Jimbaran

Jimbaran is a crescent bay just south of the airport, known for its calm water, fishing boats and seafood dinners served on the sand at sunset. It sits at the neck of the Bukit peninsula, between busy Kuta and the cliffs of Uluwatu, and offers a relaxed mix of village life and large resorts. Families and couples come here for its gentle beach and its central position for exploring the south.

Jimbaran has long been a fishing community, and colorful jukung outrigger boats still line the shore. Early in the morning the fish market at Kedonganan, at the northern end of the bay, fills with the night's catch, which later reaches the beach grills. The southern hills above the bay have been developed with resorts and villas, while the village center keeps its temples, market and traditional compounds.

Jimbaran suits families, couples and travelers who want a quieter beach with easy access to Uluwatu, Nusa Dua and the airport. The water in the bay is usually calmer than on the west coast, so it is one of the better swimming beaches in the south. In the evening, tables appear on the sand and the smell of grilled fish drifts along the shore. Accommodation leans toward large resorts and villas on the hillside, with some smaller hotels near the beach.