Things To See and Do in Uluwatu, Bali's Surfing Paradise
Explore stunning beaches, surf legendary waves, admire breathtaking views, and indulge in delicious food - all in Bali’s up-and-coming Uluwatu. Find the best things to do in Uluwatu, from visiting the famous Uluwatu Temple to catching sunset at Single Fin, in this comprehensive guide.
Heading South, the dense metropolis of Kuta gives way to Bali’s Bukit Peninsula. Here, the march of the thick jungle is halted by tall limestone cliffs. These give way to white sand beaches, jaded rocks, and the bluest waves.
And amongst all this beauty lies the tiny cliffside area of Uluwatu.
Uluwatu, or Ulu to those that know it well, is a renowned surfing destination. Surfing remains a big part of the culture here and you are sure to see dozens of surfers speckled across surf breaks from dawn until dusk.
But Ulu is more than just a world-class surf spot. Even if you’ve never stood on a board in your life, you will find no shortage of things to love about Uluwatu.
Delightful cafes? Check. Incredible beaches? Ulu has plenty. Wonderful winding jungle roads to explore? Get scootin’! Cultural experiences and sights to see? You bet.
In this guide, we have included our favourite things to do (and the best places to eat) in Uluwatu to get you started on your journey. Enjoy!
Love our photos? They were all edited using our Europe Preset Pack, which you can purchase here!
ULUWATU SNAPSHOT
WHERE | Bukit Peninsula, Bali
THINGS TO DO | Uluwatu Temple, Surfing, Yoga, Brunch, Beach hopping, Uluwatu Cultural Centre
WHERE TO STAY | Rasasvada Cottages, Sal Secret Spot, Impossible Cliff House
HOW TO GET THERE | Scooter is suggested, however GoJek, Grab or Taxi
BEST TOURS | Uluwatu temple and Kecak Dance, Uluwatu’s best beaches & beach clubs
WHERE TO STAY IN ULUWATU
Uluwatu is filled with incredible hotels, villas and beachside bungalows that exude laidback vibes. We’ve written about the best places to stay here, but below are our top three hotels to suit all budgets:
SUARGA PADANG PADANG
Suarga Padang Padang is truly stunning. This is a sustainable boutique resort that combines modern luxury with minimal environmental impact. The rooms and villas are examples of tropical architecture with vaulted ceilings and open-air design. Every interior is simple yet aesthetically rich with vibrant textures, subdued colours, and a wide variety of Indonesian pieces.
In addition, the resort has not one- but two outdoor pools. There are ample terraces, a restaurant, a lounge bar, and sweeping panoramic ocean views.
BOOK | SUARGA PADANG PADANG
RASASVADA COTTAGES
The hotel we stayed at for our time in Uluwatu, Rasasvada Cottages is a laidback hotel close to everything good in Bingin (just three minutes away from Bingin Beach), while also being perfect for families.
The traditional Balinese-style bungalows aren’t flashy, but they’re just right, featuring tall ceilings, dark wood interiors, and delightful outdoor bathrooms.
The Cottages are enveloped by a delightful dense garden making you feel like you’re in an oasis in the heart of the Bukit. The complimentary breakfast is wonderful, and the staff go above and beyond to make your stay amazing. There is an outdoor pool featuring many toys and games for kids, as well as a shared lounge area for guests.
BOOK | RASASVADA COTTAGES
ARUMANIS HOMESTAY
Arumanis Homestay is your typical Balinese homestay right down to the wall paintings and throw pillows. Located just off Uluwatu’s main thoroughfare, Jalan Labuansait, you’re within easy walking distance of Bingin’s delicious cafes and restaurants. Padang Padang Beach is just over a kilometre away.
The property has a large and pleasant garden area, which can be admired from your terrace. A room costs around $98 USD per night.
BOOK | ARUMANIS HOMESTAY
TOP THINGS TO DO IN ULUWATU
#1 EXPLORE THE ULUWATU TEMPLE
Many would argue that a trip to Uluwatu is incomplete without a visit to the Uluwatu Temple (book your tour here). And we would have to agree.
Now, this cliffside temple is definitely a major tourist attraction. When we first arrived and saw the crowd of visitors waiting at the gate and then gathered at the main temple area, we were a bit nervous. It can be harder to discover your own connection with a place when it’s that busy.
We visited Uluwatu temple at sunset, which is when the famous Kecak Dance takes place. It turns out that most of the visitors were there for the dance and escaping the crowd was easy as pie. Plus, the Uluwatu Temple area is huge. Walking paths meander off to the right and left of the temple, winding through the jungle and following the cliffs. People inevitably spread out, which means no oppressive crowds.
The actual temple itself is beautiful and carries a lot of spiritual significance to the Balinese. However, our favourite part was exploring the trails and admiring the temple from a distance. Uluwatu Temple is perched on a cliff, which makes for some incredible photographs. Plus, the sunset was spectacular.
As you wander the paths, don’t miss the giant Dang Hyang Niartha Statue. And be careful around the monkeys. Many prowl this jungle, attacking tourists and being agents of chaos.
THE DETAILS
Where | Jalan Raya Uluwatu, Pecatu
Times | 7 am - 7 pm
Entrance Fee | 50,000 IDR (1,000 IDR parking for scooters)
BOOK | This highly-rated Uluwatu temple and Kecak Dance tour
#2 ENJOY ULUWATU’S BEST BEACHES
The Uluwatu coastline is marked by stunning limestone cliffs, plunging from the verdant jungle into the blue ocean. That being said, Uluwatu has no shortage of beaches. Most are accessed by stairs, although some can only be reached by a dauntingly steep, crisscrossing road (we’re looking at you, Nyang Nyang).
Uluwatu’s beaches are heavily affected by the tides. Some nearly disappear during high tide, while others seem to go on forever when the tide is low.
Our favourite beach is Bingin (you can read our guide here), a small stretch of sand punctuated by coconut trees, cliffs, reefs and epic waves tucked below the jungle and limestone cliffs of the sprawling Bukit Peninsula. It’s surfers’ paradise, but also uber-chilled and wonderfully bohemian.
Pretty Padang Padang might be the most popular beach in Uluwatu, however, it’s the most beautiful, and most accessible. It might be small, but when the tide is out, it becomes a paradise for lazy afternoons frolicking in the shallows (or surfing).
Visiting Suluban Beach is one of the most popular things to do in Uluwatu - and for good reason! Located at the bottom of a network of weaving staircases starting at Single Fin, Suluban is the ultimate place for surfers and anyone who appreciates the beauty of nature. Eventually, the stairs open up into a large cave called Blue Point Beach. At sunset, you can watch surfers stride out of the water, silhouetted in the cave’s mouth. There are additional beaches to the right and left.
Because of its very steep access road, Nyang Nyang Beach tends to be a lot quieter. The road can feel a bit hairy after rainfall so just be aware. If you’re two people on a motorbike with modest CC, you will have to floor it to get past the steepest hairpin corner. The pristine white beach is worth it though.
Balangan Beach, Thomas Beach, Dreamland Beach, and Green Bowl Beach are other popular spots in Uluwatu, Bali.
READ | Our complete guide to Bingin Beach
#3 SURF ULUWATU’S LEGENDARY WAVES
Uluwatu is a world-famous surf spot. It has multiple surf breaks with legendary waves surrounded by jaw-dropping scenery. Whether you’re a beginner looking to take your first surfing lesson or an expert eager to catch the biggest wave you can find, you’ll love Uluwatu.
The nearby town of Canggu has dozens of beachside stalls offering surfboard rentals and lessons. Your options are not quite as plentiful in Uluwatu.
If you decide to rent inland, some scooter rental companies offer motorbikes with surfboard racks already installed so you can transport your board easily. Since Uluwatu is surrounded by cliffs, accessing the ocean requires some additional exercise. You and your board will have to take the stairs.
Looking for surf lessons? Bali Swell Surf School is one of the best in Uluwatu.
FUN FACT | The famous classic surf movie “Morning of the Earth” takes place in Uluwatu in the 1960s! This film was actually what introduced Uluwatu (and its incredible waves) to the world. It was instrumental in establishing Uluwatu as the highly regarded surfing destination that it is today.
#4 ADMIRE THE VIEW AT BALANGAN BEACH CLIFF
Balangan Viewpoint is one of the best (and better known) sunset spots in Uluwatu. Every evening, dozens of tourists perch on the stone wall that follows the steep cliffs above Balangan Beach, eager eyes fixed on the horizon and its sinking sun.
Tebing Pantai Balangan, or Balagan Beach Cliff, juts out from the coastline to provide stunning views in either direction. Balangan Beach, with its beachside warungs and surfers, lies to your left.
To the right, an elegant swoop of cliffs extends along the ocean, eventually giving way to Kubu Beach. At the tip of the beach cliff is a sunken seating area typically populated with young Indonesians, hanging out and enjoying the view.
Since this viewpoint is quite popular, we recommend getting there a bit early to pick the perfect spot.
Once you’ve taken in the sights, feel free to wander down to Balangan Beach. Watch the surfers dance along the waves in front of the setting sun, relish in the pebbly white sand, or become a patron of one of the local warungs.
Part of Balangan Beach (closest to the cliff viewpoint) consists of dimpled ivory rocks, which make an interesting foreground for your photographs.
THE DETAILS
Where | Jl. Pantai Balangan No. 54, Jimbaran
Parking Fee | 5,000 IDR for scooters or 10,000 IDR for cars
#5 CATCH SUNSET AT SINGLE FIN
Single Fin is a cliffside bar overhanging layers of warungs, shops, and staircases near Suluban Beach. It’s one of the most popular local spots for evening drinks, dinner, snacks, and epic sunset viewing.
From there, you can watch the sun descend through a marmalade sky as surfers ride the curls of endless waves. During the very best sunsets, the sky turns a hundred different shades of yellow, orange, purple, and pink. Meanwhile, these fruity colours melt into the Bali Sea, turning the salt water into a mesmerising shade of gold.
That being said, you’ll hardly be disappointed if you arrive in the afternoon. On Single Fin’s patio, blue and white umbrellas offer shade from the harsh brilliance of the daytime sun. Blue waves crash beneath a blue sky. And if you need to cool off, trot down the snaking path of stairs to Blue Point and Suluban Beach for a refreshing dip.
Since Single Fin is only one restaurant of many stacked on the limestone cliffs, you have plenty of other options if this particular bar isn’t your style. Single Fin is at the top so you could argue it has the best view… but, frankly, the view is spectacular no matter where you choose to sit.
THE DETAILS
Where | Uluwatu, Pantai Suluban, Jl. Labuansait, Pecatu
Times | 8 am - 10 pm (except for Weds & Sun: 8 am - 1 am)
Parking Fee | 5,000 IDR for scooters or 15,000 IDR for cars
#6 LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE AT THE BEACH CLUBS
Uluwatu has a few lavish beach clubs for you to enjoy. By day, you can lounge by the perfect pools, sipping coconuts (or something else), indulging in the sun, and basically, living your best life. These clubs overlook the ocean, so the views are immaculate.
Come nightfall, these clubs turn into the best party in town. We’re talking live DJs, dancing, and delicious cocktails.
Savaya, Sundays Beach Club, Ulu Cliffhouse, and Omnia are some of Uluwatu’s finest beach clubs.
BOOK | This awesome tour of Uluwatu’s best beaches & beach clubs
#7 PRACTICE YOGA
Whether you’re a passionate yogi or an enthusiastic dabbler, Bali is a special place. Yoga is a big part of the ex-pat and traveller scene on this tiny Southeast Asian island. You will find multiple yoga studios in most of the towns you encounter- and Uluwatu is no exception.
In Ubud, you can practise yoga surrounded by jade rice fields. Here in Uluwatu, you can greet the day with a morning yoga session overlooking the sparkling ocean. If this sounds like pure magic, that’s because it is.
Morning Light Yoga offers one class every morning, bright and early. You meet on your mats at 7:30 am in an open-air, thatched-roof hut surrounded by the lush jungle. The nearby sea can be glimpsed through the foliage.
Our favourite yoga studio in Uluwatu was The Space. Not only are the classes and teachers fantastic, but the architecture… gobsmacking. The Space is beautiful.
Huge bamboo buildings, dried grass roof, a winding staircase, sound healing dome, white adobe floors… It’s simply stunning. The second floor holds two rooms where you can practice with a view of the treetops and evening sky. Downstairs is a co-working space and a very pretty yoga boutique. There’s also a cafe and bar next door in an equally gorgeous bamboo structure.
THE DETAILS
Who | The Space
Where | Jl. Pantai Bingin No. 03, Pecatu
Times | 7 am - 11 pm
Cost | 120,000 IDR for drop-in
#8 SEE THE 4TH TALLEST STATUE IN THE WORLD
As your flight glides into Ngurah Rai International Airport, you look out your window and catch a glimpse of something very, very tall. It’s hard to tell exactly what it is but you know that it’s gigantic and turquoise.
What you have just seen is the Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue, a 122-metre tall depiction of Lord Vishnu riding Garuda. It is the largest statue in Indonesia, the largest statue of a Hindu deity in the world, and claims to be the fourth tallest statue in the world period. But… it has a massive base. The pedestal alone is 46 metres, which is ⅓ of its total height. Subtract the base, and you get the 17th tallest statue worldwide. Still pretty cool though!
This statue of Lord Vishnu and Garuda is located in GWK Cultural Park in Jimbaran, just 10 kilometres away from Uluwatu. The park itself is still under construction (with some ambitious plans for the future, including a giant waterfall). Nonetheless, it’s a fun excursion. There are two other large statues, ponds, sculptures, and daily performances all with the aim of sharing Bali’s rich culture.
THE DETAILS
Where | Jl. Raya Uluwatu, Ungasan, Kec. Kuta Sel.
Times | 9am - 8pm
Cost | 80,000 IDR
#9 GET BRUNCH
We take brunch very seriously here at TCW. As far as we’re concerned, it’s the most important meal of the day. If you’re as fanatical about brunch as we are, Uluwatu will not disappoint.
The nearby town of Canggu is the island’s capital of brunch with endless cafe options to start your day. Uluwatu, Bali is a lot smaller and consequently, doesn’t have the same breadth of brunch spots. However, we were still impressed by just how many incredible cafes there are.
Trust us, there are ample top-notch brunch destinations here for you to discover.
The Loft and Three Steps Coffee were our favourite places to get brunch in Uluwatu. However, there’s also Suka Espresso, The Place With No Name, Habitat Village, Drifter Surf Shop Cafe & Gallery, Nourish Cafe, and Ours.
WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK IN ULUWATU, BALI
THE LOFT
We honestly couldn’t tell you how many mornings we spent at Loft. Starting the day without one of their incredible oat milk lattes was nothing short of tragic. If you want to know where to get the best coffee in Uluwatu, we have to say it’s at The Loft.
We also may have developed a slight addiction to their protein smoothie bowl… It’s thick, cold but not frozen, and absolutely delicious. Peanut butter, dates, and cacao nibs in a healthy bowl with moringa powder? Yes, please. Plus, it’s loaded with tasty fruit toppings.
The Loft is also a downright stunning cafe. It’s a huge space (essentially a highly aesthetic warehouse). Half of the walls are windows, one is entirely open to the outside, and another is decorated with large photographs. The walls are white, the floor a combination of concrete and tiles, and wooden tables are everywhere. It’s airy but not pretentious- the perfect backdrop for brunch.
Plus, the wifi is fantastic. Digital nomads, you’ll love it here!
THE DETAILS
Where | Jl. Labuansait No. 52, Pecatu
Opening Hours | 8 am - 9 pm
Tips | Order the protein smoothie bowl.
KELLY’S WARUNG
Kelly's Warung is definitely our favourite dining spot in Uluwatu if not all of Bali. Not just because of the delicious food (which is fantastic), or the amazing cocktails (which are amazing!), but because of the awe-inspiring views, especially during sunset.
Located right on the beachfront, Kelly's offers a front-row seat to the mesmerising beauty of Bingin Beach, and is the perfect location to take in a famous Bingin sunset.
The menu at Kelly's Warung is simple; a fusion of Western and Indonesian flavours, featuring fresh seafood, poke bowls, burgers and Nasi Goreng. Each dish we tried was delicious, especially the tofu bao buns (we could eat them forever). The cocktails are equally impressive - the ginger mojito is a must-try while watching the sunset!
Beyond the culinary delights, Kelly's Warung exudes a laid-back, bohemian atmosphere that is quintessentially Bali, and attracts an uber-cool crowd without the pretentiousness of other establishments.
So we suggest immersing yourself in the relaxed ambience, kicking off your shoes, and revelling in the simple pleasure of Kelly’s.
THE DETAILS
Where | Kelly’s Warung
SEED
Seed is an absolute gem that we were fortunate enough to discover during our final evening in Bingin. The restaurant is a must-visit and for good reason. Nestled amongst lush jungle, opposite their own kitchen garden, Seed grows most of its own vegetables.
The result is an exceptional menu that showcases a mix of vegetarian and meat dishes, influenced by a variety of South East Asian and Western cuisine. Every dish is exceptionally fresh, well balanced and simply delicious.
We highly recommend the vegan moussaka, which we found to be the best meal we had in Uluwatu. It's bursting with flavour and freshness, and the charred cauliflower is also a must-try. To top it off, Seed serves exceptional cocktails, with happy hour lasting until 7 pm (cocktails are IDR 50k).
And let's not forget about the amazing staff - they are extremely friendly and go above and beyond to ensure a wonderful dining experience. We cannot recommend an evening at Seed enough!
THE DETAILS
Where | Seed, Bingin
THREE STEPS COFFEE
It’s hard to pick a favourite cafe and restaurant in Uluwatu… but Three Steps was definitely near the top of our list. It’s true, we weren’t there every day. But that’s only because Three Steps was located a (sometimes insurmountable) 15-minute scooter ride away.
Nonetheless, we came here many times for brunch, coffee, and dinner.
It’s easy to miss Three Steps if you’re not looking. From the outside, it blends in with the other local shops. However, if you step inside, you will discover a cosy and dreamy paradise. The back garden has plentiful seating nooks and tables, waving fronds, and a few highly coveted fans.
Three Steps has a lengthy All Day Breakfast menu with omnivore, vegetarian, and vegan options. We recommend the crispy Vegan Omelette, which is made with chickpea flour. Our top picks for later in the day are any of the rice bowls, particularly the Poke Bowl and Vegan Sunset Bowl.
Oh, and the coffee? Sublime.
THE DETAILS
Where | Jl. Raya Uluwatu No. 500
Opening Hours | 7am - 9pm
HABITAT VILLAGE
Habitat was a wonderful surprise that we somehow only discovered at the very end of our stay in Uluwatu, in spite of driving past it every single day. We wish we could have spent many more mornings drinking coffee in this gorgeous space.
The Habitat Village is just that, a village. It has a cafe, co-working area, playroom for the kids, accommodation, grocery store, boutique, and wellness centre. Basically, everything you need to live your best life can be found at Habitat.
But it’s the cafe we’re here to talk about. First of all, it looks beautiful. The bamboo ceiling swoops and curves high ahead; curved beams like flower stalks help to support its weight. There is a curved adobe bench with colourful cushions, large tables for coworking or gathering, and lush seating areas tucked away. It’s a huge space so you should have no trouble getting the perfect seat.
The food and coffee are fantastic. They serve breakfast all day, offer omnivore and vegan options, and even have a plant-based pizza.
THE DETAILS
Where | Jl. Labuansait No. 39, Pecatu
Opening Hours | 8 am - 11 pm
KRISHNA’S KITCHEN
Other than Loft, Krishna’s Kitchen was probably where we had the most meals. The food is really, really good and it’s reasonably priced.
They have 3-5 vegetarian or vegan options that change daily. You can make a Thali plate from these rotating curries and dahls, which range from 80,000 IDR to 100,000 IDR. Alternatively, opt for a single portion for 20,000 IDR to 35,000 IDR.
For the carnivores, Butter Chicken and Goa Fish Curry are always on the menu.
Krishna’s Kitchen also has a selection of tasty drinks, such as lassis, malasa chais, and golden milks. You can even build your own smoothie from their list of A+ ingredients.
Lastly, we highly, highly recommend the samosas.
THE DETAILS
Where | Jl. Labuansait No.450, Pecatu
Opening Hours | 12 pm - 10 pm
Tips | They offer delicious dosas on weekends.
OURS ULUWATU
Ours is another classic Uluwatu restaurant. It is very aesthetic, minimalist, and refined. If you arrive seeking breakfast, brunch, or lunch, the Ours that unfolds before your eyes is one with bright white walls, honey wood accents, and decorative metal work adorning the beams around the centre bar.
Once the sun sets, Ours becomes a dimly light, romantic dinner spot with candles glowing on every table.
The menu befits the elegant space. Confit Duck, Mediterranean Octopus, Smoked Salmon Ravioli, and Crispy Skinned Barracuda are just a few of the culinary masterpieces offered by Ours. Many of these dishes cost close to 100,000 IDR; the most expensive thing on the menu is 125,000 IDR.
Ours also has quite a few vegan options, such as the Swedish Vegan Meatballs and Vegan Chorizo Bolognese. We chose the latter for our dinner date and it was DELICIOUS.
THE DETAILS
Where | Jl. Labuansait, Pecatu
Opening Hours | 8 am - 11 pm
Tips | The Crispy-Skinned Barracuda sells out fast!
ULUWATU TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
WHERE IS ULUWATU, BALI?
Uluwatu is located on the southwestern tip of the island of Bali, Indonesia, on the Bukit Peninsula. It is situated in the Badung Regency, approximately 25 km south of the main tourist area of Kuta, and 20 km from Bali Aiport.
HOW LONG SHOULD YOU SPEND IN ULUWATU?
Honestly, it really depends.
Uluwatu is a small town and it’s definitely possible to do it as a day trip- especially if you have limited time on your hands and you’re already staying in Kuta or Canggu. Come down in the morning, grab lunch at one of the wonderful cafes, visit a couple of beaches, and head over to Uluwatu Temple for sunset before driving back to your accommodation.
Ulu is a wonderful little spot and we wholeheartedly believe it deserves more than a day of your time, but we understand that’s not always possible.
A weekend provides more opportunities to soak in this beautiful surf town and explore the surrounding peninsula. You can take it slower, savouring every salty wave and tasty bite from the many fantastic restaurants.
For digital nomads who prefer to take their sweet, sweet time (like us), you can settle into a delightful rhythm here in Ulu. Yoga, surf, cafe, work, scooter… it’s a good life!
If you’re a passionate surfer, on the other hand, you may never want to leave.
THE BEST TIME TO VISIT ULUWATU
In Uluwatu, Bali, there are two seasons. The wet season, lasting from November to March, and the dry season, which begins in April and ends in October.
December, January, and February are the wettest months whereas August and September are the driest.
Temperatures are relatively consistent throughout the year. February to March is slightly hotter, and August is slightly cooler. The average daily temperatures year-round are between 27 and 30 degrees Celsius.
June, July, and August are considered the best months for surfing. However, the water temperatures reach their coldest during August, dipping to a frigid 26 degrees C.
Most tourists- surfers or not- come to Uluwatu between June and August when the weather is driest and slightly less hot.
However, travelling in the off-season is one way to combat over-tourism (and enjoy lower prices and fewer crowds). April and September are some of the best times to visit Uluwatu for these reasons. Keep in mind that it can start raining very heavily in October.
HOW TO GET TO ULUWATU
Uluwatu is located on Bali’s southernmost tip, the Bukit Peninsula. If you’re hoping to visit this charming surf town, you have a few transportation choices.
//FROM THE AIRPORT
Travellers flying into Ngurah Rai International Airport can choose between a taxi, a Gojek or Grab car (essentially Indonesian Uber), or a scooter-hailing service.
The airport may only be 20 kilometres from Uluwatu, but traffic is often intense going through Kuta and Jimbaran. Consequently, the journey can take anywhere from 20 minutes to well over an hour.
Taking a Gojek or Grab car costs less than a normal taxi and should only set you back 200,000 IDR - 300,000 IDR depending on the time of day. Alternatively, you can hail a motorbike with Gojek or Grab to take you to Uluwatu- provided you don’t have that many bags! Motorbikes are always the cheapest option.
// FROM ELSEWHERE IN BALI
Already in Bali? No problem. You basically have the same options. Either you can take a taxi, order a Gojek or Grab car, or hail a motorbike via the Gojek or Grab apps.
Taxis are expensive but if you choose to go this route, Bluebird has the best reputation for fair pricing.
Of course, you may have your own scooter! Scooters are the most common (and frankly, most sensible) transportation method in Bali. Tourists and locals alike navigate Bali’s narrow streets on two speedy wheels, whizzing around congestion and flowing with packs of fellow scooters.
If you are already renting a scooter in Bali, simply drive yourself to Uluwatu.
HOW TO GET AROUND BALI
// SCOOTER RENTAL
There is no better way to get around Bali than on a motorbike. Not only is it a better experience, but it’s also more practical. Balinese roads are narrow and ill-suited for cars.
It’s easy to find a scooter rental in Bali. Some hotels, hostels, and homestays rent scooters to their guests. There are also countless motorbike rental businesses all around.
Uluwatu is one of the more expensive towns when it comes to scooter rentals. 100,000 IDR per day is a common price. However, you can save a bit of money by renting from the nearby town of Jimbaran. Motorbike rentals there cost 70,000 IDR per day or 420,000 IDR per week.
// GOJEK OR GRAB
Gojek or Grab are the Uber and Lyft of Indonesia. You can order cars or motorbikes via their respective apps. It’s a cheap and easy way to get around towns, or even travel from town-to-town. Make sure you set up the apps before you leave for Bali though- you need a phone number to make an account.
// TAXI
Bluebird is the largest taxi service in Bali. It also has the best reputation for quality service and fair pricing. That being said, it’s still the most expensive option.
// PRIVATE DRIVER
Hiring a private driver in Bali is a great way to build a relationship with a local. It isn’t as economical as Gojek or Grab, but 100% of your rupiah goes directly to the driver and not a large corporation. The best way to find a private driver is through personal recommendations or by getting the personal WhatsApp of a Gojek or Grab driver that you connect with.
A WORD ON JIMBARAN…
Uluwatu is technically a region on Bali's southern Bukit Peninsula. However, when we talk about visiting Uluwatu, we’re mostly talking about an area called Pecatu.
Most of the restaurants, beaches, and places included in this post are in the Pecatu part of Uluwatu.
When you start looking for accommodation in Uluwatu, you are typically shown a whole lot of hostels, hotels, and homestays located 10 kilometres away from Pecatu (and the beach) in Jimbaran. If Pecatu is a dreamy surf town, Jimbaran is a regular, busy, concrete centre.
Technically, Jimbaran is central to the Bukit Peninsula. You can reach the ocean by driving 10-15 kilometres in any direction. Accommodation and scooter rentals also tend to be cheaper than in Pecatu. However, we spent 3-4 days in Jimbaran and wouldn’t recommend it. There isn’t much to do and it isn’t a very enjoyable place to be.
Before you book any accommodation, double-check where it’s located. If it’s in Jimbaran, we say skip it. Pecatu is a hundred times better.
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL IN ULUWATU
Responsible, sustainable travel is what we’re all about here at TCW HQ, and this is especially true when we travel to places suffering from climate change and plastic pollution, such as Uluwatu.
TRAVEL DURING SHOULDER SEASON | Shoulder season is the time before and after the peak season when things are quieter, cheaper, and more enjoyable. Travel then to reduce over-tourism, and extend the season for local operators
DON’T BUY BOTTLED DRINKS | Please, for the love of the ocean: DO NOT BUY SINGLE-USE PLASTIC BOTTLES! You'll understand why when you see a bunch of plastic bottles bob past you in the open sea. Buy one of these fantastic bottles instead
USE LESS WATER | To help reduce the pressure on water supplies, keep your water usage to a minimum. We know that’s hard to do on holidays, but quick showers, and turning the tap off when brushing your teeth, cleaning etc. really help
OCEAN-FRIENDLY TOILETRIES | Everything that goes down the boat drain ends up in the ocean, try and make sure all your toiletries, sunscreen, shampoo is as ocean-friendly as possible! Solid bars are a great place to start (see below to buy some eco-friendly toiletries).
DO YOUR OWN CLEANUPS | See rubbish on the beach, forest or town? Pick it up, and dispose of it properly. If every traveller helped out during their holiday, the beaches, oceans and forests would be a much happier place for it
DON’T USE PLASTIC BAGS | Pack a reusable tote and use these to carry your snacks, drinks, or new souvenirs instead
LEAVE NO TRACE | Limit your consumption of plastic, and opt for sustainable / zero waste alternatives instead. Pack a reusable water bottle, bring your reusable coffee cup, and if you can’t sip your cocktails without a straw, bring a metal or bamboo one along instead. And never leave a trace...
BE ANIMAL-FRIENDLY | Observe sea creatures from a distance, don’t pick up wildlife like starfish or urchins, or grab onto turtles, dolphins, etc. If an animal wants to interact with you, it’ll approach you 🙂
SUPPORT THE LOCAL COMMUNITY | Visit a locally owned warung for a meal, buy which means both supporting the local economy and community, and also giving you a real authentic experience.
ICE CREAM CONE | bonus tip - eat your ice cream in a cone, rather than a cup and plastic spoon for the ultimate plastic-free indulgence!
BALI PACKING ESSENTIALS
Travelling through Bali comes with a unique set of needs.
To help you have a comfortable, happy journey, we recommend bringing the following items with you:
REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE | THE BEST INVESTMENT WE’VE EVER MADE! We use the Grayl water purification bottles, which allow us to fill up from any water source, anywhere in the world (including train taps!)
A TOTE BAG | The humble tote is a versatile little lifesaver when on the road. They're plastic-free, small, easily foldable, and can pack a surprising amount! Check out this range of beautifully designed, personalisable totes bags here
BIODEGRADABLE WET WIPES | Keep clean without destroying the planet!
HAND SANITISER | This is not something we’d actually recommend normally, but we now live in Covid times... so this can be a bloody great investment
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL ADAPTER | You’ll need a European plug to keep your gear going!
POWER BANK | Don’t get caught out without power for your devices
EYE MASK | For those annoyingly early Southeast Asian sunrises!
BIO-FRIENDLY TOILETRIES | Avoid damaging and chemical-heavy products and facial scrubs with microbeads altogether. We recommend Lush solid shampoo, conditioner and bodywash bars, ocean-friendly sunscreen (Stream2Sea), a mooncup is a great investment for “that” week and Lip balm for the sun
TRAVEL INSURANCE | STAY SAFE IN BALI
If you can't afford travel insurance, you really can't afford to travel. As the current global situation has taught many people, things can go wrong anywhere in the world - and insurance is often the only way of mitigating any issues with minimal expense or stress for you.
For all travellers | HeyMondo - COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel + medical insurance, an app with 24-hour medical support, and no out-of-pocket fees. *Get 5% off your policy by booking through our link here.
For digital nomads | SafetyWing - COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel & medical, and policies can be purchased while already abroad.
Car Insurance | Insurance4CarHire - a great annual car insurance policy
EXPERIENCE THE BEST OF BALI
Check out these essential posts to help you have the best trip ever:
ULUWATU | The best things to do in Uluwatu, A guide to Bingin Beach, How to visit Padang Padang Beach, Where to stay in Uluwatu
CANGGU | Our guide to bustling Canggu, Where to eat and drink in Canggu, Where to stay in Canggu
UBUD | The best things to do in Ubud, Where to eat and drink in Ubud, Where to stay in Ubud, How to visit Tegalalang Rice Terraces
BALI’S BEST WATERFALLS | How to visit Leke Leke Waterfall, A guide to Nungnung Waterfall, Our guide to the stunning Sekumpul Waterfall, Discover Tibumana Waterfall
THE BEST OF BALI | The best Bali 7-day itinerary, Our complete Bali Guide, How to get around Bali
PHOTOGRAPHY | Love our photography? Read our detailed photography gear guide, as well as our top travel photography tips!
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL | Responsible travel is important. REALLY IMPORTANT. Learn our top responsible travel tips to help you, your family and your friends travel more consciously around the globe
ECO-FRIENDLY PACKING ESSENTIALS | Don’t leave home without our favourite eco-friendly travel essentials
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO BALI WITH THESE POSTS!
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That, and you're officially a legend.
