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
At a Glance
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 one of the beaches I always recommend checking out when you’re in Amed. It’s peaceful, scenic, and perfect for an easy snorkel or a slow beach day.
The soft white sand and calm, clear water make it a great choice for families or anyone who wants to relax without the crowds.

The bay itself is medium-sized, so it never feels too busy. There’s natural shade from trees along the beach, and plenty of space to stretch out.
What I love most is how close the coral reef is to the shore — you can walk in and start snorkeling. The water is usually very calm, which makes it ideal for beginners.
On one of our visits, we spent over an hour in the water watching colorful fish, and spotting a sea turtle was the highlight of the day. If you don’t have your own gear, you’ll find rental spots just steps from the beach.
One of the most unique things about Jemeluk Bay is the underwater temple. Around 50–100 meters from shore, you’ll come across Balinese temple gates surrounded by coral.


It’s an easy swim and worth it. We went in the morning during high tide when the visibility was fantastic — it honestly felt like discovering a secret world.
Sunrise and sunset here are both stunning, and photographers will love the light at golden hour.
There are a few small warungs right on the beach serving fresh local food and drinks. You can also rent sunbeds if you want to stay longer. The vibe is super chill and family-friendly.
Parking is free and available almost directly on the beach, and the access road is paved and easy to drive. Jemeluk is one of those spots where everything works — beautiful setting, easy logistics, and a calm atmosphere that’s hard to beat.
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 is one of the first places I recommend if you’re looking for a quieter alternative to Jemeluk. It quickly became one of our favorite spots in Amed — peaceful, scenic, and a great escape from the midday heat and crowds.
The beach is small but cozy, tucked into a bay with fishing boats. The sand is a mix of fine black volcanic grains and soft, lighter patches — surprisingly comfortable underfoot. We visited around noon, and while there wasn’t much natural shade.

The snorkeling here is fantastic when the tide is right. High tide is the best time to go — the corals are safely submerged, and you can swim straight out without worrying about stepping on sharp rocks.
During low tide, the reef gets quite shallow, and you may need to wade out a bit farther to reach deeper water. For the best visibility, plan your visit between 10 AM and 2 PM, when the sunlight brings the reef to life.

What I love about Lipah Beach is how easy everything is. There’s free parking in a small dirt lot close to the beach, and from there it’s just a quick 1–2 minute walk to the shore. No steep hills or complicated access.
It’s a great beach if you’re looking for something more intimate, without sacrificing the beautiful snorkeling that Amed is known for.

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, which was delicious, and you can also enjoy the ocean views.


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 one of the first places I recommend checking out if you’re new to this region. It’s the most well-known stretch along the coast and is often used to describe the entire area.
With sweeping views of Mount Agung — especially during clear mornings or golden sunsets — it has a raw, untamed charm that’s hard to ignore.

This isn’t your typical white-sand, turquoise-water beach. The shore is mainly made up of dark volcanic pebbles, and the sea can be a little rough at times.
Honestly, it’s not the best spot for swimming or snorkeling, but it’s perfect if you’re looking to stroll, relax, or sip a coffee.

Snorkeling conditions are average. There are a few coral patches, but if you’ve already explored Jemeluk or Lipah, this one might feel a bit underwhelming.
Low tide exposes more of the beach and makes it easier to walk, while high tide can bring stronger waves and lower visibility.

What I love most about Amed Beach is that it never feels too busy. You can visit at any time of the day, but sunsets here are something else, especially when Agung lights up in the background.
There are no official facilities like sunbeds or showers, but you’ll find plenty of warungs and small cafés just across the road. Parking is free, and access is easy — just park along the main street and walk down to the beach in under a minute.
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 one of those quiet gems among Amed beaches, and I cannot believe it took us so long to visit.
If you’re after a peaceful snorkeling spot without the crowds, this beach delivers. The reef here is vibrant, shallow, and incredibly easy to access — even beginners will feel comfortable exploring.

We parked our scooter just above the beach, near Blue Moon Villas, and followed a short trail down. Look for a staircase on the right-hand side when facing the sea — that’s your main entry point.
From there, either walk along the beach or swim directly across to the best coral, which is right in front of Good Karma Bungalows.
The beach itself feels very local and relaxed. A few small cafés sit right by the water, making it easy to grab a coffee or fresh juice in between dips.
There’s even a swing hanging from a tree — one of the things I love most about beaches like this. It’s low-key, scenic, and photogenic.

High tide is the best time to visit. At low tide, the reef sits too close to the surface, and walking in can be uncomfortable or damaging to the coral. At high tide, though, you can float over the reef and enjoy the marine life with almost no 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 where you can 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.


Ibus Beach is one of the most peaceful spots along the Amed coastline — and honestly, one of my favorites for snorkeling without distractions.
When we visited, we were the only ones in the water, and the coral reef felt noticeably healthier and more vibrant, likely thanks to the low number of visitors.
You’ll need to swim out about 80 meters to reach the main coral garden, but it’s absolutely worth it. The visibility was excellent, the reef full of life, and the best part — no fins kicking around you.
There are no facilities at Ibus Beach. No warungs, toilets, or sunbeds, so come prepared with water and snacks if you plan to stay a while. It’s quiet, raw, and peaceful — exactly what makes this place so special.
At low tide, more of the sandy stretch is exposed, perfect for sitting back, resting, and soaking in the calm atmosphere. If you’re someone who prefers nature over noise, Ibus is one of the first places I recommend checking out 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
Check availabilityHow 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.
Rent 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.