Jimbaran Bay

With a beautiful crescent of powder-fine sand, it was only a matter of time before Jimbaran Bay was transformed from a humble fishing village to one of southern Bali’s top destinations for a beach holiday. Located south of the busy beaches of Kuta on the Bukit Peninsula, Jimbaran Bay is a half-moon of stunning white sands and blue turquoise sea, lined with a string of beachside seafood restaurants. In the evening, candlelit tables replace the sunbathers and you can dine on the freshest of seafood, with your feet in the sand and the sound of the waves lapping the shore.

The beach culture here is relaxed and Jimbaran is one of the few places where exclusive luxury can be found alongside authentic Balinese culture. So, you will find both up market stores and traditional shops and markets selling brooms and buckets. Similarly with the restaurants, giving you the choice to dine at high-end establishments, or have a casual bite at the local warungs.

We think this is a lovely place to relax and lounge. While the water here is too gentle to surf, it is great for swimming and the bay lends itself to long walks along the beach. Heading northwards, you will find the local fish market, where you’ll see women carrying the fish in buckets balanced on their heads and dozens of small colourful fishing boats. Head south and you’ll see the Pura Ulun Siwi, an important rice temple built in the 17th century. Rice farmers still make the pilgrimage here to hour the goddess of rice, Dewi Sri.

One hidden gem of a beach we’d also recommend is Tegal Wangi, where nature conspires with the water and shoreline to create jacuzzi-sized pools of water. If you visit at the end of the day, you can enjoy a view of the sun setting over the ocean from the comfort and privacy of your own sea jacuzzi. We think the romance of Jimbaran Bay makes it a great honeymoon destination and it will also appeal to those looking for luxury alongside a taste of local Balinese life.