A person standing on rocks near a tall waterfall in a lush green forest.

BALI INSIDER TIPS

These Insider Tips have been carefully curated through years of firsthand experience exploring Bali, with the goal of helping our guests enjoy the very best that Amed has to offer.

Our dedicated team is always available to assist!

Bali, Indonesia

Group of people in traditional Balinese attire participating in a cultural ceremony or procession outside a stone temple with ornate carvings, carrying umbrellas and offerings.

FAQs:

  • The weather on Bali is always hot and tropical. The rainy season is generally between November and April, but rains can come at any time. During the rainy season, it usually rains during the afternoons. The island is quite green in the rainy season. During dry season it is hotter and not as green. August is the busiest time of year for tourists, so it can be rather crowded.

  • You will fly into Denpasar Airport (DPS).

  • There are no non-stop flights to Bali from the United States. Flights stop in various Asian cities with connections to Bali. Travel time is approximately 24 hours from the west coast of the U.S. We ask that you refrain from booking flights that arrive in Bali late at night, as our transport service is from 12pm-8pm.

  • Yes. At this time you must purchase a visa upon arrival in Bali at immigration or online ahead of time HERE. This visa is around 35 USD per person. Important: You must have a valid passport that does not expire within six months of your departure from Bali back to the U.S. You will not be allowed to stay in Bali if your passport is due to expire within six months.

  • There are multiple beaches in the area, most within 5-10 minutes driving. The closest is about a 10-minute walk. You will have access to a driver during your stay who can drive you to any of the nearby beaches.

  • We will have a driver waiting for you outside the terminal holding a sign with your name on it. The drive to the hotel is about three hours. In the rare case that there is difficulty encountering your driver, any nearby information desk can intercom the driver by using the name of your accommodations.

  • There are numerous ATMs and currency exchangers in Amed, or you can use the ATMs and currency exchangers at the airport upon your arrival.

  • It is NOT safe to drink the tap water in Bali. Please, drink only bottled water or filtered water.

  • Most restaurants and shops accept major credit cards, but some are cash only. Villa Paradiso and Golden Buddha Resort does accept credit cards, so all of your meals, tours and activities can be charged to your room. 

  • While oftentimes our staff will give pricing in USD, the preferred currency is Indonesian Rupiah (IDR).

  • Upon arrival, you will have access to our full dedicated staff that will assist you with arranging drivers, planning excursions, scheduling massages and much more! Every excursion is fully customizable to your preferences and can be taken in a half-day or full-day form with one of our drivers.

  • Bali runs on the 220-volt system, with different plugs from the U.S. You will need a 2-prong European plug adapter or voltage converter , depending on the item. Plug adapters simply change the formation of the plug and can fit into Indonesian wall sockets. The plug adapter does not change the electrical voltage.

    We strongly suggest you bring a surge protector to safeguard your computers. Power outages are common in Bali.

  • There are no immunizations required to enter Bali. Any shots you think you may need are at the discretion of you and your physician.

  • We STRONGLY recommend you do NOT drive in Bali. Driving in Bali can be extremely challenging even for the experienced traveler. We recommend hiring a car/driver for the day to take you everywhere while you relax. If you do choose to drive, you will need an International Drivers License.

  • The Lift Bali gym is located a short 8-minute drive from the Golden Buddha resort.

  • Bali is very casual. Bring light clothing, sandals, and walking shoes. Sarongs are required when visiting temples or attending ceremonies.

  • Recommended Items for Adventurous Activities:

    • Hiking boots

    • Dry bag for valuable items

    • Light-weight backpack

    • Water bottle

    Recommended Medicine Cabinet Items:

    • Any personal medications or medical devices

    • Imodium

    • Pepto Bismol

    • Ibuprofen

    • Mosquito repellent

    • SPF sunscreen

  • Golden Buddha and Villa Paradiso both have dedicated Wi-Fi. If you would like to use your cell phone during your stay, we recommend contacting your provider. Alternatively, you may purchase an Indonesian SIM card at the airport.

  • Bali receives over 4 million visitors each year and is on many published lists of most popular destinations in the world. Like an travel destination, normal precautions should be taken while enjoying your stay.

  • Yes, we recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect you and your stay!

    Our recommendations would be to use either Allianz Travel Insurance or Travel Guard Insurance.

Gratuity

While tipping is not mandatory, we kindly encourage guests to consider leaving a gratuity for our dedicated Bali staff. It is greatly appreciated and serves as a meaningful gesture of thanks for their exceptional service.

Below is a suggested tipping guide for your reference; many guests choose to leave even more based on their experience:

  • General Staff Tips: These can be left at the end of your stay and are shared equally among the team. 2,500,000-3,500,000 IDR (roughly $150-$200 per week)

  • Drivers and Additional Services (e.g., massages): We recommend tipping these providers separately.

    • Driver Tips: 1,500,000-2,500,000 IDR (roughly $100-$150 per week)

    • Massage: 50,000-100,000 IDR (roughly $3-$6) per session

Please note that tips should be provided in cash (Indonesian Rupiah), as the staff does not have the means to exchange foreign currency, such as USD. Ultimately, the amount you choose to give is entirely at your discretion, and the staff is always deeply grateful for any contributions.

Flight Recommendations

Most flights will route through Seattle, San Francisco, or Los Angeles. Some flights route through Vancouver (YVR), but we don’t generally recommend those as there tend to be more delays and missed connections flying through Canada.

If you’re looking to book Korean Air, please note their flights all arrive in Bali around midnight, so guests will need to stay at the airport hotel before getting picked up the following day.

Here are a few recommended routes, please note that flight schedules are subject to change, although these tend to stay fairly consistent as they are popular routes:

  • EVA Air routing through Seattle (SEA) and Taipei (TPE) - Arrives in Bali (DPS) around 3:15 PM.

  • EVA Air routing through San Francisco (SFO) and Taipei (TPE) - Arrives in Bali (DPS) around 3:15 PM.

  • China Air routing through San Francisco (SFO) and Taipei (TPE) - Arrives in Bali (DPS) around 2:40 PM.

  • United/Cathay Pacific routing through San Francisco (SFO) and Hong Kong (HKG) - Arrives in Bali (DPS) around 3:00 PM.

  • EVA Air routing through Los Angeles (LAX) and Taipei (TPE) - Arrives in Bali (DPS) around 3:15 PM.

  • China Air routing through Los Angeles (LAX) and Taipei (TPE) - Arrives in Bali (DPS) around 2:40 PM.

  • Cathay Pacific routing through New York (JFK) and Hong Kong (HKG) - Arrives in Bali (DPS) around 3:05 PM.

  • Cathay Pacific routing through Boston (BOS) and Hong Kong (HKG) - Arrives in Bali around 3:00 PM.

  • Emirates routing through Houston (IAH) and Dubai (DXB) - Arrives in Bali around 4:30 PM.

Google Flights

Excursions & Activities

  • SUNSET BOAT TRIP

    Take a boat ride in a jukung fishing boat at sunset. This is highly recommended and is a great way to see the coast from the calm Bali Sea.

  • SNORKELING

    Enjoy world-class snorkeling from many of the nearby beaches, or enjoy a day of snorkeling at different sites via private boat charters.

  • An art gallery with a stone brick wall and a curved brick ceiling, displaying framed landscape photographs and paintings. There are vases on a staircase and a wooden bench with books and more framed art pieces.

    MAHA GANGGA RICE TERRACE

    Visit the nearby rice terraces where you can enjoy a variety of activities, including guided hikes of the terraces.

  • COFFEE PLANTATION

    Visit a traditional Balinese coffee plantation and sit for a coffee and tea tasting, including the famous Kopi Luak coffee.

  • TIRTA GANGGA WATER PALACE

    A stunning array of pools, statues, and gardens overlooking the mountains and the ocean. The palace was once the home of the royal family and is now open to the public.

  • VISIT A WEAVING FACTORY

    You’ll watch as these talented artisans spin beautiful scarves and other textiles, all of which are available for purchase.

  • A woman working on jewelry, holding a ring in one hand and shaping or engraving it with a tool in the other, with various jewelry components scattered on a work surface.

    SILVER PLACE

    Half or full-day visit to a silver shop featuring unique Balinese designs made by locals. Located in a small, artisan village on the outskirts of Amlapura.

  • A mountain under a night sky with stars.

    MT BATUR & LAKE BATUR

    Tour the second-highest mountain in Bali. The drive meanders through the beautiful countryside and past beautiful local stands. Along the way you will enjoy some of the delicious fruits Bali has to offer.

  • Close-up of a colorful bird with a red face, black crest, and green wings, eating a piece of fruit.

    BALI BIRD & REPTILE PARK

    Enter a fascinating world of exotic sights and sounds at the Bali bird park. Hundreds of the world’s most beautiful birds greet you as you stroll through the tropical gardens. Next door is the reptile park, which houses several Komodo dragons.

  • Group of six children wearing life jackets and helmets, rafting on a river.

    RIVER RAFTING

    Our staff can arrange for you to enjoy a fun day of rafting along the beautiful Telagawaja River.

  • A table set with various fresh vegetables, herbs, spices, and sauces, surrounded by people taking photos and preparing food, indicating a traditional or cultural meal preparation.

    COOKING CLASS

    Learn how to create traditional Balinese Dishes with the help of our local staff at the Garden Cafe.

  • A scuba diver underwater near a wall of yellow fish.

    SCUBA DIVING

    Amed is world famous for SCUBA diving. We work with a local dive center, and can arrange for you to experience various dives in the area, including the famous Tulamben Sunken Ship dive. Guests can get internationally certified in 2-3 days, with the final dive taking place at the world-renowned WWII USAT Liberty shipwreck.

  • A person practicing yoga in a seated meditation pose on a wooden floor at sunrise, with a tropical setting including palm trees in the background.

    YOGA CLASSES

    Our staff will schedule a local yoga instructor to lead a class on-site.

  • A person wearing a hat carries baskets on their shoulders while walking along a lush rice field in a terraced landscape surrounded by palm trees.

    ROB’S ROAD TO BANGLE HIKE

    Our staff will arrange a driver to take you up the river valley to the small village of Bangle. From there, it is an easy hour-long downhill walk back along the road, where you will see stunning vistas including many rice paddies. You can stop along the way at Warung Agus, a local craftsman, to view his hand-carved wooden tableware and crafts.

  • Two glasses of dark tea on white saucers with large green leaves and flowers, a jar with tropical flowers, and small glass bottles with water and flowers on a wooden table.

    MASSAGE

    Book a massage at our on-site spa or if you’d like to book additional spa services, let our staff know and they will be able to assist and recommend other local spas. We love the Griya Spa!

  • Two women dancing in traditional attire in front of an ornate stone gate with a mountain in the background, reflected in a body of water.

    PURA LEMPUYANG TEMPLE

    Also known as the Gates of Heaven, this holy temple requires that you wear sarong upon entering the temple (available for purchase upon upon arrival). We recommend going earlier in the morning for sunrise, as that is the best time to avoid crowds and get a beautiful picture!

  • Two men riding a scooter along a rural road decorated with palm fronds and yellow cloth for a festival or celebration in a green agricultural area.

    MOTORBIKE RENTALS

    If you wish to ride around the area on a local motorbike, we can arrange rentals for you.

  • Two monkeys, one eating and the other sitting beside, on a stone surface in a lush green jungle.

    MONKEY FOREST

    Visit the world-famous “Monkey Forest,” whose resident monkeys will be happy to grab your sunglasses (or any bananas you have)! Located in Ubud.

  • Street market with baskets of fresh flowers, fruits, and vegetables. Vendors are sitting on the ground selling produce.

    UBUD MARKETPLACE

    Located in the town center, the Ubud Marketplace is a fun and colorful place for discovering a diverse array of local crafts and foods.

  • People engaging in a water ritual at a fountain, with hands clasped in prayer or meditation.

    UBUD DAY TRIP

    The town of Ubud is in central Bali about two hours from Amed. It is the cultural heart of the island: museums and galleries abound. Shoppers will stumble upon beautiful, handcrafted items, including intricate woodcarvings, fine fabrics, and unique jewelry. Museum Puri Lukisan displays Balinese art and offers painting, dance, and carving workshops. The royal palace, Puri Saren Agung, is also located in the center of town. We recommend a full day tour to truly experience the beauty of Ubud!

  • A small white boat floating on calm blue ocean water under a clear sky.

    SUNRISE FISHING EXCURSION

    Embark on this one-of-a-kind experience in a traditional fishing boat accompanied by a local fisherman. This early-morning excursion offers the chance to catch beautiful fish such as Mahi Mahi and Yellowfin Tuna as the sun rises, illuminating the island.

RESTAURANTS IN AMED

  • AMED ESPRESSO

    Best espresso and coffee Amed. Serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner including American dishes and local Balinese dishes.

    CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

  • ADI RESTO

    Conveniently located just steps away from your accommodations, this spot serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and features a full cocktail bar!

    CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

  • WARUNG ENAK

    Popular spot in Amed serving local Balinese dishes as well as western food options with sensational desserts.

    CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

  • SAFKA RESTAURANT & TERRACE

    This restaurant and Bar is located at a nearby hotel called the Griya. They have an incredible daily happy hour up on the terrace overlooking the sea.

    CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

  • BASANTI INDIAN RESTAURANT

    A beautifully designed Indian restaurant in Amed serving some of the most flavorful and well-balanced Indian dishes in Bali.

    CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

  • AMED KEDAI

    Amed Bar & Cafe is owned by Regge, one of our wonderful drivers. His full bar features nightly live music and serves both Balinese and western cuisined.

    CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

  • A creamy cocktail in a short glass with a salted rim, garnished with a dried lime slice in a clear drink on a marble surface.

    ENTROPY

    A stylish and delightfully quirky Amed spot where creative cocktails, original dishes, and warm, attentive service come together. Don’t miss their desserts, created by a French pastry chef.

    CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

  • Restaurant balcony overlooking ocean with green trees, tables set with napkins and cutlery, and a thatched roof ceiling.

    GUSTO RESTO

    Features sea views from the patio, great cheeseburgers, pasta, seafood and Balinese dishes. Well-known for their daily fresh-baked bread!

    CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

  • A basket of Asian food including fried meat skewers with green onions, sliced tomatoes, spaghetti, small meatballs, and a dipping sauce on a wooden table.

    GALANGA

    Vegetarian friendly cafe with an outdoor dining area. Features local dishes as well as fresh juices. The Veggie burger is stellar!

    CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

  • A pizza topped with green, red, and yellow bell peppers and mushrooms on a white plate, with a side of sliced bread, a bottle of beer in an ice bucket, and a small bottle of olive oil on a wooden table.

    TRATTORIA AMED

    Enjoy Italian dishes such as Pizza, Pasta, and traditional meat dishes. Features stunning views of the sea from your dining table.

    CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

  • A wooden restaurant table with two mason jar drinks with pink smoothies, lime slices, and straws. Also on the table are fried food, sliced cucumbers, carrots, a small dish of dipping sauce, a glass of water with a lime wedge, a small basket, and a small orange flower in a vase. The surrounding area has wooden benches and green foliage outside.

    NATNAT THAI COMFORT FOOD

    Traditional authentic Thai food in a welcoming environment.

    CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

  • Burger with lettuce and tomato, French fries, and dipping sauces on a wooden serving board.

    SMALL TIME COOKS

    Casual Burger spot for a quick bite to eat. The menu features various meat and vegetarian options as well as salads and milkshakes!

    CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO