Jimbaran, Bali is one of those up-and-coming areas that seems to escape the notice of people rushing off to enjoy the more hectic parts of the island.
But once you’ve read our ultimate guide to Jimbaran, you’ll realise that there’s a lot more to the area than first meets the eye.
Jimbaran Beach is lovely. Jimbaran Bay makes for excellent swimming. The area has plenty of luxury resorts and hotels but also plenty of budget-friendly accommodation and there’s a lot going on there too.
Where Is Jimbaran?
Jimbaran is in the Southern part of Bali and it’s officially part of the South Kuta District in the Badung Regency.
It’s on the Bukit Peninsula and it’s home to a series of tourist resorts plus the island’s most thriving fishing community.
How Do I Get To Jimbaran?
Jimbaran is a short 10-15 minute drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport at most times of the day.
While you can take a taxi (which will only cost 60-80,000 IDR) you should ask your hotel if they have a free shuttle service (as most of them do because it’s so close to the airport).
It’s also not far from Legian and Seminyak two of the biggest beach resort destinations and you can get to either in 20 minutes or so.
What Is The Best Time Of Year To Visit Jimbaran?
There’s no “wrong time” to visit Jimbaran and, in fact, there are advantages to being there in the off-season when the luxury villas and resorts tend to offer discounts and you can get more personal tuition at the local water sports schools.
However, most people prefer to come to Jimbaran during the dry season and that’s because there’s a pleasant onshore breeze at this time of year.
It makes wandering around in the Balinese heat more bearable and sunbathing on Jimbaran Beach a doddle.
What’s Jimbaran Like?
Jimbaran still has that sleepy fishing village vibe and it’s one of the reasons that we think it does so well with families.
It’s the kind of place where everyone knows everyone and keeps an eye out for each other. (Though we still don’t recommend leaving your bags unattended).
The beaches are much more relaxed than the busiest beaches in Seminyak, Legian, etc. and they’re every bit as nice.
We love swimming in Jimbaran as the water is warm, calm and shallow and it’s perfect to teach a new swimmer in too. We’d rather teach someone in the Indian Ocean than in a swimming pool, to be honest.
Is Jimbaran Family-Friendly?
Yes! In fact, Jimbaran has fewer nightlife options than the rest of the island and some of the worst excesses of holiday behaviour are never seen in the area.
You can happily bring your family to play in the sand, swim in the sea and enjoy the sumptuous local seafood dinner options.
Is Jimbaran Safe?
Yes. The local community does an admirable job looking out for visitors and the area has never been of any interest as a soft target for some of the separatist groups in Indonesia.
That doesn’t mean, however, that you can just dump your bags and leave them unattended. Petty crime is still a thing all over the country as it is all over the world.
You should also avoid flashing cash in public in Jimbaran or walking alone late at night, particularly if intoxicated. Ride-sharing apps are cheap in Jimbaran, so it’s best to use them.
Read more about safety in Bali here.
How To Get Around Jimbaran?
The main Jimbaran Bay area is very walkable and everything you need will be within walking distance.
Walking
Walking is easier in this part of Bali than in the areas with heavy traffic.
However, you still need to know how to cross the road safely (step into a gap in the traffic with a hand raised to say “stop!” and then keep walking, don’t step backwards, walk slowly forward and the traffic will flow around you).
Taxi/Ride-Share
If you’re going a bit further afield or are heading out of Jimbaran entirely, we recommend that you use the local ridesharing apps – Gojek and Grab. These are cheaper than taxis, more reliable and much less likely to try and rip you off.
You can connect a card to these apps so that you don’t need to pay in cash and can even tip in cash. And you always know what you will pay before you get in the taxi.
If you must use a taxi, then Blue Bird Taxis is considered to be the most reliable and least likely to engage in bad behaviour for getting around Jimbaran.
Cycling/Scooter/Rent A Car
You can also hire a bicycle, scooter or car. We don’t really recommend this. Bali traffic can be lethal to the uninitiated.
If you want to rent a scooter be aware you must have an International Driver’s License with a motorcycle endorsement to be legal and you must wear a shirt and helmet. If you’re not legal, you have no insurance coverage.
Renting a car is fine, but it’s best to rent one with a private driver which won’t cost much more and means you don’t have to deal with the Jimbaran traffic.
What Luxury Hotels & Luxury Resorts Are In Jimbaran?
Jimbaran has a wealth of places to stay and you can find somewhere for any budget and taste. But it’s also home to some of the best resorts on the island and these include:
Four Seasons Resort Bali, Jimbaran Bay
The Four Seasons Resort, Bali – This resort has been voted one of the best resorts in the world, not just in Bali.
They offer suites and villas that are so comfortable that you might not even want to get out of their luscious beds. However, we think the private pool access will persuade you eventually.
The resort provides incredible views over the beach and guarantees your privacy and security.
Their Healing Village Spa at the Four Seasons, Bali is one of the best places to get a pampering in Bali too.
Intercontinental Bali Resort
This luxury beach resort is the kind of place that couples, families and even business travellers won’t fail to appreciate.
The Intercontinental Bali Resort even has a private wing for those who want the more exclusive privileges (and are willing to pay for them) such as butlers and afternoon tea.
There are so many rooms and suites at this Jimbaran resort that you’re bound to find something you like.
AYANA Resort Bali
There are two resorts in one at AYANA Resort Bali as the complex also incorporates its equally luxurious sister resort – RIMBA.
You can move between the amenities at both resorts on the complimentary shuttle bus (which means you can visit the famous Rock Bar at the AYANA Resort as many times as you like).
If you haven’t seen the sunset at Rock Bar, you haven’t spent enough time in Bali by our measure.
AYANA Resort is simply an incredible resort experience and it’s truly world-class.
Can You Rent A Private Villa In Jimbaran?
Yes, there are plenty of Jimbaran Villas to choose from and while none of them can offer a private beach (private beaches aren’t legal in Bali) or hidden beaches, they all offer incredible levels of comfort.
These three Jimbaran villas are typical of what the area has to offer:
Villa Mimpi Bali – Private Rooftop Pool
This lovely property comes with air conditioning throughout and there’s a wonderful private rooftop pool for you to enjoy.
If you want to cook your own seafood dinner after a trip to the local market, you’ll find their incredibly well-equipped kitchen has everything you need to do so.
The Amarta Villa – Private Driver Services
This villa can arrange a driver, free parking, airport shuttles and any other kind of local transport that you need.
We love that it has a private balcony area that overlooks a gorgeous green garden and the pool is spacious and lovely.
Casa Jimbaran Villa – Super Breakfasts
We love being served breakfast by the pool in a private villa and this Jimbaran retreat does the best breakfasts ever.
It’s also got some of the best in-room massage services that we’ve ever tried too.
About Jimbaran Bay
Jimbaran Beach is a quiet, pleasant beach and it doesn’t see anywhere near as many tourists as the bigger beach destinations in Bali.
Some days, you may find that apart from some foot traffic at the restaurants and bars, you practically have the beach all to yourself, which can be awesome. Jimbaran remains a beautiful beach destination that many people have yet to discover for themselves.
Some of the other best beaches on the island are not far away too and you can easily get to:
Tegal Wangi Beach (which has jacuzzi-sized pools – that let you have a private jacuzzi on the beach!)
Jimbaran Bay Beach – This is the bit of the beach right by the Four Seasons Resort Bali
Things To Do In Jimbaran
There are plenty of great things to do in this part of Bali and you might want to try:
Visiting Jimbaran Bay – The beaches and seafood in this area are a sure-fire winner with nearly every visitor to Bali
Shopping at Jimbaran Fish Market – You won’t find a fresher catch anywhere in Bali and don’t worry, you don’t have to cook your purchases yourself, you can get the local warungs to do it for you! You can’t find a better seafood market in Asia.
See Pura Ulun Siwi – This temple near the market was built in the 18th Century and it’s one of the most impressive old Balinese structures in the area. You need to dress respectfully to enter the grounds, though.
Play At Jimbaran Hills Activity Valley – This pleasant water park and sports complex is an ideal diversion from the heat of the day in Jimbaran. Their swimming pools aren’t as good as the private pools at the resorts but they’re pretty good all the same.
See the Nakula Sahadewa Statue – this is a rather engaging piece of Balinese sculpture and makes for a great Instagram shot.
Make Perfume – The L’Atelier Parfums et Creations workshop is in Jimbaran and if you’ve ever fancied creating the perfect scent for you, this might be your chance to make the dream a reality!
Go Skating – The Jet Bike Skate Park sees a lot of the area’s best skaters showing off their skills. If you’ve got a board, you can always join in the fun!
Where To Find Fresh Seafood & Seafood Restaurants In Jimbaran?
There are so many great seafood restaurants in Jimbaran that we’ve got a roundup of them here on our site.
But to get you started with some ideas we recommend:
Mama Chew 360 Rooftop Jimbaran Bali
Kisik Bar And Grill
Bawang Merah Beachfront Restaurant
Made Bagus Cafe
Lia Cafe
Nelayan Restaurant & Puri Bar
Ah Yat Abalone Seafood Restaurant
Warung Mami Ikan Bakar
Radja Seafood Cafe
Mama Donny Cafe
What Cafes Are In Jimbaran?
No matter whether you want awesome shots for Instagram or the finest cups of coffee you can get your hands on, Jimbaran has something for you and our favourites include:
Cafe Las Pasion
Orchid Tea Lounge
Balique
Movenpick Cafe
Chocolate Cafe
Funny Pancake N Coffee
The Smoothie Shop Cafe
Where To Shop In Jimbaran, Bali?
The main shopping area in Jimbaran is Jalan Uluwatu and you’ll find plenty to keep you entertained here.
Some of the highlights of the area’s shopping include:
Jenggala Gallery – has a “Paint a pot” workshop that kids love
Paul Ropp Shop – hand-woven fabrics and huge discounts when running clearance sales
70F Koffie – Take a factory tour of the roastery and enjoy tasty local coffee beans
By The Sea Bali – this upmarket designer boutique is at AYANA Resort and their biannual sales are unbeatable for value
Jimbaran Market – This is where to buy fish, fruit and vegetables
Samasta Bali – Visit the Movenpick Resort & Spa Jimbaran and you’ll find this elegant shopping complex at the heart of this luxury resort
Where To Go For Spa Treatments?
Jimbaran can’t compete with the incredible range of spas in Seminyak and Ubud, the island’s two leading areas for wellness and treatments but there are still some great places to go for a massage and locally inspired spa treatments.
You can try:
The Calma Spa Bali
LuxMe Bali Spa
EE Bali Wellness Spa & Salon
Queen Rose Villa & Spa
Kupu Kupu Mas Spa Jimbaran
Arkipela Spa
Hua Spa
Ayutaya Spa Bali
Sekar Jagat Spa Bali
Bamboo Spa by L’Occitane
Jimbaran is not a party destination but it’s not in the middle of nowhere either and there’s a decent amount of nightlife in Jimbaran.
The main street in Jimbaran is Jalan Uluwatu ii and it has a few cafes, bars, and shops lining the sides, and you can always head out here if you want to just wander around and grab some drinks and some food.
It also has some more upmarket places to go at night if you want to pay a premium in the resorts. These include:
Smoqee Lounge & Sky Bar
Club InterContinental Bali Lounge
Saraswati Lounge
X-Corner Bar Jimbaran
Rock Bar
The Bay Bar & Grill
Forest Bar
UNIQUE Rooftop Bar & Restaurant
Potential Day Trips From Jimbaran
FINNS Beach Club
It’s not a visit to Bali unless you go to the best beach club of all the beach clubs in the world and that’s FINNS. FINNS is Canggu and it’s the perfect break from the laid-back vibe of Jimbaran.
We’ve got 11 bars, 3 restaurants and lots of beach for you to enjoy at FINNS and we often have international artists on to entertain you too. Don’t miss out.
Uluwatu Temple
Uluwatu’s waters are for the surfers among us. But Uluwatu Temple is definitely worth a visit as it’s one of the nicest on the island and the only place to watch authentic kecak dancing (fire dancing).
The beautiful sunset views from the cliffs make this a spectacularly good reason to leave the Jimbaran area for a little while.
GWK Cultural Park
GWK Cultural Park is home to the largest statue in Indonesia and it’s a great way to get better acquainted with Balinese culture.
Enjoy lush tropical gardens, food stalls, dancing and more when you visit!
FAQs
What Is Jimbaran Like In Bali?
Jimbaran is on the Southern tip of the Bukit Peninsula and it’s a lovely chilled-out destination that has great white sand beaches and the world’s best seafood restaurants and BBQs.
If you’re looking for the perfect family holiday destination away from the crowds and which is budget-friendly, Jimbaran is a great place to be.
Why Is Jimbaran, Bali Famous?
Beaches and seafood restaurants, mainly. There’s simply no avoiding how good the food can be when it’s just been hauled ashore from the diverse reef areas and deep sea pools.
If you visit Jimbaran Fish Market, you can always build your own seafood dinner from scratch. But we recommend having it cooked by a restaurant nearby, that’s how the Balinese do it.
What Is The Meaning of Jimbaran?
It’s a name that draws on the old Balinese word Jimbar which means “broad”.
In essence, Jimbaran means “broad village” and it refers to the scope of the original fishing village which once spanned much of the beaches in the area.
Is Jimbaran Good For Shopping?
It’s not Seminyak or Nusa Dua and if you want to shop for hours, Jimbaran’s not the best place to do it in Bali but you will still find fashion boutique stores, jewellery shops and some interesting specialty retailers around the Bukit Peninsula.
Most of the local community stores will be within walking distance of your hotel if you’re staying in Central Jimbaran, anyway.
Can You Swim In Jimbaran Bay?
Yes! In fact, though it has famous surf breaks, mostly the waters in Jimbaran are particularly calm and swimming in the sea is just like being in a swimming pool.
It’s a very safe place to swim and it’s a very popular area to learn water sports in as a result.
How To Book A Holiday In Jimbaran, Bali?
Whether you want to book luxury hotels or luxury resorts or something a bit simpler (and less expensive) there’s only one place we recommend you book through for a Bali Holiday – that’s the awesome Bali Res Centre.
The folks at the Bali Res Centre live and work in Bali Island and are completely plugged in when it comes to all the latest developments in hotels and areas.
They will ensure you get the perfect place for your budget and at a very competitive price (there are advantages to being local).
Final Thoughts On Jimbaran, Jimbaran Bay, and Jimbaran Beach
Jimbaran is a great place to stay in Bali. Jimbaran Beach offers pleasant sand and far fewer crowds than Kuta, Legian and Seminyak.
Jimbaran Bay is perfect for swimming and water sports and while it’s a bit gentle for pro-surfers, everyone else will love the calm waters in Jimbaran Bay.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly and family-friendly holiday in the sun with some of the best food that Bali has to offer? You have to be considering booking a place in Jimbaran.
