The 2005 Bali bombings were very sad for the island and the nation of Indonesia – but there's one sense in which the bombings benefit holidaymakers who want to see Bali: the beaches and resort towns of Bali are much less crowded than they once were! Holidaymakers should take advantage of this fact, and visit Jimbaran before everyone else rediscovers this beautiful little gem.
Jimbaran, which lies on the “neck” of Bali's southern peninsula, is known for its fresh seafood kiosks, its beautiful beach, its luxurious resorts, and its friendly natives. Jimbaran remains one of the best holiday destinations in Bali -- and perhaps one of the best holiday destinations in the South Pacific.
From Tiny Fishing Village to International Holiday Destination
Until the 1980s, Jimbaran was little more than a remote fishing village that happened to have a daily market. Today, Jimbaran is home to five-star beach resorts as well as a number of (slightly) less expensive hotels. Jimbaran Bay is lined with a white sand beach perfect for swimming, and the sunset over the bay is truly magnificent to behold. What could be better than picking out your own fresh seafood from one of the vendors, then lounging at a candlelit table along the beach at sunset while you eat your evening meal?
Things to Do and See in Jimbaran
While eating fresh seafood (there are fifty seafood restaurants along the beach!) and relaxing are the two main activities in Jimbaran, surfers may enjoy catching a few waves. The waters closest to Jimbaran Bay are calm and smooth, but surf breaks not far from the airport are easily accessed from the bay. You can also charter a boat to tow you out into the middle of the bay to find some larger waves.
While the calm, smooth waters of Jimbaran Bay aren't the best in the world for surfing, they are ideal for children. Families looking for a safe beach for their young ones in the South Pacific should look no further than Jimbaran. In fact, many of the local children visit the beach in the evening.
In recent years, Jimbaran has made an effort to add shopping to its main attractions. Visitors will find many chic boutiques in Jimbaran. Another spot shoppers will want to add to their list is the Jengala Gallery, which includes a showroom of ceramics created in Bali. The gallery hosts regular art exhibits, including paintings and more by fresh local talent.
Another way to relax in Jimbaran, besides sunbathing, is to visit one of the local spas. Besides the spas and massage services offered inside the resorts, there are also many high-end spas in the area.
Accommodations in Jimbaran
Don't look for inexpensive places or budget hotels in Jimbaran – there are none. This town is definitely built with the luxury traveler in mind. To give you an idea of the kind of luxury resorts available in Jimbaran, consider the Four Seasons Jimbaran Resort.
All Four Seasons Resorts place its guests in the lap of luxury, but the Four Seasons in Jimbaran outdoes itself. There are two types of accommodations available: villas and private residence rentals. The villas begin with one-bedroom villas, which nonetheless feature private garden courtyards, plunge pool, sundeck, LCD television, and an oversized soaking tub separate from the shower, along with an outdoor garden shower. At the top of the line are four-bedroom residence villas, which include a private pool, secluded showers outside every bedroom, a fully equipped kitchen, state-of-the-art audiovisual system (including CD player, DVD player, radio, and television), living areas, and a private thatched-roof pavilion.
Other high-end resorts in Jimbaran include:
* InterContinental Resort Bali
* Jamahal Resort and Spa
* Karma Jimbaran Resort
* Besides these, you can also find private villas for rent
All in all, Jimbaran is a wonderful spot for a quiet, relaxing holiday in the South Pacific. Ideal for families, honeymoons, and couples, Jimbaran provides some of the best luxury that Bali can offer.