Guest Experience with Jimbaran’s Fishing Community

Once a quaint fishing village with a sparkling bay surrounded with pristine white sands, Jimbaran was discovered by developers in the 1980’s during Bali’s tourism boom. This began its evolution from a quaint fishing village to the haven for luxury resorts we see today. Thankfully Jimbaran still retains its charm and continues to be the premier location for fresh seafood on the island.

Jimbaran Bay is home to some of the most highly regarded international hotel and luxury villa names thanks to its enviable views over the bay. This has allowed the village to not only benefit from the tourism industry but also to retain and enhance their primary source of income from fishing. Jimbaran fish market is the most famous in Bali with fresh catches of fish, crab, lobster, and shrimp coming in daily. Around the village you will see fishermen tending their colourful boats and nets, and sorting their catch for the market.

Well-traveled connoisseurs at Raffles Resort Bali are welcomed to experience this traditional way of life by hiring a fishing boat to take them out into the bay. The fishermen are wonderful sailors and glide their boats, known locally as Jukung, gently through the water. Under the artful eye of the fishermen, you may even catch one of the fish that ends up in Kedonganan Fish Market, where you will visit when you arrive back on dry land.

A trip to the fish market is a superb way to see the hustle and bustle of life in Jimbaran. The freshest seafood is sold as soon as it is offloaded from the boats to be bought by restaurants all over the island. However, much of the catch is kept in Jimbaran to be served in the popular restaurants that line Jimbaran Bay, including a beachfront dining venue Loloan Beach Bar and Grill at Raffles Bali.

For an atmospheric but elegant dinner, as night falls Loloan serves the succulent catches of the day freshly grilled over a coconut husk barbecue. With the famous Jimbaran sunset the backdrop, and fresh fish on the grill, this is when the Jimbaran Bay feels it’s most authentic and inherently Balinese. This is one of those moments when the reality and romance of Bali meet and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Raffles Bali is dedicated to creating opportunities for intimate cultural interactions for guests like this experience of Jimbaran as a fishing village. Raffles, as guests ourselves, are dedicated to being responsible members of our host community and preserving the environment in any way possible. Our efforts to be sustainable extend beyond the operational aspects of the resort to create a positive impact on the community economically, socially, and culturally.

From offering cultural connections, to sea to plate culinary experiences, Raffles Bali strives to make your trip to Jimbaran a meaningful and mindful one.