Handy Beaches: Jimbaran Bay Overview

People staying in the Kuta area, will no doubt sample the delights of Kuta Beach. These include sun, sand, surf, drink vendor, beach massage and handicraft vendors. Some people find Kuta Beach, especially the busy part, in front of McDonalds, to be too intense, the whole environment not conducive to relaxation. One of the handy beaches you might try is Jimbaran Bay. Jimbaran Bay, is actually quite large and I checked a large part of out. The northern part of Jimbaran Bay is given over to a fish market and seafood warungs. The beach is lined with fishing boats and small local drink shops.

You’ll notice the fishing boats stop, where the hotels start. All of a sudden the beach area get nicer, and after some clear land, with palm trees and scrub are some large resort hotels. The beach part of the beach and prettiest area is probably down at the bottom of the Bay by the Four Seasons Hotel.

One thing Jimbaran does not have is much shade. If you are staying at the Four Seasons, or Intercontinental, you can duck back under a beach-side bale. For the rest of us, it will have to be one of the warungs. Kuta Beach has plenty of shade which is nice.

Jimbaran Bay Bali

•Where is it?
Jimbaran Bay is located south of the Kuta / the airport, on the western side of the island.

•How do you get there?
Take the Ngurah Rai Bypass towards Nusa Dua, turning off at Uluwatu, or at the McDonalds, depending on what part of Jimbaran Bay you want. The fish market is accessed by talking the Uluwatu turnoff, then take a quick left-right, heading down the narrow gang towards the beach. Turn right at the beach for the fish market. For the Four Seasons & Muaya Beach, take the McDonald turnoff.

•How long does it take to get there from Kuta.
From 10-15 minutes.

•Transport:
You can get to the beach with a car, or taxi.

•Services:
You will find small local stalls selling drinks. Close to the fish market and a couple of other location down the beach you’ll find seafood warungs. These do most of their business in the evenings, but open around 10-11am serving nasi goreng, and fish dishes. There are also scattered shops selling sarongs, sea shells and straw hats.

•Best time to go:
The dry season (May-October) would be the best time of year to visit / stay at Jimbaran Bay, because skies will be clear and the water cleaner. However, even in the wet season, you’ll get scorching sunlight too. There is always going to be less wind in the morning, than the afternoon, so for sunbathing, mid-morning might be better.

•Water sports:
A friend of mine, Ebong, does day sailing in Jimbaran Bay. If you are interested in learning to sail, or just going for a cruise around the bay on a small boat, contact Ebong 0811398074

•Sand quality:
The sand is yellow, quite clean.

•Beach vendors:
There are no beach vendor, or very few.

•Who is this good for?
Jimbaran Bay is good for people who want a yellow sand beach, that is relatively safe to swim on, with few vendors and a more relaxed atmosphere than Kuta Beach.

•Who is this beach not good for?
This beach is no good for people looking for everything within easy reach, giant surf, plenty of shade.