While the majority of Bali is pretty much where Aussies come to get high or pick up hookers, or western women looking for an Eat, Pray, Love deliverance moment, there are some gems, which to an extent includes Uluwatu.
This is because while it is for the most part very pretentiously Bali, it is less wanky than Seminyak, has fewer horny Aussies than the Gili Islands, and a fraction of the Denpasar hookers. Therefore it is one of the best places in Bali.
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What the Uluwatu?
Uluwatu is a district at the southern tip of Bali, famous for its dramatic cliffs, surf breaks, and a handful of temples clinging to rocks above the ocean. Population is mostly local Balinese with a smattering of expats and digital nomads who have decided they can tolerate the heat and mosquitoes for the views. It started off as a sleepy fishing village but over the past twenty years it has been slowly gentrified by surfers and the Bali “beatnik” crowd. T
he vibe is much more laid-back than Kuta or Seminyak, with people in boardshorts and bikinis riding scooters along cliffside roads, surfboards strapped to the back. Geographically it is hilly, with beaches tucked into coves and cliffs dropping straight into the Indian Ocean. Expect monkeys stealing sunglasses, rice paddies on the way up to the main road, and the constant smell of incense from local temples. It is Bali but more wanky, but less hectic.
What to do in Uluwatu
From beaches such as Padang Padang, it would seem that the main things to do in Uluwatu are surfing, looking good in a bikini, driving a scooter with your lay on the back, or “finding yourself”. Oh, and there’s monkeys and temples too.
- Padang Padang Beach – small white sand beach popular with surfers and, IG lovers and small bikinis. Famous for a shallow reef break, as well as filming part of Eat, Pray, Quiff
- Uluwatu Temple – cliffside temple with panoramic ocean views and resident monkeys. Must-see at sunset. Has monkeys.
- Bingin Beach – more secluded surf spot with laid-back cafes.
- Suluban Beach – cave-access beach for experienced surfers.
- Dreamland Beach – big sandy beach, waves for beginners, busy on weekends.
- Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park – massive statue and cultural exhibitions.
- Single Fin Bar – cliff-top bar with sunset drinks and a party vibe on weekends.
- Padang Padang Steps – photo spot for jumping shots and cliff views.
- Karma Beach – private beach club, sunbeds, and snorkelling.
- Monkey Forests near Uluwatu – smaller than Ubud, but worth a short detour for the monkeys.
Where to eat and drink in Uluwatu
As a place with such a beatnik crowd you will find lots of extremely overpriced restaurants and bars, many of which are vegan friendly. You will also find drinking holes where white men with dreadlocks are destroying Redemption Song. Not slating the place, just being honest.
- Single Fin – iconic cliff‑top bar and restaurant. Instagram, Linktree, Phone: +62 859‑5895‑1520
- El Kabron – Spanish clifftop beach club and restaurant. Instagram. Phone: see Instagram Yoursay.id
- Warung Bejana – local cheap eats close to Bingin Beach. Instagram, Phone: +62 813‑3858‑1282 (as listed locally) Yoursay.id
- The Cashew Tree – healthy garden café near Bingin. Instagram, Phone: +62 812‑3778‑2323 readysteadybackpack.com
- Omnia / Savaya – big cliff party and dayclub (formerly Omnia). Instagram, Phone via Instagram The Stay Berawa
- Drifter Surf Shop & Café – surf shop with coffee and snacks. Instagram, Phone: +62 813‑3875‑1124 The Stay Berawa
- La Baracca Bali – Italian food in Uluwatu. Instagram, Phone: +62 812‑3747‑2211 The Stay Berawa
- Bukit Cafe – cheap breakfast and pancakes close to the surf. Instagram, Phone: +62 812‑3938‑3321 The Stay Berawa
- Ulu Cliffhouse – stylish beach club and restaurant. Instagram, Website, Phone: +62 813‑3881‑2502 Yoursay.id
- Blue Point Bay Villas Bar – chill cliffside drinks. Instagram, Phone: +62 811‑3855‑0099 The Stay Berawa
Sleeping in Uluwatu Guide
One of the saving graces of this place are that the accommodation options are both varied and cheap. I personally got a great AirBnB called Canna Uluwatu that had a small private pool and set me back 450,000 IDR ($30).
Many of these are also set in villages or a bit in the jungle which makes them quite serene and reminded me a little of Yangshuo. You will though need to be able to ride a bike if you come here.
- Canna Uluwatu – AirBnB, small private pool, $30 / 450,000 IDR, simple but clean.
- Bingin Beach Hostel – dorms and private rooms, $15–$50 / 225,000–750,000 IDR, surf community vibe.
- Karma Kandara – luxury resort, $350+ / 5,250,000 IDR, cliff-top with infinity pools.
- The Edge Bali – high-end villas, $500+ / 7,500,000 IDR, insane ocean views.
- Padang Padang Surf Camp – basic bungalows, $25–$60 / 375,000–900,000 IDR, close to beach.
Overall
As you might have sussed Bali is not exactly my bag, baby, but in actuality Uluwatu was actually pretty good, at least compared to Seminyak or North Kuta.
Definitely worth it for a few days if you need serenity rather than a party.
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