Well Worth It: Uluwatu, Bali
Finding our groove in Uluwatu: A balanced week of adventure & rest
Indonesia was starting to feel familiar. We had cracked the code on the food scene, embraced the sudden tropical downpours, and found a rhythm in the chaos. But something was still missing. We had yet to find a place that truly fit us.
Enter Uluwatu.
Perched on the dramatic cliffs of Bali’s Bukit Peninsula, Uluwatu feels like it’s a world of its own. It’s a place where towering waves bring in surf legends, golden sunsets steal the show, and the crowd is a fascinating mix of nomads, wanderers, and international business moguls. Unlike Ubud’s spiritual intensity and congestion, Uluwatu offered a more relaxed, nature-driven escape—just the contrast we needed.
This shift wasn’t just about scenery; it changed how we traveled and lived for the week. The roads were less walkable, so we rented a scooter and felt free to explore and get into nature. Our Airbnb had a full kitchen, and Justin, armed with local ingredients, dusted off his chef skills to cook nearly all our meals. For the first time since leaving the States, we had some consistency—both in our nutrition and our daily flow.
But what made Uluwatu truly Well Worth It? Let’s dive into the week and break it all down.
The Criteria
We only recommend things we’d do again, send to our friends, and that had a positive payoff for the time, money, and memories. Our picks prioritize affordability, fun, and overall experience. We love outdoor and active adventures, prioritize nature over shopping and luxury, and aim for practical yet high-quality experiences. Our food picks lean toward bold flavors and protein-heavy meals. We enjoy chaos and calm and seek out hidden gems alongside popular spots.
Check out all the destinations on our trip here.
The Destination: Uluwatu, Indonesia
It’s easy to see why coastal lovers worldwide flock to this surfing hotspot. Towering cliffs drop into a turquoise sea and every evening the sky turns into a colorful masterpiece. It is a little more difficult to find a beach for swimming but they’re incredible nonetheless.
Parts of Uluwatu exude a beachside bougie vibe—think Tulum meets Miami but with a Balinese flair. Chic cliffside restaurants, stylish beach clubs, and trendy cafés dominate the scene, catering to surfers, nomads, and those who prefer their views with a side of cold-pressed juice or oat milk latte.
Getting here was straightforward. We hired the private driver we had used in Ubud, paying 400K IDR (about $24.50) for the ride. The drive took a couple of hours, but we made it count with one strategic pit stop—our first real grocery store in Indonesia. This was a game-changer. The selection was better, the prices were lower, and stocking up for the week made our stay in Uluwatu even more enjoyable. If you’re planning to cook, we highly recommend doing the same.
What to expect Uluwatu:
Getting around
Walk at your own risk - Google Maps may tell you a route is "walkable," but in reality, it’s often a mix of narrow roads, unexpected dead ends, and sketchy unmarked paths. We attempted the walk into town once—dodging traffic and weaving through backroads—and quickly realized a scooter was the way to go.
Rent a Scooter – By far the most convenient and affordable way to explore Uluwatu. Expect to pay around $5–7 per day. If you're new to riding, be aware that the roads here can be steep and winding, so take it slow. And wear a helmet, please.
Ride Apps – These are widely available and affordable. If you’re not comfortable riding a scooter yourself, you can hop on the back for as little as $0.80 per ride. Car rides are an option too, but they cost more and can be slower.
Beaches and Cliff overlooks
Uluwatu’s cliffs were made for golden hour. Plan your evenings around a good sunset spot—whether it’s from a beach, a cliffside bar, or the famous Uluwatu Temple.
Many beaches charge a small fee
Many beaches in Uluwatu charge a small entrance fee, typically between 10,000–50,000 IDR ($0.65–$3.25 USD). The fee helps maintain the area, and some beaches include scooter parking. You can park your scooter outside the entrance and only pay the “walk-in” fee.
Lots of late-night events and DJs
Uluwatu comes alive at night. Beach clubs and cliffside venues like Savaya, Single Fin, and Ulu Cliffhouse host DJs and late-night parties. During the slow season, guest lists are common, meaning you can often skip the cover charge by RSVPing in advance.
Can you spot Justin at Savaya? It’s like a game of Where’s Waldo. 👀
Not as much local Balisian energy or spirituality
Compared to Ubud, Uluwatu feels more like an international surf town than a hub of Balinese culture and spirituality. While you’ll still find offerings at temples and roadside shrines, the local energy is more about waves, wellness, and nightlife. Our Airbnb host did decorate our scooter for a holiday (not sure which one) but that was a cute surprise! She was so excited to see us driving off with it decorated.
Well Worth It Food & Drink
Single Fin
Legendary clifftop bar is the ultimate sunset-watching spot, complete with live music at night and a pool. Order anything and you’ll be able to take a dip. Okay, sold. We got the hummus platter with the fluffiest bread. Seems like this place can get crowded so we came in the early afternoon.
Jeffry Warung
Smoothie bowl with a view! Justin loves anything peanut butter and this fits the bill. It’s a no-frills spot but the smoothie bowl presentation was on point and who needs decoration with that ocean view? This spot is a short walk down the cliffside stairs from Single Fin’s so we hit both in one afternoon
Vida Loca
We could write a love letter to these empanadas and the entire vibe of this place. There is fun hippy-surf artwork everywhere and a pool table. It feels completely different than the modern beach clubs scattered throughout Ulu. We had a wonderful experience switching up our normal Bali flavors and trying the Carne cortado, pescado/Camarones, pulled pork, and caprese empanadas.
Loca Warung
Chicken with mushroom gravy and sweet potatoes, nasi campur, and grilled banana with ice cream. Doodling while you wait for your food and next door to our stay. Zoom in to see Justin’s “Recipe for a Great Day.”
Justin’s Warung
Justin cooked up a storm in Uluwatu. Here were our favorite dishes.
Curry Chicken - Green Beans, Eggplant, Proteina
French Toast Platter - With all the fixin’s such as chocolate protein spread, mango protein spread, coconut yogurt with cacao nibs, dates, bananas, and honey.
Mezze Plate - Savory: Bread, Salami, spicy olive oil, tempeh(like mozzarella) & Sweet: Bread, dates, coconut yogurt
Tempeh Omelette - Three eggs, tempeh, and green beans on the side
Frozen protein coffees - Bali coffee, whey protein powder
Is this a food substack or a travel substack - TBD! Are you hungry yet?
Well Worth It Experiences & Adventures
Nyang Nyang Beach
This was our first beach adventure in Uluwatu. The sun was shining high and we were so excited to finally get to the beach. The cliffs were so tall and the waves came in strong. We chose to walk down and up the very steep hill to this beach but it was a great workout. Complete with a beautiful beach, convenient eating spots, and plenty of room to lie on the sand. Swimming isn’t the easiest, but it’s fun to watch the surfers
Cost: Free
Gunung Payung Beach
A tranquil escape from the more crowded Uluwatu beaches, Gunung Payung felt like a hidden gem. It’s clean, peaceful, and dotted with people enjoying the serenity. One of the highlights was exploring the cave, which made for a fun little adventure within the adventure. Very relaxed and clean.
Cost: $1.30 per adult
Balangan Sunset Viewpoint
A non-negotiable if you’re in Uluwatu. The view here is straight out of a postcard. We were lucky enough to witness a wedding taking place, which made us even more excited for our own in October! After visiting we realized this was the cliff that Justin’s podcast host, Cody, and his wife Lauren got married on! Small world.
Cost: Free if you park just before the paid parking area. We recommend walking anyways as the area you pay to ride up to is extremely rough on a scooter.
Karang Boma
This quickly became Justin’s favorite running route, and for good reason. The road has some hills but they are fairly mild as far as Ulu hills go. The road will end and turn into a dirt path for the last few hundred meters. You’ll get dramatic cliff views and Justin even caught a group of monkeys on his first trek out.
Cost: Free
Hidden Viewpoint - Savaya
No official entrance and no crowds—this spot was a quiet escape with unbeatable views. It also provided a unique vantage point of the world-famous Savaya club, where we had plans to see one of our favorite artists later in the week, Elderbrook. A secret lookout and a sneak peek at our upcoming concert venue? Win-win.
Cost: Free
Uluwatu Beach / Blue Beach
This beach sits in the heart of Uluwatu’s downtown and goes by a few different names. To reach it, you'll need to navigate a set of stairs—just be sure to check the tide before heading down, as high water can make parts of the beach inaccessible. A visit here is a blend of breathtaking views and unexpected encounters with the area’s infamous residents: the mischievous Uluwatu monkeys. Pro tip—avoid eye contact. We did get hissed at by one. You may get asked to pay money to get down the street. Just let them know you’re going to Single Fins or one of the other restaurants for lunch and you should be fine. There’s no real entrance fee here.
Cost: Free
Savaya Beach Club
The Good: Incredible sound, jaw-dropping location, and easy access for prime views.
The Bad: We were surprised at how messed up (drunk, stumbling, screaming, etc.) some of the crowd was—not the more refined bougie experience we expected. The riff-raff was hard to ignore, but we made the best of it and still had an unforgettable time. No regrets about going, whatsoever.
The Unexpected: A classic Bali downpour mid-show. Instead of running for cover, we embraced it, dancing in the rain and even FaceTiming Leslie’s brother and sister-in-law for a spontaneous family moment. The night was made even better when we asked Elderbrook if he’d play at our wedding. No promises, but he did smile at us.
Cost: $35.50 for Elderbrook Ticket
Club Corazon
Underneath a massive disco ball, this spot had an eccentric vibe—kind of like a trippy Italian-Mexican restaurant meets underground dance club. We didn’t last long since we were still drenched from Savaya, but we’d return for a proper night out.
Cost: Free via Guestlist
Preloved Uluwatu
Shopping is a hard no when you’re traveling out of one bag. But as some of our supplies (like meds) dwindle we create a tiny bit of room. Leslie’s love of thrift stores led us to a great find: a bold, colorful shirt for Justin and a reversible swimsuit for Leslie that could also double as a top. The store was packed with treasures, but fair warning—it was hot. Like, melt-into-a-puddle hot. The upside? They had the most incredible homemade coconut bread we’ve ever had.
Cost: Fun shirt: $6 Bikini: $18
Stays
Hidden Gem Wooden Cabin via Airbnb
From the moment we walked in, we felt at home—and at peace. Eight charming wooden cabins surrounded a gorgeous pool, with a shared kitchen and cozy dining area that gave the place a community feel. The small details—natural light, a mini-fridge, room organization, and a dedicated coffee station—made a huge difference. Justin even said “I could move in here” which was the true seal of approval.
What truly set this stay apart was having access to a full-size shared kitchen. Strangely, we seemed to be the only ones using it, so we had it all to ourselves. From Justin’s Indonesia takes, the French toast spread, and Leslie’s tempeh omelets, we made some of our favorite meals of the trip here. And we also got to welcome back the art of meal prepping. Oh, how we missed thee.
Well Worth It Wellness
Kayana Gym
Only an 8-minute walk from our stay. We were excited not to have the hour round trip trek to the gym like we did in Ubud. This two-story gym had very nice, new equipment and was never too crowded. They also make protein shakes for $1.25. Everyone working was super nice and made us feel so welcome.
Cost: $8.62 for a week pass
What we missed:
Uluwatu Temple & Kecak Fire Dancing – Sometimes you just miss the things you’re “supposed” to see and we’re learning to be okay with it in service of our physical and mental health. This is one of Bali’s most sacred sea temples, perched dramatically on a 70-meter-high cliff.
Melasti Beach – Feeling very satisfied with our chill day with very few people at Gunung Payung, we passed by Melasti but didn’t pay to go in. We’ve heard that this is possibly Bali’s most breathtaking beach with powdery white sand and towering cliff so it is on the list for a return trip
Beach Clubs, like Ulu Cliffhouse - Oops! Another no-show guestlist that we just ran out of gas for. But Ulu Cliffhouse would definitely be a place we’d try to see next time.
What we’d skip:
Thomas Beach
Trashed. This was a real eye-opener for us on just how bad of an epidemic single-use plastics have become. Seeing something that could be so beautiful, trashed so badly, really hit home for us.
Cost: Free
What we learned:
Quick access to nature is crucial for a good mood - Being surrounded by stunning landscapes and the ability to step into nature at any moment was a game-changer. We felt a noticeable shift in our mood and energy in Uluwatu when we had easy access to the outdoors.
When it comes to cost, solve for happiness - We’ve always been budget-conscious travelers—it’s second nature for us to seek out savings wherever possible. But this trip has been a lesson in recognizing when an extra expense is actually an investment in happiness. Sometimes, it’s paying a little more for comfort, convenience, or peace of mind—whether that’s skipping a grueling bus transfer, getting laundry done, or taking the faster route. Everything has a cost, whether it’s money, time, or mental energy. So when making spending decisions, the real question is: Will this make us happier? If the answer is yes, it’s usually worth it.
Embracing Contrast Theory - The best moments feel even better when they follow a not-so-great one. Just like how a cold shower shocks your skin after a hot day, the highs of travel feel that much sweeter after the inevitable lows. We know we would have loved Uluwatu regardless, but coming straight from the sensory overload of Ubud made us appreciate it even more.
Comparison may be the thief of joy, but contrast is often the giver. Justin remembers feeling bummed as a kid when his classmates got big gifts for minor holidays, but his mom told him something that still sticks: "Every day can’t be Christmas—if it was, it wouldn’t be special." That’s exactly what Contrast Theory is all about. The days that don’t fit, the places that aren’t for us, the inevitable travel hiccups—they all make the good days even better. And when we look back five years from now, we know it’ll be the highs we remember.
Cooking and grocery shopping is a luxury, not a burden - We never thought a trip to the grocery store would bring us so much joy, but here we are. After months of eating out, having control over what we cooked felt like a treat. There’s a certain excitement in choosing fresh ingredients, making meals together, and enjoying the simple pleasure of home-cooked food. Eating out might be faster and easier, but knowing how to cook healthy, satisfying meals is one of the best life skills there is—and one we’ll never take for granted.
Here’s our grocery list from Ulu to inspire your next haul.
Proteina and Tempeh are the hidden protein gems - Traveling has helped us get creative with protein sources. Two finds we picked up in Ulu that deserve a shout-out are Proteina and Tempeh. Proteina is a brand of soy chunks which are marketed as a meat alternative with surprisingly good macros. It packs 26g of protein for 180 calories. And tempeh is fermented soybeans that is a complete protein and high in fiber. It has 21g of protein for 210 calories. We added these to all our meals to make them more satiating.
Dates, dates, and more dates - Pre-workout, post-workout, dessert, emotional support - dates are all pretty amazing at all times. In general, we’ve been fully leaning into all the carbs this trip which has been a healthy mindset for both of us. Neither of us wanted to restrict trying new things and dates have been a new addition to our diet. Leslie learned about the 7 dates a day tradition from the Muslim religion and now justifies all date consumption for keeping away evil spirits. Hey, whatever works!
The snack obsession we’ll never get again: Gipang Manis - Sweet rice cakes with molasses that became our addition. From talking to some shop owners we think they’ve been discontinued. *Sheds a tear*
Ubud vs. Uluwatu - Battle of the heavyweight Bali tourist champs
Ubud - A crowded city with a jungle backdrop where you can find serenity and nature if you leave the city center. Best for Bali culture, temples, spirituality, yoga, and rice terraces. Authentic food and local experiences are everywhere. Walkable with taxis and scooters.
Uluwatu - A rugged, adventurous coastal city with a luxury, high-end flair. Best for surfing, sunsets, beach clubs, trendy food, and nightlife. Less authentic Bali culture and more places tailored for international tourists. Getting around is best with a scooter or driver.
Ubud or Uluwatu? Which would you pick? We’re pretty firm in the Uluwatu camp. You can check out our full Ubud recap here.
What we spent per person in Uluwatu: $292.55
Number of days: 7
Here’s a link to our full spending breakdown by location, if you’re interested.
This includes accommodations, excursions, transportation, dining out, groceries, gym…everything we promise.
Wrapping It Up
Somehow, our trip is already 25% complete—where is the time going? Uluwatu gave us the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and surprises. From the amazing sunsets to quality time to reconnect over routine, this place felt like the ultimate contrast to our time in Ubud, and we soaked up every minute of it. Until next time, Ulu ✌️
Questions about our time in Uluwatu or have something you’d add? Let us know in the comments.
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Coming up next: Gili Air, Indonesia
Moving day is here and we’re off to a tiny, tiny island off the coast of Bali - stay tuned!
Need to catch up on our past posts?
You can find those here → 6 Month Travel Page