While Bali is perhaps best known for its verdant and picturesque rice-terrace landscape, The Bukit Peninsula possesses a very different kind of beauty. Towering limestone cliffs, thick coastal forest, timeless fishing villages and legendary surf breaks typify this rugged lemon-shaped headland marking the island’s most southerly point.
A narrow land bridge separates the sprawling southern plains of Bali from The Bukit, and it’s here that you’ll find the peaceful fishing community of Jimbaran. The wide, gentle curve of Jimbaran Bay is protected by a reef, which creates a calm lagoon of sparkling turquoise water. Safe swimming conditions and beautiful soft white sand make this lovely beach a hit with families. Colourful jukung (traditional fishing boats) rest on the sand, and casual restaurants line the beach. Jimbaran’s nightly seafood barbecues regularly top ‘must do’ lists in Bali. Choose your fish or seafood, then take a table on the beach while it is basted in Jimbaran’s famous spice mix of garlic, black pepper, kaffir lime leaves and chilli, and grilled over coconut husks. Those in search of a finer dining experience and bespoke cocktails can head up to the fabulous beach club, Sundara, tucked into the corner of the bay, while foodies shouldn’t miss Cuca, one of the island’s most innovative restaurants.
Situated on the gentle rise of Jimbaran Hill, with charming views over the bay, (best enjoyed from a roof-top Jacuzzi,) the light and spacious Villa Aiko is well set-up for families.
Villa Aiko
Nearby, there is the highly contemporary Villa Adenium, boasts a massive gym and games room. Modern and stylish, this four-bedroom villa has been designed for relaxed and comfortable living, offering stunning ocean views and a team of friendly staff.
Villa Adenium
Further up the hill is the area known as ‘millionaires row,’ an exclusive neighbourhood boasting million-dollar views and some of the island’s most exclusive villas. Early mornings reveal central Bali’s dramatic chain of volcanoes, while evenings see the island’s southern plains ablaze with twinkling lights.
Back on the coast, golfers can play a round at the New Kuta Golf Course, which tops a scenic headland within the Dreamland estate. Make sure to take a pit stop at hole 15 for drinks and snacks. Bingin Beach is nearby, offering a perfectly preserved slice of old school Bali with its atmospheric warungs (local restaurants) and homestays tumbling down the cliffs to a pretty cove.
Bingin Beach
Must-try restaurants in the vicinity include Les Sols Calcaires, serving up classic French food and fine French wines in a wonderfully rustic setting. Those looking for a lively sundowner can head to El Kabron, a hip cliff club serving up sangria, paella, and the perfect gin and tonic.
Heading down the coast, the road winds through a rural forested landscape. Surfers and day-trippers flock to Padang Padang, with its stunning rock formations and sandy beach, while Uluwatu is a world-famous surfing mecca. Stop off at one of the warungs nestled into the soaring cliffs to watch the waves peel across the ocean, or join the party on the sprawling deck at Single Fin on Sunday evenings.
The mighty Hindu sea temple, Pura Luhur Uluwatu, lies at The Bukit’s south-westerly tip and is one of the island’s most important temples, dedicated to Rudra, the god of storms and wind. It towers high above the crashing waves, and sets the scene for a nightly kecak dance (trance fire dance) at sunset. The monkeys can be very cheeky here and are known to steal, so hang on to your cameras, phones and wallets!
People gathered at Pura Luhur Uluwatu
Continuing to the east coast of the peninsula you will come to one of Bali’s most impressive beaches, Pandawa, reached by a road sliced into the towering limestone cliffs. Look out for the immense carvings that represent figures from the Hindu epic, Mahabharata on the way down. Blinding white sand meets gleaming turquoise waters at Pandawa, and a number of warungs serve fresh seafood and Indonesian favourites. Head left from the car park to avoid the weekend crowds, or better yet, book a stay at one of the three villas that make up the spectacular Pandawa Cliff Estate. This cliff-top haven offers unrivalled luxury, state-of-the-art facilities, superb service and views to-die-for.
Pandawa Cliff Estate
A new by-pass, and roads considerably less congested than those around Seminyak and other popular Bali tourist destinations, make Jimbaran and The Bukit Peninsula very convenient for visitors arriving at the international airport.
Whether searching for a peaceful family vacation, a romantic getaway, or the perfect wave, Jimbaran and The Bukit, are the spectacular southern regions which offer an inspired choice for a Bali holiday.
