Uluwatu is located on the western cliffs of the Bukit Peninsula in Bali (the bit right at the south of the island) and is one of the most beautiful spots on the island for kicking back, in and around some chilled surfy vibes.

Whether you’re keen to learn or ready to surf the world-class breaks that sweep in from the Indian Ocean surrounding Uluwatu, you’re in for a treat. Uluwatu has some of the most consistent surf breaks in the world, and the waters are warm and clear, making it idyllic for any level surfer.

If you’re planning a trip to Uluwatu and you’re trying to figure out where to stay in Uluwatu, where the best places for food and drinks are and what the best things to do are in Uluwatu, you’ve landed to the right place. I’ve got you covered in this Uluwatu travel guide.

I first visited Uluwatu in 2013, then again in 2020, and I’ve just spent another 2 weeks there in November 2025, so this guide to Uluwatu has been updated for you very recently!

Let’s tuck in, shall we?

An Uluwatu Bali travel guide: The best things to do, see and eat

Getting around Uluwatu

The best way to get around Uluwatu, just like most of Bali is by scooter (moped) or car.

If you’re staying for a little while or just want the cheapest and most convenient option, I’d say rent a scooter. Unless you’re staying on a resort and don’t plan to explore much beyond it – you’ll want some transport of your own.

Either hire a car from the airport when you land in Bali or get to your accommodation and sort yourself a scooter. Most companies in Bali will deliver the bikes to your door and you’ll pay them in cash.

Some will want you to pay upfront. I usually pay half at the start and the rest at the end, just to be safe. Price guide for renting a scooter in Uluwatu: 60-75,000IDR a day

The longer you rent the scooter for, the more of a bargain you’ll be able to arrange. Of course, new / larger scooters may cost a little more.

Pop Bonos Group a whatsapp to organise your scooter rental in Uluwatu: +62 8523 9999 684

Where to stay in Uluwatu

On my most recent trip, I stayed in this gorgeous room (pictured below), right by Ulu Fish Market and Suka, walking distance from Single Fins.

It was an amazing location but I have to say, Uluwatu has a lot more nightlife since I visited in 2020, and it wasn’t the most peaceful location if you’re like me and would rather sleep in and get up for yoga! Vibes and comfort 10/10. Location 9/10. Peace 4/10.

How much should I budget for Uluwatu?

See my guide to budgeting for Bali here and have a look at how much meals and activities will cost you!

Restaurants I loved in Uluwatu

In between these dreamy cafes you will find an abundance of Warungs (snack huts), where you can indulge in the finest Indonesian cuisine too. A combination of Nasi Gorengs and dragonfruit açai bowls is what I call heaven.

Some of my favourites in Uluwatu for eating:

• Ulu Fish Market – Unreal sushi and fresh fish plates (my fav spot)
• Breeze Cafe – The Vegan Nasi Campur was the bomb here.
• Suka – All-around winner. I recommend: the avo on sourdough, the pita and dips, the grilled chicken burrito.
• Nalu Bowls – the PB smoothie bowl. PB for the win.
• Gelato factory – ice cream cookie sandwiches!
• Nourish cafe – the mahi mahi fish and chips and the vegan cheesecakes!
• Mana – for the tacos, views, WIFI working and everything really!!
• La Baracca / Casa Asia – pizza and Italian galore
• Yeye’s – Local, cheap but great Indonesian food
• Drifter – Great all-around surf vibe, cocktails, raw treats, smoothies, coffee, lunch and dinner!
• Alchemy – Serene setting, tucked away. Colourful, flavour-filled plant-based breakfasts.

Coffee spots I love in Uluwatu:

• Suka Espresso
• Baked (great matcha and coffee)
• Mana (coffee with a view)
• BGS

The best things to do in Uluwatu

As well as surfing, there are also a plethora of things to do to keep you occupied and keep your adventure doses running high in Uluwatu.

During your time in Uluwatu, consider one of these best things to do in Uluwatu…

Take a class at First Light Yoga and stay for breakfast afterwards at Mana

I’d highly recommend combining the daily 7.30am Yoga class at First Light yoga (150,000IDR) with breakfast at Manu. They are at the same location and both are epic.

Mana is the heart of Uluwatu Surf Villas. It’s a two-story facility with the bottom floor boasting an infinity pool and a relaxed area with day beds and a bar. Head up the stairs after your yoga calss and you’ll find the all-day restaurant bar with the most stunning views across the ocean. If you’re looking for brunch or lunch with a view in Uluwatu – this is your spot!

Location: Pantai Suluban St, Pecatu, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali 80361, Indonesia

Grab a SUP from Thomas Beach and paddle around in the gorgeous, clear waters

This beach is dreamy for just a swim and a sunbathe too! Watch out for the steps heading down to the beach, they are quite the workout!

The path to head down is just opposite Suka Espresso so i’d recommend breakfast there and then walking down for a beach day or vice versa! There are also some surf schools down here and as you can see below, there were some gorgeous entry level fun waves down there too!

Rent a board at Padang Padang and enjoy the waves!

There are a few locals renting boards down on the beach (will save you carrying one down) so you’re guaranteed a board down there. Sunloungers can be rented and there are warungs too for a post surf nasi goreng and fresh coconut!

Boards are 50,000IDR – 100,000IDR (depending on the mood of the guy lol). You can always barter these prices!

Wander the Ulu Love Markets

Pick up some locally made goods, collect some souvenirs or treat yourself to some new sunglasses, jewellery or swimmers. There’s a little bit of everything in here, and it’s fun for a wander, whether you have the intention of buying anything or not. All of the stalls are run by locals, so it’s a lovely switch up from the majority of stores that line the main streets of Uluwatu now.

Location: Jl. Labuansait No.10, Pecatu, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia

Grab an ice cream sandwich at Gelato Factory

It’s opposite Hatch and is the perfect post surf / post dinner treat for those with a sweet tooth!

Visit the Uluwatu Temple

People say it’s the best temple to see whilst in Bali, second to Tanah Lot and I agree – it’s pretty beautiful. It’s set right on the cliff edge and on the perfect side of the island for a clear sunset. Watch out for the monkeys!

During the evenings, kecak dances are regularly held at the open-air theatre just south of the complex. It’s a local fire dancing thing – i’ve heard it’s super touristy but it’s also on most peoples bucket lists and could be worth checking out!

Go for dinner at Ulu Fish Market

If you love yourself a seafood dinner, look no further than Ulu Fish Market. I heard so many good things whilst I was there, and it did not disappoint. In fact, it exceeded my expectations. I did a first course of sushi and a main course of market fish of the da,y alongside the freshest coconut. Heaven. Do yourself a favour and get down there.

I believe they have a live band or DJ every Tuesday too, so if you’re trip falls over a Tuesday and you fancy a vibe – apparently it goes off!

Have a night at Hatch

This is the main ‘club’ type place in Uluwatu. You won’t miss it as you drive through, it’s got the most colourful walls that have people getting that ‘gram shot all day long. They often host themed evenings here like ‘Latin Night’, where you can learn salsa, eat tacos etc and have a dance. Fun switch up to your evening if you fancy a cocktail. I also saw they served roast dinners on Sundays!

Drive 20 minutes to paraglide with Melasti Cliff!

Honestly, one of the most beautiful experiences i’ve had in Bali. Flights will be worked around the wind on each day but if you can, try and fly at sunset! It’s absolutely magic and nowhere near as scary as you think!

Book your paraglide flight here.

If you’re a confident surfer, surf the world-class Uluwatu beach break!

If you’re not so confident, grab a cocktail at one of the warungs and watch the surfers on the Uluwatu break

At the top of the beach is a super dreamy place to get a sunset drink. Single Fin is here but cocktails are a little more expensive than the warungs around it. Support the locals if you can and grab a Bintang in one of them.

Hire Hari for the day and have him show you all the local spots.

We had Hari as our tour guide for the day and he took us through all the rice fields, explaining and showing us all that grows in the wild and all the natural remedies this island provides to its people. He is an absolute sunshine of a human and you can book him and his car for a day of tailored adventures.

Drop him a WhatsApp on +62 813-3855-5633 or Instagram @hari_made_

Send him my love!

Want to know more about Bali? Check out my complete guide to visiting Bali here.

Have you been to Uluwatu?

What were your favourite spots? I’d love to know!

Love as always and happy adventuring,

Mollie.