Uluwatu. Still probably one my most favourite places in Bali.
The beaches, the atmosphere.
It doesn’t have the food culture of Canggu (read more about that here) but don’t worry, there are still some amazing options. But the beaches are some of my favourite in Bali. There is something so blissful about riding around on a scooter between Bingin and Uluwatu, saying hello to cute little cows chilling out in their paddocks, taking in the juxtaposition of breathtaking, jagged cliff-scapes and sparkling azure water.
THINGS TO DO
Dreamland beach
Admittedly wasn’t the easiest to find when we first went, but it’s worth the adventure. Hire a scooter and head out towards Bingin. The water is so blue, it still blows my mind. The only downside is its a pretty heavy shore break at times, so be mindful to time your swim with the waves. And also, don’t selfie too close to the water. I’ve seen too many tourists go down as the force of the wave is surprisingly powerful
Sunset at Single Fin or Bingin
Single Fin is a given, it would be a hard place to miss. But despite being overcrowded (and albeit, a little overrated), it is pretty hard to beat in terms of sunset hour. My advice get there early and grab a seat in prime position. Or otherwise equally as good, just walk a little further down the stairs towards the beach, and there are some spots with the exact same view (maybe not the same atmosphere, but still dreamy). Alternatively, I personally adore Bingin for sunset drinks too. A little quieter (an more options for food etc).
Padang Padang – Surf or SUP
Padang Padang is still one of my favourites. It’s small, so can get overcrowded and you do pay a small entrance fee now (like $1AUD….so nothing worth complaining about). I once saw a dugong while SUP-ing around, and there is a bunch of longboards to hire so depending on the time of year you are there, there are some great learner/long boarding waves. We were there in May/June this year, so it was a little more my husbands level of surfing (aka in his words “some of the best barrels of my life”).. So best to make a judgement call there
Uluwatu Temple
Another beautiful spot for sunset. Its a beautiful old temple set on the cliff, Its an incredible place to meander through, and they also do a performance most nights that I would recommend as a once off experience.
Yoga at Yoga Searcher
There are a few yoga spots around, but this is the only one I’ve made it to and its pretty decent. If there happens to be a fly high class running while you are there, I would highly recommend even if you’re not into yoga. Its a whole other experience.
WHERE TO EAT
Yoga Searcher
After your yoga class, why not head to Muz’s Kitchen (the cafe onsite at Yoga Searcher) which is a vegetarian/vegan place with a pretty stellar selection of healthy eats. The yogi smoothie is a high recommendation!
Bukit Cafe
A trendy very Australian vibe little place. Again with (you guessed it) some good vegan options. Oh and a pretty decent coffee!
The Cashew Tree
I’m just going to say straight up, incase you didn’t know already.. I’m vegan, so hence most of my restaurant recommendations are centred on that. Cashew Tree is all vegetarian, with great vegan options and some killer desserts. I had one of the best salad bowl/buddha bowl situations there. Its towards Bingin, but definitely worth the scooter ride.
Nalu Bowls
Weirdly enough this was here at the start of our trip, but gone by the time we went back a month later. They were doing some renovations at the time at Single Fin, so hoping it was just a temporary thing. But their smoothie bowls are hard to beat, so if you can find it… you should find it…
YeYe’s Warung
A fun little traditional (well more traditional) Indonesian place. It has a really nice variety, particularly of vegetarian options. It has a nice atmosphere, lots of outdoor dining set amongst lush gardens with ambient lighting.
Nyoman Warung
Now you’ll know the place by looking for a boat, that is actually a table. Its between Padang Padang and Uluwatu, on one of the corners. This is very traditional Indonesian style food (to my knowledge). And for like $3 AUD its seriously hard to beat. Their mixed vegetable with tempe is seriously delicious, and meal size is decent (very important for the boys… and us girls with a hearty appetite). Tom and I certainly love to eat at the fancier, specialty places, but I really fee like your missing out if you don’t explore the other side of dining. So for a cheap, easy, delicious lunch, this is one of our top picks!
WHERE TO STAY
We stayed at Pink Coco Hotel this time, and one night at Sal’s Secret Spot (near Bingin) on our last night. Both were great places to stay with a great atmosphere. Pink Coco is in a more central spot, but Sal’s is also perfectly set up to make you want to stay by the pool all. day. long.
We’ve also stayed at Uluwatu Surf Cottages previously, which is nothing special room-wise, but has a great view and nice shared space around the pool.
Yoga Searcher is super dreamy if your looking for something a little more luxe. It has a salt water pool (can I get a hell yes from all my blondies?!) and the bed is one of the comfiest I’ve ever slept in.
Other places I’ve had recommended to me:
The Sun & Surf Stay | Suarga Padang Padang | The Ungasan
Makes me want to go to Bali!