Jimbaran is a fishing village located 20 minutes from Ngurah Rai Bali International Airport – known for the beach, fresh seafood in Jimbaran fish market and restaurants, and international 5-start beach resorts. Facing the west, you can enjoy the beautiful sunset along the Jimbaran beach, including Kedonganan Beach, Kelan beach, and Muaya Beach; a fishing trip is also possible to arrange from this fishing village. Further away from the beach, Jimbaran also has the shopping complex and local residential area.
Jimbaran seafood restaurants
Lining along the beach on Muaya Bay in Jimbaran, plenty of beachfront dining spots are set up on the beach before sunset, inviting the tourists to dine in for freshly cooked seafood. This can be a good option if you are not interested in going to the market but still want to grab delicious seafood and look for a more comfortable way to eat by the beach with your loved ones.
Kedonganan Jimbaran fish market
On the north of Muaya Beach in Jimbaran Bay, you can find a traditional (wet) market where most of the fresh catches around Bali are sourced. Open from 4 AM to 9 PM, Kedonganan Jimbaran fish market is the largest fresh seafood market in Bali loaded with fish, lobster, shrimps, crabs, and other sea harvests. This market can serve as a great option if you plan to make good use of your in-villa kitchenette or arrange the chef to cook for a private barbecue party with your friends or relatives.
How to get your seafood cooked by the locals
Those who want to enjoy the fish without having to cook it themselves can pick and buy your own seafood in Kedonganan Jimbaran fish market and get it grilled at nearby locally-run stalls for cooking with a small fee (per kilogram). They will provide you with complimentary steamed rice and vegetables, and on top of that, you can enjoy your meal with the sea breeze on a wooden bench overlooking the Jimbaran bay.
After you hand over the fresh seafood you buy, they will marinate it before putting them into a caged holder, and place it over the flaming barbecue. Plates are served in front of you, accompanied by steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables. After enjoying it, you can take away any leftovers.
Buy the fish in the traditional fresh market and get locals to cook it for you is such a good way to see how locals live and shop, how they cook the dish and enjoy the local life as first-hand cultural experience in Bali.
Insider tips for Kedonganan Jimbaran Fish Market Bali
Shopping in Kedonganan Jimbaran fish market is a part of the unique local experience you can do in Bali. Here are some tips for enjoying the most out of the Kedonganan Jimbaran fish market:
- Bring some cash, as they will not accept the card payment.
- Stroll around the market before deciding on what to buy.
- Don’t wear nice shoes, as it could be wet, dirty, and slippery.
- Go with a group, so you can buy more variety of seafood to share.
- Arrive before lunch to get the fresh catch and have it cooked straight away.
- Get it cooked by the locals around the market, so you can enjoy the local taste as well.