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Peninsula on Bali in Indonesia
Photo: Flickr user: Jos Dielis https://www.flickr.com/photos/dielis/, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
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Pura Uluwatu
One of Bali's nine key directional temples. Though a small temple was claimed to have existed beforehand, the structure was significantly expanded by a Javanese sage, Empu Kuturan in the 11th century. Another sage from East Java, Dang Hyang Nirartha is credited for constructing the padmasana shrines and is claimed to have attained Moksha here. Even more remarkable than the temple itself is its location, perched on a steep cliff 70 metres above the roaring Indian ocean waves. There are more steep headlands on either side and sunsets over Uluwatu are a sight to behold. A sarong and sash are required and are normally provided at the entrance. Guides, once famously mercenary, hassle visitors less than they used to, although they may offer to "protect" you from the monkeys, for a tip of course. While you are free to walk around the temple grounds, the central courtyards can only be entered during special rituals.
The temple is inhabited by large number of monkeys, and if you've been to Monkey Forest in Ubud and thought that all monkeys are that chill, you're in for a shock. Monkeys here are extremely adept at snatching visitors' belonging, including bags, cameras and eyeglasses, which made this place notorious in Bali for thieving monkeys as they do so very often. Keep a very close grip on all your belongings, stow away your eyeglasses if at all possible! Be very careful with even holding your phone in your hand, especially while standing still - they can suddenly snatch it from you. If you do have something taken, the monkeys can usually be induced to exchange it for some fruit, but be aware that it's not 100% guaranteed. Also rewarding the monkeys like this only encourages them to steal more... Locals and even the temple priests will be happy to do the job for you, naturally in exchange for a tip (no defined sum, but can be Rp 10,000-50,000). The temple’s compact scale is secondary to its spectacular clifftop setting, with sheer limestone headlands and wide views over the Indian Ocean. Nearby Suluban (Blue Point) Beach is reached separately by paths and stairs below the cliffs; its caves, rock formations and reef breaks make it a popular stop for surfers and sightseers.
A major new museum devoted to Bali’s living cultural heritage, with immersive exhibitions on Nyepi, the Saka calendar, the subak irrigation system and the philosophy of Tri Hita Karana. Large ogoh-ogoh figures, ritual objects, multimedia displays and the SAKA Dome make this the Bukit Peninsula’s best rainy-day cultural attraction. Book online or check current ticket prices before visiting.
GWK
A vast limestone cultural park dominated by the Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue, depicting the Hindu god Vishnu riding the mythical bird Garuda. The 121-m monument is among the world’s tallest statues and is visible from much of southern Bali. Visit for the monumental sculpture, broad peninsula views and scheduled Balinese dance performances; the large site is best explored in the cooler late afternoon.
A large, developed white-sand beach below limestone cliffs near Kutuh. The dramatic cliff-cut access road and the statues of the five Pandawa brothers are attractions in their own right, while the beach now has food stalls, sun loungers, watersports and other facilities. It is especially popular with domestic visitors on weekends and public holidays.
A broad, scenic beach beneath low cliffs on the Bukit’s west coast, known for its long left-hand surf break and sunset views. It remains more relaxed than some of the peninsula’s main resort beaches, but is no longer a little-known escape; expect surf visitors, beach warungs and limited parking in busy periods. Swimming can be hazardous when the surf is up.
A small, attractive surf beach reached by steep paths and stairs through the cliffside settlement. It is famous for its reef break, sunset views and compact beachfront setting, but access, facilities and nearby businesses have changed rapidly following enforcement action against unlicensed cliffside development in 2025. Check conditions locally, especially if travelling with luggage, children or limited mobility.
A developed resort beach on the Pecatu coast with pale sand, surf breaks and a range of commercial facilities nearby. It is popular with surfers and day visitors, though the surrounding development means it has a very different character from the Bukit’s more isolated coves.
A truly lovely beach with a big surf break offshore. Accessed from a stepped pathway on the north side of the obvious bridge 3 km north of Uluwatu Temple heading back towards Pecatu. The white sand beach here is a little bit narrow at the highest of tides but is otherwise very nice indeed.
West of Padang Padang, Suluban is a dramatic reef-and-cave beach reached by descending through cafés, shops and narrow limestone passages below the cliffs. It is less open and more tucked away than Padang Padang, though no longer reliably quiet, especially around sunset and during peak surf season. At lower tide, the beach extends among rocks, coral and seaweed, making it an interesting place to explore and watch surfers; at high tide, much of the sand disappears and conditions can be hazardous. The clifftop views over the changing blue water are exceptional.
Accessed by descending a long flight of concrete steps from the hilltop Gunung Payung Temple, this secluded beach rewards adventurous visitors with soft white sand, dramatic rock formations, and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Unlike the more developed beaches nearby, Gunung Payung remains relatively untouched—there are no beach clubs or major facilities, just the sound of waves and the occasional local vendor.
A broad white-sand beach reached by a spectacular switchback road cut through high limestone cliffs. Once relatively isolated, Melasti is now a popular, developed beach with beach clubs, food options and good road access, but the cliff scenery remains exceptional. It is a strong choice for swimming when conditions are calm; check tides and surf before entering the water.
One of the Bukit’s most scenic and least developed long beaches, backed by dramatic cliffs and reached by a steep descent. The reward is a wide sweep of pale sand, powerful surf and a more untamed atmosphere than the main resort beaches. Bring water, wear suitable footwear for the stairs and do not swim in rough conditions.
A small, secluded cove below Pura Batu Pageh, reached by a long, steep stairway. It has white sand, limestone caves and clear water, but facilities are limited and the climb back up is demanding. Better for fit visitors seeking a quiet, adventurous stop than for families or a casual all-day beach visit.
This impressive chapel was designed by leading architect Glen Parker and is stunningly located on the cliff top above Nyang Nyang Beach. The architecture is very modern and the chapel is essentially a series of glass-walled triangular pavilions surrounded by reflection pools. Full wedding planning services offered.
This golf course is stunningly located on top of the cliffs above Dreamland beach and is a top class venue. It is part of the highly controversial Pecatu Graha Indah development that was the brainchild of former dictator Soeharto's son Tommy. The dubious acquisition methods of the land here by his development company from the traditional landowners is still a huge bone of contention in Bali. That, coupled with the development ruining Dreamland Beach, has led to a lot of controversy. Anyone wishing to play at the course may wish to bear all of that in mind.
Located with a view of Garuda Wisnu Kencana Culture Park. All treatment rooms have are equipped with a locker, large bathtub with hot shower and two jacuzzis.
Offer 100% organic products for their spa menu (lulur full body scrub, manicure, pedicure, nail color, organic body waxing, traditional Balinese massage, wheat grass facial, and yogi surf burn relief. They also offer an infra red sauna and an herbal steam sauna.
Excellent coffee shop and cafe in Ungusan village close to the main Nirmala Supermarket. Bread and pastries are fresh daily and salads are excellent. Free wireless internet for customers.
A full service internet cafe and wireless hotspot. Serves breakfast, sandwiches, salads and smoothies. Also acts as a business centre, has a bulletin board and is a well known local surfies meeting spot. Jiwa means soul in Indonesian.
Pizzas and other reliable fare is served at this simple cafe close between Padang-Padang and Suluban. Beware that it is sometimes closed all day in the off season.
Sprawling multi-level bar/club with postcard sunset views high above the surf at Uluwatu beach. Trendy, with prices and patrons to match.
Good value rooms literally on the beach - the water laps right up to the property at high tide. Popular with surfers as the main Bingin break is right in front. Mostly Indonesian food prepared by the owners. The stairs down are murderous, but you get used to them. Try to pack light and bring a flashlight as there is no lighting on the stairs. Walking down to the water is a bit rocky and the reef can be quite deep at low tide so bring reef booties if you have them.
Simple rooms with stellar views directly over the beach and facing the surf break. There are just four rooms in this wooden rattan and thatch guesthouse. The sandy-floored restaurant area and upstairs balcony are ideal for chilling and watching the surf. Run by a friendly and genuine local family. Great Balinese coffee and free wifi.
8 very charming rustic bamboo bungalows on the beach, several of which are family-sized. Clean and cute. Bring a flashlight as the lighting is soft, great for ambiance, but a little too low for moving about at night. It's about an 8-min walk to Balangan beach. The walk is mostly paved, but the last 300 m are rocky and rather steep. There is a great breeze most of the time. Lots of mosquitos, the grounds are very green and well manicured. This great little place is representative of a Bali that is fast disappearing. Simple cafe facility and lots of old fashioned Bali charm.
Bit of an institution with the surfer crowd. Good, clean budget accommodation with a beautiful swimming pool and garden, Free WiFi connection. You can also rent a motorbike here. Extremely popular.
Rooms are on 2 levels with the upstairs option definitely preferable as it gets nice breezes.
Just about as basic as accommodation gets in Bali these days. Very much aimed at young surfers and in a great spot for easy access to the Padang-Padang break. Simple huts with bamboo walls and cold water.
An old time favourite with the surf community. A good location close to Uluwatu with nice ocean views out over the Suluban cliff-line.
Right by the beach and 50 m from the cliff. Popular with surfers. Traditional style bamboo bungalows with swimming pool, internet access, restaurant and airport transfers.
Clean, comfortable simple bungalows close to the beach. A large common area pool that is good for a cool swim or sunbathing. The bathrooms are well-kept and clean.
Simple clean rooms overlooking Bingin and Dreamland beach. A five minute walk to the beach. Large infinity edge pool, restaurant and spacious garden ground.
4 cliffront bungalows with a cliff-hanging infinity edge pool. Styles itself as a yoga retreat, a haven for surfers and a wedding venue. Everything here is very well done.
4 clifftop bungalows with thatched roofs set around a large free-form pool. Wonderful views from the Bingin cliff front here. Popular with surfers and those who just want to be away from it all.
Large range of accommodation here from regular rooms up to a private 3-bedroom villa with its own pool. Clean, simple and not bad value. No A/C in the cheaper rooms and there is no restaurant. Good ocean views and the cottages face sunset.
Boutique accommodation at Bingin with 3 creatively designed bungalows built into the cliff face. Views over the west coast surf breaks. Aims itself primarily at surfers but this would be a great value choice for any visitor. The restaurant prides itself on a health-conscious menu and is suitable for vegetarians.
Simple, clean rooms within walking distance to Suluban beach. All rooms have hot water, AC, WiFi, small refrigerator and TV. They claim to have some of the largest rooms in the Uluwatu area and say they're very close to the Sunday Single Fin Surfer party.
Uluwatu Cottages
Overlooks the sea and landscaped gardens atop a cliff in Uluwatu, 5 minutes' drive from Padang Padang Beach, Outdoor infinity pool, private terrace with views of the gardens, pool or sea
84 private villas in a modern and stylish cliff-edge resort. One, two or three bedroom villas, all of which have their own private pool and ocean views. 5-star resort facilities including: 3 restaurants, 50 m lap pool, spa, fitness centre and provision for wedding. Despite the name, this resort is about 7 km from Uluwatu.
Small cliff-edge resort with one- and two-bedroom villa accommodation. 2 pools, one of which is located right on the cliff-edge. Good in-house spa and decent restaurant.
Clifftop resort every bit as stylish as you'd expect from a boutique hotel run by a fashion label. Plunge pool, private elevator to the beach, excellent restaurants and a price tag to match.
46 villas perched upon a clifftop with unobstructed views of the rolling surf of the Indian Ocean. Each villa has a private walled garden with an infinity edge swimming pool. All bedrooms have their own en-suite bathroom. Living rooms are open plan with fully equipped kitchens, lounge and dining areas. A private cliff escalator provides access to Nammos Beach Club with its bar and fresh seafood grill. Gay/lesbian friendly staff and management. Member of Leading Small Hotels of the World.
Offers panoramic views of ocean since this resort located on a cliffside. A lot of restaurants to choose from and offers yoga classes as well.
5-bedroom, cliff-top villa just to the north of Uluwatu Temple and directly overlooking the famous surf break. Sleeps up to 10 people, 2 private pools and extensive gardens. Fully staffed with a cook and maids.
Modern 4-bedroom cliff-front villa above Suluban Beach. Well furnished and fitted and has a dramatic cliff-edge pool, complete with a glass wall. Fully staffed and serviced.
6-bedroom, cliff-top villa. Sleeps up to 12 people, private beach club, helipad, tennis and more. Massive garden, spectacular wedding venue. Fully staffed and serviced with chef, car & driver, maids and security.
Private villa featuring 4 bedrooms and ocean view. A little inland from Uluwatu in an elevated position with great ocean views. Built in 2008 to a high standard and is nicely fitted and furnished.
4-bedroom private cliff-edge villa with a dramatic infinity pool. All bedrooms with large en-suite baths. Big open living room and fully equipped kitchen. Fully staffed and serviced with car, driver, maids, chef and security. Private steps down the cliff to the beach.
5-bedroom, cliff-top villa. Sleeps up to 10 people, private beach club, spectacular wedding venue. Fully staffed and serviced with chef, car & driver, maids and security
The only road connecting the Bukit Peninsula to the rest of the island is the busy Jalan Bypass Nusa Dua.
Read in the guideExploring the Bukit lends itself very well to a rented motorbike. A number of the nicer beaches are reached via small roads or dirt tracks and a motorbike is the best method.
Read in the guideChoose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Kuta, Badung · International · DPS
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