In September 2021, we spent two unforgettable weeks in Uluwatu, known for its stunning rocky landscapes, towering cliffs, and pristine beaches. While Bali remained under lockdown due to the pandemic, we got in with a business visa in June—just before the Delta variant led to the revocation of even those visas. Despite the challenges and the closures of nearly 70% of Uluwatu’s shops, cafes, and tourist attractions, we still uncovered some hidden gems and memorable experiences.
Uluwatu in Lockdown: A Quiet but Beautiful Escape
If you’ve visited Uluwatu before, you know it’s usually buzzing with activity—beach clubs, surf spots, and cafes filled with visitors. But during our visit, Uluwatu was a different place. Many top spots were closed, and those that remained open were mostly empty. It was tough to witness the effects of the pandemic, but in some ways, the quiet atmosphere allowed us to experience Uluwatu’s natural beauty in a more peaceful setting.
While we couldn’t deliver our usual “Top 10 Things to Do in Uluwatu” list (similar to the ones we created for Canggu), we still made the most of it. There were plenty of incredible cafes, serene beaches, and awe-inspiring cliffs to explore. And as always, we shared all of our favorite moments on Instagram!
Instagram Stories Uluwatu: Behind the Scenes
Though our usual Top 10 list wasn’t possible, we didn’t miss out on creating amazing content! Check out our Instagram Stories to see our top picks for cafes, cliffside views, beaches, and insider recommendations for Uluwatu. You can find all of our Uluwatu content on Instagram, filled with stunning shots and helpful tips.
Uluwatu Travel Tips: Our Favorite Places to See and Eat
Even with so many closures, Uluwatu still offered some great places to visit, dine, and unwind. Here are our favorite spots to explore during your trip:
Must-Visit Hotspots:
- Uluwatu Temple: A must-see for its iconic cliffside setting and cultural significance. Don’t miss the Kecak dance performance at sunset!
- Cliffside Beach Clubs: Watch the sunset from epic locations like Ulu Cliffhouse or El Kabron.
- GWK Cultural Park: Home to the massive Vishnu statue, this park offers incredible views and a glimpse into Balinese culture.
- Surfing: Whether you’re a pro or beginner, Uluwatu’s beaches offer some of the best surf breaks in Bali.
- Beaches: From the famous Padang Padang to Dreamland Beach, Uluwatu’s beaches are diverse and beautiful.
Best Cafes for Coffee:
- Ours
- The Loft
- Tarebelle
- BGS
- The Bakery
Where to Eat in Uluwatu:
Breakfast Spots:
- Nourish
- Suka Espresso
- Ours
- The Loft
Lunch Spots:
- Drifter
- The Loft
- Nourish
- Ours
Dinner Spots:
- Rolling Fork: A cozy Italian spot with delicious pasta dishes.
- Ours
- La Baracca: Authentic Italian food with a relaxed vibe.
- Mana: Perfect for enjoying great food with ocean views.
Best Bars for Drinks with a View:
- Sunset Point: A relaxed spot with unbeatable sunset views.
- Ulu Cliffhouse: Famous for its chic atmosphere and oceanfront location.
- The Edge: Offering luxury and dramatic cliffside views.
- El Kabron: A must for sunset cocktails and Spanish-inspired dishes.
- Savaya: A high-end beach club perfect for those who want to splurge.
Digital Nomad-Friendly Cafes in Uluwatu
If you're working remotely, Uluwatu has some fantastic spots to set up your laptop. Here are our top picks for digital nomads:
- The Loft
- Suka Espresso
- Gooseberry
- Mana
Accommodation Recommendation: Litus Bingin
During our stay, we found Litus Bingin to be an affordable and cool place to stay. Its great location makes it easy to explore the best that Uluwatu has to offer.
Favorite Beaches in Uluwatu
Uluwatu is famous for its stunning beaches. These were our top picks:
- Dreamland Beach
- Padang Padang Beach
- Melasti Beach
Where to Work Out in Uluwatu
Uluwatu’s hilly cliffs offer a workout in themselves, but if you’re looking for a proper gym or yoga session, here’s where to go:
- Surfing: The ultimate workout, and there’s no better place to do it than Uluwatu’s beaches.
- Bali Training Centre: Perfect for gym-goers.
- Morning Light Yoga: Ideal for some peaceful yoga with ocean views.
Uluwatu Photos from Our Adventure
We captured some stunning shots during our stay, and we’re excited to share them with you. Check out our photo collection to get a feel for Uluwatu’s epic cliffs, empty beaches, and quiet charm during the lockdown.
