Jemeluk Bay a diving site on the island’s east coast reputed for diverse marine life and is one of the best snorkeling spots in Bali.
Jemeluk’s tiny bay is a quiet place that introverts, families, couples, and solo travellers love.
How to get to this secluded beach and what to do while you are there, find in our Jemeluk Bay travel guide.
Jemeluk Bay – The Island’s East Coast Reputed Dive Site
Jemeluk Bay is a part of the local fishing village but once divers discovered stunning coral reef formations, it quickly became a tourist destination as well.
One of the advantages of Jemeluk Bay is that snorkelling can be accessed directly from the beach, and you don’t need to rent a boat.
There is no entrance fee.
Where Is Jemeluk Bay?
Jemeluk beach and bay is located in Amed, on the east side of the island. Think of the iconic image of lush hills covered with tropical forest, Mt Agung towering over them and blue calm waters.
The bay itself is just a few steps from the main street in Amed, but it is protected on one side with a cliff and is on the right side end of the Amed beach.
How To Get To Jemeluk Bay?
Amed and Jemeluk Bay are quite far from South Bali. There will be no bike taxi that can take you all the way from Canggu or even Ubud to Jemeluk. It is simply just too long of a trip on a scooter.
Your best bet is a car: private driver, taxi, or rental. We recommend renting or booking a private transfer since not many taxi drivers will take the order to Amed and it will be very challenging to get a car back.
From Ngurah Rai International Airport the drive will take around 3 hrs, while a trip from Canggu will be around 3.5 hrs.
The Best Time To Visit Jemeluk Bay
Amed region is a lovely place year-round, however, if you love diving and snorkelling, the visibility is better during the dry season (from April to November).
The spot is not really crowded at any given time of the year and on a clear day has amazing turquoise waters and visibility for up to 25 meters.
September and October are our favourite months to go – the least crowds.
What To Do At Jemeluk Bay?
Jemeluk Bay is known to be the safest, easiest to access and one of the nicest snorkelling spots on the island. But even if you don’t snorkel or dive, it is a quiet and lovely destination to unwind.
As it is a long drive from South Bali, we highly recommend staying 2-3 days in Amed.
Chill & Swim
The beach doesn’t stretch far but it is an enjoyable walk with the impressive Mount Agung on the background. It is a volcanic, black-sand beach.
You can also grab a coconut, rent a sun lounger (or use one of the cafe’s ones for free), read and listen to the ocean.
If you like swimming, the East Coast is great for that, unlike South Bali or Uluwatu. There are practically no waves and the water is shallow near the shore. So it is very kid-friendly too. And you literally can put your head underwater and you will see fish swimming around too!
Get Your Scuba Diving Certification
Amed has plenty of OG diving schools that are ready to train you. The first step will be to get the open water or scuba diving certification of level 1 which allows you to explore up to 12 meters deep.
Literally, dozens of schools and pretty much all of them will have the same diving spots and programs. It is important though to search for PADI-accredited schools.
Read more: Best Diving Schools In Bali
Diving and snorkelling in Jemeluk, do so responsibly. Use reef-safe sunscreen, do not litter (or pick up trash if you see it), and do not try to touch or take with you parts of the ecosystem.
Explore Coral Reef At The Best Snorkelling Spots & Diving Sites
You can rent fins and snorkelling masks right in the beachfront cafes for as low as 50,000 IDR and go snorkelling directly from the shore. Just swim a mere 5-10 meters and watch the gorgeous coral formations unfold.
The coral reef is still rich, although parts are dying so there is a big initiative to restore it by planting artificial reefs. It is located on the left in the bay and is also called Pyramids as there are some pyramid-shaped concrete pieces on the bottom.
On your right hand, there is the best snorkelling experience (use Bluestar as your reference point) – the drop-off.
The reef drop-off is close to the beach (under 100m) and shelters even more marine life and can take you deep into the sea up to 40 meters.
Lastly, shipwrecks are not to be missed. Nestled in the depth of the bay, they eventually became one of the main attractions for divers here. But if you know where to look (around the black buoy), you can also spot an underwater temple.
It is a great place for free diving too!
Marine Life & Fish Species To See At Jemeluk Bay
The tropical fish species at Jemeluk Bay come in all colours like a rainbow. It is an amazing place to spot some creatures that you’ve never seen. You will be able to easily spend around 2 hours exploring all the creatures.
Divers from all over the island come to see these bay inhabitants:
moray eel (on the left side)
Wasp fish (a rare sight, at the artificial reefs)
nudibranchs
turtles
giant clams
anemone fish
different butterflyfish species
parrotfish
barracuda
surgeonfish
Emperor angelfish
triggerfish
bright damselfish
batfish (very curious fish, don’t be scared)
snappers
hawksbill
Blue starfish, and so many more
Some fishes are quite intimidating, like triggerfish due to their teeth or barracuda due to their massive size, but they are not dangerous to conscious and careful divers.
Dive in a small group with an experienced divemaster to learn all the basics and protect yourself and the environment.
Explore Amed & Surroundings
While you are here, it is worth venturing a bit further and driving around Amed village, trekking, taking many fantastic pictures of Agung, and of course, visiting some places.
On top of your list should be Lempuyang Temple famous for iconic photos with heaven gates and Agung, Tirta Ganga water palace, and other snorkelling spots to see Japanese shipwrecks, for example.
And of course, just as many locals do, you should check out Jemeluk’s viewpoint. It is just a short walk up the hill.
Where To Stay At Jemeluk Bay?
It will be easy to find accommodation at Jemeluk Bay. It is a quiet place loved by many expats and there are Balinese traditional homestays and simple hotels with beachfront restaurants and spas, modern villas, and luxurious options.
Blue Earth Village Hotel
This bamboo-style complex with a spa and restaurant will be perfect for yogis and eco-enthusiasts. It is a more luxe option, almost double the price of homestays around the area.
Where Is It: Amed St, Bunutan, Abang, Karangasem Regency, Bali 80852
Kubuku Homestay
Kubuku Homestay is a bit more on the hill but is a budget option. You can rent just a minimalist room with a private bathroom.
Where Is It: MM65+3QP, Purwakerti, Abang, Karangasem Regency, Bali 80852
Jemeluk Beach Bungalows
These beach bungalows are also quite affordable accommodation options but they are right on the beach! So you can go snorkel first thing in the morning.
Where Is It: Jl. I Ketut Natih, Purwakerti, Kec. Abang, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80852
Where To Eat At Jemeluk Bay?
Restaurants in Jemeluk Bay or Amed, as everything is just a short drive, serve delicious food from local to Western and vegan. There are coffee shops with great coffee, beach warungs (cheap eateries), and bars.
While at the bay, you have to try some freshly caught seafood! Fish and lobsters are delicious here.
OneWay Espresso
Although it is a 5-minute drive from Jemeluk Bay, it is one of our favourite coffee and breakie stops in Amed. It is also laptop-friendly and sells Bali-made Isola wine.
Where Is It: Jl. I Ketut Natih, Purwakerti, Kec. Abang, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80852
Blue Earth Village
Blue Earth Village restaurant has an amazing wide menu and also probably the best sunset view around Jemeluk Bay as it sits on the highest point of the hill, right on the road curve.
Their restaurant is mainly vegetarian, but they serve some fish and meat too.
Where Is It: Amed St, Bunutan, Abang, Karangasem Regency, Bali 80852
Joli Best View Cafe
Joli is right next door to Blue Village. Good views too plus a versatile menu from pasta and pizza to smoothie bowls and Indonesian staples.
Where Is It: MM66+GP4 Jemeluk Bay, Jl Kt Natih Jl. Raya Amed, Purwakerti, Kec. Abang, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80852
Jemeluk Beach Warungs
Cheap simple food and drinks at one of the warungs come with access to loungers and they often can rent snorkeling gear too. There are literally dozens of them along the beach.
CATCH & GRILL
This cafe has a simple concept. They source fresh fish and seafood from local fishermen and grill it for you. A 5-star must-try while at Jemeluk Bay.
Where Is It: Jalan Ketut Natih, Purwakerti, Kec. Abang, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80852
We highly recommend cruising beyond the Jemeluk Bay area, Amed has lots of great restaurants to try.
Final Thoughts On Jemeluk Bay
One of the best dive sites and snorkelling spots in Indonesia – Jemeluk bay is a popular tourist destination all year round and has a stunning reef environment to explore.
Being within Amed, the Jemeluk area also is accessible by foot and has plenty of accommodation and dining options. The best part? It is family-friendly and will add lots of memories to your trip.
Read more:
The Best Things To Do In Amed, North Bali
Amed’s 30 Best Hotels: Sleep Here, Thank Us Later!
Best Restaurants Amed: 22 Great Restaurants In East Bali
The Best Bali Dives: The Ultimate Guide To Bali Dive Sites & Diving In Bali
