Uluwatu is famous for its surfing, stunning beaches and Sunday sessions at SingleFin Beach Club. While it is not the most backpacker-friendly location due to the lack of hostels, it still should be on your bucket list! Uluwatu has so much to offer, from one eighty-day club with its cliffside glass-bottom infinity pool to the monkey temple.
How to get to Uluwatu from Canggu, Seminyak or Kuta
Uluwatu is on the southern tip of the island of Bali and is easily accessible either overland by taxi or scooter. Most people will come to Uluwatu from Canggu or Seminyak, around 90 minutes by car or 50 minutes by scooter. A grab car will cost about 170k Indonesian Rupiah ($11 USD), and a scooter will cost about 89k Indonesian Rupiah ($6 USD).
How to get to Uluwatu from Ubud
If you are coming from Ubud, you will also need to get a Grab or Gojek to get to Uluwatu. As Ubud is further away, expect to pay around 250k Indonesian Rupiah minimum ($16.70 USD) for a grab. The journey can take anywhere between 1.5 hours and 3 hours, depending on traffic conditions and whether you opt for a car or a scooter.
How to get to Uluwatu from Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan
If you’re coming in from Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan, book the ferry into Sanur Port. The ferry only takes 30 minutes and departs regularly from 7:20 am to 5 pm daily. Multiple companies operate ferries along this route, with most charging between 61k-102k Indonesian Rupiah ($6-$11 USD). You will then have to get a taxi or scooter from Sanur Port to Uluwatu. Sanur is the closest port to Uluwatu, so it will cost you less money to get overland to Uluwatu. Remember, Grab drivers will not pick you up at Sanur Port due to conflicts with local taxi drivers, so you must either haggle with taxi drivers for a fair price or walk around 10-15 minutes away from the port to book a Grab. You can book all transport online at 12GOAsia.
How to get to Uluwatu from Gili Islands and Lombok
If you’re coming from any of the Gili Islands, Fast Boats no longer go directly to Sanur, so you must get a local boat to Bangsal Port on Lombok to board a fast boat to Sanur. For a ferry from Bangsal Port on Lombok to Sanur, expect to pay around 240k Indonesian Rupiah ($22 USD) for the 3-4 journey. The ferries from Bangsal to Sanur only depart daily between 12:30 and 1:45 pm, so make sure you plan accordingly. For information on getting the local ferry from the Gili Islands to Bangsal, please read my full review and tips on the Gili T Travel Guide here. From Sanur Port, you must make your way overland to Uluwatu by bargaining with one of the taxi drivers at the port or by walking 10 or more minutes away and then booking a Grab car. You can book all transport online at 12GOAsia.
How many days to spend in Uluwatu
Deciding how many days to spend in Uluwatu depends on how much time you want to spend relaxing on the beach and surfing. For a non-surfer to hit all the main beaches and attractions, I recommend 2-3 days. 2-3 days in Uluwatu will allow you time to hit the major bucket-list destinations such as the monkey temple and One Eighty Day Club. If you plan on taking surf lessons or want more beach/pool days to chill, 4-6 days would be better.
How to get around Uluwatu
Everybody told me that Uluwatu was only possible to get around if you rented a scooter. But I found it easy. Yes, everything is rather spread out. But Uluwatu is a popular travel destination in Bali, so getting around was not an issue.
Renting a scooter in Uluwatu
The easiest and cheapest way to get around Uluwatu is to rent a scooter. There’s not much traffic on the roads, and the streets are pretty straightforward to navigate. However, some of the dirt roads/ tracks en route to the beaches are a bit rough. If you don’t feel comfortable driving a scooter, there are plenty of other ways to get around, so don’t risk it.
Getting around on foot
Depending on where you stay in Uluwatu, you may be able to walk to some attractions, but not all of them. For example, you can walk between Bingin Beach, Dreamland Beach and Balangan Beach. Similarly, you can easily walk between Thomas Beach, Suluban Beach and Singlefin Beach Club. Just be wary of traffic, as there aren’t sidewalks in Uluwatu. For attractions in Uluwatu such as the monkey temple and one eighty day club, you will need to get a car or scooter.
Getting a Grab in Uluwatu
If you can’t get somewhere by walking or want to get somewhere fast, you can always use Grab! It’s super affordable, particularly the scooter option. Grab is available everywhere in Uluwatu (even when you go to the furthest/ most remote beaches). Compared to Ubud and Canggu, wait times were sometimes a little longer to book a Grab as there are limited drivers, so plan accordingly. I probably averaged around 50k Indonesian Rupiah ($3.50 USD) daily on Grab Scooters. This included getting Grabs to numerous beaches and out in the evening.
Hiring a private driver
Not the most cost-effective way to get around, but if you have a group and want to hit a few beaches in a day, this would be a good option. The cost for a car for a day is generally around 300k-600k Indonesian Rupiah ($20-40 USD), depending on how far you travel. And, of course, splitting between a few people will make it cheaper.
Where to stay in Uluwatu
There are some hostels in Uluwatu; however, most of the hostels are located in the middle in-land part of Uluwatu and are far from the beaches, cafes, restaurants or bars. If you have rented a scooter, staying in the middle of Uluwatu may be fine, given the money you will save on accommodation. However, if you want to get around on foot, booking a cheap hotel or guesthouse in a central location to the places you want to visit will be ideal. You can book all accommodations here.
Mamo Hotel
By far my favourite accommodation in Uluwatu! It is next to Singlefin Beach Club and is within walking distance of two stunning beaches (Suluban and Thomas). It’s also within walking distance of great restaurants and cafes. The hotel has super comfortable rooms, great A/C, and a nice little pool. Despite being a hotel, I met several solo travellers and backpackers hanging around the pool.
Teges Asri Homestay
A bit on the expensive side for a backpacker budget, but a great location and super comfortable private bungalows. It was within walking distance of Bingin Beach, Dreamland Beach and Padang Padang Beach. Also, walkable to the cafes, shops and restaurants on the main road coming into Padang Padang Beach and around the Bingin Beach area. The rooms were super comfortable and had lovely gardens and an infinity pool.
Dreamsea Beach Hostel
Highly recommended- but you need to book this one in advance! Stunning views from the accommodation and a fantastic location right on Dreamsea Beach. A bit expensive for a dorm bed, but the location makes it worthwhile. It is probably one of the most instagrammable hostels in Bali.
What to do in Uluwatu
Summary of the best things to do in Uluwatu: Beaches, one eighty day club, beaches, a monkey temple fire dance and more beaches! When planning how to spend your time in Uluwatu best, one thing to remember is the tides. Many beaches in Uluwatu are only accessible at low tide, whereas other beaches are better to visit at high tide to watch the surfers. Check the tide times before heading to a beach to have the best experience!
Watch the fire dance at Uluwatu Monkey Temple
If you do nothing else in Uluwatu, make sure you do this! Every night at 6 pm, Uluwatu Monkey Temple hosts a traditional fire dance, which lasts around 1 hour. It is a super popular activity in Uluwatu, so don’t miss out by buying tickets in advance or getting there at around 4:30 pm. Uluwatu Monkey Temple and the surrounding scenery are stunning on their own. So if you get there early, you have plenty of time to walk around and nab a good seat for the performance. Alternatively, another way to get a good seat is to be one of the last people to enter the temple seating area. You’ll most likely get seated on the exit stairs, which is also an excellent place for audience/actor interaction.
The performance spans a few acts that tell a Balinese folk story with plenty of colourful costumes and impressive dances. If you go on a clear night, you’ll see a stunning sunset in the background which adds to the experience! You will need to cover your knees at Uluwatu Monkey Temple, but they provide sarong rental upon entry. Tickets to the show and access come to 200k Indonesian Rupiah ($15 USD). One thing to note is there are heaps of monkey at the Uluwatu Temple so be mindful or your belongings are careful if bringing food as they can be quite aggressive.
Visit Padang Padang Beach
Made famous by the Eat, Pray, Love Movie- Padang Padang Beach is on everyone’s Uluwatu bucket list! It was not my favourite beach in Uluwatu due to how crowded it was, but it’s still well worth a visit. The best time to visit Padang Padang Beach is at low tide as there is not a lot of beach space at high tide, and it gets crowded. To get to the beach, you must walk down a few steps and through a narrow pathway between the rocks. An entry fee to visit the beach is 15k Indonesian Rupiah ($1 USD), payable before you walk down the stairs.
One thing to be wary of is the monkeys we saw them on the beach and the stairs. A few people lost sunglasses, drink bottles and snacks! There are a few beach shacks to buy food and drink and rent umbrellas on the beach. I preferred to walk down the beach to the right and find a secluded spot on the sand to read.
Relax on Balangan Beach
Balangan Beach takes my vote on the best beach in Uluwatu to relax! It’s free to enter on foot, and you can visit Balangan Beach anytime- low or high tide. I recommend going at low tide to swim in the rock pools. If you go at high tide, there won’t be much beach to sit on, but you can grab a lounger at Santai Warung for around 5k Indonesian Rupiah ($3.50 USD). Alternatively, Mazu Beach Club is next door- it has many day beds, loungers, and a lovely infinity pool overlooking the beach. Mazu Beach Club has no minimum spend, so you can use the facilities even if you buy a juice or sprite.
Chill out on Thomas Beach
Another chilled beach, within walking distance from the café strip near Singlefin. It’s free to enter on foot, and you can visit at any tide. The beach is pretty long, so even at high tide, you can find a quiet spot in the sand to lay down on your towel and relax. Alternatively, there are several beach loungers and umbrellas for rent along the beach. Loungers cost around 5k Indonesian Rupiah for a half day ($3.50 USD). There are around 200 or so steps down to Thomas Beach, which can be pretty sweaty walking in the hottest part of the day.
People watch on Bingin Beach
Great for surfing, chilling with a cold drink, and watching the surfers wipe out! Bingin Beach has large waves, so it’s not much of a swimming beach. It’s free to enter on foot, but you must walk down around 200 steps. You can go at either high or low tide, but I recommend high tide to watch the surfers. Most of the beach will be underwater at high tide. But many cafes and warungs have seating where you can chill with a view of the surfers.
Treat yourself at Uluwatu One Eighty Day Club
Bit of a bougie backpacker recommendation, but One Eighty Day Club in Uluwatu is worth it for the glass bottom cliffside infinity pool, in my opinion! You must book a lounger around a day in advance as they have limited spaces, but you can easily book on The Edge Bar’s website. For the standard bed, the price is 300k Indonesian Rupiah per person ($20 USD), but 200k Indonesian Rupiah ($13 USD) can be used for food and drink in the day bar. One Eighty Uluwatu is incredibly luxurious; they drive you to the cliff bar in a golf buggy upon arrival. Once you arrive at the cliff edge, you’re provided with complimentary towels and stunning cliffside views.
You can go to One Eighty Club in Uluwatu time during the day (not much of a vibe at night). Staying for sunset on a clear night provides spectacular views. The food and drinks at One Eighty Day Club in Uluwatu are expensive but good quality; ultimately, you are paying for the glass-bottom infinity pool, which is well worth it. Bring a GoPro or other device with underwater photography capability to capture the best photos.
Where to eat in Uluwatu
Uluwatu is a food lovers’ treasure trove- with high-quality cuisines from all over the world and tasty local Indonesian dishes. There are great cafes serving breakfast all day (in case you had too many Bintangs the night before), affordable local lunch spots, beach clubs serving great burgers and an extensive array of restaurants for dinner and a drink.
Ours Cafe
Located on the main strip of shops just a short walk from Padang Padang Beach, Ours Café is a cute café serving all-day brunch. They have plenty of indoor seating as well as garden seating out back.
Nourish Cafe
Another great brunch spot just on the main road near Padang Padang Beach! Plenty of indoor seating, great brunch options and exceptional coffee.
Suka Espresso
A super popular brunch spot just opposite the entrance to Thomas Beach (you may have to wait for a seat to be available). Heaps of brunch options and great coffee.
Yeye’s Warung
A cult classic lunch spot in Uluwatu! Everybody knows about Yeye’s, and for a good reason. They only serve one dish (Nasi Campur) but do it incredibly well. Yeye’s is like a Subway sandwich shop, but for Nasi Campur, you choose your rice and additional toppings (vegetable and meat options), and they tally up how much you owe at the end. They’re only open for lunch between 12-4 and are located on the main road between Thomas Beach and Padang Padang Beach. As well as being tasty, Yeye’s is super affordable; a large Nasi Campur will cost you less than 50k Indonesian Rupiah ($3.40 USD).
Ulu Garden
An excellent option for breakfast, lunch or dinner. They have a cute outdoor seating area with fairy lights and often have live music in the evening. Ulu garden is located on the main restaurant/ café street near Singlefin.
Mazu Beach Club
Located right on Balangan Beach, Mazu Beach Club is a great place to eat, drink, swim and lounge on a day bed. They offer breakfast, lunch and dinner and do not have a minimum spend to use the facilities such as day bed and pool. They also do happy “hour” specials on specific drinks, but they offer this for most of the day, not just for an hour.
Rolling Fork
Some of the best Italian food I’ve eaten outside of Italy! Fantastic food, wine and an overall great vibe. They get busy (particularly on Tuesday), so you may have to book ahead. On Tuesday nights between 9 pm-11 pm, they have Salsa night in the back garden, which I highly recommend staying for! Rolling Fork is located on the main road up from Padang Padang Beach.
District 6
District 6 is a restaurant on the main road near Thomas Beach, which has a nice vibe most evenings. They offer various cuisines and have nightly promotions on certain foods. They do all-you-can-eat Italian food on Monday and Wednesday nights for 69k Indonesian Rupiah ($4.65 USD). On Thursday night, they have a beer and burger promotion where you can order any burgers and beers for 65k Indonesian Rupiah ($4.40 USD). They also have pool tables and seats at the bar if you prefer to come for a drink.
Nightlife in Uluwatu
While it may have a different level of nightlife than Canggu, Uluwatu is certainly no sleepy little surf town. There are usually larger party scenes on the weekend, but even during the week, there are great events and places to drink. If you’re not keen on going out, catching the sunset at One Eighty Club or watching the fire dance at Uluwatu Monkey Temple are great alternatives.
SingleFin
Starting with Uluwatu’s most well-known and biggest party, Singlefin hosts an iconic all-day Sunday Session every week, attracting huge crowds. There will be a DJ, plenty of dancing, expensive drinks and an iconic cliffside sunset. Once Singlefin closes on a Sunday, you can head to the bar beneath called Twinfin for post-club drinks. While Singlefin is iconic for the Sunday Session, it is also pretty lively every other night as many people come to watch the sunset, swim in the pool and have a couple of drinks.
Ulu Cliffhouse
Another famous party scene on a Friday and Saturday, Ulu Cliffhouse offers live music, expensive-ish drinks, dancing and a stunning cliffside backdrop. On weeknights, it is lowkey, with most people coming for the sunset and staying for dinner and drinks.
Salsa night at the Rolling Fork
Controversial opinion, but Salsa Night was one of my favourite nights in Uluwatu. Given the infamy of the Singlefin Sunday Party, this is a hot take. Every Tuesday from 9 pm-11 pm, Rolling Fork Restaurant turns its back garden into a salsa bar with a live band and great vibes.
Angel Martz for afters
During the day, Angel Martz is not much more than a convenience store with outdoor seating where local taxi drivers relax while waiting for customers. At night, particularly on a weeknight, everyone comes here for after-bar drinks when everything else closes. They have music and plenty of seats for people to sit around, drink and chat. The best part is that you buy the drinks from the convenience store, which are cheap!
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