Good to know
Good to Know
- Bring water shoes or consider wearing them on beaches—rocky volcanic sand and protruding rocks make barefoot walking uncomfortable on most beaches.
- Early morning (5-7 am) and late afternoon visits offer best snorkeling experience with fewer crowds, especially at popular Jemeluk Bay.
- High tide is essential when snorkeling with corals to avoid damaging them; plan visits accordingly.
- Some beaches (especially Amed Beach and Ibus Beach) may show accumulated beach trash or debris, particularly during off-season—pack out what you bring in.
- Most restaurants and shops do not accept credit cards; bring cash (IDR).
- The further east you travel along the coast (from Amed toward Aas), the quieter and more remote beaches become, with progressively fewer facilities.
- Underwater visibility is generally good but less crystal-clear than Gili Islands due to volcanic sand; however, snorkeling reefs remain excellent.
- A 10-minute drive from main Amed Beach reaches Sunset Point, which offers the most impressive sunset views over Mount Agung and Jemeluk Bay.
- Lipah Beach and Pyramids dive site (near Warung Bobo and Warung Indah) offer excellent chances of spotting green or hawksbill sea turtles, particularly if visiting early morning.
- Avoid standing on or touching corals, and remember turtles have a protective layer easily damaged by human touch—respect marine life when snorkeling.
Beaches
Amed Beach (Pantai Amed)
- Best For
- families, first-time visitors seeking amenities, sunset watching
- Designation
- quiet, family-friendly
- Marine Life
- colorful reef fish, occasional turtles
- Accessibility
- easy access, parking available, restaurants and shops nearby
- Water Conditions
- calm, suitable for families and beginners
- Snorkeling Quality
- good, though visibility less clear than some other spots due to volcanic rocks
- Description
- The main hub of the region, closest to town center. Approximately 2 km long with black volcanic sand mixed with light rocks. Popular for sunrise and sunset viewing with Mount Agung as backdrop. Has fishing boats, basic facilities, and nearby restaurants and dive shops.
Jemeluk Bay (Pantai Jemeluk)
- Best For
- families, snorkelers, photographers interested in underwater temple, those seeking best coral gardens
- Designation
- snorkeling-focused, family-friendly but busy during day
- Marine Life
- abundant reef fish, corals, angelfish, surgeonfish, moray eels, lionfish, turtles, rays
- Accessibility
- good, with nearby warungs and accommodation; no public toilets directly on beach
- Water Conditions
- calm, sheltered bay, shallow entry
- Snorkeling Quality
- excellent, among Bali's best
- Description
- Scenic bay famous for crystal-clear water and underwater temple (the 'Underwater Post Office'). Pebbly black sand beach with shallow coral reefs on both sides. Most popular site in Amed with consistent visitor traffic. Best visited early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds.
Lipah Beach
- Best For
- families, snorkelers preferring calmer conditions, those seeking turtle sightings
- Designation
- snorkeling-focused, quiet
- Marine Life
- sea turtles, mola mola (occasional), reef fish, coral gardens
- Accessibility
- good access with nearby restaurants; visit during high tide to protect corals
- Water Conditions
- calm, clear, sheltered sandy bay
- Snorkeling Quality
- excellent, considered one of Amed's best snorkeling spots
- Note
- More expensive sunbed and rental equipment compared to other beaches
- Description
- Longer stretch of soft grey sand with mix of white and yellow sand. Located south of Jemeluk. More beautiful and refined than some beaches but attracts moderately larger crowds. Clear, light blue waters ideal for snorkeling.
Selang Beach
- Best For
- couples, families seeking privacy and solitude, those interested in authentic village culture
- Designation
- quiet, secluded
- Marine Life
- good reef and snorkeling opportunities
- Accessibility
- somewhat remote; minimal dining beyond resort restaurants
- Water Conditions
- calm, sheltered
- Snorkeling Quality
- good
- Note
- Popular with families for quiet, uncrowded experience
- Description
- Small, remote beach with coarse sand and gravel in spots. Limited facilities. Offers good shade and a genuine quiet atmosphere. Some resort-style accommodation and high-end villas nearby. Includes a small temple/shrine on the fishing village side with occasional ceremonies.
Ibus Beach
- Best For
- families seeking privacy, snorkelers avoiding crowds, couples wanting peaceful retreat
- Designation
- very quiet, family-friendly
- Marine Life
- healthy, vibrant coral reef with abundant fish
- Accessibility
- limited facilities; no warungs, toilets, or sunbeds on beach; come prepared with water and snacks
- Water Conditions
- calm, excellent visibility
- Snorkeling Quality
- excellent despite requiring swim out
- Note
- Increasingly exposed sand at low tide; peaceful, raw atmosphere
- Description
- One of the most peaceful spots on the Amed coast. Small beach with soft sand and plenty of shade. Very few visitors. Only three hotels on the beach and significant distance from central Amed. Requires swimming out approximately 80 meters to reach main coral garden.
Batu Halus Beach
- Best For
- families staying at luxury resorts, those seeking quiet scenic area
- Designation
- quiet, family-friendly
- Marine Life
- good snorkeling nearby
- Accessibility
- limited access; primarily serves nearby luxury villas and resorts
- Water Conditions
- calm
- Snorkeling Quality
- good
- Description
- Short beach south of Sunset Point mixing dark sand and rock. Located above Jemeluk with stunning views. Restricted access (appears to be for resort guests primarily). Popular with families. Limited external dining options beyond Green Melon Warung and Aquaterrace Bistro.
Japanese Shipwreck Beach (Banyuning)
- Best For
- snorkelers and divers interested in shipwreck exploration
- Designation
- snorkeling/diving-focused
- Marine Life
- abundant fish, wreck-associated species
- Accessibility
- minimal facilities; pebbled beach surface uncomfortable for walking
- Water Conditions
- calm, good for diving/snorkeling
- Snorkeling Quality
- excellent for wreck exploration
- Note
- Almost everyone visits only for snorkeling/diving at wreck
- Description
- Covered in large pebbles, making beach walking painful. Located at eastern edge of what defines Amed. Primary attraction is snorkeling/diving at sunken Japanese patrol boat from World War II. Few facilities but one resort located directly there.
Overview
Amed stretches along a 14-km coastline of seven fishing villages with distinctive black volcanic sand beaches created by Mount Agung's eruptions. The area is characterized by quiet, uncrowded beaches, excellent snorkeling and diving directly from shore, and traditional fishing village atmosphere.
Beach Services
- Restrooms
- Few public toilets directly on beach; mostly found at hotels and restaurants
- Sunbed Rental
- Available at main beaches; varying costs (more expensive at Lipah)
- Food And Drink
- Numerous warungs (local restaurants) and cafes scattered along beaches; ranging from budget to mid-range
- Facilities Note
- Basic facilities on main beaches; more remote beaches have minimal to no amenities
Equipment Rental
- Snorkeling Gear
- IDR 50,000
- Note
- Snorkeling gear (mask, fins, snorkel, life jacket) readily available at shops, restaurants, and hotels throughout Amed
Family Suitability
Generally excellent for families. Calm waters, shallow reefs, quiet atmosphere, and availability of easy snorkeling make Amed family-oriented. Best for families comfortable with low-key pace and willing to trade entertainment infrastructure for natural beauty and water activities.
General Characteristics
- Crowds
- Very low overall. Busiest beaches (Jemeluk, Lipah) best described as 'buzzing with beach bums' rather than crowded. Further east one travels, quieter it becomes.
- Sand Type
- All beaches feature black or dark volcanic sand from Mount Agung
- Atmosphere
- Quiet, peaceful, uncrowded compared to southern Bali. Lined with traditional jukung fishing boats. Life moves slowly with authentic village atmosphere.
- Best Visibility
- April to November during dry season; July to October often brings clearest water
- Water Temperature
- 26-29°C (79–84°F) year-round
Seasonal Considerations
- Weather
- Generally calm conditions year-round suitable for swimming and snorkeling
- Dry Season
- April-November with best visibility
- Best Months
- July-October for clearest water and better pelagic sightings
- Peak Season
- June enters peak season but still relatively easy and quiet compared to southern Bali
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this beaches research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
- 1.theworldtravelguy.com
- 2.maverickbird.com
- 3.faheyjamestravel.com
- 4.girlgonecoconuts.com
- 5.finnsbeachclub.com
- 6.museumofwander.com
- 7.atlasobscura.com
- 8.christintheilig.com
- 9.hotels.com
- 10.worldadventuredivers.com
- 11.ameddivecenter.com
- 12.padi.com
- 13.themanduls.com
- 14.thebrokebackpacker.com
- 15.nicodivescoolbali.com
- 16.baliholidaysecrets.com
- 17.findingouradventure.com
- 18.travelfish.org
- 19.tradingeconomics.com
More About Amed
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.