Bali has been dubbed the most popular destination in the world, according to TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards of 2022. There are, of course, many reasons why many travelers love Bali, like the numerous exotic and breathtaking beaches, the friendly tropical climate, and certainly the Hindu subtlety and traditional Balinese culture which fill the air.
There are various places to visit on this Island of Gods. If you are looking for lively clubs or entertaining cafes, Seminyak would be the answer. However, if you and your couple or families are looking for some serene and peaceful places to have a perfect getaway, then Uluwatu is an ideal choice.
In this southwestern tip of the Bukit Peninsula of Bali, your eyes will be spoiled with lots of green and beautiful neighborhoods. So if you think Uluwatu is the place you are looking for, search nowhere because here, you’re going to get the ultimate Uluwatu travel guide.
Must-Visit Tourism Spots
Balangan Beach
Our first Uluwatu travel guide will take you to Balangan beach. This beach is located on the island’s southwest coast, offering a soft white-sand beach and a quiet environment. This beach is also pretty popular among surfers. Here, you will also get to view the best sunset sight ever.
1. What to Do
There are several exciting activities you can enjoy while on Balangan beach. You can capture astonishing photos at its popular viewpoints, the rugged cliff where you can view the blue-green beach, and the beautiful sunset like no other. Locals also rent big colorful umbrellas and sunbeds for tourists to relax. You can also talk with the friendly locals while enjoying refreshing coconut water.
The next one is surfing. Balangan offers the biggest surf breaks making. That is why this beach attracts many surfers, especially skilled ones. If surfing is way out of your league, then you can try snorkeling. Always check the tide when you decide to snorkel.
2. How to Get There
Located in the south of Bali, you only need an hour’s ride if you are in Kuta or Seminyak. We recommend renting a motorcycle or hiring one because you can see soothing scenery along the way. You only have to spend IDR 50,000 up to IDR 100,000 (or around $3.00 up to $7.00).
If you start from Ngurah Rai International Airport, take the Ngurah Rai By Pass road. Choose the Uluwatu II road and continue your trip to the Uluwatu highway. Follow the winding road. You will see Balangan beach on your left side.
3. When to Visit
You can visit Balangan year-round thanks to Bali’s sunny weather. From April to June, the rain is the least. Go early in the morning because, in the afternoon, it is getting more crowded. But if sunset is what you aim for, then better visit in the late afternoon and get the perfect cozy spot.
Padang Padang Beach
Besides Balangan, wedding couple also likes to have their photo shoots on Padang Padang beach. Located on the southwestward shoreline of the Bukit Peninsula in Uluwatu, this beach is famous for its heart-stopping rock caves and secluded beaches. This beach also appears in Julia Roberts’ hit movie, “Eat, Pray, Love.”
1. What to Do
You can have quality time with your spouse or family on this stunning white sand beach and the clear sea-green waters. Here, you can rent sun loungers and an umbrella to protect you from the heat. Yet, there are several natural caves in which you can rest under it.
Padang Padang is famous among surfers as well. You can rent a surfboard for only IDR100.000 or around $7.00. Along the beach, many locals also sell refreshing drinks, snacks, and unique event souvenirs, such as bracelets, hats, or T-shirts. Toilets are available too.
2. How to Get There
Padang Padang Beach is in Pecatu village, South Kuta district. This beach is 20 kilometers from Ngurah Rai international airport, which can be reached by motorcycle in only 30 minutes. When you arrive at the airport, you can take a taxi or rent a car or motorcycle.
From Ngurah Rai airport, head south through the By Pass Ngurah Rai. Next, turn right onto Uluwatu II road and follow directions to Hideaway Villas Pecatu. Then, make a right turn to Labuan Sait road. The entrance ticket is very affordable.
3. When to Visit
The best time to visit Padang Padang beach is mid-morning. During this time, the sun, which already hits the Bukit Peninsula, will welcome you. Mid-day is usually the busiest hour. You can also consider coming in the late afternoon to catch the astonishing sunset view.
Uluwatu Temple
Our third Uluwatu travel guide is Uluwatu Temple, a place you don’t want to miss. Uluwatu Temple is one of the most spectacular temples in Bali. This majestic temple is laid on top of a steep rock face, which is around 70 meters above sea level.
1. What to Do
Uluwatu Temple is open for visitors from 09:00 AM to 07:00 PM. From the height, you will be served a breathtaking sunset view. Visitors must wear decent and polite clothing since it is a place for worship. They will lend you a sarong and sash, worn around the waist.
Besides enjoying the striking sunset evenfall, you can also see Balinese’s famous traditional dance called Kecak. The Kecak dance performance is usually set after sunset at 06:00 PM. The dance ensemble consists of around 75 male dancers. Close to the temple, there is a monkey forest. Balinese believes these monkeys protect them from evil power.
2. How to Get There
This cliff-towering temple is in the South Kuta District of Badung. It is approximately 25 kilometers south of Kuta. From the airport, it will take around an hour to get to the site. Since there is no public transportation to this site, it is easier to rent a car or motorcycle rental service. The rental cost is most affordable.
3. When to Visit
Thanks to the tropical climate, you can visit the Uluwatu temple year-round. June to August is particularly the best time since it is the driest month on the island. To avoid the crowd and treasure the peaceful environs, visit Uluwatu Temple during the morning. But if you want to see the Kecak dance show and catch the sunset, you can visit this site in the late afternoon.
Thomas Beach
Thomas beach is halfway between Suluban beach and Padang Padang beach. The silky white sand, rolling greenish-blue waves, and shadowy garden umbrellas will make you want to stop the time. As one of the most underrated beaches on the island, this beautiful 200-meter-long beach is perfect for peace seekers.
1. What to Do
What to expect while in Thomas beach? Well, you can literarily relax under the umbrella, swim, and have the beach for yourself with the right timing. You can also enjoy stand-up paddle boarding. When the tide is high, Thomas beach becomes a hidden paradise for surfers.
You can rent a surfboard for only IDR60.000 or around $4. There are also many warungs where you can grab snacks, drinks, and fresh coconut water. There are also hidden caves to explore.
2. How to Get There
Thomas beach is located along the southwest coastline of the Bukit Peninsula in Uluwatu. You can only reach Thomas beach using a private vehicle. Therefore, it is better to rent a motorcycle or car. The easiest direction to get to this beach is looking for a path to Thomas café. From the café, you only need to walk 500 meters while going down the stairs.
3. When to Visit
Before it gets hotter, visiting early in the morning is the best time to enjoy Thomas beach. If you miss the morning time, we recommend going later in the day. Sunset skies on this beach are nothing like you’ve seen before. You can also relish the dusk at the top of the cliff for more lofty viewpoints.
Nyang-Nyang Beach
Located in South Bali on the Bukit Peninsula in Uluwatu, Nyang-Nyang beach will spoil you with its white sandy beach and clear turquoise waters. Don’t expect warung or shady umbrellas here. However, you will find peace and serene solitude in Nyang-Nyang.
1. What to Do
Because there won’t be any food or drink stalls, bring water and some snacks. Make sure to wear comfortable footwear, too, since you have to pass steep rocky roads. You will have to walk for 20 minutes, more or less, to go to the beach.
Don’t worry about getting exhausted because the scenery of the Indian Ocean during your walk will amaze you. Once the loosed-gravel road ends, you will find yourself on a secluded dreamy milky soft sand beach. You will most likely enjoy the beach for yourself.
2. How to Get There
Nyang-Nyang is located in Badung regency, and the place is pretty private. It is only one kilometer from Uluwatu Temple. To get to this site, bring a private motorbike. From Ngurah Rai airport, take the Dharmawangsa access road to Ungasan. Later, enter Toya Ning 1 road to get to the Uluwatu Pecatu highway. Then, take Batu Nunggalan road to reach Nyang-Nyang. The entrance ticket is free.
3. When to Visit
To have the beach for your own, we recommend visiting Nyang-Nyang early morning. Going in midday is too hot. However, the sunset in Nyang-Nyang is hard to beat. Therefore, visiting later in the day to catch the sunset is strongly advised.
Where to Stay While in Uluwatu
When it comes to accommodations, you don’t have to worry because Uluwatu provides hundreds of hostelries. Even if you want to go lux, budget, or somewhere in between, there are many options.
Recommended luxury hotels in Uluwatu:
- Radisson Blu Bali Uluwatu in Pecatu
- Anantara Uluwatu Bali Resort in Pecatu
- Village Bali in Pecatu
- Green Escape Eco Resort in Pecatu
- Gravity Boutique Hotel in Pecatu
- Renaissance Bali Uluwatu Resort & Spa in Pecatu
- Adila Bali in Ungasan
- Six Senses Uluwatu in Ungasan
- Hari Indah Boutique Hotel & Spa in Bingin
- Rasasvada cottages in Bingin
Best budget hotels in Uluwatu:
- The Ulus Klumpu in Pecatu
- Moana Villa & Suites Bingin in Pecatu
- Villa Amantes Bingin in Pecatu
- Wisnu Lumbung Uluwatu Pecatu Bali Mezzanine in Pecatu
- Yume Villas in Bingin
- Kalia Bingin in Pecatu
- Gypsea Bali in Pecatu
- Ring Sun Cottages in Pecatu
- Legends Beachfront Resort in Bingin
Best low prices accommodations in Uluwatu:
- Ancala Uluwatu in Suluban
- OCEANNA Sunset Villa in Pecatu
- Terra Cottages Bali in Uluwatu
- Dava Jaya Uluwatu near Bluepoint beach RedPartner in Suluban
- Uluwatu Surf Shack in Pecatu
- MODJO Villas Bingin in Bingin
- Wisnu Lumbung Uluwatu Bali Intan Room Deluxe in Pecatu
- The Seaglass Villas Bingin in Pecatu
- Divinity Villas in Pecatu
Where to Eat in Uluwatu
Best breakfast and brunch cafes and restaurants you should try:
- Ours Bali at Labuansait Street.
- The Cashew Tree at Pantai Bingin Street.
- Ulu Garden at Pantai Padang-Padang Street.
- Drifter Surf at Labuansait Street.
- Kelly’s Warung at Bingin Beach.
- Lands End Café at Pantai Suluban Street.
- Tarabelle Coffee & Eats at Uluwatu Street No. 77.
- The Loft at Labuan Sait Street No. 52.
- Nourish at Raya Uluwatu Street No.250.
- El Merkat at Raya Uluwatu Street km9.
- Bali Buda at Raya Uluwatu Street.
As for dinners or cocktails, these are our recommended places:
- Mana Uluwatu, inside Uluwatu Surf Villas at Pantai Suluban Street.
- Ulu Cliffhouse at Labuan Sait Street No. 315.
- La Baracca at Labuan Sait Street No. 10.
- Tabu at Labuansait Street.
- Shaka Riki at Labuan Sait Street No.34.
- Divino at Pantai Bingin Street.
- Abracadabra at Mu Boutique Resort.
- Rolling Fork at Labuan Sait No.51.
- Café La Pasions at Pantai Balangan Street.
Closing
There are, of course, many tourism spots you can visit while in Uluwatu besides the five mentioned above. You can also visit GWK (Garuda Wisnu Kencana) Cultural Park, Dreamland Beach, Ju-Ma-Na in Banyan Tree Ungasan, Tegal Wangi Beach, and Jimbaran.
Almost all the beaches in Uluwatu charge cheap entrance fees. Compared to other areas in Bali, Uluwatu is quieter and more peaceful. Therefore, it won’t be too hard to get into those places. You can also easily travel by Gojek or rental motorbike. We hope this Uluwatu travel guide is helpful. Explore Uluwatu and create beautiful memories!
