JIMBARAN

Located just south of the airport, Jimbaran is one of the most accessible areas in Bali. The region is favoured by a more mature traveller and also attracts families. Jimbaran maintains a more relaxed feel than its busy neighbours Kuta and Seminyak located further up the coast. One of the biggest draws in Jimbaran is the beach which offers golden sand and ideal swimming conditions. The beach is also known for its seafood restaurants which serve catch of the day sourced directly from local fishermen.

Jimbaran remains an attractive destination throughout the year. To enjoy the beach to the fullest, it’s best to visit the area during the dry season, from May through September. Our Jimbaran travel guide aims to give you the essential information, list the most popular things to do in Jimbaran, provide more information on locations you want to visit, and finish with some inspiration from our travel writers. For more information on events and festivals taking place throughout the year, check out our comprehensive Bali guide.

Jimbaran Weather

Bali is pleasant all year round! May through September has the best weather (drier, less humid) and is the best time for many activities including diving and surfing. November though March is rainy season – though rainfall is never excessive so you can do most activities except volcano treks.

Jimbaran offers the perfect mix of relaxed beachside living and vibrant local buzz. The area attracts travellers looking to stay in the insular luxury of a five-star resort as well as visitors looking for a beach getaway and easy access to tourist facilities without all the hectic buzz waiting further up the coast in the busy areas of Kuta, Legian and Seminyak.

Spa Treatments

There are a few fabulous spas in Jimbaran where you can indulge in a Balinese massages and other relaxing treatments. You’ll find luxury spas located inside prestigious resorts as well as well-regarded standalone spas. If you’re looking for something a bit special, you can also enjoy a massage in the privacy of your villa – our concierge team can arrange this for guests staying in our villas.

Shopping

Though Jimbaran is not a shopping destination in the same way as, say, Seminyak, you can still indulge in some retail therapy while you’re in town. There are a few modestly sized shopping complexes in the area. Rather than focusing on the malls, we recommend targeting some of the well regarded standalone shops in the area, many of them offering beautifully curated homewares and crockery.

Tours & Activities

Jimbaran Beach is a popular attraction any time of day. The long stretch of beach offers good swimming conditions which has made it popular with families. When it’s time for dinner, travellers flock to the beach to feast on fresh seafood served at the beachfront restaurants. If you’re an early riser, visit the fish market at the crack of dawn to see local fisherman dragging in the catch of the day.

While Jimbaran is definitely a worthy destination in its own right, the area also works as great home base for exploring the rest of the Bukit Peninsula. You can reach the famous surf breaks and iconic temple in Uluwatu in about 40 minutes, while the white sandy beaches and luxury resorts of Nusa Dua are about 20 minutes away. You can also access areas like Kuta and Seminyak located a little further up the coast in about 30 minutes (if the traffic is favourable).

Jimbaran is a fabulous destination for foodies, with romantic beachfront venues rubbing shoulders with humble local warungs and extravagant destination dining. The local fish market is an institution and supplies fresh fish and seafood throughout the island – this is a great opportunity to sample the catch of the day right at the source.

Restaurants

Jimbaran is perhaps best known for its romantic toes-in-the-sand seafood restaurants dotted along Jimbaran Bay. The more upscale restaurants are centred towards the north of the beach, while the more relaxed options lean towards the south. You can either order off a menu or pick and choose your seafood from the tanks before sitting down. For an even more hands on experience, you can visit Jimbaran fish market (officially Kedonganan Fish Market) and pick and choose your meal from the catch of the day which you can then have cooked on right there on the premises.

Though the seafood restaurants are often listed as the main event Jimbaran, the area is also home to some fabulous fine dining restaurants. Some of these have become destinations in their own right and attract people from neighbouring areas like Seminyak and Sanur.

Nightlife

Nightlife in Jimbaran is refined and relaxed – much like the area itself. A night out in Jimbaran might mean an extravagant seafood dinner right on the sand or indulging in exotic cocktails in a sophisticated restaurant. A number of venues across the area host live music, adding to the relaxed seaside ambiance. The area doesn’t offer any pulsating nightlife to speak of – depending on your tastes, this could be considered one of the highlights of staying in the area.

Jimbaran & Surrounds

Jimbaran works as the first entry point to the Bukit Peninsula which makes up the southernmost tip of Bali island. Jimbaran is neighboured by upscale Nusa Dua to the east; an area home to exclusive five-star resorts. Driving south from Jimbaran, you will reach the popular surf district of Uluwatu and secluded Ungasan which is home to jaw-dropping clifftop villas. A central highway connects Jimbaran to the popular areas of Kuta and Seminyak located further up north, while an overwater toll road provides easy access to the relaxed beach town of Sanur.

There are a handful of Ministry Approved villas in Jimbaran. The area attracts a more mature clientele and remains less crowded than other areas in South Bali. As Jimbaran remains more lowkey, villa prices tend to be lower than those in neighbouring areas.

Villas in Jimbaran range from around USD $350 per night for a three bedroom villa to over USD $1,000 per night for a six-bedroom luxury villa. All of our villas come with professionally trained staff. Many villas offer personalised services including: butlers, chefs, nannies, 24-hour security personnel, drivers and other services you won’t find in a hotel.

Getting There

Ngurah Rai International Airport is the only airport in Bali, located in Tuban just north of Jimbaran. This busy airport serves around 20 million passengers a year and it’s connected to several international destinations through direct flights, including Melbourne, Sydney, Tokyo, Singapore, Hong Kong and Dubai. Airlines offering direct flights to Bali include Singapore Airlines, Qantas, Cathay Pacific, Air Asia, Jetstar and more. A second airport is set to be built in North Bali but these plans are still in the early stages.

It is also possible to arrive by boat. This usually means landing at one of the international airports located on the neighbouring island of Java and Lombok and then crossing over to Bali by boat or ferry. From Java, ferries arrive in Gilimanuk (about four hours from Jimbaran) and from Lombok, boats to Bali arrive in Benoa, Sanur, Serangan, Padang Bai and Amed (Benoa and Serangan are located about 20 minutes from Jimbaran).

Nationalities from over 160 countries are eligible for visa free entry into Indonesia. This means your passport will be stamped on arrival at the airport, allowing you to stay in the country for 30 days. For stays longer than 30 days, you will need to obtain a visa which will require further arrangements. Please note your passport must be valid for six months after your date of arrival in Indonesia.

AIRPORT TRANSFER

There is no public transport to get you from the airport to your accommodation, so the only option is to use a private driver or a taxi. Ministry of Villas can arrange a chauffeur to greet you upon arrival and escort you to your villa. This service is included for most villas when booking more than four nights. To avoid queuing at the immigration counter, we can also arrange a VIP airport service for guests. This service includes lounge access, allowing you to relax while waiting for your luggage.

AIRPORT TAXI

For those who haven’t organised their arrival transfers beforehand, it’s also possible to catch a taxi directly at the airport. Look for the official taxi stand next to the information desk at the international arrivals hall. This taxi stand offers fixed price and metered fares across the island. The listed fares are updated frequently, making it very challenging to find reliable, up to date pricing before arriving. Besides the official taxi stand, there are countless independent taxi drivers floating around the arrivals hall, offering rides at varying rates. It’s always easier to have a car arranged beforehand than trying to navigate the taxi jungle at the airport.

Getting Around

There are plenty of options for getting around Jimbaran, so we’ve ranked them according to our recommendations for first-time travellers.

ON FOOT

The main street of Jalan Raya Uluwatu and many of the smaller streets leading down to the beach are lined by a narrow walkway, so making your way around on foot is definitely an option in central Jimbaran. If you’re staying a little further off, the area gets hilly and there are no sidewalks to speak off, so getting some wheels will be essential.

TAXI

Catching a taxi is an easy and cost effective way of getting around the area. It’s always best to opt for one of the Blue Bird taxis – this is the most trusted taxi company in Bali. It might take some effort to spot an authentic Blue Bird taxi as numerous copycat companies have appeared on the roads. Try to look out for the Blue Bird logo on the taxi heading, the taxi’s number on the rear of the car, corporate logos on the windscreen and on the side of the car and the driver’s blue uniform. Blue Bird taxis start their meter at IDR 7,000 (USD $0.5) whereas other taxis might refuse to use a meter all together. You can either hail a Blue Bird taxi off the street or book one through their app or by calling +62 (0) 361 701 111. Booking through the app or over the phone will incur a IDR 30,000 (USD $2) minimum charge. If you do decide to take a ride from a taxi with no meter, always agree on the price before getting in.

PRIVATE CAR

While you probably won’t need a private car and chauffeur if you’re staying in central Jimbaran, this can be a great option if you’re staying further off from the centre or if you simply want to explore your surroundings. Ministry of Villas can arrange a private car and chauffeur for you. This little luxury is remarkably affordable and we can also help you arrange an itinerary, instructing your driver in advance.

RENTAL SCOOTER

As soon as you land in Bali, you’ll discover that scooters are the most popular mode of transport on the island. To get around the island with ease, many travellers decide to do like the locals and rent a scooter. This is an easy and budget friendly way to explore Bali – scooter rentals usually start at around IDR 50,000 (USD $4) per day. Before you hop on a scooter, make sure you know the basics – the traffic in Bali is notoriously chaotic so this is not the best place to start learning. If you do decide to drive, always wear a helmet and don’t forget to bring an international driver’s licence – driving without either will result in a fine if you get pulled over by the police.

Etiquette

The Balinese are among the friendliest and most welcoming people on the planet. This is all the more reason to return the favour and be respectful towards the local culture. Like anywhere else in the world, common sense and basic human decency goes a long way. For more detailed information about local culture, language and safety in Bali, check out our comprehensive Bali guide.

SHOPPING & BARGAINING

The established shops and malls in Jimbaran provide fixed pricing, so bargaining is not necessary. If you’re shopping at a market or a local stall, bargaining can become an enjoyable part of the experience… or it can be frustrating! To ensure a smooth exchange first decide what the item is worth to you, then ask the seller for their price – your first offer can be from one-third to two-thirds of that price. They are likely to respond with a counteroffer, which you can either accept or negotiate further. If you don’t like the price and you walk away there is a good chance the vendor will call out to you with a better (usually final) price. Keep in mind, if an agreement is reached, you’re committed – you should buy if your offer is accepted.

In late 2018, Bali’s governor banned single use plastic on the island, meaning shops, boutiques and supermarkets no longer give out plastic bags. When out and about, it’s best to carry a reusable bag with you.

TIPPING

Most restaurants and villas include a service component already so tipping is not expected, but if service is good, an additional cash tip is appreciated.

TELECOMMUNICATION

Indonesia’s country code is +62. Data speeds of 3G and faster is the norm across Bali. Local prepaid SIM cards are sold everywhere; any modern mobile phone will work. As of 2018, all prepaid SIM cards need to be registered which you can usually do with a copy of your passport directly at the shop where you purchase your SIM card. Prepaid SIM cards come loaded with pulsa (credit) or mobile data which you can later easily top up at other outlets. Most if not all minimarts and local phone shops can top off your SIM card when needed. Most villas provide broadband Internet and free Wi-Fi is common in cafes, restaurants, hotels and shopping malls.

Health & Safety

It’s important to note that compared to many places in the world, Bali is fairly safe. There have been some high-profile cases of visitors being injured or killed on Bali, but in many cases these tragedies have been inflamed by media sensationalism.

SWIMMING

Many of Bali’s beaches are subject to heavy surf and strong currents – always swim between the yellow flags. Be careful when swimming over coral and never walk on it. It can be very sharp and coral cuts are easily infected. In addition, you are damaging a fragile environment. Lastly, water pollution is a problem in busy neighbourhoods. Avoid swimming near open streams flowing into the sea as they are often contaminated by run-off from built-up areas.

THEFT

Violent crime is uncommon in Bali, however bag-snatching from motorbikes and petty theft does occur. Take extra care with your phone if riding pillion on a motorbike as phones regularly get snatched from unsuspecting tourists using a navigation app. Otherwise, take the same precautions you would in any urban area and secure your money before leaving an ATM (and don’t forget your card!), don’t leave valuables on a beach while swimming, and use in-villa safes to store your valuables.

WATER

Tap water in Bali is not safe to drink. Bottled water is widely available and cheap, however Ministry of Villas encourages visitors to keep a reusable water bottle to reduce plastic consumption.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is absolutely essential for every traveller. A typical travel insurance policy will have coverage for a traveller’s main concerns, including trip cancellations, medical emergencies, travel delays, and lost luggage. Most policies are built to be comprehensive to protect travellers from a variety of events that may cause financial loss before or during their trip. Some policies specifically exclude ‘dangerous activities’ which can include scuba diving, renting a local motorcycle and even trekking. Always make sure you check the terms and conditions (including what’s covered and what isn’t) of your policy.

Jimbaran charms with its toes-in-the-sand restaurants, beautiful golden sand beach and effortless seaside elegance. Our team is always keeping tabs on what’s new and interesting in the neighbourhood. Check out our latest Jimbaran blog posts written by experienced Ministry of Villas travel writers.