If your dream Bali getaway involves visiting beautiful beaches, feasting on fresh seafood by the water and marvelling at majestic temples, Jimbaran (35 minutes south of Ngurah Rai International Airport) is an absolute must-visit.
A chilled hideaway from the buzzing streets of Seminyak and Kuta, this beachy haven has plenty to see and do. To get you inspired, we’ve put together a little checklist of Jimbaran’s most fantastic sights and experiences. Head’s up – pack the sunscreen and plenty of swimsuits! Here’s the best things to do and see if you are lucky enough to be heading to Jimbaran …
Jimbaran beach perfection
Jimbaran Beach
You really can’t visit Jimbaran without fitting in a few days (or weeks) at the beach. And you’re spoiled for choice here. A beloved go-to is the simply named Jimbaran Beach that runs along the area’s southwestern coast. Moments away from Jimbaran’s most popular accommodation options and dining spots, it’s a convenient and brilliant place to lap up the coastal breezes and plenty of sunshine. Our tip? Grab yourselves a cob of corn with spicy chilli butter from one of the many tiny stalls along the beach’s golden sands.
Suluban and Pandang Pandang Beaches
Consider yourselves avid surfers? Head to Suluban Beach (30 minutes southwest of central Jimbaran) for great surf and an equally great outlook. Easily one of the area’s most picturesque spots, the beach is encircled by limestone rock formations and is home to beautifully turquoise waters. Another fabulous option is nearby Padang Padang Beach (29 minutes southeast of central Jimbaran). One of Bali’s best-loved surf spots, this postcard-ready (and long) stretch of sand is also wonderful for sunbathing.
Pandawa Beach
If you’re really wanting to escape from the rest of the world, set your sights for Pandawa Beach (30 minutes southeast of central Jimbaran). Referred to as a ‘hidden beach’ thanks to the giant limestone bluffs that shelter Pandawa from view, this quiet spot requires a bit of an effort to get to. If you make the journey, though, you’ll be rewarded with bright blue waters and tiny beachside cafés. Despite being ‘hidden’, the beach is where you’ll also find a range of local hire companies that provide snorkelling and parasailing equipment.
Related article: An adventure-seeker’s guide to Bali
Images sourced via www.bali-indonesia.com/
Breathtaking temples and parks
Just outside of Jimbaran (30 minutes southwest of its main streets) is one of Bali’s most beautiful and sacred sites. Overlooking the Bukit peninsula from the top of a craggy cliff,Uluwatu Temple is one of six temples on the island believed to be Bali’s spiritual templars and is an utterly magical place to visit. Stick around till sunset to see the nightly Kecak Fire Dance, where local performers chant, dance and tell stories by fire.
Want to fit in another temple visit during your stay? Situated in the middle of Jimbaran Bay, the impressive Pura Ulun Siwi is definitely worth adding to your itinerary. Dating back to the 18th century, the temple is a beautiful example of Bali’s famous architecture, making it an utterly romantic (and Insta-ready) spot. If you time it right, it’s best to visit on a holy day when the temple is adorned with incense and offerings, and locals take part in traditional performances.
One last sight to check out in Jimbaran is the scenic Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park (15 minutes from central Jimbaran). Here you’ll find lush gardens and a gigantic statue of the Hindu god Vishnu. The park also features a range of stages where you can watch a cultural show or (time depending) check out a music festival throughout the year.
Related article: A culture vulture’s guide to Bali
Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park image sourced via www.seeingbali.com/
(Bottom left) Made Bagus Café, (top left) Jimbaran Beach Club, (right) Rock Bar at AYANA Resort and Spa
Jimbaran’s must-visit bars and dining spots
Toasting the sunset is an essential Jimbaran experience. There are plenty of stylish waterholes to choose from in the area, but one of the area’s most iconic options is the Rock Bar at AYANA Resort and Spa. Sitting on a steep rock formation overlooking the Indian Ocean, this glamorous spot is the stuff of daydreams. Think sigh-inducing sunsets and good music matched with expertly made cocktails.
For something a little more low-key, pull up a chair at the Jimbaran Beach Club. As the name suggests, the club sits right on the sands of Jimbaran Beach and is perfect for sundowners and bar snacks. If you’re too chilled to move (that’s a real possibility here), stay for dinner and enjoy a delicious meal under the stars.
Looking for a fabulous, fuss-free place for lunch? Top off your stay with a meal at local faves Warung Bamboo (12 minutes north of central Jimbaran) and beachside Made Bagus Café (7 minutes north of central Jimbaran). Both are known for their incredibly fresh seafood and casual atmosphere – perfect for a Jimbaran getaway.
Jimbaran’s Famous Seafood Restaurants
No article on Jimbaran is complete without a mention of the quintessential seafood restaurants Jimbaran is famous fo. If you’re a seafood lover, Jimbaran is the place to be! You can find numerous warungs (local restaurants) along the beachfront, offering incredibly fresh seafood. Simply choose your desired seafood dish, and it will be grilled to perfection and served at your table in no time. The best time to visit is during sunset, when you can enjoy an ice-cold beer while witnessing the stunning display of colours as the sun sets. All of this while dining right on the sandy beach! The prices at these warungs are quite reasonable, so take a leisurely stroll along the beach and take your pick!
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