Best Ways To Get From Ubud To Amed And Top Stops On The Way

As someone who lives in Ubud, I always try to escape to the beach every time I possibly can! Amed is definitely always on my radar.

It’s beautiful and it’s a dream location if you are passionate about snorkelling. Some people say Amed is even better than the Gili Islands for this!

The most popular way to get from Ubud to Amed is definitely getting a private driver. I have to say this is my go-to option too. It’s a long drive, so you want to stop a few times and the private driver gives you total flexibility.

There are different options though, depending on budget and if you are willing to drive yourself!

Let’s get into it!

Estimated Travel Time

Now, before we hit the proverbial road, let’s talk time. It usually takes about 2.5 to 3 hours to drive from Ubud to Amed.

Amed is located on the extreme east side of Bali and to be honest, there isn’t as much traffic as you would find on the west side of the island. That’s because it’s pretty far from the airport and other tourist attractions.

Best Ways to Get from Ubud to Amed

There are a few ways to make this trip, pick yours based on the budget and time you have available:

#1 Book A Private Driver

This is the quickest and most comfortable option; you just reserve your private driver in advance and forget about it until the day comes! The best way to book one is through Klook. You choose the language, hours required and day. That’s it!

Prices: Starting from $25

👉 Check Drivers Availability Here

#2 Rent Your Own Car

Rent your car on Klook.com if you want to be totally independent and are planning on driving around later on, too.

If you decide to go for a car, take the Jl. Raya Penelokan road out of Ubud and follow the signs toward Amed. This route winds you through rice fields, past Mount Agung and some pretty mind-blowing views!

Prices: Around $60 per day

👉 Find Out Latest Prices For Car Rentals

#3 Get A Scooter

If you’re travelling light and want to be totally independent, rent your scooter on BikAgo. They have the best prices and can deliver the bike wherever you are in Bali!

They also allow you to drop it off in different locations or arrange a collection by the end of your trip.

This is a good choice, especially during the dry season when it’s very unlikely you would get rain!

Prices: It depends on scooter type and season, but it starts from $10 per day

👉 Choose Your Scooter Now!

#4 Book a Car Through Grab

If you don’t feel comfortable driving, you can book a taxi via Grab/Gojek. Sometimes it works out cheaper than the private driver, but it means you can’t really ask to stop on the way – you just get from A to B!

#5 By Bus or Mini Van

Check out the time schedules and prices on 12Go. This is the best site to check on public transport or for more affordable options than booking a taxi!

👉 Let’s See What’s Available!

#6 Ask Your Accommodation To Pick You Up!

Most of the time, hotels and resorts would offer the pickup service.

Definitely check with them if that’s available and the prices. Sometimes you get really good prices, but it really depends!

Best Stops From Ubud to Amed

The journey from Ubud to Amed is stunning, so if you have a private driver or are driving yourself, you will really enjoy this trip!

You’ll pass stunning rice terraces, traditional villages, mountains, and sea views that’ll make you want to stop for a photo op every few minutes. 📸

Here are a few:

#1 Sidemen

Sidemen is a charming little village in the valleys of Bali. It’s about 1 hour away from Ubud, so it’s nearly halfway through your trip. You can take some good pictures of the landscape and stretch your legs!

#2 Bias Tugen Beach

Bias Tugel Beach is one of the locals’ best-kept secrets. There are literally no tourists here, you will barely see anyone at all. But there are 2 cafes offering sunbeds and amazing local food. I would recommend having their grilled fish for lunch or their Gado-gado which is delicious.

It takes about a 10-minute walk from the parking area to reach the beach; there are a few steps here and there but it’s quite easy and straightforward. The beach is stunning, with white sand and the sea is perfect for a swim as it gets deep very soon.

I loved the vibe here, you can chat with locals, play with the dogs and explore the rock pools. This is definitely the best beach to visit from Ubud (much better than Sanur if you ask me).

#3 Tirta Gangga

Last but not least, we’ve got Tirta Gangga on the pitstop list. It’s a beautiful temple to visit on the way but make sure you bring something to cover your legs (like a sarong).

Travel Tips:

To make your journey smooth and enjoyable, here are some tips:

Pro tip: Don’t forget to get your travel insurance when travelling to Bali! I personally use Safety Wing, it’s affordable and covers all your needs when travelling alone!

• Start early to avoid traffic and make the most of your day.
• Check the weather forecast; the journey can be more challenging during heavy rain, especially if you are driving a scooter!
• Have some cash handy for tolls, snacks, and unexpected expenses. The beach I mentioned, for example, is cash only for sunbeds and food.
• Lastly, don’t rush! The magic of this journey lies in its slower pace and the experiences along the way.

Explore the Gili Islands Next!

Have you ever been to the Gili Islands? Gili Trawangan is only a short boat ride from Bali!

All you have to do is head to Padang Bai and get this super steady ferry to the Gilis!

If you want to know more about this type of journey, check out this 2-week itinerary of Bali and Gili Islands, which also includes Amed!

Ciao for now,

Silvia xx