There are a number of options for you in Amed Beach itself to spend on your Bali Trip. For an amazing holiday at this Island of Gods head to the Japanese Ship Wreck Point-one of the two famous shipwreck points in Bali. The Japanese Ship Wreck Point is a must if you are a snorkelling aficionado, since it is abundant with great marine biodiversity and underwater activities. Most divers visit the Tulamben area for the Liberty Shipwreck but often are unaware of this hidden gem in nearby Amed Village. The Japanese Ship Wreck Point is located in Banyuning Bay close to Amed Village, a famous diving and snorkelling destination on the eastern tip of Bali. Banyuning is just one of the seven villages along the 8km long strip of coastline that are referred to as “Amed”.
A diver’s paradise as they say about Amed, if you are keen on spending your holiday; diving and snorkelling by the day and relaxing and just chilling by the evening then a visit to the Japanese Ship Wreck Point is an absolute must. The wreck is literally just off the beach in Banyuning Bay, making it easy to snorkel on. The Japanese Ship Wreck Point is marked by one (or two) black buoys and although the spot is freely accessible from the beach, many local guides will offer to take you there by boat.
Japanese Shipwreck Amed History
- Very little information is there about the history of this Shipwreck. However, two major stories are that it was a Japanese patrol ship which must have sunk during WWII and got its name because of an intact Japanese-style toilet found on the remnants of the vessel.
- Furthermore, it was either the term ‘Java-nese’ was mistaken for ‘Japa-nese’ and that stayed on.
Now whatever the case may be, this shipwreck in Bali is covered in some of the most beautiful corals and sponges in the area making it a favourite wreck diving spot. There is also plenty of fish, shrimp, manta rays, and other marine life to keep you entertained for a couple of hours.
Suggested Read: Places for Scuba Diving in Bali
Things To Do Near Japanese Ship Wreck Point
The wreck is not the only attraction in Banyuning Bay. The general area is well worth exploring and there are many other things to see. To add to your list of things to do near the Japanese Ship Wreck Point, you can also choose from an array of activities in and around Amed Beach. Some of them are:
- Explore Amed’s Surroundings On Your Bike
A small quaint fisherman’s village, Amed will take you back to the days of what it was like before the tourist boom in Bali. You can easily explore the village on your foot or rent a bicycle and cycle along the picturesque shoreline of black volcanic sand and blue waters for some mesmerising views.
- Diving Or Snorkelling In USAT Liberty Shipwreck
There is another more popular shipwreck nearby, known as the Liberty Shipwreck, on the coast of the Tulamben region, very close to the shore. This is a huge sunken ship at the bottom of the sea which was an American cargo ship that, while en route from Australia to the Philippines, was struck by a Japanese torpedo in 1942.
For many years, the shipwreck was stationed on the beach of Tulamben. However, in 1963, after the eruption of Mount Agung, it was dragged to the bottom of the sea. Thus, becoming a diver’s retreat filled with some amazing corals and other marine life.
- Go Snorkelling In Jemeluk Beach
Bali is known to be rich in marine biodiversity and its underwater activities are quite famous amongst snorkellers and divers. Amongst the different beaches where you can snorkel Jemeluk Beach, which is located just after Amed Beach is the most ideal. Unlike other Beaches in Bali, in Amed Beach, you will find black volcanic sand and rocky pebbles. However, its waters are very calm since there is hardly any current which means that snorkelling or diving in Amed is always going to be a treat.
- Sunset At Amed Beach With Views Of Mount Agung
One of the unknown spots in Bali to view the sunset from is Amed Beach. The beach offers a spectacular view of the sunset with Mt Agung as its backdrop and never disappoints. It is a magical place that will take you on an unforgettable moment in your Bali diaries.
- Go Dolphin Watching In The Early Hours At Amed Beach
Another underrated activity at Amed Beach is dolphin watching. Catch an early morning ‘Jukung’, a traditional Balinese boat, and meet these friendly creatures and start your day on a smiling note. But please make sure you don’t chase or disturb these nature’s gentle creatures.
- Visit Tirta Gangga Temple
If you want to explore the Japanese Ship Wreck Point and nearby attractions, Tirta Gangga Water Palace is one of the best choices. It is located approximately half an hour away from Amed. It is one of the main tourist attractions built in 1946 by the Karangasem family in a one-hectare enclosure full of ponds, fountains, tropical gardens, and stone sculptures. The most famous section of Tirta Gangga Temple is a pond that has koi fish and stone columns that you can walk on.
- Watch The Sunrise From Bukit Cinta
If you are looking for an early morning adventure, then experiencing the sunrise in Bukit Cinta is quite the activity for you. This viewpoint has become one of the most popular places to watch the sunrise in Bali. It is a little piece of meadow overlooking rice fields with Mount Agung in the background and the view needs to be seen to fully appreciate its beauty. Just pray that the skies are clear to actually witness this breathtaking view though.
- Visit The Lahangan Sweet Viewpoint
One of the many things to do in Amed is visit Lahangan Sweet, a viewpoint located just over half an hour from town. From there, you will have spectacular views of Mount Agung if the weather is favourable. The most popular place at the viewpoint is the wooden platform built into a tree’s trunk. The view is enthralling and you will experience one of the most picturesque sunrises or Sunsets in Bali.
If you are exploring East Bali, you definitely shouldn’t miss Lempuyang Temple, one of Bali’s holiest temples. It is located near Mount Agung, just over half an hour from Amed. Although the complex has a total of seven sanctuaries, this temple stands out for its famous “Gates of Heaven” with Mount Agung in the background, which is the highest and most sacred peak in Bali. We recommend you visit this temple quite early to witness the beauty of this temple because it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Bali and hence becomes very crowded as the day proceeds.
At first glance, it looks like just a restaurant made of bamboo with beautiful views; however, it is much more than that. It is an educational and community centre whose objective is, among many others, to promote Amed as a sustainable tourism destination and therefore worth a visit in your itinerary.
How To Reach The Japanese Ship Wreck Point
There are many tour operators providing a day tour to the Japanese Ship Wreck Point, which often includes pick up and drop off at your hotels and resorts, from various locations, especially the more touristy places like Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, etc…By Boat
- These day tours often cover a scenic journey to Lipah Beach, a traditional boat ride to Amed Wreck, and heading on to Vienna Beach which roughly will take you 8.5 hours-9 hours.
- The duration of the activity allows participants ample time to explore shipwrecks and various snorkel spots in Amed.
- Travellers also have the choice of selecting between a small group tour (up to 9 people) or a private tour, ensuring personalised attention from a friendly guide.
Alternatively, you can also opt to stay in Amed Beach, where you will find multiple places to stay near Japanese Ship Wreck Point and enjoy your Bali holiday.
Suggested Read: Islands Near Bali
Features & When To Go Japanese Shipwreck Point
The Best Time To Visit Japanese Ship Wreck Point: April to October.Going snorkelling during this period(dry season) offers clear visibility and calm waters, allowing for an unforgettable underwater adventure.
Japanese Ship Wreck Point Accessibility & Features
- From the beach, you simply swim out the 50 metres or so to the wreck which begins in a few metres of water making it suitable for all levels including snorkellers.
- The wreck itself is fairly small and looks more like it used to be a tug.
- The depth of the wreck varies from just 6m to about 12m.
- It lays on silty sand that can easily be stirred up by too many divers or a change in the prevailing currents. But overall the wreck itself is very easy and a safe dive.