The fishing village of Jimbaran is located on the Indonesian paradise island of Bali. It draws tourists with a large choice of beach restaurants and five-star hotels.
Jimbaran is well known for its fresh seafood eateries that line the back of the beach and diners can choose how their fish should be cooked from grilled or barbequed to steamed or fried. You may even get wet feet at high tide if you choose to eat at one of the eateries close to the water.
The top class beach resorts are among some of the finest in the world and thankfully tourism has started to pick up again in the wake of the bombings and Jimbaran is now returning to its former glory. The atmosphere is relaxed and laid back and with good swimming, thanks to the calm sea.
The beach is a great spot to enjoy the sunset, and at dusk many locals and a handful of tourists line the water’s edge to watch the sunset. The nightlife in the area is quiet and designed mainly for eating and casual drinking in the beach restaurants that are lit by torches and candle light after dark.
Where to Go
- Jimbaran Beach: The main attraction in Jimbaran is the beach and the array of restaurants that are lined up along the shoreline.
Getting There
Jimbaran is well connected to nearby beach towns and the airport, making it accessible from almost any part of Bali. Once there, Jimbaran is compact and easy to navigate, with its beachside restaurants, markets, and resorts conveniently located along the coast.
The nearest airport to Jimbaran is Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Denpasar, approximately a 20-minute drive from central Jimbaran. Direct flights to Bali are available from various international and domestic locations. Upon arrival, taxis, private drivers, and ride-sharing services are available at the airport, with most hotels also offering airport pickup services.
From nearby areas like Kuta, Seminyak, and Uluwatu, Jimbaran is easily accessible by taxi or ride-sharing apps like Go-Jek and Grab. The journey typically takes between 20 and 30 minutes, depending on traffic. It’s best to arrange for a metered taxi or agree on a price beforehand to avoid overcharging.
Hiring a private driver is a convenient option, especially for those traveling from farther parts of Bali, such as Ubud or North Bali. Private drivers can be hired for one-way trips or day excursions, allowing flexibility to explore Jimbaran and nearby attractions along the Bukit Peninsula. Rates typically range from IDR 500,000 to 700,000 for a full day, depending on your itinerary.
For travelers who prefer flexibility and are comfortable with scooters, renting a scooter is a popular and affordable option, especially for short distances from nearby areas. Scooter rentals are available throughout Bali, including in Jimbaran, and generally cost between IDR 50,000 and 80,000 per day. Be sure to wear a helmet and carry a valid international driver’s license.
Need to Know
- Worth it? Well worth the trip as it is close to Kuta and Seminyak and the endless rows of restaurants have to be tried out.
- What to do: swimming, eating and drinking.
- Best time to go: March to November.
- How long? A couple of days.
- Trivia: sadly, Jimbaran suffered in the Bali terrorist attacks in 2005 when a bomb was set off in one of the restaurants.