Where To Stay In Uluwatu: Best Beachfront + Clifftop Hotels

Are you looking at all the choices for places to stay in Uluwatu? There are many different beaches to choose from and after having lived in Bali and been there many times over the past decade.

Uluwatu is where most of my favourites beaches in Bali are – no joke! They generally all have white sand, which is not common on the island of Bali, and turquoise blue water, most of which is hardly ever crowded.

Travelling to the Bukit peninsula is all about cliff-top resorts, clubs and restaurants, beautiful views, and stunning hidden beaches. Bukit actually means “hills” in Indonesian, which illustrates the fact that Uluwatu is surrounded by cliffs!

Let’s explore what this beautiful and laid-back peninsula has to offer to help you book the right hotel.

Best Beaches in Uluwatu

Bali's waves welcome surfers with open arms, but not really the swimmers! Still, Uluwatu has a few 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.

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.

West Coast: The busiest area of Uluwatu

• Uluwatu Beach: A 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. The only downside is there are 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, and a beautiful view. Beware of the access via stairs as well as the strong waves!
• Balangan, Bingin, Padang Padang and Dreamland Beach are also great. I talk about them in more detail later on!

South Coast: The secluded side of Uluwatu

• Green Bowl Beach: This small beach is great to go to during low tide, with access through a 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 on this coast that you can access without staying at an ultra-luxury resort. Most of them have their private beaches!

Where Is The Best Area To Stay In Uluwatu?

Now, where is the best place to stay in Uluwatu? Below are my favourite areas (all located on the west side of the peninsular), which is the most lively area of Uluwatu.

Stay Near Balangan Beach: Balangan is a wide beach, with white sand but rough waters. There is lots of space where to hang out, sunbeds, local warungs where to have a drink and a bite to eat. 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 breakfast. A bit more low-key, there is Warung Made 2 serves yummy local food!

Stay Near Dreamland Beach: This seaside area of Uluwatu 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 for local delicacies for a few bucks.

In this neighbourhood, it's all about luxurious villas and classy resorts. Just behind the beach, there is also the New Kuta Golf Course. Otherwise, there are plenty of choices when it comes to bars and restaurants around Dreamland Beach.

Stay Near Bingin Beach: Bingin is a narrow sandy beach that provides privacy, with plenty of restaurants to choose from. Bear in mind that you need to walk down (and then back up!) a lot of stairs to access the beachfront, and that swimming is not easy because of the waves and the reef.

My favourite restaurant on the cliff is Didi's Place which has a beautiful terrace with a view of the ocean and a nice menu with healthy food, plus it's affordable! Towards the village, try the mouth-watering food at The Cashew Tree – they have amazing vegetarian dishes and fresh smoothies! If you feel like eating local, head to the buffet-style Warung Heboh. They serve local food that is super good as well as cheap!

If you like to join a yoga class try the Mu Bungalows, The Temple Lodge and The Cashew Tree. Practicing yoga in Bali is special, don’t miss out. These places also offer great spa treatments!

Stay Near Padang Padang Beach – This is one of the rare Uluwatu 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 where you can have a meal. Padang Padang is not large though and can get a bit crowded. There are lots of umbrellas and sunbeds to rent out. Padang Padang Beach has a number of bars, shops, restaurants, and spas.

Travel Tip: Before going to 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.

The Best Hotels to Stay in Uluwatu

1. Splurge: Best Luxury Accommodation in Uluwatu

Anantara Uluwatu Bali Resort

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 a direct view of 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!

Check availability & best rates

Six Senses Uluwatu

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 an iconic Uluwatu thing!)

Check availability & best rates

Umana Bali Ungasan

This exclusive Bali hotel with a 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 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!

Check availability & best rates

Alila Villas Uluwatu

Alila in Uluwatu will offer you a well-deserved relaxed time. The staff is lovely and attentive and will spoil you!

Have a look at these stunning private villas, with a 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!

Check availability & best rates

Suarga Padang Padang

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 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.

Check availability & best rates

2. Value-for-Money: Best Mid-range Accommodation in Uluwatu

Gravity Boutique Hotel

Another great choice among all the beautiful Uluwatu Bali hotels, this cosy bed and breakfast has stylish bungalows that make you feel like you landed 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”.

Check availability & best rates

Sal Secret Spot

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, Bingin Beach
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!

Check availability & best rates

Le Cliff Bali

A special cliff hotel in Bali that is worth every penny spent! It features 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 sea.

Close to Padang Padang Beach, and 5 minutes away from good restaurants. 

Location: Jalan Labuan Sait, Padang Padang Beach
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 you hear is the 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?

Check availability & best rates

Hideaway Villas Bali

Tucked in the hilly inland of Uluwatu, this resort offers villas with private pools. Each villa has a TV, sunbeds, a seating area with views of the lush untouched forest, bathroom with a bathtub.

Padang Padang Beach is 15 minutes drive.

Location: Jalan Bangbang Bendot, Gang Hideaway, close to Padang Padang Beach
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.

Check availability & best rates

Toraja Bambu Uluwatu

If you’re looking for a place to stay in Uluwatu that has 2 bedrooms with a pool and is super unique, bingo! Away from the main road, these private villas are made of wood following traditional architectural principles, perfect for families!

There is great attention to detail, which is a nice add-on: they all come with full kitchens and some rooms even have a view of the sea.

Location: Padang Padang Hill
Price from: US$130 per night
Sleeps: Two-bedroom villa, up to 4 people
What makes it unique? Sitting on a hill, these boutique villas strike your attention with their unique architectural style.

Check availability & best rates

3. Budget: Best Surf Bungalows & Budget Hostels in Uluwatu

Le Bamboo Bali

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 stay in. Featuring open bathrooms, nice seating areas 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!

Check availability & best rates

Dreamsea Bali

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 included!

Location: Jalan Labuan Sait, close to Impossible Beach
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!

Check availability & best rates

PinkCoco Bali (Adults only)

Almost on Padang Padang Beach, it's a great spot for surfers and people who love funky decor. Joyful and colourful, the rooms are comfy and equipped with AC, an ensuite bathroom, a TV, as well as a terrace.

There is 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 funky decor, lots of space and a great view of the Uluwatu peninsula.

Check availability & best rates

Roots Tree House

This stunning treehouse in a quiet neighbourhood of Uluwatu offers garden views, a restaurant & bar, and a year-round outdoor pool, along with free Wi-Fi and private parking. Enjoy the included à la carte breakfast, concierge services, fully equipped private bathrooms, and unique vibes.

For more Bali treehouse options, also check my article here.

Location: Ungasan, 10-minutes from Melasti Beach
Price from: US$72 per night
Sleeps: Double & family rooms, up to 4 people
What makes it unique? The treehouse vibe is pretty magical and unique!

Check availability & best rates

Bagus Ink Surf Camp

Bagus Ink Surf Camp in Uluwatu is a social place that features free Wi-Fi, a sun terrace with a swimming pool, a garden, and a bar, as well as family rooms and barbecue facilities.

The hostel offers private bathrooms, some rooms come with balconies or mountain views, plus there's free private parking, bike rentals, and billiards.

Location: Jalan Dukan Cakra, close to Padang Padang Beach
Price from: US$33 per night
Sleeps: Double room, up to 2 people
What makes it unique?

Check availability & best rates

Where to Stay in Uluwatu – Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth staying in Uluwatu?

Depending on the area, the beautiful Bali peninsula can feel like a remote, forgotten island or a hotspot where the coolest things are happening. The Bukit peninsula is the right balance between untouched land and touristy areas. You can explore the lush green inland part or all the beachfront spots shared by luxury resorts and casual beach shacks alike. Expect a relaxed atmosphere favourable to a surfing lifestyle and quiet holidays along Uluwatu's beaches.

However, it has started to become more crowded in some spots, such as Padang Padang Beach, and especially around Uluwatu temple.

How Many Days Should I 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 Uluwatu & How to get There?

Uluwatu is the southern peninsula of Bali, often called Bukit, located south of the airport and Jimbaran. 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 hanging out. After you land, a taxi would take about 30 minutes to get to Uluwatu, or more if your hotel sits in the southern part. From Canggu and Seminyak, it takes 1 to 1.5 hours with traffic, even though the road is a four-lane highway and bursting with traffic. Drive a scooter only if you have experience, otherwise, a cab is a safe bet.

How to Get Around Uluwatu?

Uluwatu's peninsula spreads over a few square miles, so moving by foot is not so much an option. Especially because walking paths are not the norm here. There is always the possibility to rent bicycles if you think you can handle the heat and hills. Generally, most people 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 license, but it happens that police stop you on main roads and ask you for an international driving license. If you don't have it, you'll likely get a fine. Other than that, there are plenty of private drivers ready to take you around or you can use the rideshare service GoJek.

What Are Some of The Best Hang Out Spots In Uluwatu?

Enjoy what Uluwatu is best known for: a clifftop restaurant or a fancy beach club. Want to reserve a table on a private beach and enjoy top-class services? Then Sundays Beach Club might be the place for you. Among the most known, Ulu Cliffhouse sits over the 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. Other great spots to check out are El Kabron, Single Fin and oneeighty.

What's Uluwatu Like? Is it Busy?

Uluwatu hosts world-famous surfing breaks, 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 side is busier, notably popular among surfers, and has plenty of cool restaurants, bars and clubs, and relatively lively beaches. But Uluwatu is large enough to provide hidden coves not many know about!

The south side 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 access to the beach.

Where to Stay in Uluwatu – Final Words

Uluwatu covers many tastes and budgets among all the hotspots of this Indonesian island. From low-key affordable stays to luxurious clifftop resorts, it is a well-worth place to stay in Bali.

I highly recommend spending some time in Uluwatu during your travels as it still mostly 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.