Cheap non-stop flights to Denpasar leave from Perth. Direct flights also leave from the Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Darwin. Australian’s visiting Bali can buy a visa on arrival for US25 if the intended stay is less than 30 days. Jimbaran is about is about 15 minutes south of Denpasar airport. A pre-paid taxi will cost about A$7. Bemos, or shared taxi, services to Jimbaran from the airport are very inconsistent, but there is a sporadic service from the airport, via Kuta, which continues on to Nusa Dua.

Metered taxis are very common in southern Bali. They are also very cheap. The starting flagfall charge is around A50cents for the first 2km and the metre 50c per km after that. The largest and most reliable taxi company is Bali Taksi/Blue Bird. If hailing a taxi on the street, Bali Taksi cars are sky blue with a white top light. The cars are modern and the drivers well-informed with a decent level of English-language ability. There are several other reliable taxi companies but these are not always easy to identify. If day-tripping, it is often cheaper and more convenient to arrange for a taxi to wait and take you back. Renting motorcycles or scooters can be a frightening yet fascinating experience. They cost up to A$10 and are a great way to get around the quieter tourist areas like Jimbaran, but elsewhere in southern Bali, with its crush of traffic, the chances of an accident are greatly increased.

Jimbaran Bay is fringed by one of the best beaches in Bali, so swimming and surfing is a must-do. Away from the seaside delights check out the fish market, located at the northern end of the bay right by the beach at the junction with Jalan Tukad Ayung. Best to visit between 6 and 9 in the morning. Jimbaran also has a number of high-end spas, both within the luxury hotels and independent establishments. The town itself is a typical little Balinese society with lots of small streets and alleys that makes a perfect backdrop for a stroll. Just walking around in Jimbaran is an adventure and the locals are smiling and welcoming.

There are a number of nice boutiques and antique shops in the area between The Intercontinental and the junction with Jalan Uluwatu II. There you’ll find Jenggala Gallery, a large gallery and retail showroom for ceramics produced in Bali. Slightly further north of the boutique area is Jimbaran Market. This is a hive of activity every morning as the local community goes about its business and is a notably good place to purchase cheap fresh produce. Eating seafood on the beach in Jimbaran is a must for every visitor to Bali and Jimbaran Bay is home to dozens of grilled seafood restaurants. They are in three groupings _ all set along the beach _ Muaya (in the very south), Kedonganan (in the middle) and Kelan (north of the fish market). Tables are set up right on the sand and you choose the seafood you want to eat from the tanks. All restaurants offer cheap set menus. There are also a number of good, cheap, local cafes on Jalan Uluwatu between the four road junction. Nightlife is limited in Jimbaran, and most venues close after 11pm. The Chocolate Café, in Jimbaran Corner, has live music and DJ occasionally and for one of the best sunsets in Bali grab a cheap beer near the Fish Café.