As the minivan meandered through the lush region of Ubud, zoomed through the clean city of Kuta and entered the highland area of Uluwatu, I understood how Bali’s panorama changes every 10 minutes. When our chauffeur Batu mentioned that we have reached Uluwatu, pointing to the high cliffs and a jet-blue patch of the Indian Ocean, I knew that I was about to embark on a journey of a lifetime. This stunning coastal region of Bali is famous for its natural beauty, cliffside resorts, and world-class beaches, and I was excited to explore everything it had to offer.
Over the next three days, I indulged in the many highlights of Uluwatu, from the beautiful beaches to the rugged cliffs, and everything in between. One of the most unforgettable experiences was staying at one of the many cliff resorts that overlook the Indian Ocean. The sheer luxury of waking up every morning to stunning panoramic views of the ocean was truly an experience like no other.
You cannot skip the Uluwatu Temple in your itinerary, a beautiful Shiva temple perched high atop a cliff overlooking the sapphire blue ocean with a breeze that can heal your soul. This stunning temple is a testament to the ancient Hindu heritage of the region, and it is considered one of Bali’s most significant cultural landmarks. Uluwatu temple is home to a family of monkeys that are believed to guard the temple against evil spirits, making it an even more fascinating and unique experience. But mind you, they are quite naughty.
I also had the chance to visit some of Uluwatu’s most beautiful beaches, such as the Dreamland Beach and Padang Padang Beach. These beaches are known for their crystal-clear waters, golden sands, and stunning views. It was July and the weather was just perfect. I spent hours lounging on the sand, soaking up the sweet sun, drinking blissful coconut water, and swimming in the warm waters.
It was definitely the highlight of my trip exploring the many natural wonders of Uluwatu. On my third day in the region, I visited the Bukit Peninsula, a beautiful natural reserve that is home to stunning cliffs, pristine beaches, and lush forests. The Peninsula is also known for its exceptional surf spots, and I had the chance to watch some of the world’s best surfers take on the waves.
But as I speak of the natural beauty of Uluwatu, I cannot go without mentioning how I indulged in the local cuisine, which made this trip all the more yummy. For lunch on my first day, I visited Warung D’Uluwatu, a local restaurant known for its delicious seafood dishes. I savoured grilled prawns, clams, and squid, the fresh catch of the day. For dinner, we enjoyed a romantic meal at Ju-Ma-Na Restaurant, located at the Bulgari Resort. It was a six-course tasting menu featuring dishes such as tuna tataki, lobster bisque, and wagyu beef tenderloin. The breeze, the view, and the food all made up for a night to remember.
The next day, we visited Single Fin, a popular beach club, for lunch. I enjoyed a fresh and healthy salad and a refreshing smoothie while my husband had a filling sandwich, all the while taking in the splendid panoramic view of the ocean. We had an early dinner to catch the sunset while trying traditional Balinese cuisine at The Warung at Alila Villas Uluwatu. The setting was stunning, with views over the ocean and the sunset adding to the ambience. If you’re ever in the area, do try the local speciality of Bebek Betutu, a slow-cooked duck dish, which is delicious.
On my last day in Uluwatu, we had lunch near the Bukit Peninsula, in a shack which served the most delectable Nasi Goreng. For the final dinner, we went back to our hotel and chose its signature restaurant, Sangkar, a fine-dining traditional Balinese restaurant. With its position at the edge of a cliff and its elegant yet informal atmosphere, the Sangkar Restaurant offers a menu of international specialities, creatively combining popular Indonesian dishes with contemporary culinary techniques. My favourite was the Ultimate Nasi Goreng and Udang Bambu Be Pasih, which is a heavenly dish of tiger prawns in chilli ginger wok.
Uluwatu was a magical and unforgettable experience, something out of the ordinary Balinese trip. The natural beauty of the region, the stunning cliff resorts, and the unique cultural experiences made it too good to be true. If you are looking for a peaceful and rejuvenating escapade, then Uluwatu should be on your Bali itinerary.
