I’m not normally one to continue to holiday to the same destination but Bali just keeps me coming back. If it’s not the smiling faces of the locals, the exotic balinese cuisine, the monkeys or the elephants, then it must be the breathtaking, vast ocean views of Uluwatu.
August 2016, was my fifth (and month-long) holiday to Bali, so it’s safe to say that i certainly know my way around this little piece of paradise. If you haven’t got 1 month to explore the entire island, but want to feel like you’ve had a holiday and a cultural experience, then I suggest you look no further than Uluwatu.
Here’s 5 reasons why:
1. Beaches, Beaches, Beaches! Growing up in Sydney, I really have been spoilt for choice with some of the world best beaches in my front yard. This is why when I holiday, I don’t enjoy brown sand or over-crowded beaches like that of Seminyak, Kuta and Legian. So, if you’re like me and love hidden, white sand coast lines with crystal blue water, you’ll love Uluwatu. Uluwatu is home to private beach clubs like Sundays, that you can only access via cable car down a cliff face. If you’re scared of heights then maybe this isn’t for you… Try Padang Padang Beach, or dreamland beach instead.
2. Amazing Hotels! Uluwatu has some of the best hotels in Bali. For an unforgettable stay, check out The Ungasan Clifftop Resort. I’ve stayed here twice and I’ll be back a third time, should I ever get the chance.
3. Culture! If you like to have a cultural experience as well as a tropical holiday, you’re in luck because Uluwatu is home to one of the grandest temples on the Island, Uluwatu Temple. This temple sits an impressive 70 metres high above the Indian Ocean. Travel here in the mid afternoon to explore the temple grounds. Watch out for monkeys, they have been known to steal cameras, jewellery, phones and anything they can get their hands on really. At sunset plan to watch the Kecak and Fire dance.
4. Dinner and a view! Uluwatu has some incredible dining options with even more incredible views. Away from the traffic and chaos of Kuta and Seminyak, you’re free to explore neighbouring areas like Nusa Dua and Jimbaran Bay too, without sitting bumper-to-bumper to get there. My Favourite spots to dine at and near to Uluwatu are:
El Kabron Spanish Restaurant and Cliff Top Club – Great spot for an early dinner. They serves delicious tapas and cocktails on a cliff top over looking the Indian Ocean. Head here just before sunset for a swim in the infinity pool.
Sundays Beach Club – Delicious spot for a chilled-out lunch right on the beach. This place dishes up delicious pastas and pizzas. If you stay past sunset you can enjoy a bonfire on the beach.
Menaga Cafe at Jimbaran Bay- If you head down to Jimbaran Bay you will see dozens of seafood BBQ restaurants along the beachfront. Menega Cafe is the best and one of the most famous in the area so don’t risk a bad meal, trust me and go here! Choose your seafood fresh and watch it BBQ over coconut husks. Make sure you make a booking for just before sunset.
Single Fin- If dinner isn’t your main focus and you’re looking for somewhere to have a few drinks, then head down to Single Fin on a Sunday afternoon. Cocktails are serves in jugs, tunes are live and vibes are good.
5. Time! While I love staying in Seminyak and Ubud, I find the traffic situation can be a bit stressful and you send half the day in cabs trying to get from A to B. Uluwatu is secluded, traffic free and only 40mins from Bali’sNgurah Rai Airport International Airport.