Amed is nothing like the busy beaches in South Bali. This peaceful stretch of coastline on the island’s east side is all about laid-back vibes, local culture, and underwater adventures.
With a backdrop of Mount Agung and a string of quiet bays, Amed is one of the best spots in Bali for snorkeling, diving, and slowing down.
We made our way to Amed right after hiking Mount Agung—a tough overnight climb that left us completely exhausted.
Add a sunrise at the summit, zero sleep, and a nearly 3-hour scooter ride from Sidemen with several stops along the way, and you can imagine how ready we were for some rest.
Exploring the best beaches in Amed was the perfect way to recharge. No crowds, calm sea, and a slower pace that felt like exactly what we needed.
In this guide, you’ll find the best Amed Beaches, what makes each one worth visiting, and practical tips to help you plan your trip.
Key Highlights
⭐️ Best months to visit: Dry season: May – October
⭐️ How to get to Amed: Around 2.5–3 hours by scooter or car from Ubud or Canggu
⭐️ Entrance fees: Most beaches are free or have a small parking fee (around 2K–5K IDR)
⭐️ Best beach for snorkeling: Jemelug Beach, Lipah Beach
⭐️ Great for: Snorkeling, freediving, catching sunrises and sunsets
Quick Overview
Our favorite beach in Amed was Jemeluk Bay — it has the best snorkeling right from the shore. If you want the best views over the volcano while chilling on the sand, head to Amed Beach.
For a quieter, more peaceful vibe with fewer people around, Selang Beach is a perfect choice. It’s a bit more remote, so you can enjoy some calm and nature almost all to yourself.
If you’re after easy access and a local feel, Lipah Beach is great — smaller and less crowded but still excellent for snorkeling.
And if you want to explore something unique, check out the Japanese Shipwreck Beach for snorkeling around the sunken wreck.
Amed’s beaches are all close to each other, so if you have time, hopping between them by scooter is a fun way to spend the day.
6 Best Beaches in Amed
1. Jemeluk Bay
Jemeluk Bay is a beautiful, soft white sand beach with calm, clear water — perfect for relaxing and easy snorkeling. The beach isn’t crowded, giving it a peaceful vibe, and there’s some natural shade from nearby trees.
The bay is medium-sized, providing enough space to spread out.
The coral reef lies very close to shore, making it easy to jump right in and start exploring. The water is calm, ideal for beginners and families.
While snorkeling, we spent a good amount of time watching colorful fish and even spotted a sea turtle, which was a highlight. Equipment rentals are available nearby if you don’t have your own gear.
The underwater temple at Jemeluk Bay is one of Amed’s most unique snorkeling spots. Just 50–100 meters from shore, you’ll find Balinese temple gates surrounded by coral.
It’s easily accessible for beginners. We went in the morning during high tide when the visibility was great, and it felt like discovering a hidden world beneath the surface.
Jemeluk Bay offers great opportunities for both sunrise and sunset photos.
You’ll find several small warungs (local eateries) along the beach where you can grab fresh food and drinks. There are also sunbeds available for rent, as well as public toilets. The atmosphere is laid-back and family-friendly.
Parking is free and available almost directly on the beach, making it highly convenient to get here. Access is easy, with a paved road leading directly to the bay.
TIP: If you’re craving more nature adventures, don’t miss these 6 epic waterfalls in Ubud — perfect for hiking and cooling off in Bali’s lush interior.
2. Lipah Beach
Lipah Beach quickly became one of our favorite spots to escape the heat and crowds. It’s much quieter than Jemeluk and feels almost hidden away.
The beach is small but cozy, tucked into a gentle curve with views of fishing boats. The sand here is a mix of black volcanic grains and lighter, softer patches—surprisingly comfortable to walk on barefoot.
We visited around midday, and there wasn’t much shade on the beach. The atmosphere is tranquil and perfect for anyone seeking to unwind without much fuss.
The best time to visit Lipah Beach is late morning to early afternoon—around 10 AM to 2 PM, when the sun hits the reef and visibility is at its best.
At low tide, some parts of the reef can get too shallow to snorkel comfortably, and you might need to walk a bit further out to reach deeper water.
High tide offers the best experience—corals are safely submerged, and access is easier without having to step over rocks.
There are a few warungs with seating, but no public toilets or showers directly on the beach. We highly recommend dining at Warung Asri, located on the beachside. We had tuna steak, and it was delicious; you can also enjoy the ocean views.
There’s free parking in a small dirt area near the beach. From there, it’s only a 1–2 minute walk to the water. No steep climbs or tricky paths.
Can’t decide between Bali and Thailand? Our Indonesia vs Thailand guide breaks down the key differences in beaches, culture, food, and travel costs.
3. Amed Beach
Amed Beach is the most well-known stretch in the area, often used to describe the whole region. It offers dramatic views of Mount Agung, especially on clear mornings and evenings.
It’s not the typical tropical beach with turquoise water and soft white sand, but it feels authentic and raw.
The snorkeling conditions here are average—there are patches of coral, but nothing too impressive.
The seabed is mostly rocky, and there can be some waves. It’s a beach more for walking, enjoying the view, and maybe having a coffee at one of the cozy cafés along the shore than for actual water activities.
We recommend visiting Amed Beach at any time of the day since it doesn’t get crowded, but sunsets here are incredible.
Low tide exposes more of the beach, making it easier to walk around, while high tide tends to bring stronger waves, and the visibility might be worse.
There are no official facilities, such as sunbeds or showers, but you’ll find plenty of warungs and cafés along the beach road.
Parking is free and easy—leave your scooter or car along the main road and walk down to the beach.
If you’re heading to Ubud next, don’t miss the Campuhan Ridge Walk – a peaceful trail with lush views, perfect for a sunrise or sunset stroll.
4. Selang Beach
Selang Beach is another quiet gem among Amed Beaches, perfect if you’re looking for a peaceful place to snorkel without too many people around. The reef here’s beautiful and very accessible—even in shallow, calm waters, there’s a lot to see.
We parked our scooter at the top of the hill near Blue Moon Villas, then walked down a short trail.
Access to the beach is via a set of stairs on the right-hand side when facing the sea. From there, you can either walk or swim across to the best coral area, which is right in front of Good Karma Bungalows.
The beach itself has a laid-back vibe. Some cafes line the beachfront, making it easy to grab a coffee or a quick bite between swims. There’s even a swing hanging from a tree that makes a great photo spot.
Just make sure to time your visit with high tide. Entering during low tide can be tricky and uncomfortable—you risk stepping directly on coral. At high tide, the snorkeling is far more enjoyable, and you can float above the reef with minimal effort.
Exploring more of Bali? After relaxing in Amed, head south to discover the best beaches in Uluwatu – famous for dramatic cliffs, turquoise water, and world-class surf.
5. Ibus Beach
Ibus Beach surprised us in the best way. After exploring more popular spots around Amed, we ended up here almost by accident—and instantly fell in love with the peaceful atmosphere.
No crowds, no noise, just the sound of waves and an open view of the ocean. It felt like we had the whole place to ourselves.
What makes Ibus Beach one of the best beaches in Amed is that it’s one of the few beaches in Amed where you can actually lie on soft sand, not rocks or pebbles. There are even a few trees that provide natural shade, which makes this spot even more relaxing.
We parked our motorbike on the right side of the beach and used a small stairway to get down. Snorkeling here felt like a hidden gem.
We were the only ones in the water, and the corals were noticeably healthier and more colorful, likely because fewer people visit this spot.
You have to swim out around 80 meters to reach the coral garden, but it’s well worth the effort. Lots of fish, clear water, and no one kicking next to you.
There are no facilities here—no warungs, no toilets, no sunbeds. So bring water and snacks if you plan to stay longer. At low tide, more of the sandy beach is exposed, making it perfect for simply sitting, resting, and soaking in the quiet.
Ibus is ideal for anyone looking to escape the crowds and enjoy a more raw, natural beach experience in Amed.
TIP: Craving more nature after the beach? Discover the stunning Banyumala Twin Waterfalls and Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfall in one day — a hidden gem in Bali’s lush highlands.
6. Japanesse Shipwreck
Entrance Fee: 25,000 IDR (optional)
Japanese Shipwreck Beach is a small, pebbly cove famous for the sunken WWII Japanese patrol boat just a few meters from the shore. While it has a lot of potential for snorkeling, it’s not the peaceful hidden gem it once was—it’s becoming popular, especially with organized snorkeling tours and diving groups.
We arrived in the morning, hoping to beat the crowds. But even then, a dozen people were already in the water, snorkeling around the wreck. We paid the entrance fee of 25,000 IDR, which includes a soft drink and access through a small warung.
Snorkeling gear rental is available (25,000 IDR for a mask), which is handy if you didn’t bring your own.
We were excited to explore but, unfortunately, the visibility was quite poor that day—likely due to recent wind and waves—so we couldn’t see much.
We later discovered that the beach is technically free to access—if you walk a bit further south, you can reach the same shoreline without going through the warung and avoid the entrance fee altogether. So if you’re on a budget or want to take a quick look, that’s a good option to know.
Despite our experience, we could tell that on a good visibility day, this could be a fantastic place to snorkel.
The wreck is shallow, accessible, and surrounded by vibrant coral and an abundance of fish. However, to truly enjoy it, timing is everything—go early, check the water conditions, and aim to avoid the crowds.
Extra Tips Before Exploring Beaches in Amed
- Bring water shoes or flip-flops — many beaches have rocky or pebbly shorelines, so protecting your feet makes walking and snorkeling more comfortable.
- Rent snorkeling gear locally — it’s affordable and saves you from having to carry equipment around. Most rental spots require an ID as a deposit, so keep it handy.
- Watch the tides — some beaches are better at high tide for snorkeling, while low tide can expose coral or make access tricky. Timing your visit right makes a big difference.
- Sun protection is a must — bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and maybe a light cover-up. Shade can be limited on some beaches, especially during the midday hours.
- Respect local customs and environment — avoid touching corals, take your trash with you, and be mindful of local fishing areas.
- Stay hydrated and pack snacks — not all beaches have nearby food options, so having water and snacks can keep your energy up for longer beach days.
- Be prepared for limited facilities — some quieter beaches have no toilets or shops, so plan accordingly.
Packing List for Exploring Amed Beaches
- Snorkeling gear or plan to rent
- Water shoes or flip-flops for rocky beaches
- Reef-safe sunscreen (normal sunscreen harms coral)
- Swimwear, towel, hat, and sunglasses
- Reusable water bottle and snacks
- Dry bag for valuables
- Cash for rentals and food
- Light cover-up for sun and village visits
Using reef-safe sunscreen helps protect Amed’s coral reefs for future visitors.
Best hotels in Amed
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How to get to Amed
Hire a Private Driver
The most suitable option for a larger group that prefers more freedom and avoids large group trips is hiring a private driver. It’s a very popular way of discovering the island!
But due to being the most expensive option, it’s better when traveling with more people or if your budget is not as tight.
To avoid any issues with your driver and make sure you end up with a friendly person who speaks English, we recommend booking this Private Car with a Driver.
https://www.getyourguide.com/bali-l347/bali-private-car-and-minibus-charter-with-driver-t111028/?partner_id=3EFTOJM&utm_medium=online_publisher&cmp=amedbeachesRent a scooter
The best way to explore Bali is by renting a motorbike for your entire stay. Since there’s no real public transport on the island, your only alternatives are organized vans or private drivers—which can get pricey and restrictive if you plan to move around a lot.
If you’re confident riding a scooter, we definitely recommend renting one right after you arrive and keeping it for your whole trip. If not, you can easily rent one later in places like Ubud or Canggu.
Prices vary depending on the type, but we got around just fine with a basic 125cc scooter. We paid around 100,000 IDR per day, which gave us total freedom to explore beaches, waterfalls, and mountain roads at our own schedule.
Final thoughts
Whether you’re into snorkeling, laid-back beach time, or just chasing quiet corners away from the crowds, you’ll find your spot here.
We loved the mix of soft sandy beaches and rugged rocky shores, each offering something unique. If you’re planning to visit, take it slow, explore beach by beach, and don’t forget your snorkel mask—you’ll use it more than you think.
