Amed by Scooter: Coast Road, Snorkelling Spots & How to Get There
Short answer: Amed is about 2.5 hours from Ubud and 3–3.5 hours from Canggu by scooter. Many travellers take a car or transfer there and rent a scooter locally to explore the 10 km coast road of bays and snorkel spots. Bring reef shoes, cash and a bit of patience for the hills.
Want a quick quote? Chat with us on WhatsApp (+62 818-0800-1102) — English-speaking team, delivery to your hotel or villa, pay on arrival.
Amed isn’t one town but a strip of fishing villages — Jemeluk, Bunutan, Lipah, Selang, Aas — strung along a winding coast road below Mount Agung. Colourful jukung outrigger boats line the black-sand beaches, and some of Bali’s best snorkelling is a few metres from the shore. A scooter is the perfect way to hop between bays.
Getting to Amed
| From | Distance | By scooter | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ubud | ~75 km | 2.5 h | via Klungkung or Sidemen |
| Sanur | ~85 km | 2.5–3 h | coastal bypass east |
| Canggu / Seminyak | ~100 km | 3–3.5 h | leave before 7:30 am |
| Padang Bai | ~50 km | 1.5 h | arriving from Gili / Lombok |
Riding 3 hours each way in one day is too much. If you start in the south, plan at least two nights in Amed, or take a car with driver there and rent a scooter on arrival. See the East Bali road trip and our Amed scooter rental page.
The Amed coast road
From Culik, the road runs east along the coast, climbing over headlands between each bay. Expect steep short hills, hairpins and spectacular viewpoints — the lookout above Jemeluk Bay is the classic photo. It’s narrow, so slow down at blind corners and watch for trucks delivering to hotels. A Vario or NMAX handles it well, even two-up.
Best snorkelling stops
- Jemeluk Bay — coral gardens and lots of fish right off the beach; an underwater post-box statue for photos.
- Lipah (Japanese shipwreck) — a small wreck in shallow water, easy to snorkel, covered in coral.
- Coral Garden / Bunutan — statues and healthy coral close to shore.
- Tulamben — 25 minutes north, home to the USAT Liberty wreck, a WWII cargo ship lying just off the stone beach. Snorkellers can see the top of it; divers explore the rest.
Rent masks and fins from your guesthouse or local dive shops for around IDR 30k–50k a day. Wear reef shoes — the beaches are pebbles and black sand.
Renting a scooter in Amed
Most guesthouses and small shops rent scooters, usually Scoopys and Varios, for roughly IDR 70k–100k per day. Choice is smaller than in the south, so if you need a bigger bike or a specific model, arrange it in advance. Check the brakes carefully — the hills are hard on them. Use our inspection checklist.
Practical tips
- Fuel: Pertamina stations are in Culik and Amlapura; along the coast you’ll find bottled petrol.
- Cash: ATMs are few; bring enough rupiah.
- Sun: Amed is hot and dry; sunscreen and water on every ride.
- Night: the coast road is dark — avoid long rides after sunset.
- Combine with Lempuyang Temple and Tirta Gangga, both under an hour away.
Plan your Amed trip with us
Need a scooter for the ride east, or a car with driver to Amed and a scooter waiting when you arrive? We’ll arrange it in one chat.
Send us on WhatsApp: your dates, where you’re starting from, how many people, and whether you want to ride there or take a car.
We reply in English within minutes (08:00–22:00 Bali time), confirm the price in writing, and deliver to your hotel or villa. No booking fee, no deposit up front — you pay when the vehicle arrives and you’ve checked it.
WhatsApp us now +62 818-0800-1102
Ready to ride? Compare daily, weekly & monthly rates on our Bali scooter rental page — delivered to your hotel or villa in 34 areas.
Frequently asked questions
Can I ride a scooter from Canggu to Amed?
Yes, but it takes about 3–3.5 hours each way, so stay at least two nights. Many travellers take a car there and rent a scooter locally.
Is the Amed coast road dangerous?
It is narrow and hilly with blind corners, but fine for careful riders in daylight. Use a scooter with good brakes and avoid riding after dark.
Where is the best snorkelling in Amed?
Jemeluk Bay, the Japanese shipwreck at Lipah and the coral garden at Bunutan. Tulamben, 25 minutes north, has the USAT Liberty wreck.
Can I rent a scooter in Amed?
Yes, guesthouses and local shops rent scooters, usually Scoopys and Varios, for about IDR 70,000–100,000 per day.