If you have ever been successful at fishing, you know precisely how delicious fresh fish can be. Once you have had freshly caught fish, nothing else will ever compare.
Most restaurants these days, flash freeze their fish, which never tastes the same. If you are vacationing in Bali and looking to have some fresh fish, the Jimbaran Market is a must-do.
Not only do you get to experience something a little more local and cultural, but you also get to enjoy some of the freshest fish around.
But before you go to the Jimbaran fish market, there are a few things you should know.
Here are the top 10 insider tips to fully enjoy the Jimbaran Fish Market.
10 Tips Jimbaran Fish Market
1. Go With Friends
Jimbaran Fish Market is a great place to go and enjoy some of the freshest fish around.
A big part of the fun is getting to try all the different varieties of fish. The more people you have in your group, the more fish you are able to buy and try out.
Try to get a group of friends to go to the market with you so you are able to try the wide variety of fish they offer.
2. Don’t Wear Nice Shoes
You are going to be walking around a fish market. There is a lot of water on the ground from the melted ice that has been keeping the fish fresh.
Wear shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty and wet. The fish market is great because, unlike other fish markets, you can not smell the fish.
However, the ground is still very wet and you don’t want to ruin nice shoes.
3. Get There Early, But Not Too Early
Unlike other famous fish markets, you don’t need to get there early to enjoy it. This one is best enjoyed around lunchtime.
That way you are able to buy all your fish after the morning catch and have it cooked for you straight away.
Be aware that most locals go around standard lunchtime, so it is a good idea to have an early or late lunch.
If you are an early bird and plan on cooking the fish yourself, the market opens at 6 am.
4. Bring Cash
Like most local markets, they won’t take credit cards. Make sure you bring enough cash with you to get everything you want.
To give you an idea, we paid around 60,000 – 150,000 rupiahs or $5- $10 per kilo which is 2.2 pounds.
Some seafood was more expensive than others, for example, lobster. The last thing you want to happen is to not have enough money for the fish you want, so be sure to bring extra.
5. Get A Variety Of Different Seafood
Part of the fun is being able to try all the locally caught seafood. Don’t just stick to the seafood you have heard of before.
Branch out and try a variety of different things. That is why it is so important to get a good group of friends to go to the market before you go. This way you are all able to share and try more things.
6. Have It Cooked There
Be sure to have it cooked there by a local on their BBQ.
There are also local restaurants nearby where you can take it and also have it cooked for you. But part of the fun in the Jimbaran fish market is getting the local experience, sitting outdoors, and enjoying the freshest seafood around.
We only paid 20,000 rupiahs or $1.50 per kilo to have it barbequed right in front of us with fresh house-made barbeque sauce.
Every local shop there has a slightly different barbeque sauce. Spread your fish around to different shops to give them all a try.
7. Order The Sides
You are going to be eating a lot of fish. It is a good idea to balance it out with some rice and salad.
Order some sides to go along with your fish from where they cook it. It will only set you back around 7,000 rupiahs or $.50
8. BYOB
Bring your own drinks. You won’t have many options there besides Bintang and soda. If you want to enjoy any wine it is always a good idea to bring your own. Don’t worry there are no corkage fees here.
Bali is pretty laid back, the fish market restaurants don’t mind if you bring your own drinks, it is also a gives you more money to spend on fish.
9. Go Hungry
You are going to eat a lot, probably more than you imagine.
It is a good idea to make sure you go when you’re hungry so you can enjoy as much fresh and delicious fish as possible.
10. Bring Your Tupperware
If you want leftovers and are environmentally conscious, then bring your own reusable Tupperware.
They use a lot of single-use plastic at the fish market. If you have your own Tupperware to bring, then you can take anything you don’t finish and you will be doing the environment a favor.
How to Get To Jimbaran Fish Market?
The Market is located on the back street to Jimbaran Beach which is located in between Kuta and South Kuta
The Market is open every day from 6 am – 3 pm
Bali has so much to offer and there is so much to see on the island.
If you are in Bali for an extended period of time, you might want to check out Nusa Penida. Here is a list of the
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