Our second and final destination in Bali was Jimbaran Bay. A coastal resort area on the southern part of the island, Jimbaran is known for its colorful fishing boats, beautiful beach, gentle surf and seaside grill restaurants.
After our previous activity-filled days in Ubud, northern Thailand and Bangkok, we were ripe for a few days to relax on the beach and do little else. However, while swimming in the ocean, we spotted a surfing instructor giving a lesson and asked him if he’d be willing to teach the kids. For a 2½ hour lesson, Dave from San Diego – who’s been in Bali for 5 years and also runs the Bali Kids Camp – charged very little money and was a great instructor. The kids had a blast and did great, as seen in the photos.
Other daytime activities include Balinese beachfront massages (60 minutes for $20!!), long walks/runs, and getting stung by a jelly fish on the leg (that was me).
Each evening, a wide stretch of beach converts to seaside grill restaurants with candlelit tables reaching toward the water. After choosing a table at one of the many restaurants, diners go up to the grill and choose their freshly caught fish – barramundi and red snapper – and seafood from its display on ice. While waiting, people drink and nibble on nuts until the grilled fish and sauteed greens appear.
After dinner, we walk along the beach back to our hotel, the Four Seasons Jimbaran, which lies at one end of the long beach. The hotel is dotted with thatched roof villas, each decorated with locally made teak furniture and exotic batik fabrics.
Here, we continue to indulge in the amazing local fruits every day. From dragon fruit and passion fruit to mangosteen and snake fruit, it will be hard to leave these exotic treats behind.
I’d be lying if I said I was ready to leave Bali. Six days isn’t nearly enough and I look forward to returning and exploring more of this beautiful paradise.
Next stop: Hong Kong!
