Jimbaran Beach (Pantai Jimbaran)

Everything You Need To Know About Jimbaran Beach

Jimbaran beach and the famous Jimbaran Bay are located on Bali's southwestern coast of the narrow isthmus connecting the Bali mainland and the Bukit Peninsula. The Beach and the Bay of Jimbaran offers small secluded areas, where tranquility and peace are the perfect antidote to a stressful world.

The land gently slopes away from the beach revealing exclusive celebrity haunts hidden under a canopy of leafy tropical forest. Jimbaran is the realm of luxury hotels, the likes of the Four Season Reasort at Jimbaran Bay and the InterContinental Bali Resort & Spa. 

First Time In Jimbaran

On your first time in Jimbaran, this scenic, curving bay will no doubt impress, just 15 minutes south of the Ngurah Rai International Airport. This popular beach in Bali is most famous for its clusters of sunset and seafood restaurants that come in many styles lining its coastline. Beyond that, let us show you all the other highlights that you can see and do on your first visit.

You can enjoy great shopping, from traditional markets to the new and modern Jimbaran corner, as well as nearby attractions that include the iconic cliff - top Uluwatu Sea Temple and its adjacent amphitheatre where you can view the dramatic Kecak dance at sunset. You can then continue on to the famous Rock Bar for cocktails in a most dazzling setting, or return to Sundara on the bay for libations under the stars. Here are a few hints for your first time in Jimbaran.

Rock Bar

Amazing Sunset Chill Outs In Bali

Rock Bar Bali at Ayana Resort and Spa wins accolades from travel media the world over, partly thanks to its unique setting on a secluded limestone cliff. This premier sunset venue continues to win the hearts of patrons, some who fly to the islands just to experience the signature cocktails, exceptional views, and moody set by its resident music director and a regular line - up world - class international DJ's.

The Rock Bar boasts a minimalist design with an open - top platform seamlessly built onto the natural formation. Ambient lighting from around the bar and the shades at sunsets, together with traditional fishing boat lanterns that dot the seascape add to the dramatic appeal of the bar.

Getting to the Rock Bar itself is an experience. Past Ayana's green cliff - top lawns you'll notice two ways to descend, and both provide spectacular bird's eye views. First is the 'hard way' down the extended flight of stairs that leads you to the Kisik Bar & Grill, which serves fine seafood under a thatched roof retaurants and at the tablets on the sand. Continuing to the Rock Bar, you stroll along the cliff base causeway around Ayana's free - form ocean beach pool.

The second access is and effortless option, by means of a funicular ride down. However, expect queues, especially moments berofe sunset time. Queues are divided into two, one of which is a 'fast lane' reserved for hotel guests - one of the perks of staying at the Ayana. If you have the energy, we'd recommend going the 'Hard Way' as there are several stops alongs the descent that provide you memorable scenic and photographic moments of the seascape and horizon, the beach and cliff base, and most of all, the Rock Bar.

Perched 14m above the waves, the Rock Bar is a small centrepiece with the vast sky and Indian Ocean as backdrop. There are several round tablets at the lower foyer and eight more steps up leads you to the main bar, which is bordered by glass screens. The Rock Bar's innovative design was conceived by Yasuhiro Koichi of Japanese design studio Spin. Wooden deck areas provide additional viewing points on both sides of the main rock that stretches along the coast, one of which is accessed via a natural cave. The cave walls sparkle with what seems to be crystal, quartz - like minerals.

The bar centrepiece was built using thousands of layer of recycled glass canes, and was created by Bali - based Japanese glass artist Seiki Torige. The barmen and team of beautiful waitresses cald in elegant, signature black outfits are swift and gracious. At the centre of the all - weather wicker tables are unique upright cylindrical menus. The moment you get here and just in time for sunset, pick a spot and go straight for the cocktails.

Among the favourites are the Rock Bar'a martinis, comprising quirkily - named blend such as Punch Rock, Rockberry Martini and Spa on the Rock, the latter comprising vodka, blackcurrant liqueur, blueberry and cranberry juice. Spa on the Rock is also the name of Ayana's equally dramatic spa option located on the resort's southern coastline. The cocktails were designed by inernational bar consultant Sebastien Bonnefoi, using imported liquors blended with local fruits, herbs and spices to complement the natural setting. Simple bites include a tray of crispy calamari served with stone bowls of spicy tomato sauce, prawn spring rolls with chilli sauce, and chicken popcorn served in a spiral cone stand with herbed olive oil and spiced Egyptian duqqa dip.

Besides resident music director Martin East leading a stellar DJ line - up spinning Mediterranian beats, Nu - disco, deep house, and chill outs every sunset and late night weekends, international Ibiza and Indonesian guest DJs have also 'Rocked' the Rock, such as Jez Colin and Jakarta DJ Riri Mestica, spinning tunes from a special booth carved into the rock face. Eleventh - hour schedules include international bands playing exceptional unplugged sessions, such as previous gigs that featured Stephan Jenkins and his band Third Eye Blind, Alma Desnuda, blues king Jim Larkin, and other acts from Down Under and The States.

Jimbaran Seafood Cafes

Sunset And Seafood At Jimbaran Bay

Jimbaran seafood cafes must already be on your must - visit places for your Bali holiday, especially f you're a seafood lover. Not only is Jimbaran Bay one of Bali's best place for memorable sunsets, but it also the most popular coast to enjoy grilled seafood. Seventeen seafood cafes line the white - sand beach locally known as 'Pantai Muaya'.

Mostly open afternoo until late, each of the venues within the row of Jimbaran seafood cafes in the bay offer fresh - grilled seafood served at candlelit tables on the sand. As the sun goes down, the horizon features faint light from the Ngurah Rai Airport and Traditional fishing boat lanterns at sea.

The Cafes

You'll notice similar setups as you approach the Jimbaran seafood cafes from the beach; wooden tables with parasols down to the tide's edge and some adorned with attractive palm leaf decorations. Drop - off from the main entrance and you'll see grills and live seafood displays under signboards of each cafe that show different stock and 'Catches Of The Day'.

From several dinners we had at different cafes, we noticed slight variations in the homemade sambal (Indonesian traditional chili sauce) in form and spiciness. Menega and Intan Sari are quite consistent in terms of stock and taste (usually getting most of the crowds); while others, Bela for instance, boast gimmicks such as torches and attractive table setups. Mild competition among these venues means good service; staff and waiters are attentive and speak simple English.

The Food

Ease into a chair as a small dish of salted nuts and/or kerupuk shrimp crackes comes served as intro to accompany your beer or drink of choice. Birthplace of ikan bakar Jimbaran or 'grilled snapper a la Jimbaran' with the essential sambal, these cafes offer selections of red snapper, crab, calamari, prawns and lobster served with steamed rice, and traditional side dishes of spicy plecing kangkung (stir - fried water spinach) and fresh fruit platters for dessert. Use your finger as part of the experience; a bowl with water and slice of lime comes as standard 'Rinse'.

Look out for two sambal varieties, the fames red paste and another pungent version called sambal matah (comprising fresh chopped chilli, shallots and lemongrass). Try out both if you can handle, or simply ask for modified, milder version in advance. Some of the Jimbaran seafood cafes even have French Fries, Fried Rice, Chop Suey and other Western and Asian Cuisine on their menus for variety, and even expand their seafood selections to Baraccuda, Grouper, Mahi - mahi and Kingfish.

Source:
http://www.bali-indonesia.com/