In a nutshell
- Uluwatu sits on the west coast of the Bukit Peninsula in southern Bali and is THE spot for a beach vacation in Bali. Always book a hotel close to the beach — you’ll thank yourself later.
- For surfers, Uluwatu is an absolute dream destination with world-class waves, cool beach bars, and a laid-back vibe. Our top pick is The Room, right on Padang Padang beach.
- Don’t just search the west coast — the east and south coasts have great options too, especially if you want calmer, quieter beaches or are traveling with kids.
- Three to four days is enough to hit the best beaches and the Uluwatu Temple. But honestly, the longer you stay, the better.
The Most Beautiful Regions to Stay Near Uluwatu on a Map
Uluwatu is located on the Bukit Peninsula in the south of Bali. To be precise, the town sits in the southwest. When people say Uluwatu, though, they often mean the entire west coast of the peninsula. The whole coastline has that surf vibe that Uluwatu is so famous for.
When you’re searching for accommodation in Bali, we recommend not limiting yourself to the west coast — look at hotels along all three coasts of the peninsula.
All three coasts are home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Bali, and each one suits a different kind of beach vacation:
- West coast near Uluwatu: for surfers and backpackers. Swimming is usually difficult here.
- East coast: for families
- South coast: for secluded beaches
For Surfing and Sunbathing: Staying on the West Coast
The west coast is perfect if you love to surf and want to soak up the full surf culture experience.
Uluwatu is THE surf spot on Bali — in fact, it’s one of the most famous in the world and simply a must on any Bali road trip, especially for surfers. After all, surfing is one of the most popular activities in Bali.
The waves are best suited to intermediate and advanced surfers, but there are also a few beginner-friendly beaches. Just sign up at one of the many surf schools in the area.
Overall, Uluwatu has a totally laid-back feel, yet it’s also lively and especially popular with younger travelers. You can feel the surf vibe everywhere — in the cool restaurants, beach bars, and stylish boutique hotels in Bali and hostels. That makes it a great choice for backpackers who love surf culture, too.
The west coast is mostly cliff coastline. The beaches are seriously beautiful and each one has its own character — at one of them, you can only reach it at low tide because you have to squeeze past a rock in the sea.
Advantages of staying on the west coast
- Many of the most beautiful beaches on the Bukit Peninsula
- Lots of cool bars and restaurants
- Perfect surfing conditions
- Stunning sunsets
Disadvantages of staying on the west coast
- Lodging costs more than on the other two coasts
- Swimming is difficult at many beaches
- Heavy traffic
Our Hotel Recommendations for Uluwatu's West Coast
The Room is one of our favorite beachfront hotels in Bali. Bold orange on the outside and bright and minimalist on the inside, it sits right on one of Bali’s most beautiful beaches. You can surf, snorkel, and swim right from the door.
Rock’n Reef is one of our picks for the most stunning hotels in Bali. It’s built into the cliff on several different levels, with the lowest level being a private beach. Each level has bungalows that are all yours.
Good and affordable
Better
Luxurious
For Families: Staying on the East Coast
The east coast is our top pick for uluwatu places to stay if you’re traveling with kids and want calm water for swimming.
The east coast is quieter than the west coast — in terms of both tourists and waves.
There’s a reef offshore where the waves break, which means the water at the beach is completely calm. You can swim without constantly getting tossed around — perfect for a Bali trip with kids! Two of our favorite family hotels in Bali are also located here.
The sandy beaches stretch for miles and compared to the west coast, they’re genuinely peaceful. The area isn’t quite as well known as Uluwatu yet, which is honestly part of its charm.
There are still plenty of restaurants, and if you want to head to Uluwatu from your hotel, it’s about a 50-minute drive.
Advantages of staying on the east coast
- Beaches are great for families
- Many hotels right on the beach
- Beaches are very easy to reach
Disadvantages of staying on the east coast
- Farthest distance to Uluwatu and the Uluwatu Temple (about 50 minutes by car)
- Many beaches are private
- Many large luxury resorts
Our Hotel Recommendations for the East Coast
For the east coast, we really love the Sama Sama Villa. For just around $100 per night, you get your own villa in Bali with a private pool. It’s about a 15-minute walk from the beach.
Good and affordable
Better
Luxurious
Secluded Beaches: Staying on the South Coast
The south coast of the Bukit Peninsula is the best area to stay in Uluwatu if you want quiet beaches and real relaxation.
The south coast is essentially the opposite of the west coast. It’s completely peaceful and there are far fewer surfers than at Uluwatu. You’ll practically have the beaches all to yourself.
Along the south coast you’ll find plenty of hotels with wellness offerings and large villas to rent. There are fewer restaurants and bars than on the west coast, but don’t worry — there are always a few nearby. Just be prepared to drive about ten minutes occasionally.
Getting to Uluwatu takes between ten and 40 minutes by car, depending on where you’re based.
Advantages of staying on the south coast
- Fewer tourists than on the other two coasts
- Empty and clean beaches
- You can reach all three coasts quickly
Disadvantages of staying on the south coast
- Limited hotel selection
- Fewer restaurants and beach bars
- Luxury hotels are expensive
Our Hotel Recommendations for the South Coast
Uluwatu Desa sits right on our favorite beach on the south coast, Pantai Nunggalan. The hotel has a boho-style décor and won’t break the bank — a seriously good find.
