Amed is one of those places it is worth visiting now, before everyone goes there. At the moment it is a bit cutting edge, but we can see it changing soon. Expect an influx of hawkers, bars and bikes in years to come, at which point Amed may lose its appeal.
Driving toward Candidasa from the northern coast is pleasant, as you pass through a few quaint little towns, as well as some quite scenic rice terrace areas, particularly as the road climbs to travel between the mountains of Agung and Lempuyang. Views back north as you progress up the valley are pleasantly photographic. Further on, as you descend the hills, and enter Candidasa, it feels a bit like re-entering civilization. It certainly is like re-entering tourist-isation, the first really touristy feeling area since leaving Ubud.