Bali's Secret String Of Coastal Fishing Villages Has Unique Dives, Bright Coral Reefs, And Black Sand Beaches

If gods could decide where to reincarnate on Earth, they'd choose Bali. Steeped in spirituality and traditional arts, the "Island of the Gods" has long attracted visitors from all over the world — some of whom seem to trade its sacred essence for social media likes. Despite the island's commodification, Bali is still home to places where the ancient philosophy of Tri Hita Karana remains intact. Amed, a village on the island's Eastern coast, is a living example of harmony between the human, the natural, and the spiritual realm.

Located a 2- to 3-hour drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport, Amed is a coastal fishing town extending nearly 10 miles along the shore. During the dry season, which lasts from March to September, the location offers a variety of water activities — from diving and snorkeling to simply watching the sunset from a boat or one of its black sand beaches. Its dark color comes from volcanic lava rock, and the sand is believed to have healing properties which may help treat underlying health conditions.

Although the atmosphere may feel less luxurious than some of Bali's best beach resorts, this fishing town still offers the wellness experience you may need. Bali's hidden gem is made up of seven villages, each with its own unique and distinct name: Amed, Jemeluk, Bunutan, Selang, Banyuning, Aas, and Lipah. It's also a perfect location to put into practice your fishing skills, with several fishing charters offering guided tours and equipment — some even host fish barbecues on the beach where you can taste your fresh catch. Here, tourists can also experience a day in the life of a fisherman, starting at 5 a.m. with a sail on their jukung — traditional wooden boats painted in vibrant colors.

Amed is one of Bali's underrated places where you can get all the beauty with fewer crowds. Scuba diving is a popular activity here, allowing you to enjoy the marvels beneath the sea at your own pace. The water temperature is between 80 and 84 degrees Fahrenheit and the visibility is excellent — ranging from 50 to 80 feet. Among a variety of marine life inhabiting the Indian Ocean — like angelfish, turtles, sea horses, blue starfish and more — you'll get the chance to explore the famous Japanese shipwreck. Situated in the village of Banyuning, this 66-foot-long shipwreck is a must-see. Believed to be of Japanese origins — based on the design of a well-preserved toilet — it likely sank during World War II and has since attracted the attention of many diving enthusiasts. If you're looking to deepen your sense of exploration, visit the marine art display in Jemeluk Bay — a man-made art installation reminiscent of a temple featuring statues of apsaras of Hindu mythology, boxes of treasure, and the lion-like statues of the Barong, now all beautifully encrusted with coral.

If deep water is not your thing, you can still marvel at the underwater world and its coral gardens through snorkeling. Amed Pyramids is composed of both natural and constructed corals — the latter formed by around 20 pyramid-shaped concrete bricks built by the local community to support marine life and foster the growth of a new coral reef. Among Amed's natural corals are hard corals, soft corals, marine fans, as well as black corals. Bali's coral reefs are part of the Coral Triangle, a region in the Western Pacific waters dedicated to supporting coastal and marine ecosystems. Anyone can contribute by adopting a coral through conservation programs run by associations like Calypso.

Bali, known as one of the most budget-friendly destinations, also offers a diverse selection of activities for any type of traveler — from cooking classes to temple-hopping. But when peace and calm come to mind, yoga is often what travelers turn to in their search for balance and chakra alignment. In Amed, there's a wide range of yoga classes and mindfulness retreats, set in a peaceful environment accompanied by the ocean breeze. For those who like a challenge, Mount Agung is just right up your alley. Rising nearly 10,000 feet above sea level, Mount Agung is Bali's highest peak and an active volcano that requires proper planning before embarking on this adventure. The path is jagged and steep, the weather uncertain, and the altitude won't do you any favors — but experienced guided tours can make the hike easier. Locals venerate Mount Agung, viewing it as the home of the deities and a sacred place that maintains the connection between the earthly and the ethereal.

Amed is also known for its sea salt, recognized as one-of-a-kind for both its rich mineral content and flavor. Thanks to antique procedures, geographical position, and unspoiled seawater, salt farms lie at the heart of Amed's cultural heritage. The process first involves collecting the seawater and pouring it onto clay soil. More seawater is then added to this salt-crusted ground that is filtered through bamboo tubes. The brine collected from the bamboo conduits is placed in a coconut trunk and left to evaporate. The Amed Salt Center offers visitors a tour that immerses them in a rich cultural experience.

As you can see, the island has no shortage of exciting activities to keep your body and spirit engaged. In fact, Amed is said to be derived from two words: "a," meaning "not," and "med," translating to "boring" — so together, "not boring."