Activities
Uluwatu Temple
Perched on limestone cliffs above the Indian Ocean, this Balinese Hindu temple is one of the most beautiful spots to capture those Bali sunset photos. Sitting on the Southern tip of the Bukit peninsula it’s a short ride from Villa Ayu and offers both exquisite beauty and a fun cultural activity for the family. The colourful Kecak fire dance is performed every night with the story of Hanuman, the monkey god character being told. The area is also home to some cheeky local monkeys who are bound to fascinate children and offer adults comic relief. Just beware of your sunglasses! Uluwatu temple is a fantastic way to finish a day at Uluwatu Beach, which is just down the road.
Jenggala Gallery
For an afternoon well spent, visit Jenggala Gallery and express your inner creativity with the fun and affordable paint a pot programme. You’ll be able to choose from a selection of ceramic plates, cups and bowls of all sizes then given free reign to sketch a design to customise it with. There are iridescent colours and many different glazes to finish your piece exactly as you see fit, then the gallery will fire your creation in their kiln and have it ready for pickup in 4-5 days. A Jenggala gallery piece is the perfect souvenir for your Bali trip and there’s also a delicious cafe on site where you can grab a bite to eat.
The Fish Market
Back in the day, Jimbaran was primarily a fishing village and it still remains a primary source of the finest seafood served in Bali. A visit to the bustling fish markets is a fun and fresh morning activity for both curious cooks and seafood connoisseurs alike. If you come early you’ll see local fisherman unloading their catch from bamboo baskets. With hauls of everything from squid to salmon to mahi-mahi and shellfish, you’ll be spoiled for choice! We suggest you wander through this wet market, check out the fresh catch, barter with the locals and take home a treat to prepare in Villa Ayu’s fully equipped kitchen.
Garuda Wisnu Kencana
This culturally significant site is an open-air park of sorts just a few minutes drive from Villa Ayu. It’s known as GWK by locals and hosts a range of different art events and cultural performances. GWK will eventually be the home to a simply ginormous statue of the Hindu God Vishnu. The statue is the pride of Jimbaran locals and, as it is in pieces, the focus of many different displays throughout the park. Construction began in 1997 and once finished, the monument will be 145 meters high and feature the famously benevolent God riding on the back of a Garuda eagle! Make sure you check GWK online during your stay at Villa Ayu as the Lotus Pond area of the park often hosts world-class gigs. From fashion shows to rock concerts, you may be right on time to catch a show you’ll never forget.
Pandawa Beach
While the reef beyond this beach is well known by surfers it’s also a great place to catch some rays, swim safely and try other sports like paddle boarding or canoeing. Pandawa is surrounded by soaring limestone cliffs and has two main sections to the east and west. There’s a gorgeous stretch of white sandy beach with restaurants, cafes and activity rental. Then another more rocky area with sunbeds and private spaces for couples looking to hide away. The beach was officially opened in 2012 and remains the secret spot of many Villa Ayu guests.