We absolutely loved the surfing and beach vibes of the Uluwatu area in southern Bali. Uluwatu comprises the south-western area of the Bukit Peninsula in the south of Bali. It is a surfer’s haven, with many white beaches and rolling hills. We found Uluwatu to be quieter than the tourist hubs of Kuta and Seminyak, as the area is spread out, but still held a vibrant feel.
How to Get to Uluwatu
Where to Stay in Uluwatu
How to Get Around Uluwatu
What to do in Uluwatu
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HOW TO GET TO ULUWATU
We arrived in Uluwatu after our boat back from Nusa Penida to Sanur, and haggled a taxi to our accommodation, which took about an hour’s drive. As Uluwatu is so big it depends on where you are staying as to how long it will take to get there, but from most popular destinations it is a half hour to an hour’s drive.
Grab/Taxi for 150-200K ($15 AUD) for an hour’s drive
WHERE TO STAY IN ULUWATU
There are many areas to stay around Uluwatu, but the south-western coast of the peninsula has the best access to restaurants, cafes, bars and all the sights. We have created a list of sustainable accommodation options in Uluwatu, check them out below.
Alila Villas – These luxurious villas are committed to social, cultural and environmental responsibilities. They have a range of facilities and activities to help you enjoy your Uluwatu getaway. FIND OUT MORE HERE.
Suarga Sustainable Boutique Resort – Opting to stay in small boutique hotels, villas or homestays over a large hotel or resort chains, means you are supporting the local economy. Suarga Boutique Resort is consciously designed to blend modern luxury with a minimal impact on the environment. FIND OUT MORE HERE.
WIRA Homestay and Spa– If you are on a budget, then choose to stay in locally-run homestays, that way you know your money is going straight back into the local community. Homestays are an affordable option, and offer an authentic experience with a local family. Wira Homestay is the best rated homestay in Uluwatu. FIND OUT MORE HERE.
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HOW TO GET AROUND ULUWATU
Scooter
We hired a scooter from our accommodation for 60K IDR ($6 AUD) per day. Scooter hire in Uluwatu ranges from 50-60K IDR ($5-6 AUD) per day. We found the roads very pleasant to drive on (probably because we had just returned from Nusa Penida). Most of our drives were spent on tucked away, bitumised tracks with lush greenery hugging each side. Bree even began riding the scooter here. The main traffic being cows and dogs when not on the main roads.
FIND OUR MORE ABOUT NUSA PENIDA: Ultimate Nusa Penida Bucketlist.
Driver
If you aren’t confident in riding a scooter, then hiring a driver in Bali is super easy and the average cost for a car per day is 500-700K IDR ($50-70 AUD).
Book your Bali Driver below.
Grab
We also found the Grab app to be super useful to book a ride from A to B. It is like the Uber of Asia! You can also use Grab to gauge how much you should spend on a taxi ride before haggling.
WHAT TO DO IN ULUWATU
BEACH HOPPING
It is not a visit to Uluwatu unless you enjoy some beach hopping. Our favourite beach spots were Melasti Beach, Green Bowl Beach and Suluban Cave. We have written a whole separate blog about the best beaches in and around the Uluwatu area that you can check out here.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE BEST BEACHES IN ULUWATU
SUNDAY SESH AT SINGLE FIN
Single Fin is the place to be on a Sunday. A dip in the pool with a view, or a meal overlooking the water – no wonder Single Fin is the most popular bar and restaurant in Uluwatu. We ordered pumpkin popcorn from the sharing menu and a Margherita Pizza for dinner and it didn’t disappoint.
Cost for parking – 10K IDR ($1 AUD)
ULUWATU CLIFF TEMPLE
Uluwatu Cliff Temple is a huge area to walk around along the cliff side, through the green jungle-like forest, dodging monkeys and up the stairs to the temple itself. It covers a huge area and has one of the best views in Uluwatu. If you’re up for some walking and culture, then Uluwatu Cliff Temple should be on your list. Just be careful of the monkeys, and don’t have jewellery, hats, sunglasses, or water bottles on you for the monkeys to easily grab. We saw a lady lose her whole bag to a monkey, who then ventured down the cliff side.
Cost for parking – 1,000 IDR (10c AUD)
Entrance ticket and sarong – 30,000 IDR ($3 AUD)
SPEND THE DAY AT A BEACH CLUB
For a quick trip to Bali, one must enjoy the luxuries of some of the best and biggest beach clubs. Uluwatu has a few on offer. If you are wanting a private beach to spend the day at, then check our Sundays Beach Club or Karma Beach Club. Or for an incredible pool and clifftop views check out OMNIA Beach Club.
KARANG BOMA CLIFF
Located between Uluwatu Cliff Temple and Nyang Nyang Beach is Karang Boma Cliff, a hidden secret. Just dodge the cow droppings on your walk there and you will arrive at Karang Boma Cliff, a tiny outlet overlooking a cliff and perfectly situated to watch the sunset. We got the drone out here and had a walk around. If you are looking for a view point with no people, then this is your spot!
Cost for parking – 10K IDR ($1 AUD)
SMOOTHIE BOWL AT NALU BOWLS
We were addicted to smoothie bowls in Bali, and when we drove past Nalu Bowls in Uluwatu we were so excited that we could get our smoothie bowl and juice fix in the mornings. Nalu Bowls also have stores in Canggu and Seminyak and their menu comprises of the best smoothie bowls in Bali, fresh juices, coffee and tea.
Smoothie bowl – 60K-90K IDR ($6-$9 AUD)
Save yourself the trouble and book an Uluwatu tour below.
FINAL NOTE
Overall, Uluwatu is an amazing area to visit in Bali, and the white sand beaches make it a perfect location for a beach hopping day. If you are tired of the craziness of Kuta and Seminyak, but still want the relaxed vibes of surf beaches, then Uluwatu is your location!
Check out our Uluwatu video below and subscribe to our YouTube Channel.
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