded but it’s not like you’re out in the bush. Plus, you get an incredible view of one of Indonesia’s most incredible volcanos. Yewww!
Salt Resort and Spa | Best Resort in Amed Village
This Spa and Resort is so lush, with views of the ocean from the pool. The rooms are light and airy, giving all the beachy vibes. For those who want to relax, you can enjoy daily facials and massages by the pool. They also have an epic happy hour every day from 4-6 pm grab a cocktail, and watch the clouds change colors as the sun sets.
Kura Kura Divers Lodge | Best Lodge in Amed Village
If diving in the blue waters of the Bali Sea is your main priority, then the Kura Kura Divers Lodge is the perfect choice for your stay in Amed Village. The on-site dive center offers a range of courses and daily dive trips to explore the marine life around Amed’s coral reefs. And when you aren’t diving you can enjoy a drink from the bar at the pool.
Emocean Beach Boutique Resort | Best Airbnb in Amed Village
For some extra luxury, this boutique resort will check all of your boxes. The tropical paradise has 7 beautiful handcrafted wooden bungalows, each with its own private terrace and garden. Lounge by the shared pool and have epic views of the sacred Mount Agung. If you’re looking to do some diving their PADI-certified dive center is ready to take you on an underwater adventure.
Things to See and Do in Amed Village
- Spend a day on the black sand at Amed Beach
- Go diving around the Amed Reef
- Hike up to the epic viewpoint of Lahangan Sweet
- Visit the Amed Salt Center to learn about the salt-making process
- Buy fresh fruits at the local Culik Village Market
- Get up early and visit the floating water palace Taman Ujung
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View on Osprey View on REI2. Jemeluk – Best Place to Stay in Amed on a Budget
South of Amed Village lies Jemeluk, a small and laid-back fishing village with stunning views of the Bali Sea. The vibes are so laid back here that it’s one of those places where you end up continuously extending your stay. it’s places like this that really help you engage in some genuine community-based travel rather than the over tourism of other areas on the island.
Photo: @audyscala
Full of homestays and backpacker-friendly bungalows, Jemeluk is the best place to stay in Amed on a budget. You’ll spend your morning aligning your chakras and your afternoons snorkeling and diving some of the best dive spots in Bali. I honestly don’t think it can get better. Plus, it’s just a quick scooter ride to the main village if you need a bit more liveliness.
Dharma Yoga Homestay | Best Homestay in Jemeluk
I can’t rave enough about this amazing homestay. The rooms are clean and comfortable, the staff is incredibly friendly and helpful, and yoga classes are offered on-site for those who want to connect with themselves and nature. Plus, it’s just steps away from Jemeluk Beach, where you can snorkel with colorful fish and even spot some sea turtles.
Jemeluk Beach Bungalows | Best Bungalow in Jemeluk
The Jemeluk Beach Bungalows are a traditional Indonesian-style stay located right on the beach of Jemeluk. Enjoy a yummy homemade breakfast every morning on your private terrace overlooking the sea. The bungalows don’t have all the bells and whistles, but they’re a nice private stay with everything you need to feel comfortable and relaxed.
Amed Lodge | Best Resort in Jemeluk
This two-bedroom stay is absolutely perfect for a group of friends on a budget. It’s a cozy stay with beachfront access surrounded by the lush greenery of Amed. Join a boat tour with the host, borrow the snorkels and fins, or simply relax by the pool with a good book.
Things to see and do Jemeluk
Photo: @audyscala
- Snorkel in the crystal clear waters of Jemeluk Bay
- Wake up early and go on an epic hike to the top of Mount Agung for stunning sunrise views
- Visit the local rice paddies of the Berina Rice Terrace
- Get your zen on at a local yoga class
- Go diving at the Japanese Shipwreck for a unique underwater experience
- Take a day trip to the nearby Tirta Gangga Water Palace
3. Bunutan – Best Neighborhood in Amed for Families to Stay In
A little further from the hustle and bustle of central Amed, Bunutan is a peaceful, family-friendly village that offers a more secluded stay. The atmosphere is relaxed, and the beaches are quieter, making it a perfect spot for families to enjoy quality time together. It’s also one of the best places in Bali for hiking too.
The village is full of large villas and homestays that are perfect for your little ones to run around or your angsty teens to have their own space. With fresh seafood restaurants right on the beach and plenty of water activities to keep the whole family entertained, Bunutan is truly a hidden gem in Bali.
The Kampung | Best Hotel in Bunutan
Your family will be talking about their stay at The Kampung for ages! The waterfront villas are mind-blowing, with views of the turquoise sea and Mount Agung. With space for up to 10 guests, this place is huge. You’ll find kid-friendly toys in the garden, and the ocean-facing pool is so relaxing. With an onsite restaurant, you won’t even need to leave this paradise.
Villa Adi Dragon | Best Airbnb in Bunutan
This three-bedroom villa is absolutely gorgeous! The interior is modern with plenty of natural touches, making it feel both luxurious and cozy. Even though the villa offers complete privacy, you can still dive into some traditional Balinese cooking classes with the hosts or borrow fins and go snorkeling nearby.
Saka Villa | Best Villa in Bunutan
Saka Villa is like a home away from home, with welcoming hosts and a serene atmosphere. Right outside your bedroom is a lovely garden with a pool surrounded by palms and tropical plants. You’ll feel completely at peace here, but if you want to explore the area a bit more, the hosts are more than happy to help you rent a bike.
Things to see and do in Bunutan
Photo: @joemiddlehurst
- Spend a day at the most beautiful beach in Amed, Lipah Beach
- Take an authentic Balinese cooking class
- Rent a motorbike and go cruising around Amed
- Visit the iconic gates of Lempuyang temple
- Enjoy a quiet morning watching the sunrise over the ocean
- Do a sunset hike of Mount Batur
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Hide Yo’ Money!FAQs About Where to Stay in Amed
Here are some of the questions I’ve been recently asked about staying in Amed. If you have any questions of your own, drop them in the comments section below.
What To Pack For Amed
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Amed
Even though Bali is known as a pretty safe island, accidents can still happen, make sure you get some good travel insurance before heading on your trip. If you plan on diving in Amed (which you definitely should), make sure you get insurance that covers extreme sports.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
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Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Amed
I know having three separate areas makes Amed seem big, but it’s really small. Regardless of where you stay, you’re just a quick drive away from the other areas. So, I always recommend going for the vibes, and you can’t go wrong with Dharma Yoga Homestay or Emocean Beach Boutique Resort.
Whether you want to full-on experience of a homestay with other travelers or you prefer some privacy in a boutique hotel, both of these options are elite and will have you begging for more time in Amed.
Wherever you stay you’ll be blown away by the vibe here, forget those clickbait TikToks trashing on Bali, all they’re trying to do is keep the place to themselves! Head to Amed and you’ll discover the Bali you always dreamt of, minus the drunk Russians.
Photo: @audyscala
- Check out our ultimate guide to backpacking in Bali.
- There are heaps of totally epic places to visit in Bali.
- Have a look at our guide to where to stay in Ubud to choose the perfect area!
- You’ll need a hostel in Ubud – it’s a great way to start your trip!
- Sort your international SIM card out to avoid unnecessary hassle.
- Get yourself covered with travel insurance for Bali before you leave.
- Check out our ultimate Southeast Asia backpacking guide.
- Our in-depth backpacking packing list has all the info you’ll need for your trip.
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