Jimbaran, Bali: Seafood Dining on a White Sandy Beach
Famed for delicious varieties of beachside grilled seafood, Jimbaran is a quaint, little beach resort town settled along the Jimbaran Bay in South Bali. Every night, Jimbaran comes alive with numerous beachside warungs serving grilled fish varieties on the candlelit tables set on the sand. It is simply a wonderful and unique experience enjoying fresh seafood on the beach while watching the gentle waves of water coming from the sea and ultimately wetting your feet in the sand.
Jimbaran, also sometimes called the “Beverly Hills of Bali”, was actually a little fishing village in its earlier days, where people used to trade their catch at the daily market. Things started to change after the 1980s with the wave of development that completely changed the identity of the village. Today, Jimbaran is home to several luxury resorts, high-end villas, and up-market chain hotels, all catering to the needs of luxury tourists visiting Bali to witness the beauty and the charm of this mesmerizing island.
Jimbaran is located about 15 km from Denpasar and 3 km from Ngurah Rai International Airport in South Bali. It lies between Kuta and the Bukit Peninsula, with Kuta to its northeast and Uluwatu to the southwest.
Why go
Think of a town where you can have a superb seafood dining experience while watching the sunset on a white sandy beach. Jimbaran is the only place on Bali wish provides you with this wonderful opportunity. The town also offers a beautiful coastline along Jimbaran Bay, serving as home to some of the best surfing sites in Bali.
When is the best time to go
Although you can visit Jimbaran any time of the year, the period from May to August is usually the best time to visit the town. The cool, pleasant weather makes conditions perfect for traveling during these months. Jimbaran, like other regions of Bali, experiences tropical climate year round. The rainy season lasts from October to March and is usually avoided by tourists for travel purpose.
Jimbaran beach, a pleasant white sandy beach, with calm waters which makes it completely safe for swimming. One of the favorite activities for tourists on this beach is to enjoy the sunset with food and drink at any of the restaurants located on the beach.
Jimbaran fish market, located at northern end of the Jimbaran bay. Every morning, fishermen return to this traditional fish market to sell their daily catch. Different varieties of fishes are sold here, and all top restaurants of Bali get their fish supply from this market. The best time to visit the market is between 6 am – 9 am when the market is buzzing completely with the activity of buyers and sellers.
Of course enjoys Jimbaran’s seaside dining of beach barbeques. There are several beachside warungs which serve fresh fishes grilled over coconut husks, and it is an amazing experience enjoying the dinner served at candlelit tables on the sand.
Surfing on Jimbaran Bay. Jimbaran is one of the safest places in Bali to try surfing and swimming. Some perfect surf breaks are accessible from Jimbaran Bay using chartered boats. The bay is also perfect for swimming. A large number of local children can be seen swimming on the beach in the evenings.
Strolling on the narrow streets of Jimbaran is an activity that most tourists like to enjoy. The town with its small streets and gangs (alleys) appears like a little Balinese society, and watching smiling faces of the locals while walking on Jimbaran streets is a pleasant experience for most tourists.
-> Read Top 10 Things to Do in Jimbaran
Where to stay
Most of the accommodation available in Jimbaran is up-market, catering to luxury tourists. You can find several beach resorts, 5-star hotels, and high-end villas in the town. Budget accommodation is available but little in number. Rimba Jimbaran by Ayana, Kayumanis Private Villas and Spa, The Villas at Ayana Resort, and Jamahal Private Resort and Spa * are some of the well-known top-end options in Jimbaran.
Recommended resort at Jimbaran beach
RIMBA Jimbaran Bali by AYANA
With a 5 minutes walk from the beach, this luxurious 5-star resort features 12 outdoor pools and 19 dining options. Bright modern rooms with tropical landscapes and scenic view views, it is no wonder that this place is one of the top choices in Bali. Guests also have priority access to the famous Rock Bar.
Check out the latest prices on Booking.com *
Check out the latest prices on Agoda.com *
What and where to eat
Jimbaran is famous for fresh fish barbeques served at most beachfront warungs. You can find many people coming to Jimbaran from areas like Kuta, Sanur, and Nusa Dua just to enjoy the fishes grilled in front of them and served with sauces and vegetables. At every beach-shack warung, you will find a table set out on the sand. Warungs near the Kedonganan fish market offer the cheapest food. Sharkey’s Ayu Wandira, and Pudak are some of the well-known warungs in this area.
How to get there
Fly into Ngurah Rai International Airport, which is served by many national and international airlines including Garuda Indonesia, Korean Air and Singapore Airlines.
By Taxi – The airport lies just 3 km north of Jimbaran, and a pre-paid taxi costs around Rp 65,000 – 85,000; the exact figures depend on the location of your hotel in the town. Metered taxis are available from outside the airport area and a bit cheaper compared to pre-paid taxis.
By Bus – Dark-blue bemos ply regularly between Tegal bus terminus in Denpasar and Jimbaran (via Kuta). Trans Sarabagita bus service also connects Denpasar to Jimbaran and Uluwatu.
You can easily explore Jimbaran’s downtown area and narrow lanes on foot. Like other tourist resorts in Bali, rented motorbikes and metered taxis are also readily available all around the town day and night.
Where to go nearby
Denpasar, the administrative capital of Bali
Kuta, Bali’s most famous beach resort offering lots of opportunities to enjoy partying and surfing.
Ubud, the center of art and culture in Bali and home to a large number of artistically-designed temples.
Uluwatu, located south of Jimbaran and featuring Uluwatu Temple, one of the oldest existing temples in Bali.
Nusa Dua, a high-class beach resort located southeast of Jimbaran.
