Calm waters, sunset seafood dinners and a festive year-end stay. Here’s why Jimbaran Bay should be on your radar this Christmas.
There’s a reason why Jimbaran has been a long-standing favourite for family holidays in Bali. With its golden stretch of sand, gentle waves, spectacular sunsets and a laid-back village vibe, it’s where days can be as simple as a morning swim, a seafood lunch and watching the sky turn pink together. And when the December holidays roll around? That easygoing atmosphere makes it especially appealing for families hoping to swap a wintry Christmas and New Year for some Bali sunshine.
For a stay that puts you right in the heart of Jimbaran, InterContinental Bali Resort is one I’d recommend to family and friends. Sitting right on Jimbaran Bay, this beachfront resort has something for guests of all ages. Here’s why Jimbaran is a top choice for a family holiday in Bali, and why InterContinental Bali Resort is where I’d check into this December.
Key details on Jimbaran, Bali
Where: A coastal area in south Bali, around a 20-minute drive from I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport.
What it’s known for: Kedonganan Fish Market, a calm bay with beginner-friendly waters, beachfront resorts and toes-in-the-sand sunset seafood dinners.
Nearby day trips (under one hour by car): Uluwatu, Nusa Dua, Kuta, Seminyak and Sanur.
What makes Jimbaran perfect for a family holiday
One of Jimbaran’s main draws is how easily it caters to different generations travelling together. The bay is known for its calm, swimmable waters, giving little ones space to splash and play while parents keep watch from the shore. The short airport transfer is another real plus when you’re travelling with young children, especially after a long flight.
Then there are those sunset seafood dinners that Jimbaran is famous for! Think freshly grilled fish caught off the coast, served at tables right on the sand. It’s a must-do Bali experience that always feels special, without needing a complicated evening out.
When you’re ready to explore beyond the bay, Jimbaran’s convenient location makes it one of my top choices for a home base on the island, especially during the busy holiday season. The cultural Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) attraction park is just a short drive away, while Kuta, Seminyak and Nusa Dua are close enough for day trips. It’s a lovely balance of downtime and discovery, whether you’re travelling with toddlers, teenagers or grandparents.
Where to stay in Jimbaran for the holidays
Wondering where to stay in Jimbaran? I always recommend InterContinental Bali Resort. Its prime oceanfront location means you’re never far from a Bali holiday essential: beach days. Sitting right on Jimbaran Bay, you don’t have to organise a big outing every time the kids want to play in the sand. For families keen to get out on the water, Rip Curl Surf School offers surfing, paddleboarding and kayaking lessons.
For younger guests, Planet Trekkers is a supervised kids’ club for children aged four to 12, with activities that introduce them to Balinese culture through arts and crafts, cooking sessions, yoga and outdoor play. It gives little travellers something fun of their own to look forward to, while parents can enjoy some well-earned downtime. You’ll want to check age restrictions for individual resort facilities though, as not every area is open to children.
There are plenty of ways for families to make memories together, too. Traditional kite-making offers a hands-on introduction to local culture, while garden cycling is a relaxed way to explore the resort grounds. And when you’re ready to call it a day, the family-sized rooms give everyone space to settle in after a day of adventures.
Celebrating Christmas and New Year at InterContinental Bali Resort
Unlike the more popular areas in south Bali, spending the year-end holidays in Jimbaran is relaxed and leisurely. Think festive meals, family time outdoors and watching the last sunset of the year together. It’s ideal for those who prefer a calmer celebration and spending quality time with loved ones, rather than seeking out big crowds and buzzing parties.
This year, InterContinental Bali Resort will host a number of Christmas and New Year celebrations for in-house guests and families, offering a convenient way to enjoy the festive season without having to leave Jimbaran.
For families planning a December escape, I’d put Jimbaran firmly on the shortlist. It has the beach, food, culture and easy day trips – and InterContinental Bali Resort brings those ingredients together in one beachfront base.
Here’s another reason to plan ahead: with InterContinental Bali Resort’s early-booking offer, you can save up to 25% on stays!
Instagram: @intercontinentalbaliresort
Price per night: Starting from IDR 4,254,250++
Best for: A beachfront stay for families and couples, with resort activities, on-site dining and spa facilities, and easy access to day trips around Bali.
Good to know: The resort has facilities and activities for families, alongside adults-only areas.
Address: Jl Raya Uluwatu No. 45, Jimbaran.
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FAQs on family holidays in Jimbaran
Is Jimbaran a good place for a family holiday in Bali?
Yes, Jimbaran is a great destination for a family holiday in Bali, thanks to its relatively calm bay, sandy beach, relaxed atmosphere and convenient location near I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport. Families can enjoy swimming, sunset seafood dinners on the beach and cultural day trips to nearby attractions such as Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) and Uluwatu.
Where is the best stay for families in Jimbaran, Bali?
InterContinental Bali Resort is a family-friendly beachfront resort on Jimbaran Bay, offering family-sized accommodation, a supervised kids’ club and activities for different ages. Its beachfront location also makes it convenient for families who want to enjoy the beach, explore southern Bali and spend quality time together without having to travel far each day.
Is Jimbaran suitable for a Christmas and New Year holiday in Bali?
Yes, Jimbaran is a lovely choice for a Christmas and New Year holiday in Bali, particularly for families who prefer a relaxed beachside setting. Visitors can enjoy warm weather, sunset seafood dinners and time by the sea. InterContinental Bali Resort will also host Christmas and New Year celebrations for in-house guests and families, with the full festive programme to be finalised soon.
How far is Jimbaran from Bali Airport?
Jimbaran is a short drive from I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, making it a convenient base for families arriving in Bali with young children. The journey is often around 15 – 20 minutes, depending on traffic and the exact destination in Jimbaran. A relatively short airport transfer can make a big difference after a long flight.
What can families do in Jimbaran with children?
Families visiting Jimbaran can spend time swimming and playing on the beach, enjoy a sunset seafood dinner on the sand, or take day trips to nearby cultural attractions. At InterContinental Bali Resort, family activities include traditional kite-making, garden cycling and water-based lessons with Rip Curl Surf School, including surfing, paddleboarding and kayaking.
Does InterContinental Bali Resort have a kids’ club?
Yes, InterContinental Bali Resort has Planet Trekkers, a supervised kids’ club for children aged four to 12. Activities include Balinese cultural experiences, arts and crafts, cooking sessions, yoga and outdoor play. It gives children opportunities to learn and play while parents enjoy some downtime. Check with the resort for current opening hours, activity schedules and any applicable conditions.
What family activities are available at InterContinental Bali Resort?
InterContinental Bali Resort offers family activities such as traditional kite-making and garden cycling, as well as surfing, paddleboarding and kayaking lessons through Rip Curl Surf School. Children aged four to 12 can also join Planet Trekkers, which features supervised activities inspired by Balinese culture. Families should check age restrictions for individual facilities before visiting.
What places can families visit near Jimbaran?
Jimbaran is a convenient base for exploring southern Bali with children. Nearby attractions include Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Cultural Park, known for its monumental statue and cultural experiences, and Uluwatu Temple, famous for its clifftop setting and traditional Kecak fire dance. Kuta, Seminyak and Nusa Dua are also options for family day trips, depending on traffic and your plans.