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Uluwatu Travel Guide

Uluwatu Travel

Uluwatu is a laid back area in Bali with beautiful beaches and luxury cliff top resorts and villas. It’s a great place to relax and get away from the crowds.

Uluwatu attracts surfers from all over the world for it’s range of surfing beaches. When People go to Bali they expect beautiful beaches…then they see Kuta Beach and get disappointed. Well, the beaches here won’t disappoint, although not all are great for swimming.

There are many luxurious resorts perched atop of the cliffs which have stunning views. If you can, staying in Uluwatu would add something special to your Bali trip. If not, Uluwatu is definitely worth a visit to explore the beaches, visit a beach club and have a look at the amazing cliff top views. Accommodation and things to do are very spread out, so choose your accommodation wisely or make sure to have a way to get around.

Although part of the beauty of Uluwatu is relaxing, there are still other things to do. Surfing, beach days, beach clubs, visiting Uluwatu Temple and the Kacak fire dance are some. There are also local cafes and warungs, restaurants in hotels and some other restaurants and bars for eating and evenings out.

What’s Nearby? 

Depending on traffic…Bali Airport is 45 mins north. Jimbaran is 15 – 30 mins north. Kuta/Legian/Seminyak are 45 mins – 1 hr north. Nusa Dua is about 20 – 30 mins away. 

You can go to Jimbaran for a seafood dinner on the beach. The Rock Bar at Ayana Resort is a stunning place for a sunset drink, even though it’s usually busy and touristy. You could also visit Pandawa Beach near Nusa Dua, or spend the day in Seminyak. 

FEEL // Salty sophistication/surfer.

BEST FOR // Luxury Resorts and their spas, Beach, Sunsets, Surfing, Relaxation, Local Community, Beach Vibes, Scenery.

LOCATION // On Bali’s South Coast about 30 – 45 mins from Bali Airport, just south of Jimbaran.

GET THERE // Uluwatu is about 45 minutes from the airport, depending on traffic and where you are staying. You can get a taxi from the official airport stand at the airport when you arrive, or arrange a transfer with your hotel. If you’re coming from another area in Bali, you can take a taxi or a private driver if you want to stop off along the way.

GET AROUND // The best way to get around Uluwatu is via your own transport, hotel shuttle or local transport services. Otherwise, Bluebird taxi’s are the way to go to get to Seminyak etc (from your hotel). You may also want to think about a private driver to spend the day exploring Uluwatu and Bukit Peninsula beaches.

THE UGLY TRUTH // Although the beaches are beautiful and great for surfing, not all are suitable for swimming. If your not interested in surfing, then it’s mainly about relaxing, as there is not a huge amount to do. Depending exactly where you stay, you may need your own transport to get around easily.

THE SILVER LINING // When you are staying in an area so beautiful and relaxing, you don’t want to do anything else. Some of Bali’s most luxurious places to stay are in Uluwatu. The beaches are beautiful.

ACCOMMODATION // Predominantly luxury hotels and villas, with some budget and mid-range options. Read More.

TYPE OF HOLIDAY // Couples, Luxury, Romantic, Weddings, Honeymoons.

READ MORE // Find all of our Uluwatu Blog Posts here.

10 Comments

  1. Hi

    Quick question – I’m looking to go to Bali for a quick 10 days and was going to stop at Uluwatu on the last day before I fly (I will have been diving on Nusa L before so can’t dive the last day). Do you think it’s feasible to stay around Uluwatu/Jimbaran the night before a 0935 flight? And do you have suggestions for which of the two to stay at? I’m backpacking most of the trip so could ”splash out” a bit more on the last night for somewhere with a great view/pool etc [by ”splash out”’ I meant about 80-100USD :) ]

    Any advice gratefully received!

    Rebecca

    p.s. Oh incase you have a view or recommendations for cheap-chic for the rest of my trip I’m going to do 2 nights in Canggu, 2 in Ubud and then 4 in Nusa Lembongan :)

    1. Hi Rebecca, Sounds like a fun trip :) Both Uluwatu and Jimbaran are both amazing…Jimbaran is closer to the airport if that is a factor for you…I feel there are more options for 80-100 USD in Uluwatu than Jimbaran but there are some great options in both. It is a tough one for this price. For a bit more you could stay in some amazing places (Gravity in Uluwatu or Le Meridien in Jimbaran) and for a bit less you can get some really nice places but without the incredible view and a smaller pool. I love the seafood on the beach at sunset, and fresh seafood market in Jimbaran. But if you were wanting to spend the day at a beach club in Uluwatu you may as well stay there. It depends on how you want to spend your last day. In Canggu we love Echoland B&B and on our last stay in Nusa Lembongan we liked Lumbung Bali Huts :) If have any more q’s please let us know! Would love to hear about your diving in Nusa L! Have a great trip!
      Accommodation links:
      https://almostlanding-bali.com/gravity
      https://almostlanding-bali.com/where-to-stay-in-uluwatu/
      https://almostlanding-bali.com/where-to-stay-in-jimbaran/
      https://almostlanding-bali.com/le-meridien-jimbaran-booking
      https://almostlanding-bali.com/echoland
      https://almostlanding-bali.com/lumbung

  2. Hi I plan a trip to Bali in december!/January. I plan to shop painting at Bali.. not expensive but reasonably priced. Where can we buy them from.

    1. Hi Meenu,
      Thanks for your comment. There is definitely some great artworks to buy in Bali and a big range too from cheap through to expensive and amazing pieces so you will definitely be able to pick something that is right for you. Remember that you need to get it home, either rolled in a tube or framed and shipped (add this price into your budget). That being said we have never bought art in Bali. The best places though for access to nice artworks are Ubud, Seminyak and even Sanur. Generally speaking, most tourist destinations in Bali will be selling cheap art, for the better pieces perhaps visit some galleries, or research some Balinese artists that interest you.

  3. Hi, I’m planning a trip to Bali this November & fly into Denpasar airport and hoping to go straight South & work my way back up. What is the easiest way to Uluwatu from the airport?
    Many Thanks!

    1. Hi India, the easiest way to get to Uluwatu from the airport is by using one of the official airport taxi’s, which you will see as you exit. These use a fixed price which you can see on the price board there. Otherwise, you may be able to organise a pick up through your hotel. Have a great trip :)

  4. Hello! I am trying to plan my trip to Bali and came across your helpful website. I am trying to cover Ubud, Lombok (for the Gili Islands), Seminyak & Uluwatu. What would be the best way to arrange this? Flying into Ubud and leaving from where would be the best route? Many thanks!

    1. Hi Susan,
      You can only fly into one location in Bali, Ngurah Rai airport, which is located north of Jimbaran and south of Kuta. How long are you coming for? It will take half a day to get to the Gili Islands and half a day to get back so factor that in. You could stay in each area or do day trips. I’d recommend staying in each area, but you need to have enough time to do that. I wouldn’t do the Gili Islands first or last unless you fly straight there (mainland Lombok), Starting in Seminyak as it’s close to the airport and finishing in Uluwatu as it’s also not far from the airport is probably how I would do it. Have a great trip :)

    1. Hi Amber, we haven’t actually stayed in Uluwatu yet, we so far have opted for nearby Jimbaran and headed to Uluwatu for day trips. But, we have done a little research for you and have found these options:
      Palm Leaf Villa is currently going for $82/night, but not situated close to the beach but looks central to most areas of Uluwatu.
      Sal Secret Spot Bungalow Bali is currently going for $112/night which is located near Bingin beach and looks nice.
      Hope this helps and have a great time in Bali :)

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