Uluwatu, Indonesia
Welcome to the ultimate guide for experiencing the breathtaking beauty and dynamic lifestyle of Uluwatu, located on Bali’s stunning Bukit Peninsula. This curated list gathers all the must-see spots, ensuring you capture the complete picture of the area—from sun-kissed mornings on white-sand beaches and challenging world-class surf breaks, to sophisticated dining and the most talked-about cliffside parties. Whether you’re looking to focus on fitness, enjoy a classic Balinese cultural performance, or simply find the perfect sunset cocktail spot, this itinerary is your shortcut to experiencing the very best of the ‘Batu.
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Best Luxury Hotels & Resorts in Uluwatu
Nusa Penida, with its dramatic cliff-sides, hidden beaches, and unforgettable marine life, has quickly become a must-visit destination off the coast of Bali. While a one-day trip is popular, staying overnight allows you to truly soak in the island’s raw beauty and avoid the daytime crowds. Choosing the right base is key to an incredible island adventure, and I’ve spent time compiling my personal recommendations. From stunning infinity pools perched high on a cliff to charming beachfront bungalows, here is a curated list of my absolute favorite hotels and accommodations that promise an unforgettable stay on this magical Indonesian island.
Our Favorite Experiences in Uluwatu, Bali
Nyang Nyang Beach
Nyang Nyang Beach (link to Google Maps) is located on the southern coast of Bali’s Bukit Peninsula, close to the famous Uluwatu Temple. Unlike the bustling beaches of Kuta or Seminyak, Nyang Nyang offers a long, pristine stretch of white sand, dramatic towering limestone cliffs, and a uniquely tranquil atmosphere.
Before you go, check the tides (link). We wanted hightide to shoot our drone with the ship.
Parking: We parked our vehicle here in this open lot.
*BRING WATER TO DRINK AND SNACKS!
| Vibe | Secluded, quiet, and tranquil. Perfect for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy nature. |
| Sand & Water | Soft, white sand spanning about . The water is clear and turquoise. |
| Surfing | Popular among intermediate and experienced surfers due to challenging waves and a strong reef break. Not suitable for beginners. |
| Swimming | Caution advised. Strong currents and sharp reefs are present. Swimming is generally not recommended |
| Iconic Sights | The Shipwreck: A unique, half-buried wooden shipwreck covered in graffiti sits on the eastern end, making for a popular photo spot. Here is a link to its location |
| Facilities | Minimal. Please bring your own water and snacks! |
How to Get Down to the Beach
The reason Nyang Nyang remains so unspoiled is its challenging access. Reaching the beach requires descending a steep cliff, which can be exhausting, especially on the hike back up in the heat.
East Entrance (Nunggalan) – We used this entrance, it wasn’t to bad but its explained as strenuous. A 20-30 minute descent involving a hike and up to 600 steps. This path is often shaded by vegetation, but the climb is intense. It leads closer to the shipwreck area and is often less crowded. Since we really only cared for the shipwreck, we took this option.
Essential Hike and Safety Tips
- Wear Proper Footwear: The paths are rocky, uneven, and can be slippery. Avoid flip-flops; wear sturdy sneakers or hiking sandals.
- Hydrate: Bring plenty of water. The hike back up is strenuous and exhausting, especially during midday heat.
- Sun Protection: The beach itself offers minimal natural shade, so bring a hat, sunscreen, and possibly a sarong or umbrella.
- Sunset: If you stay for sunset, bring a flashlight or use your phone’s light for the hike up, as the trail is not lit and quickly becomes dark.
Rock Bar Bali
What a unique experience, the Rock Bar Bali! One of the most famous and iconic destinations on the island, at least per social media. Rock Bar Bali is a world-renowned, open-air bar spectacularly perched on a natural rock formation 14 meters (about 45 feet) above the Indian Ocean. It is located at the base of a cliff within the luxurious AYANA Resort and Spa complex in Jimbaran, which is near the Uluwatu area.
Personally, we drove here. They have a parking desk right outside the hotel or you can valet. Most will get a taxi here so they will drop you off at the front door of the AYANA Resort and Spa. Walk through the lobby, then through the courtyard toward the water. From here, you will find the elevator to the bottom!
Rock Bar Bali Tips
Access: Guests reach the bar via an inclinator (a specialized lift that runs down the cliff face), which offers breathtaking views during the descent.
Vibe: It offers a sophisticated, glamorous ambiance with signature cocktails, tapas, and music spun by international DJs, often from a custom booth carved into the cliff.
Dress Code: It maintains a smart casual dress code (no singlets, board shorts, or flip-flops).
Minimum Spend: Non-hotel guests often have a minimum spend requirement for certain seating areas, especially during peak sunset hours.
Blue Point Beach
Blue Point Beach, officially known as Suluban Beach, is one of Bali’s most unique coastal spots in Uluwatu. Famed for its dramatic cliffside setting and world-class surf breaks, the name Suluban comes from the Balinese word mesulub (‘to pass in something’), describing the necessity of descending through a natural rock cave to reach the sand. Officially Suluban Beach, its tourist nickname Blue Point Beach originates from a nearby hotel. It maintains an adventurous, scenic atmosphere, functioning as a bustling surfer hub. The clifftop features lively facilities like popular bars and cafes (e.g., Single Fin), while the beach itself is a dramatic, secluded cove beneath towering limestone cliffs.
The cove’s main attraction is The Cave, which is reached via steep steps and a narrow gully. This unique entrance is excellent for photography, especially during low tide. Because the small beach area and the cave are highly tide-dependent—often submerging at high tide—visiting during low or medium tide is essential for safe access and the best experience. Facilities: Excellent amenities are available at the clifftop, but minimal facilities exist on the sand itself.
Blue Point Beach Stairs and Cave
The steep path winds through small cliffside shops and cafes.
Route: The descent involves approximately steep, concrete steps, taking 10.
Final Passage: At the bottom, visitors must crouch and walk through a narrow, low-ceilinged gully or cave carved into the limestone cliff. This passage opens directly into the small beach cove and surf break.
Accessibility: Due to the steep stairs and uneven cave passage, this beach is not suitable for visitors with limited mobility or strollers.
Blue Point Beach Tips for Visiting
Footwear: Wear trainers or hiking sandals; flip-flops are hazardous on the wet, uneven steps.
Tide Check: Always check tide times; high tide limits beach space and can make the cave dangerous.
Sunset: This is a prime sunset viewing spot, either from the clifftop cafes (like Single Fin) or the beach (if tide permits).
Photography: The cave entrance is best photographed at low tide when sunlight shines through the rock formations.
Thomas Beach
Thomas Beach is a beautiful, relatively secluded beach located in the Uluwatu area on Bali’s Bukit Peninsula, in between the more well-known Padang Padang Beach and Suluban Beach (Blue Point Beach).
Thomas Beach is often described as a hidden gem, offering a more laid-back and uncrowded experience compared to some of the busier beaches. It features a long stretch of soft white sand, crystal-clear turquoise water, and is framed by Uluwatu’s iconic limestone cliffs. It’s an excellent spot for watching the sunset.
Thomas Beach Things to Do:
- Relaxation: It’s perfect for sunbathing and relaxing, with sunbeds and umbrellas available for rent from numerous vendors.
- Swimming: Swimming is generally considered safe, particularly during mid to high tide when the water is deeper and calmer near the shore.
- Surfing: Thomas Beach is a good spot for beginner to intermediate surfers, offering smaller and gentler waves than the expert breaks nearby. Surfboard rentals are available on the beach.
- Tide Pools: During low tide, large, natural tide pools form that are fun to explore.
Thomas Beach Tips:
Access: Access to the beach requires navigating a set of stairs down the cliff, which contributes to its secluded feel. You can usually find a dirt parking area at the top. On the way down, watch for Monkeys!
Amenities: You’ll find local food stalls (known as warungs) on the beach offering simple Indonesian food (like Nasi Goreng or Mie Goreng), snacks, and drinks like fresh coconut and Bintang beer. Basic facilities such as toilets and showers are also available for a small fee.
Location Tip: The entrance to the beach is often found across the road from Suka Espresso cafe (highly recommend!) on Jalan Labuan Sait.
Top Beaches in Uluwatu, Bali
| Melasti Beach | Beach | A beautiful beach known for its soft white sand and towering limestone cliffs |
| Nyang Nyang Beach | Beach | Pristine white sand |
| Thomas Beach | Beach | Beautiful beach, long way down, unique little monkeys along the path |
| Blue Point Beach | Beach | Known beach viewpoint |
| El Kabron | Beach Club/Fun | An iconic Luxury Party Beach Club and Mediterranean Spanish Restaurant perched on a cliff |
| Karma Beach | Beach Club/Fun | A luxurious beach club located in a hidden bay with pristine white sands and clear aquamarine water |
| Palmilla | Beach Club/Fun | Boho-chic beach club overlooking Melasti Beach. |
| Savaya | Beach Club/Fun | Cliffside club known for international DJs and parties, High-end, and massive. |
| Sundays Beach Club | Beach Club/Fun | A luxurious beach club set in an exclusive bay |
| White Rock Beach Club | Beach Club/Fun | Large day club |
Best Restaurants in Uluwatu, Bali
| Canna | Restaurant | A stylish accommodation with a private pool. Often listed as Canna Uluwatu |
| Rock Bar Bali | Restaurant/Bar | One of the most unique spots to experience in Bali! |
| Mû Bungalows | Restaurant | Mu Bungalows is an eco-friendly boutique resort nestled on a secluded cliff-top |
| Bartolo | Restaurant | Excellent lunch spot while shopping |
| Dreamsea | Restaurant | Beachfront stay near Impossible Beach with ocean views. |
| Cashew Tree | Restaurant | Serves healthy food |
| Suka Espresso | Restaurant | Amazing brunch/lunch before the beach on Thomas Beach |
| The Bench Brewery Uluwatu | Restaurant/Fun | A popular local eatery or bar in the Uluwatu area. |
| Hatch Uluwatu | Restaurant/Fun | Psychedelic jungle-themed bar and restaurant. |
| Mana Uluwatu Restaurant & Bar | Restaurant/Fun | Located at Uluwatu Surf Villas |
| Restaurant/Fun | Hosts regular parties. | |
| Tabu | Restaurant/Fun | A stylish Supper Club where fine dining (Japanese-Latin fusion) seamlessly transitions into a high-energy nightlife experience with live DJs |
| Tropical Temptation – Adult Only Beach Club | Restaurant/Fun | Modern beach club on Melasti Beach |
| Malini Uluwatu | Restaurant/Fun | A restaurant or eatery known for local or international cuisine |
Unique Things to Do in Uluwatu, Bali
| Kecak Ulu | Cultural/Visit | Famous traditional Balinese dance performance, usually staged at Uluwatu Temple at sunset |
Uluwatu, Indonesia, Map
Getting to Uluwatu, Indonesia, from Denpasar Airport (DPS)
The travel time from I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) to the Uluwatu area is typically 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending heavily on traffic conditions, especially around Jimbaran and the airport area.
Here are the most popular and reliable ways to complete the transfer:
1. Private Pre-Booked Transfer (Most Convenient)
This is the most stress-free option, especially if you have a lot of luggage, are traveling in a group, or arrive late at night.
How it works: You book a car and driver through a third-party service (like Klook, GetYourGuide, or a local operator recommended by your accommodation) or directly through your hotel/villa before you arrive.
Pros: The driver will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall with a sign, the price is fixed upfront, and they will track your flight for delays. This avoids any stress or haggling.
Cons: It is usually the most expensive option.
Price Estimate: Varies widely, but typically starts around IDR 300,000 – 450,000 (approx. $20 – $30 USD).
2. Ride-Hailing Apps (Best Value/Easiest to Book)
Bali uses Grab and GoJek (Uber is no longer operating on the island). These apps function just like rideshare services in other countries, providing fixed prices in the app.
How it works: Download the Grab or GoJek app beforehand, connect to the airport Wi-Fi upon arrival, and book a GrabCar (for cars) or GoCar to your destination.
Important: DPS Airport has designated pickup zones for these apps. You may have to walk a short distance from the arrivals exit to the official Grab/GoJek lounge or pickup point. Follow the signs.
Pros: Excellent value, easy to use, and eliminates price negotiation.
Cons: You must rely on the airport Wi-Fi or have a local SIM card. Prices can surge during peak hours (e.g., late afternoon).
Price Estimate: Generally cheaper than private transfers, ranging from IDR 200,000 – 300,000 (approx. $13 – $20 USD).
3. Official Airport Taxi Kiosk
The airport operates official taxi counters (kiosks) inside the terminal.
How it works: Approach the official counter, state your destination in Uluwatu, pay the fixed, non-negotiable price, and you will be directed to a waiting driver.
Pros: Very convenient location right after arrivals, fixed price (no haggling).
Cons: The fixed rates from the airport kiosks are typically higher than prices found on ride-hailing apps or from Bluebird Taxis outside the airport grounds.
4. Bluebird Taxi (Reliable Metered Taxi)
Bluebird is Bali’s most reputable metered taxi company (recognizable by their distinct light-blue cars).
How it works: While they can sometimes be picked up directly at the airport, it is often easier to book them via their own app or look for one outside the immediate airport zone. They should always use the meter.
Pros: Honest, reliable service that uses a meter.
Cons: If picking up near the airport, you must ensure the driver agrees to use the meter immediately to avoid being quoted a high flat rate.
⚠️ Important Tips for Arrival
Use Airport Wi-Fi: The airport provides free Wi-Fi, which you can use to download/open Grab/GoJek or contact a pre-booked driver.
SIM Card: Consider buying a local SIM card at the airport if you plan to rely on ride-hailing apps and navigation during your stay.
Cash: Have some Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) ready for tolls or if you need to pay a driver in cash.
Avoid Touts: Ignore the freelance drivers aggressively soliciting rides outside the arrivals area. Stick to the official counters, your pre-booked driver, or the ride-hailing apps.
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