Visiting a fish market might not be high up on your list of things to do in Bali, but if you’re into food and culture, and want to take a glimpse into where the local people and restaurants shop for fresh seafood then we would recommend checking it out.
It’s not just a fresh fish market, there’s also an array of seafood restaurants and places where for a small fee, one of the locals will cook your fish for you. With the restaurants, market and the sea itself all within earshot of each other, you really couldn’t get much fresher.
While tourists visit the endless fish stalls and restaurants further south down the beach, most overlook the market and all the culinary delights it has to offer.
Visiting a local fish market may seem a bit daunting at first, but don’t worry, here we’ll tell you everything you need to know.
Brief History Of Jimbaran Fish Market
Jimbaran Fish Market is the biggest fish market in Bali and is the main fish market that supplies many of the smaller ones in Bali.
The area itself was once a small fishing village, then after the influx of tourists in the late 1980s, it grew into a larger town with hotels and restaurants. With the growing demand for more fresh seafood, the market also grew.
It is also known to locals at Kedonganan Fish Market, in fact, Kedonganan and Jimbaran Beach are next to each other and often referred to as the same place. Don’t be confused to see the two names used intermittently.
Where Is Jimbaran Fish Market?
Jimbaran Fish Market is located in Jimbaran Bay, just south of the airport on the narrow section leading to South Kuta and the Bukit Peninsula.
It’s one street back from Kedongan Beach Beach, at the north end of Jimbaran Beach, near the ferry pier.
Address: Jl. Pantai Kedonganan No.1100, Kedonganan, Kec. Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
How To Get To Jimbaran Fish Market
If you’re staying in the Jimbaran area, you could walk there quite easily along the seafront, it’s in an easy-to-find location, and everyone loves a walk along the beach.
If you’re staying a little further out or on the other side of the airport, then the best way to get there would be by Grab or Gojek taxi app.
It’s only a fairly short drive from Kuta, but if you’re coming from Canggu then the journey is at least one hour, so bear this in mind. The ride is cheap and safe, and the driver will always know the quickest way there, avoiding traffic.
Some of you may be tempted to hire a motorcycle or scooter to travel there, and although this may sound fun, as always we recommend against this. It’s unlikely that you’ll be road-legal, and this could cause problems with the police and your insurance.
Also, the chance of having an accident is fairly high, you’re here to enjoy yourself in Bali, not ruin your stay by having an accident!
What Is The Best Time To Visit Jimbaran Fish Market?
The market opens at 6 am daily and closes at 6 pm most days, but a little later at 6.30 pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
If you want to catch a feel of what this market is all about, then head there in the early morning just after the market opens when the fresh catches from the night have arrived in the market.
You can see vendors bartering today’s catch while larger catches are being weighed up for auction.
If you’re looking to eat, then just after lunch is the best time, when you can have your seafood cooked for you in one of the small shops around the market.
What To Expect At Jimbaran Fish Market
The main thing to expect: is seafood, and a lot of it, this is after all a fish market!
Most of the seafood arrives in the morning after the fishing boats have returned. Earlier in the day, people from nearby restaurants will be trying to find the best seafood for the day, and traders will be bartering with vendors, hoping for the best prices so they can resell in other parts of Bali.
In general, the market is fairly quiet and the narrow hallways are easy to navigate,
You’ll see a variety of seafood there: large fish, small fish, lobsters, prawns and shrimps, crabs, octopus, and just about anything from the sea that you can eat. Some other food items are also available there. like fresh fruit and vegetables and rice
What To Do At Jimbaran Fish Market
As well as taking in the sights and the sounds, getting that great photo you wanted and sucking up the local culture, there’s one very obvious thing to do at the market: eat!
This place is more than just a market; it’s also one huge local restaurant. You will notice people cooking in warungs around the market: grilling fish, crabs etc and that’s because as well as just selling the seafood, this market has people ready to prepare and cook your food for a small price.
The vendors here will sell anything from kilos of shrimp to a single crab, just look around and see what you like, when you’ve decided you can ask the price and if you’re happy then make your purchase.
After this, head over to one of the small warungs in and around the market and ask them to prepare your meal and what the price will be. The price to BBQ your food is around 20k IDR per KG.
The people here know exactly how everything needs to be prepared and cooked, and it’s not all just grilled seafood, we saw one stall cooking a fish soup, which we had a taste of, and it was one of the most delicious dishes we ate there.
Everything can be served with vegetables and rice, of course, this is Bali!
Notable Fresh Seafood At The Fish Market
Mahi Mahi – large, spectacular and kind of funny-looking, the Mahi Mahi is popular in Jimabaran.
Red Snapper – you’ll see this being grilled in most of the warungs near the coast.
Lobster – lobsters in Bali are fairly expensive, you’ll see people haggling early for the best prices.
Salmon – popular in Bali, large salmon are sold here, usually in halves.
Prawns – prawns are very popular here, and also very cheap.
Shellfish – a huge variety of shellfish, including mussels and oysters.
Tips For Visiting Jimbaran Fish Market
Bring small money – bring small bills with you, this makes it easier for you and the traders, and easier for you to haggle the lower prices.
Language – there will be an obvious language barrier at the market, consider going with a local friend or guide. If not, then use Google Translate.
Open mind – you may see things being sold and cooking that you’re not used to back at home, and you may be thrown back at times, this is natural. Just remember, this is life for the people there.
Things To Do Near Jimbaran Market
If you’re looking for more things to do after you’re finished at the market, there are a few things nearby, the most notable being Jimbaran/Kedonganan Beach, a long stretch of beach that is great for relaxing and swimming.
Check out our Ultimate Guide To Jimbaran
FAQs
Are Kedonganan Fish Market And Jimbaran Fish Market Different Places?
No, Kedonganan Fish Market and Jimbaran Market are the same place, and the names are used intermittently. Use either name, and the locals will know what you are talking about. Jimbaran is more commonly used nowadays.
Is The Fresh Fish And Other Seafood Safe To Eat?
Yes, all of the seafood for sale in Kedonganan Fish Market is caught that day, you can’t get fresher than that! Fresher not only means more delicious but also cleaner.
The people in Bali have been getting their food from the sea for centuries, and the local fishermen have been pulling fish into their boats all of their lives. Between them and the market traders, they know what is safe to catch and sell for foo
I Don’t Like Seafood, Can I Still Visit The Market?
If you can stand the smell and the look of the seafood then yes, of course you can still go.
Almost all of the food served is seafood, so eating could be a problem. If you’re visiting with friends and they decide to eat, then ask the warung or stall if they could cook and serve you a vegetable dish.
Are There Other Interesting Markets To Visit In Bali?
Yes, there are several markets in Bali, and not only seafood and other food markets. There are markets for clothes, textiles, arts and more.
Check out our guide to The 20 Best Markets In Bali for more information.
Final Thoughts On Bali’s Biggest Fish Market
Jimbaran Fish Market is a sensory experience that you’ve never had before.
You may be looking to discover new food and tastes and to watch and learn how the locals cook, or maybe you just want to take in the local culture and see how people work and live.
Either way, this market is well worth a visit, you have to see it for yourself.
Related blogs:
The Ultimate Guide To Jimbaran: What To Do, Where To Stay & More
Eat Well in Paradise: The 11 Best Restaurants in Jimbaran to Visit
