a few days in Uluwatu
Uluwatu is located in the south of Bali. It is more laid back and upper class than Canggu with high end beach clubs and spas, surfer spots, coffees and restaurants. When you go to Uluwatu, it feels like there is a bit more space between everything. Uluwatu is elevated, so expect some ups and downs while driving, as well as stunning viewpoints from the top of the hills.
How to get around in Uluwatu:
Again, a scooter is the best way to get around, whether you drive your own or use Gojek/Grab. In Uluwatu itself it can be recommended to take a car, but from the moment you leave the main area traffic becomes intense.
Where to stay in uluwatu
The center of Uluwatu is probably the most strategic place to stay, but it can get very expensive (Uluwatu’s accommodation are the most expensive). Also, all the interesting places to visit in Uluwatu are spread around the overall area so you can consider staying in a more remote location (but still very close!).
Neighborhoods: Petjatu, Ungasan, Uluwatu
To be honest, I cannot really recommend any hostels as most of them do not have curtains (which is a must for me). Take a look at The Tempekan Heritage hotel if you like small bungalows and outdoor showers. I do not recommend their restaurant, unless you really want to have room service or are lazy to go out.
You can rent a scooter for 100.000 IDR/day
Top food, coffee, and brunch spots in Uluwatu
$ = 1-5 euros / $$ = 5 - 10 euros / $$$ = 10 and above (Dish only)
Top brunch spots in Uluwatu for digital nomads:
Ulu Artisan - $$ - Cutest spot I’ve been to. The food was really good, well presented in a nice atmosphere.
I recommend the Baba toast and the Matcha Latte 😋
Three steps - $/$$ - Located right next to the Uluwatu Temple, it has a cozy atmosphere and the food is good! The only small remark is that the food can take some time to arrive.
I recommend the Pumpkin soup and the rainbow bowl with an extra egg
Suka Espresso - $$ - I have not been there BUT there is always a massive queue so I recon it must be good!
Top coffee Spots in Uluwatu:
BGS or the cool coffee spot where everyone goes after a surf session to relax around a good cup of coffee and delicious pastries (they have the best chocolate banana muffin!). It is located inside a shop that sells cool sunglasses and surf t-shirts
Son of a Baker - I have never been there but I regret it because it looks amazing and the reviews on Google translate that impression!
Top restaurants in Uluwatu:
Local
On Melasti beach - $ - The only local place that accepts cards, after White rock beach club. You will get a very simple menu with relatively simple but good food.
Warung local - $ - (you have the same in Canggu) this restaurant serves food in a very convenient way as you may select what you want on your plate. It is good, but if you want traditional Balinese food you might as well eat in a typical restaurant rather than this one which is slightly made for tourists.
Bali Buda - $/$$- Bali Buda is also in Canggu and Ubud. It is a shop that sells healthy foods and natural products that also features a restaurant. The more simple stuff are the best
I recommend taking the lentils soup with extra rice and an egg, so good! And for breakfast, the banana bread with peanut butter and passion fruit jam, excellent! The shop itself offers a lot of in bulk quality items, i recommend you try the pastries
International
Divino - $$ - Divino is an Italian restaurant and I really have to say that it was delicious. I am very picky with the cooking of the pasta and they were al dente as they are supposed to be. My friend had a calzone and it was also very tasty. The only downside is the music, so loud and a bit stressful.
Ulu Cliff house - $$$ - NOT for the food, but for the cocktails and the view! I recommend having the Kelapa & raspberry Daiquiry IN-CR-ED-IB-LE
WHAT TO DO IN ULUWATU:
#1 Uluwatu Temple - This temple is located on Uluwatu’s cliff and is surrounded by a lot of nature. It is a beautiful 45 minutes walk if you take your time. See more here
#2 Spend a day discovering the beaches - Check below for the beaches recommendations
#3 Surf as much as you can if you are a surf adept
#4 Ride your scooter up and down the hills and enjoy the views
#5 Treat yourself at a Spa - I recommend going to Our Spa or Spring Spa
#6 Going for a drink at Single Finn to watch the view and surfers riding big waves
Sports in Uluwatu:
Where to workout in Uluwatu
JAYA gym Uluwatu: Nothing fancy here, but they have what you need for a complete workout. Daily fee: 30,000IDR CASH ONLY
For padle enthusiasts
You can go to Island padle Uluwatu. 60 min is 130.000 IDR/person and 90 min is 195.000 IDR/person
Best surf spots in Uluwatu
Uluwatu is not for beginners. You can surf from Dreamland down to Suluban beach. There are probably other beaches on the East coast but I have not been there so I encourage you to check for yourself
Beaches in Uluwatu
The beaches in Uluwatu are, in my opinion, the most beautiful of the island (especially compared to the west coast)
#1 Melasti Beach - A very long coastline with easy access to the water and a beautiful mix between sea, sand and cliffs. It is a pleasure to swim there. There are many sun beds and umbrellas to protect yourself from the sun as well as little local restaurants. You’ll also find beach clubs for those who prefer having a view from above.
Don’t forget your cash!
Entry fee: 10.000 IDR/person and 2.000 IDR/scooter
#2 Suluban - Suluban has nothing to do with Melasti, it is a small, hidden beach surrounded by rocks. It feels a bit like if you were entering a cave. You have to go down some stairs before you arrive. I recommend you crawl under the rocks to get to an area of the beach where less people are)
Parking fee: 2.000 IDR for a scooter
#3 Padang Padang - Although it can get a bit dirty, Padang Padang remains iconic for the movie Eat Pray Love with Julia Roberts was shot there. You can rent an umbrella but be careful to arrive there early as they may already all be taken otherwise.
BEWARE OF THE MONKEYS 🙊
Entrance fee: 15.000 IDR/person
#4 Dreamland beach - Another beach where you can relax on sun beds if you want to. There is a long coastline but the sea can be very rough so be careful of the waves and current. There is a restaurant there too if you get hungry.
Entrance fee: 10.000 IDR/ person
N.B: There are many other beaches but I have not had the time to go, I really recommend you check on Google maps for all the other beaches and discover for yourself the beautiful other places Uluwatu has to offer.
Going out in Uluwatu
Uluwatu does not have a big party scenery compared to Canggu and places close quite early. I recommend going to
Savaya beach Club for sunset and some drinks.
Hatch - If you want to dance until the early morning hours
N.B. Check the entrance fees for each beach club. It changes from if there is a special event or not and sometimes you need to pay a minimum (often not under 500.000 IDR per person).
N.B. in the beach clubs in Uluwatu taxes and governmental fees can be as high as 21%.