If you are seeking a quieter, more authentic side of Bali away from the bustling crowds of Kuta or Canggu, the laid-back coastal stretch of Amed in East Bali is an absolute haven.
Originally a collection of peaceful fishing villages, Amed is famous for its dramatic black sand beaches, incredible ocean views over Jemeluk Bay, and excellent beach-entry reef snorkeling.
During a 10-day stay in Amed, we based ourselves at Sunrise Cafe & Bungalows. Situated right on the seafront, this family-run guesthouse turned out to be an exceptional budget find—offering sea-view balconies, delicious local seafood, and a warm, homely atmosphere for an unbeatable price.
Here is our detailed review of our 10-day stay at Sunrise Cafe & Bungalows.
🇯🇵 この記事を日本語で読む: 【バリ島アメッド】ジュメルックベイが目の前！Sunrise Cafe & Bungalows宿泊レビュー：1泊2,000円台でオーシャンビュー＆シュノーケリング最高の格安宿
Quick Highlights of Sunrise Cafe & Bungalows
- Unbeatable location near Jemeluk Bay
- Private balcony with ocean and sunrise views
- Fresh, cheap daily seafood (eg Barracuda, Fish Curry)
- Steps away from beach-entry snorkelling
- Exceptionally warm, English-speaking family hosts
Location & Getting There
Sunrise Cafe & Bungalows boasts a prime position right near Jemeluk Bay, one of the most picturesque and sheltered bays in Amed.
- Drive Time from Airport: It takes roughly 2.5 hours by car from Ngurah Rai International Airport (Denpasar).
- Airport Transport: We hailed a Grab taxi from just outside the airport arrival area, which cost Rp 660,000 (~£33 / $42 USD)—a fair and convenient rate for a long cross-island drive.
The guesthouse sits directly on the beach road. Traditional Balinese jukung (outrigger fishing boats) line the shore below, and every morning and evening you can watch local fishermen heading out to sea and returning with their daily catch.
The Rooms: Clean, Comfortable, and Great Value
The property features a popular ground-floor cafe/restaurant, with guest rooms situated on the floor above to take full advantage of the ocean breeze and elevated views.
Pricing & Value
We stayed in a Double Room, paying Rp 250,000 per night without breakfast, or Rp 275,000 with breakfast included for two people (around £14 / $17 USD per night). For a sea-view room in Bali, this is remarkable value for money.
Room Amenities & Comfort
- Bed Quality: The large double bed featured an excellent, firm mattress paired with crisp, clean cotton sheets.
- Climate Control: Equipped with both Air Conditioning and a ceiling/standing fan. Because we visited during the rainy season in January, the coastal breeze meant we often enjoyed using just the quiet fan rather than running the AC all night.
- Furnishings: Includes a vanity table, closet, side table, and plenty of space to unpack for a long stay.
The Balcony: Front-Row Seats to Sunrise
Each upper-floor room opens onto a private, tiled balcony fitted with wooden benches, chairs, a round coffee table, and a clothes drying rack for wet swimwear and towels.
The balcony directly overlooks the dark sands of Amed Beach and the sweeping curve of Jemeluk Bay. Because the building faces north, you won’t catch the sunset over the water, but the early morning sunrise over the ocean is breathtaking—well worth waking up early with a cup of local coffee!
Bathroom Facilities
The en-suite bathroom was clean and functional:
- Provided Amenities: Clean bath towels, toilet paper, bar soap, and shampoo were all provided.
- Layout: Features a hot-water shower, toilet, washbasin, and a traditional Indonesian mandi (water basin). Note that there is no bathtub.
- Water Pressure: Hot water was consistent, and the water pressure was surprisingly strong for a budget beach property.
Snorkelling & Exploring Around Amed
One of the biggest advantages of staying at Sunrise Cafe & Bungalows is its proximity to everything. You can rent scooters nearby, visit local shops, and walk to dozens of fantastic warungs.
Best of all, the beach entry for snorkelling is just steps away. You can walk straight off the shore into Jemeluk Bay to explore thriving coral gardens and abundant marine life. It is an ideal base whether you are staying for a weekend or planning a slow, multi-week retreat.
Related Guide: Planning to explore Amed’s reefs? Check out our complete guide:
➡ Amed Snorkeling Guide: Best Beach-Entry Spots & Wrecks in Bali (Rainy Season Review)
On-Site Restaurant & Breakfast
The ground-floor restaurant sits right on the beach, drawing in both hotel guests and outside passers-by for its incredible, freshly caught seafood and relaxed vibes.
Daily Fresh Seafood
Because of the owner’s close connection with local fishermen, fresh fish is available daily at unbeatable local prices:
- Sautéed Barracuda: Served with stir-fried vegetables and steamed rice for just Rp 40,000 (~£2.00).
- Fish Curry: Packed with fresh fish chunks and vegetables for Rp 40,000.
- Cold Drinks: A large bottle of ice-cold Bintang beer is Rp 50,000.
Daily Breakfast
From our second day onwards, we opted for the breakfast-inclusive rate. You can choose from an à la carte menu featuring options like fluffy banana pancakes, toasted bread, or fresh omelettes, all served with hot Balinese coffee or tea on the terrace.
Related Guide: We’ve covered the menu and reviews for Sunrise Cafe & Bungalows in more detail in a separate article. Want to discover more local eats and seafood markets around the bay? Read our full foodie roundup:
➡ Where to Eat in Amed, Bali: Best Warungs, Seafood & Local Markets
Wi-Fi & Hospitality
Service & Atmosphere: The owner’s family runs the property with immense pride. They are exceptionally friendly, speak fluent English, and are always on hand to help organize transport, scooter rentals, or local advice. The atmosphere is warm, relaxed, and genuinely homely.
Wi-Fi Connection: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. Signal strength was fast and stable indoors, though it occasionally dipped slightly out on the open balcony.
Final Verdict: Is Sunrise Cafe & Bungalows Worth It?
Sunrise Cafe & Bungalows is a hidden gem for budget travellers, digital nomads, and slow traveelers looking for an authentic Amed experience.
For under £15 a night, you get a clean room with brilliant AC, a private sea-view balcony overlooking Jemeluk Bay, steps-away access to great snorkelling, and fresh seafood cooked daily by a lovely local family. We thoroughly enjoyed our 10 days here and will return!
Comment