Travel Bali Part Three- Uluwatu

Surfing, chill energy, and nature at every corner. Uluwatu is calling your name.

Written by Gracie Rounds

Introduction

If you’re planning a long-term stay in Bali, Uluwatu and Canggu are the places that most people choose to be based in. If you have the time, it would definitely be worthwhile to try out both areas to see which fits your vibe the best.

Uluwatu will be for the person who isn’t as into the party scene, is looking for more laid-back energy, and wants to have more access to nature. There are tons of fun things to do, it’s just on a smaller scale than what you might find Canggu to be like.

If this sounds like something you’d enjoy, read on to find the best recommendations Uluwatu has to offer based on the multi-year long stay of my sister, world-traveler Callie Rounds.

Where to Stay

Uluwatu truly has some of the best stays on earth. Beaches near here are incredible and most resorts have direct access to them. You are also in a location that is a bit more secluded than Canggu so have a better opportunity of getting spots to yourself.

Villa Deeksha is one such spot. This is located on Bingin Beach where you can wake up and run out to see the waves and do things like surf whenever you choose. This along with a big net you can lay on where monkies will come and visit you are the highlights.

Eats & Coffee

Although there aren’t as many fine-dining options in Uluwatu as you might find in Canggu, there are many local spots with traditional cuisine to grab a beer and watch the sunset.

Single Fin Restaurant is a spot like that. They have fun local meals with a terrace overlooking the beaches with surfers down below. You can take the stairs down from here to Uluwatu Beach. This is your spot for smoothie bowls post surf session.

Suka Espresso and Nourish Cafe are both good spots to grab coffee. Both have enjoyable ambiance and will be good places to sit and do work or grab a coffee before heading to your next adventure.

This is a more controversial food recommendation, so do your own research and know what your body can handle. Callie recommends any spot that says Warung for buffet style local food. She never got sick from eating in any of these spots, but she also has been traveling for a long time so has a stronger belly than most. She says that you can trust them anywhere, but make sure to use your best judgement.

Party-Scene

Although Canggu has a party-scene on a whole different scale, there are still some really fun places to go out in Uluwatu if you look for them.

Ulu Cliffhouse has events that you don’t want to miss if you’re there while they’re happening. This is a more upscale experience with well-known artists on occasion.

Savaya Beach Club also hosts events, and has a venue unlike anything in the world. Even if they aren’t hosting an event here, this is a really unique bar to come and experience.

Ice Bath & Sauna

If you’re a solo-traveler or are looking to make friends while traveling, find a sauna and ice bath center. While traveling, Callie has made some of her closest friends while hanging out in a sauna. Most of the time people that go to these places are like-minded and care about health and wellness. And while you are sitting and soaking all of that up, you chat and get to know the people around you.

The Istana is one such place in Uluwatu. It has amazing ocean views on the side of a cliff, and is well worth the expense.

Beaches

The majority of what you will fill your time with in Ulutwatu is spending time at the beach. Whether thats relaxing, surfing, walking or exploring caves.

The Uluwatu Beach is a really popular spot and is more touristy, but is a great spot to explore caves. If you’re a surfer, this is a more advanced location and you can also rent a board here.

Dreamland Beach is more of an intermediate spot for surfing waves, and is also an incredible spot for a beautiful walk on the beach. If you go to the left side of this beach, there is a grassy hill you can walk up for places to sit with fantastic views of the turquoise water framed by cliffs. This is the perfect spot for sunset and picnics.

As Bali has probably tripled in tourists since Callie was there in 2021, some of these gems might not be so hidden anymore. But they are still worth checking out. Green Bowl Beach is an insane “hidden gem” where you can walk down stairs and spend the day in caves enjoying this mini-paradise. This spot is incredible at sunrise and you can get some really unique drone footage here.

Pantai Batu Barak is another secluded spot with cliffs surrounding the beach at every turn. And if you’re into paragliding, this spot is where Nyang Nyang paragliding operates out of and is an amazing spot to fly.

Uluwatu is not to miss in Bali!