Overwhelmed by all the places where to stay in Uluwatu?
Let’s explore together what this beautiful and laid back peninsula has to offer!
Table of Contents
- Where is Uluwatu?
- Is it worth staying in Uluwatu?
- Best Beaches in Uluwatu
- Best Hang Out Spots In Uluwatu
- Best Things To Do In Uluwatu
- How Many Nights To Stay In Uluwatu?
- Where Is The Best Area To Stay In Uluwatu?
- How to get around Uluwatu?
- The best hotels to stay in Uluwatu
- Luxury Accommodation in Uluwatu
- Mid-range Accommodation in Uluwatu
- Simple Surf & Budget Hostels in Uluwatu
Where is Uluwatu?
Uluwatu is the southern peninsula of Bali, often called Bukit, located below the airport and Jimbaran.
To give you an idea, you can count at least 40 minutes drive from the west coast to the east.
After you land, a taxi would take an average of about 30 minutes to get to Uluwatu, or more if your hotel sits in the southern part.
From Canggu, no more than one hour, even though the road is rather unpleasant: a four lanes highway bursting with traffic. Drive a two-wheels only if you have the experience, otherwise, a cab is your safe bet.
Bukit actually means “hills” in Indonesian, which illustrates the fact that Uluwatu is surrounded by cliffs!
Travelling to the Bukit peninsula is all about cliff top resorts, clubs and restaurants, beautiful views, stunning hidden beaches – for which you’ll need to go down heaps of stairs to deserve your slice of paradise for the day.
Uluwatu hosts world-famous surfing breaks, and so, it’s truly a surfers’ paradise. But not only! Indeed, it’s very diverse depending on where you are and what you’re looking for.
The west is busier, notably popular among surfers, and has plenty of cool restaurants, bars and clubs, and relatively lively beaches. But Uluwatu is wild and large enough to provide hidden coves no one knows about!
The south is more about upscale stays, while the east, Nusa Dua district, has the most luxurious resorts you can think of – the Ritz-Carlton and the Marriott. And so, this area has mainly private accesses to the beach.
Uluwatu is a great location if you don’t want to be too far from the airport, near the ocean, and have plenty of choices when it comes to hangout.
Is it worth staying in Uluwatu?
Uluwatu is diverse enough to offer something unique to everyone.
Depending on area, the beautiful peninsula can feel like a remote, forgotten island or a hotspot where the coolest things are happening.
You can explore the lush green inland part or all the beachfront spots shared by luxury resorts and casual beach shacks alike.
The Bukit peninsula is the right balance between untouched land and touristy area.
Expect to encounter a relaxed atmosphere favourable to a surfing lifestyle and quiet holidays along Uluwatu's beaches.
However, it starts being a bit crowded in some touristic spots, such as Padang Padang beach, and especially around Uluwatu temple.
Best Beaches in Uluwatu
Uluwatu is where most of my favourites beaches in Bali are – no jokes!
They generally all have white sand, which is not common on the island of Bali, and turquoise blue water, most of which is never crowded.
Bali's waves welcome surfers with open arms, but not really the swimmers!
The great thing is that Uluwatu has beaches where you can relax in the water without fearing being taken away by the current.
My advice: head to Padang Padang, Uluwatu beach, and Geger beach.
If you're a surfer looking to escape Canggu and Kuta‘s crowds, Uluwatu is definitely your place. You will encounter few people in the water, contrarily to Batu Bolong where you need to fight for a wave.
Be aware that Uluwatu is a peninsula surrounded by cliffs. It has unique viewpoints overlooking the ocean, which also implies that you need to go down many stairs to get to some beaches.
Let me talk you through the different choices you have in terms of beaches worth a visit.
West Coast: The busiest area of Uluwatu
Uluwatu beach: cove shaped beach suitable for surfing, although pretty rocky. You can access it from clifftop restaurants (some with pools), and going down a staircase.
Suluban beach: once again, a cove shaped beach perfect for surfing, and hanging out on sunbeds. Only downside: heaps of stairs to access it! On the cliff sits the Single Fin bar & restaurant, shops, cafes, and massage services.
Impossible beach: a hidden spot for sunbathing, surfing, a beautiful view. Beware of the access via stairs as well as the strong waves!
Balangan, Bingin, Padang Padang and Dreamland beaches are also great. I talk about them in more details later on.
South Coast: The secluded side of Uluwatu
Green Bowl beach: small beach to go during low tide, with access through staircase also.
Melasti beach: a rather unknown spot suitable for swimming, with white sand and crystal clear water, along with public toilets.
Nyang Nyang Beach: a long stretch of white sand, very secluded, not great for swimming and no facilities for food.
East Coast: The luxury district of Uluwatu
Geger Beach: one of the only beaches of this coast that you can access without staying at an ultra-luxury resort. Most of them have their private beaches!
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Best Hang Out Spots In Uluwatu
After a day at the beach, you can savour what Uluwatu is best known for: a clifftop restaurant or a fancy beach club? What’s your pick?
How about reserving a table on a private beach and enjoy top-class services? Then Sundays Beach Club might be the thing for you.
Among the most known, Ulu Cliffhouse dominates over a majestic ocean cliff offering sunbeds, a pool and a restaurant, with music all day.
If you're in the mood for a more casual type of atmosphere and excellent quality-price service, go to Sunset point Uluwatu.
It's a bar as well as a warung (Indonesian word to indicate a local restaurant) where to enjoy epic sunsets sitting on bean bags, or drinking a fresh coconut in the pool.
Best Things To Do In Uluwatu
If you’re hungry for culture and wanting to learn more about Bali, you can visit the Luhur Uluwatu temple where they organise kecak fire dances every day from 6 pm.
Beware of monkeys, they're incredibly talented pickpockets.
Uluwatu is very close to Jimbaran, where the biggest local fish market regularly takes place. If you like to mingle with the Balinese, have some grilled fish there while enjoying the sunset!
And when you need to pamper yourself, just ask your hotel to advice you a good nail bar, a massage parlour, or even a hair salon. Uluwatu has it all!
To end the day, party enthusiasts can head to Hatch or Omnia, and even to Single Fin. Expect international guest DJs, and late-night guaranteed!
How Many Nights To Stay In Uluwatu?
From any destination in the south such as Canggu, Kuta, Seminyak, Legian and even Sanur, a day trip to Uluwatu takes about one-hour maximum.
But as Uluwatu is a really nice area, I would definitely stay at least three days – up to a week easily!
On the other hand, if you feel like spending just a day, be assured you won’t be disappointed.
Where Is The Best Area To Stay In Uluwatu?
Now, where to stay in Uluwatu? Here are a few districts located on the west side, which is the most dynamic one of the whole peninsula.
From north to south:
Stay Around Balangan Beach
Balangan is a wide beach, with white sand and rough waters. There is lots of space where to hang out, sunbeds, warungs where to have a drink and a bite. It is suitable for surfing, but not so much for swimming because of the strong current.
Further away from the beachfront area, there are plenty of restaurants and bars. I really like the one called The Alchemist, which has beautiful decor, an excellent menu and a French bakery! Try the croissants for breakie. A bit more low key, there is Warung Made 2 that serves yummy local food!
Stay Around Dreamland Beach
This seaside area is perfect for surfers because of the strong waves, as well as for sunbathing lovers who will have plenty of sunbeds to choose from. When it's food o’clock, head to the warung on the beach to feast on local delicacies for a few bucks.
In this neighbourhood, it's very much about luxurious villas and classy resorts. Just behind the beach, there is the New Kuta Golf course, if you feel like refreshing your drive moves. Otherwise, there is plenty of choices when it comes to bars and restaurants.
Stay Around Bingin Beach
Oh Bingin! So many good things about this area. The beach is truly a beautiful one, with vibes reminiscing of the Greek island Santorini. Think white hotels and restaurants hanging off dramatic cliffs and turquoise blue water. It's suitable for surfing, including first-timers. There is a school right on the beach that will help you get started.
Bear in mind that you need to go down (and then back up!) a lot of stairs to access the shore, and that swimming is not an easy one because of the waves and the reef.
Bingin is a narrow sandy beach that provides privacy, with plenty of restaurants to choose from.
My favourite restaurant on the cliff is Didi's. They have a beautiful terrace with a view of the ocean, a really nice menu with healthy food – and affordable!
Towards the village, try at least once the Cashew Tree's mouth-watering food: amazing vegetarian dishes and fresh smoothies!
If you feel like going local, head to the buffet-style warung Heboh.
They serve local food that is super good as well as cheap!
Don't forget to keep fit during your holiday! Regular yoga classes are happening at the Mu, Temple Lodge and the Cashew Tree. Practising yoga in Bali is special, don’t miss out.
In terms of spa treatments, you can find many centres scattered around the peninsula. In this area, I heard of Mick's Place, Acacia, Mu, and Temple Lodge, all of them with great reviews.
Stay Around Padang Padang Beach
This is one of the rare beaches where you can easily swim without worrying about the current. It's also great for surfers, easily accessible, and has public toilets, as well as warungs when it comes to have a meal.
Padang Padang is not large though and can get a bit crowded. Oh well, we can't get it all, right?
There are lots of umbrellas and sunbeds to rent out. In the area, there is a fair number of bars, shops, restaurants, and spas.
A bit more south on the coast, that's where you will find Ulu Cliffhouse as well as Single Fin – great to hang out any evening of the week.
Note: just before going on the beach, locals will sometimes ask you to pay an entrance fee. Even though it is a public space, it helps them to get money for the community.
How to get around Uluwatu?
Uluwatu peninsula spreads over a few square miles, so moving by foot is not so much an option. Especially because walking paths are not really the norm here.
There is always the possibility to rent bicycles, if you think you can handle the heat. Generally, tourists rent scooters – but make sure you feel comfortable with this way of transportation.
Just so you know, scooter rental owners won't ask you if you have a licence, but it happens that police stops you on main roads and ask you an international driving licence. If you don't have it, you'll get a fine.
Other than that, there are plenty of lovely drivers ready to take you around. If you stay with the same for the length of your stay, maybe he can give you a good price!
Let’s look at these Uluwatu hotels, so you can have an idea of what could best fit your travel plans!
Note: Rates tend to fluctuate often according to the seasons. I recommend you to double-check prices on booking.com. If you’re lucky, you will land some great discounts too!
The best hotels to stay in Uluwatu
Luxury Accommodation in Uluwatu
This luxury Uluwatu resort sits on an incredible cliff, and will provide your daily dose of natural beauty.
Check out their stylish infinity pool with direct view on the ocean.
It's located next to three great beaches: Pantai Penutih, Padang Padang or Bingin. Get the free shuttle to Padang Padang, it will make your life easier.
Location: Jalan Pemutih, Labuan Sait
Price from: US$376 per night
Sleeps: Three bedroom villa, up to 6 people
What makes it unique? There is a bar sitting on a cliff that is considered a must do!
The incredible resort Six Senses in Uluwatu has modern rooms with outdoor decks from which to contemplate the view.
Set on the south coast of the peninsula, it's a place for anyone looking for a secluded experience.
Succumb to some me time in the hot bathtub, or the infinite pool!
Location: Jalan Goa Lempeh
Price from: US$448 per night
Sleeps: Four-bedroom villa, up to 8 people
What makes it unique? This resort also sits on a cliff (if you haven't noticed, that's a Uluwatu thing!)
This exclusive Bali hotel with private beach will blow your mind.
Rent a highly secluded villa, spacious and modern, on the south coast of the Bukit Peninsula.
There is a spa, a very delicious buffet breakfast, and a restaurant in which artistic performances are happening regularly.
Location: Jalan Melasti
Price from: US$780 per night
Sleeps: Three-bedroom villa, up to 6 people
What makes it unique? In case if you’re bored of the private beach (is that even possible?), enjoy your private pool in the villa or the infinity pool of the resort!
Alila in Uluwatu will offer you a well-deserved relaxed time.
Previous guests insist on the fact that the lovely and attentive staff has literally spoilt them.
Have a look to these stunning private villas, with pool overlooking the ocean, gym and spa facilities.
Location: Jalan Belimbing Sari
Price from: US$645 per night
Sleeps: Three-bedroom villa, up to 6 people
What makes it unique? You can also enjoy activities organised for guests only, an art gallery displaying Indonesian work from local artists, as well as a library. You won’t get bored!
This accommodation in Uluwatu is a special one!
The sustainable boutique resort combines modern technology and traditional tropical architecture. They built an open-air bamboo structure that creates breezy spaces conformable for guests.
The out of this world architecture, the beautiful pool (and the private ones!), along with the view, will put you in awe.
Close to popular beaches such as Padang Padang or Bingin, cafes and restaurants, you will be able to move around pretty easily.
Location: Labuan Sait
Price from: US$350 per night
Sleeps: Four-bedroom villa, up to 8 people
What makes it unique? Their sustainability touch! As they used mainly local materials to build the resort.
Mid-range Accommodation in Uluwatu
Another great choice among all the beautiful Uluwatu Bali hotels!
This cosy bed and breakfast has stylish bungalows that make you feel right away in a white tropical paradise. I particularly love the boho style decoration.
As it's a bit more inland of Uluwatu, you will need to rent a scooter or get a taxi to go to the beach – 5 minutes drive only.
Location: Jalan Labuan Sait Gravity
Price from: US$100 per night
Sleeps: One-bedroom bungalow, up to 4 people
What makes it unique? The tropical look of the resort: local architecture and thatched roofs, locally called “alang alang”.
This accommodation near Bingin Beach (5 minutes walk only!) features double rooms and suites, including some with a view of the ocean.
Each bedroom has AC, a TV, a terrace and a private bathroom, as well as a shared outdoor pool and a restaurant.
Location: Jalan Pantai Bingin
Price from: US$75 per night
Sleeps: Three-bedroom apartment, up to 6 people
What makes it unique? Another one of my favourite because of its boho chic decoration!
A special cliff hotel in Bali that is worth every penny spent!
It features double rooms with an exclusive view of the ocean. Each room has a terrace, an en suite bathroom, AC, while some have a special hammock in which you're basically hanging in the air, facing the wild sea.
Close to Padang Padang beach, and 5 minutes away from good restaurants.
Location: Jalan Labuan Sait
Price from: US$132 per night
Sleeps: Double room, up to 2 people
What makes it unique? This hotel is literally on the beach, so close that all your hear is waves… You will rarely experience such proximity to the ocean while being nice and comfy in your room. That's a real tropical holiday, right?
Tucked in the mountains of inland Uluwatu, this resort offers villas with private pools.
Each house has a TV, sunbeds, a seating area with view of the lush untouched forest, bathroom with bathtub.
Padang Padang beach is 15 minutes drive.
Location: Jalan Bangbang Bendot, Gang Hideaway
Price from: US$142 per night
Sleeps: Two-bedroom villa, up to 4 people
What makes it unique? This modern design resort has something of a futuristic decor.
You’re looking for a place where to stay in Uluwatu that has a pool, a yoga studio, a healthy food cafe, and unique accommodations?
Bingo! Away from the main road, these private bungalows are made in wood following the traditional architecture principles.
There is great attention to detail, which is a nice add-on: homemade soaps will be at your disposal, a saltwater pool, beautiful and intricate bamboo structures that host the restaurant and the lounge area.
Location: Padang Padang hill
Price from: US$130 per night
Sleeps: Two-bedroom bungalow, up to 4 people
What makes it unique? Sitting on a hill, this boutique hotel strikes your attention with its unique Balinese architecture style of housing.
Simple Surf & Budget Hostels in Uluwatu
Pen down this one in the best places to stay in Uluwatu.
Located on the west coast, these unique bamboo and thatched roof houses are special to live in: open bathrooms, really nice seating areas where to hang out, and a beautiful infinity pool!
Location: Jalan Labuan Sait 31
Price from: US$94 per night
Sleeps: Three-bedroom villa, up to 6 people
What makes it unique? There is a fantastic vegan restaurant on-site!
Between Padang Padang and Impossible Beach, Dreamsea resort features lovely double rooms with boho chic decor.
Each room has a balcony overlooking the ocean that provides the privacy and quietness you always dreamt of for your holiday.
Breakfast is also included!
Location: Jalan Labuan Sait
Price from: US$87 per night
Sleeps: Double room, up to 2 people
What makes it unique? The resort offers a magical location directly on the beach!
These Uluwatu surf villas are traditional Indonesian bungalows, offering privacy and a great view of the ocean.
There is a shared pool, plenty of spaces where to chill, and breakfast and dinner are included.
Located 2km away from Padang Padang beach, this is a perfect getaway for surfers and social folks.
Location: Jalan Labuan Sait
Price from: US$42 per night
Sleeps: Double room, up to 2 people
What makes it unique? The surf camp vibe: there is a laid back atmosphere, and the meals included bring everyone together. If you are looking for some social time, book now!
Almost on Padang Padang beach, it's a great spot for surfers and people who love funky vibes.
Joyful and colourful, the rooms are comfy and equipped with AC, an ensuite bathroom, a TV, as well as a terrace.
There are a beautiful pool and an excellent Italian restaurant on site.
Location: Jalan Melasti Labuan Sait, Padang Padang Beach
Price from: US$40 per night
Sleeps: Double room, up to 2 people
What makes it unique? The rooftop suite is pretty cool! It has this funky decor, lots of space and a great view on Uluwatu peninsula.
One of the best hotels in Uluwatu if you’re looking for a beachfront location and complete independence!
Two-storey bungalow in bamboo, with two bedrooms, a terrace, a private bathroom, and last but not least: a priceless view on the ocean.
You just need to go down the stairs and you're already walking on the beach.
Location: Jalan Pantai Bingin
Price from: US$63 per night
Sleeps: Two-bedroom bungalow, up to 4 people
What makes it unique? It’s a beachfront bungalow. During the night, you can hear only the waves and truly feel them. A must do in your life!
Uluwatu covers everyone's taste and budget among all the hotspots of this Indonesian island.
From low-key affordable sleeps to pricey but well-worth-it experiences, passing through everything else in between.
I highly recommend spending some time in Uluwatu during your travels before it becomes too mainstream, as it still manages to survive the crowds of Bali. Its world-class surfing and stunning sunset views set the bar high.
Furthermore, it's a breeze for those staying in Singapore to fly to Bali and reach the Bukit Peninsula within just a few hours.
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