At the end of a wonderful day of Bali sightseeing, we make it to Jimbaran Beach, just in time for an iconic Balinese sunset.
Toris, our guide, has recommended the Ganesha Cafe and we are quickly seated at a table on the beach with views of the sunset. We order drinks and browse the menu, then head inside to inspect the offerings more closely.
Inside there is fresh seafood to choose from. We make a selection of a nice sized fish and some prawns, then also select how they are to be cooked (fried, grilled or steamed) and the type of sauce to have with them (garlic and chili).
We return to our table to sip our beers and watch the sunset. The anticipation of the awaiting crowd electrifies the air. It’s beautiful. With each minute the light changes and seems to be more magical. As the sun sets and it begins to get dark, strings of lights come on along the beach and the scene takes on a whole different atmosphere.
Not long after sunset our meal arrives. It’s served with rice, greens and extra sauces and it’s extra tasty. There is live music and a carnival type atmosphere. We enjoy our meal and order another beer while we kick back to enjoy the string of planes landing at nearby I Gusti Ngurah Rai (Bali) International Airport. We count at least six at a time like a string of lights, lined up ready to land.
As we’re finishing our meal, a group of local children arrive offering a music and dance performance. The six of them are only young but they are pretty good. One boy plays the drums and accompanies two more in the dragon costume. Another three sit in the sand with other instruments, more drums and percussion. The performance lasts for about 5 minutes and we give them a tip afterwards, I suspect they do pretty well from the gig.
There is also a stage at the back of the beach near the restaurant. A lady does a traditional Balinese dance but doesn’t draw as much interest as the children’s performance does.
Once we have finished our meal, we meet Toris back out the front of the restaurant. It’s time to head back to Nusa Dua for the night. Unlike some of the tourists that seem to be just warming up, we have had a big day of sightseeing including: Uluwatu Temple, Luwak Coffee, GWK Cultural Park and a massage at Kalpika Spa. It’s been a great day getting to know Bali a little more.
Good To Know
There is a lot to see and do in Bali other than beer and beaches. However, when sightseeing you’re best to have a guide who know all the local places and can arrange to get you there. We toured with Toris (WhatsApp +62 859-3448-1212).
Would I Return?
Yes.