In this blog post, I’m sharing my favorite places to eat, the most affordable accommodations, the best hangout spots to watch pro surfers, and the most fun activities such as surf lessons in this tropical surfer paradise. Here’s why I fell in love with Uluwatu and keep coming back.
Located on the southwestern tip of Bali, Uluwatu is a laid-back surfer town that’s been gaining popularity in recent years. Despite the rise in popularity, Uluwatu maintains its charm with cool restaurants, unique boutiques, and epic surf. From world-class surf breaks to breathtaking cliffside views, Uluwatu offers an irresistible mix of natural beauty and vibrant culture. Join me as I show you why Uluwatu is one of my favorite places to visit in Bali.
Chapters
How to get around
How To Get Around
First of all, how do you get around? Uluwatu is spread over a wide area, making walking from A to B almost impossible unless you stick to one location with a few shops and restaurants. Booking Gojek/Grab rides is a great way to get around if you don't want to ride by yourself, but it can add up to the same price as renting a scooter, which is around $5 a day.
If you're staying just a few nights, Gojek/Grab is a convenient option. But if you stay longer in town, getting a scooter and even a lesson to ride it is worth it. This way, you can easily make a "shopping day" and visit different stores around town without waiting for drivers, saving time and energy.
Scooter Rental Recommendation: The wavy rental uluwatu. You can ask for a scooter lesson with Juan or book with Uluwatu Scooter Lesson next door.
1. Accomodations - Bungalows and Guesthouses
When booking a place in Uluwatu, you quickly notice two things: accommodations are pricier than in the rest of Bali, and choosing the right area can be challenging. Uluwatu includes neighboring villages like Pecatu and Bingin, so regardless of where you stay, you’ll need a grab or scooter to get around.
Keep in mind that accommodations in Uluwatu cost more than those in Ubud or Canggu. Also, many nice-looking places have very basic bathrooms, so it's essential to book in advance to secure a nice, affordable spot with great reviews. During busy travel seasons, the best accommodations are booked up quickly. So, if you want to stay in a specific spot, make sure to book in advance. But don't worry if you are a last-minute booker; there are always places available.
Dreamsea Bali - Most Beautiful Accomodation
The most beautiful and aesthetic accommodation I highly recommend for a short stay is Dreamsea Bali. Often sold out, and for good reason, this stunning boho-style hotel is right on the oceanfront. It includes a great restaurant with beautiful views and amazing live music in the evenings. You can also enjoy yoga and surfing here. Shared rooms start at around $37 a night, depending on the room you book.
However, due to its location and inconvenient access, I recommend staying at Dreamsea for a maximum of a few days. It's perfect for beach bumming, surfing, and chilling if you want to relax by the beach in a beautiful setting. But the location is a bit challenging if you like exploring the town or visiting other beaches. Dreamsea is at the bottom of a cliff, so you have to walk down and climb several stairs back up through the hotel. This is manageable with a light backpack, but heavy bags and lots of luggage can make it stressful. Fortunately, locals at the top of the cliff offer help with carrying bags.
Another important factor to consider when booking is the room type. If you book a twin room, you might share it with a random person. I booked a twin room, thinking it was private, but I ended up sharing it with another girl. So, if you want a private room, double-check and ask before booking.
Dreamsea Bali is the reason I came to Uluwatu in the first place. I planned to stay only one night to experience Dreamsea Hotel. But once I set foot in Uluwatu, I extended my stay immediately.
Les Chalets Pecatu
For now, Les Chalets Pecatu is the most affordable and decent accommodation I've found in Uluwatu. While it's a bit farther out, it's still easily accessible. The bungalows are simple but clean, with all the essentials, including a shared kitchen and fridge. A night here costs around $28. Conveniently, the scooter rental I recommend is just across the street, and Bulls Cafe—mentioned later in this article—is only a minute's walk away. There's also a laundry service within walking distance. Overall, it's a great location at an affordable price.
Note: When booking the accommodation, select Les Chalets Pecatu specifically, as there is another similar location called Les Chalets Uluwatu, which is further out.
Seno Guest House
I chose Seno Guest House for its clean and attractive appearance, plus the bonus of a pool and its close proximity to the yoga studio I was working at. While it is a bit pricier at around $49 per night, I recommend staying here. There's no kitchen for guest, but a fridge is available to store your items.
Telaga Sari Bingin - Favorite Stay
Telaga Sari Bingin is my favorite place to stay in Uluwatu. The beautiful garden and pool area are absolutely enchanting. This accommodation is often sold out, so make sure to book in advance if you want to stay here. One night costs around $36 per night. The only minor inconvenience is that no kitchen or fridge is available for guests.
Lumbung Temu Homestay - Green Oasis
I usually stay at Les Chalets Pecatu, but I discovered Lumbung Temu Homestay on my last trip, which quickly became a new favorite. These charming bungalows are nestled behind local family houses amidst lush greenery, providing a tranquil atmosphere. The stay costs around $45 per night and includes guests' access to a communal kitchen.
Lumbung Sari - Bungalow Haven
Lumbung Sari is the most beautiful bungalow in the most aesthetic place! I booked this beautiful stay to treat myself for a week. I absolutely loved the beautiful garden and bungalows. There is a community kitchen and space to socialize with other guests. The only downside is that it's further away from the beaches I would visit every day, but since it's such a gem of a place, it's definitely worth staying here. One night is approx. $37
