Ah, the Bukit Peninsula, Bali’s blissful surf mecca and yet, a destination that’s less visited than the likes of Ubud, Canggu or Seminyak, despite its many attributes.
However, despite its challenging logistics (footpaths are unheard of and the peninsula is made up of winding lanes and hidden canyons), that’s all changing as more and more travellers discover the Bukit’s world-class breaks, sweeping beaches, soaring coastal cliffs, raw natural beauty, and chilled out yet increasingly sophisticated hippy-meets-surfer-meets-day-trader vibe.
Home to some of Bali’s most established and emerging destinations, including Ungasan, Bingin, Padang-Padang and Uluwatu, the Bukit offers travellers a new take on the island, one of surfer boys with golden tans and bleached hair cruising from break to break, complimented by great new restaurants, world-class beach clubs with epic sunset views, design-savvy resorts, and pampering contemporary spas.
If you’re willing to brave the traffic on the climb up to the peninsula’s plateau, you’ll be able to tap into one of the island’s most dynamic dining scenes, reach glorious beaches and delve into a more exclusive and refined take on the classic Bali experience.
Exploring the Culture of the Bukit Peninsula
There’s no doubt that Bukit is a departure from the beaches of the south coast of Bali. Traditionally difficult to navigate due to narrow, steep roads and poor infrastructure, its challenges were its blessing as intrepid travellers straddled scooters in search of the peninsula’s awesome surf breaks.
Less lush than Ubud and more arid than Seminyak, Bukit has long been valued by the Balinese – it’s home to one of their most important temples, Pura Luhur Uluwatu – and even today you can find hidden shrines and family farms located in the deep valleys that run down from the plateau to the sea.
Framed on three sides by steep cliffs that plummet to hard-to-reach beaches and coral reefs, Bukit (which is often misidentified as all encompassing “Uluwatu”, although that particular locale only inhabits the west side) has been slow to see major development and was, for decades, a haven for surfers, writers, hippies and those looking for the quieter life.
Surf Culture and the Roots of Uluwatu
The surf culture that arrived in Bali in the 1930s didn’t make it up to the wilds of the Bukit until the 1960s, when surfers who had cut their teeth on the waves at Kuta ventured further east in search of more challenging breaks.
Pioneering surfers like Australian Russell Hughes, joined by local Balinese surfers, started the movement, but when surf documentary Morning of the Earth aired in 1972, detailing the breaks of Uluwatu and the challenges of reaching them through wild terrain and down tumbling limestone cliffs, the Bukit made it onto the global surf map.
In fact, recognising the economic potential of surfing, it was the Indonesian government that built the first paved road to Uluwatu in the 1980s, leading to an explosion of surf-related businesses, from guest houses to restaurants and board rentals, as riders from across the globe journeyed to Bali to catch breaks at Uluwatu, Padang-Padang, Nyang Nyang, Green Bowls and Bingin.
That surfer influence is still very much a theme on the peninsula, with even modern restaurants and resorts embracing a laid-back Endless Summer design persona. The breaks have never been busier, with surf schools teaching newbies in the shallows while residents and locals tackle more challenging waves further out.
However, Bukit’s rising popularity threatens its tranquility with developers increasingly building on large swaths of coastal land, roads reaching their capacity, and the government seeming more focused on aiding the shift towards luxury resorts and housing than on developing public infrastructure. If there was a time to visit the Bukit, it would be now, while its magic prevails.
Where to Eat on the Bukit Peninsula
While the surfers that gave birth to the region’s tourism were famously casual, the Bukit Peninsula is becoming the hottest spot for dining on the island.
Major brands from Seminyak and Canggu – including Milk & Madu, Naked and Mason – have opened outlets in the likes of Ungasan and Uluwatu, and are now competing with innovative and increasingly sophisticated standalones.
Here are some of our favourites for days when you want to chill and nights when you want to dress up.
Di Mare
For nights when you want to embrace the destination and stoke the fires of amour, head to Di Mare restaurant at Karma Kandara, a luxurious and intimate dining destination with quiet sophistication.
This recently refurbished 50-seat escape has an elegant Amalfi alfresco vibe – think timber tables, blue and white cushions, aquatic tiles and flowing linen chandeliers – setting the scene perfectly for the cuisine of chef Stefan Thietz, who was raised in Cape Town on fresh seafood and open-flame cooking.
The restaurant’s new signature menu honours Italian culinary tradition with palate-pleasing classics like house-made pasta, creamy risottos and wood-fired pizza. Dishes to look out for include Roman-style seabass finished with garum and lovage; rustic peasant-style Bolognese; and crispy chicken thighs served with polenta, olives and grapes.
If you’re celebrating, time your visit for Mondays, when Paella & Sangria sees live cooking stations by the pool, bottomless sangria and Flamenco performances under the stars.
Artisan Bingin
A hidden gem in one of Bukit’s fastest emerging neighbourhoods (and my favourite Bingin newbie), Artisan Bingin is the third outlet for this sophisticated yet affordable little dining brand and probably the best so far.
Lively yet elegant, Artisan Bingin features a bold and beautiful tropical-meets-industrial lower dining room and outdoor patio, and a more refined upstairs, where live jazz takes place weekly and where the standalone cocktail bar shakes up a storm of contemporary libations.
Like most Bukit spots, Artisan is open throughout the day so whether you’re looking for a lazy breakfast spot before you head off to explore (try the Tamago Japanese omelette with miso-buttered shokupan toast, pickled daikon and togarashi), fueling up mid-day with the crew (great sandwich options include the Morty’s Focaccia with Italian mortadella, pistachio and stracciatella) or looking for a refined evening dining experience (try the homemade spaghetti with pomodorini, mud crab and brown butter), you’ll find something for every appetite.
Papi Sapi
Over Uluwatu way, if you’re looking for a lively street-side setting and the glory of an open grill, you can’t go past Papi Sapi, where the revolving specials decorate the blackboard walls and where the best cuts of meat and seafood can be found in The Showcase, an extensive streetfront chiller.
Another hotspot by dynamic couple Charlotte Callow and Khairil Ibrahim, Papi Sapi is like a modern warung, making it ideal for groups with an appetite. Celebrating the flavour of the flame, diners make their selections from The Showcase and can then add on from an extensive menu – each choice comes with a side and a sauce, so you can mix and match to your heart’s content.
Stellar choices include crostini with house-cured sardines and red pepper relish; rich duck rillettes with red onion jam, and fresh baguette; Persian lamb skewers and locally-caught lobster, grilled to perfection.
Oliverra
With its awesome views of the Indian Ocean, Oliverra, the signature restaurant at Umana Resort Bali, part of LXR Hotels & Resorts, is a fantastic spot at which to combine approachable yet elegant Mediterranean fare with views to die for (book ahead for a table on the coveted patio).
The restaurant recently launched a new menu by executive chef Ngurah Putra, inspired by the coastal tavernas of the Amalfi, the spice bazaars of the Levant, and slow afternoons of bliss on the French Riviera, with dishes laced with locally sourced ingredients to get a sense of place.
Signature dishes are cooked on the Josper grill, which is fueled with locally sourced coffee wood – try the flamed Australian striploin with bottarga, black garlic, and fennel bulb pesto; the char-grilled pork tenderloin with apple puree and togarashi baby potatoes; or the Lobster Fideuà, shell-off bamboo lobster with oven-baked pasta paella.
Other classics include Seafood Saffron Risotto with Hokkaido scallops and prawns; squid ink tagliatelle with clams, and braised Australian beef cheeks with caramelized celeriac purée, red wine sauce, baby carrots, and dukkha for texture and spice.
I’d suggest arriving early so you can enjoy sunset from the bar patio one floor above – the
Cantaritos, a vibrant tequila-based blend with grapefruit soda and citrus, makes for the perfect pre-dinner sundowner.
KALA
Chic yet unpretentious, KALA is another of my favourite Uluwatu haunts. Steps from Padang-Padang beach, KALA embodies Bali-chic at its finest, with a bustling, energetic streetfront vibe (it’s opposite Papi Sapi), a contemporary Greek-Mediterranean menu, a frantic open-kitchen concept and warm, rustic interiors that appeal to both board-short-clad surfer boys and ladies dressed for a night out.
One of the things I like about this place is its quick, efficient service, which is impressive given how busy the spot is (be sure to book, it’s the new Bali mantra). Once you sip on one of their Japanese Negronis and take a bite of the delicious pizza-like lamb kofta flatbread with zesty za’atar and fennel, warm beef and lamb dolmadakia, wrapped in grape leaves and baptised with smoked sour cream, or the skillet-fried halloumi, bathed in cinnamon-infused honey, you’ll quickly see what all the fuss is about.
Other standouts I’d suggest include the Spanakopita, a spinach and feta pie; grilled octopus with baby potato; the pork loin souvlaki kebab and the oh-so-Instagrammable
Bougatsa, with Greek mille-feuille, vanilla gelato and raspberries, is concealed under an oven-scorched shell of its namesake pastry that’s theatrically demolished tableside.
Il Ristorante – Niko Romito
Finally, for that last night celebration before you have to go kicking and screaming back to the real world, I’d head to Il Ristorante – Niko Romito, which has opened at the chic Bvlgari Resort Bali. This intimate 24-seat hideaway is situated atop Pecatu’s dramatic sea cliffs and delivers a contemporary fine-dining experience punctuated with ingredients sourced locally or grown in the resort’s garden.
Opt for the four-course “I Classici” menu or seven-course tasting extravaganza and look forward to the likes of tortellini filled with smoked Balinese ricotta, zucchini, and mint with a Parmigiano Reggiano sauce; scallops with thyme, marjoram and pink prawn cream; and handmade Balinese duck tortellini with black summer truffle and Parmigiano Reggiano, all of which were created specifically for the Bali restaurant by chef Romito.
The Best Things to Do on the Bukit Peninsula
There’s plenty to keep you active and pampered on the Bukit Peninsula, from surfing those acclaimed breaks to lapping up the luxury of a resort spa and taking to the skies for a scenic helicopter flight. It’s a must-visit on any Bali itinerary.
With its many little neighbourhoods, all slightly different from the last, you’ll delve into traditional Balinese villages, explore remote coastal enclaves and stroll through throbbing foodie districts filled with the bold and the beautiful.
Surf Padang-Padang at Sunrise
One of the most iconic activities on offer on the Bukit has to be a surf lesson and whether it’s your first time or you’re simply looking for a little local insight, there are surf schools scattered along most of the beaches surrounding the peninsula.
My choice for learners would be the breaks at Nusa Dua, located on the east coast of the peninsula, where luxury resorts line the beach and where professional operators will guide you through the basics.
If you’re a little more seasoned, head for intimate little Padang-Padang, a favourite with visiting surfers (it also hosts international competitions like the Rip Curl Cup), which has a laid-back vibe and surf operations run by cheerful locals. Make the most of your time by opting for a sunrise surf class on Nusa Dua beach or Padang-Padang’s iconic left-hand break, known locally as the Balinese Pipeline, so that you’ll have the rest of the day ahead of you. Aim for high tide as the reefs can be treacherous during low tide.
At either beach, a board will cost you US$3-6 for the day, with lessons costing US$30-40 for group lessons and $50-70 for private lessons that last two hours. You might want to bring your own reef booties to protect your feet and don’t forget the sunscreen.
Visit Uluwatu Temple
Another iconic Bukit activity is the unforgettable Kecak show (approx US$10 per person) held nightly at the ancient Uluwatu Temple (Pura Luhur Ulu Watu). Be sure to book ahead as this is a super popular activity that tells the epic of Ramayana from Hindu mythology through dance and chanting and is timed for sunset.
Even if you’re not attending the show, the temple, built in the 11th century, is worth a visit. One of the most important cultural sites on the island, the temple is located high above the ocean in Pecatu and features classic Balinese architecture. While only Hindus can enter the inner sanctum, visitors are free to pay a small fee (approx US$3) and explore the outer courtyards.
Be sure to dress respectfully – shoulders and knees must be covered and sarongs are provided, or you can bring your own, and be wary of the monkeys, which are beyond cheeky and will steal your valuables, to be ransomed back to you for snacks.
Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park
Another for the culture creatures, you probably saw the soaring Garuda statue (it’s 121m tall) when you landed or as you drove up to the peninsula. The statue is at the heart of the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park (GWK), a 60-hectare cultural hub celebrating Bali’s rich heritage and Hindu mythology and a great spot for families looking to ditch the crowds (don’t forget to check out our ultimate Bali family vacation guide).
The statue, a point of local pride on the island, depicts the Hindu god Vishnu riding his mythical bird mount Garuda, and was designed by Balinese sculptor Nyoman Nuarta. Taking 28 years to build, it is one of the world’s tallest statues, surpassing the Statue of Liberty and Christ the Redeemer, and is best seen at sundown.
You can enter the park (approx US$6 per person) and take the elevator to the top of the statue for stunning views across the island. There’s also daily cultural performances, including a competing Kecak Dance, air-conditioned exhibition spaces that showcase Balinese culture, and an arts market for those take-home pieces.
Visit a Beach Club
The Bukit Peninsula is also home to many of Bali’s most acclaimed beach and pool clubs, which range from intimate spots like El Kabron and Ulu Cliffhouse, which feature swimming pools and stunning ocean vistas, all the way up to mega clubs like White Rock, located overlooking Melasti Beach, and Savaya, which is as much an outdoor nightclub as it is a beach club.
Most beach and pool clubs have a minimum spend applicable per person, based on the seating arrangement you take. This is used as credit towards your food and drink, with the clubs all boasting great restaurants and bars, innovative mixologists, resident and visiting DJs and stunning swimming pools.
While my favourites include Ulu Cliffhouse and Sundays (the latter can be a little pricy, while the former is spectacular for sunset), be sure to do a bit of research before you venture out to ensure the club you choose has a vibe you will like (and a price point) and doesn’t have specific events on that might change the experience.
Another great spot for those who like to chill rather than groove is Karma Kandara, which features four distinct venues on the beachfront, each with its own personality. Accessed via the resort’s private hill tram, Le Club 22 brings a touch of the French Riviera to the Bukit, while The Beach Shack delivers chef Jeevraj Singh’s refined Indian cuisine right on the sand, and the Tiki Bar is a laid-back tropical oasis.
On Saturdays, the beach comes alive with fire dance performances and Sundays slow things down with Sax on the Beach, where live music meets sunset skies.
Also, be aware that while some of Bali’s top beach clubs, like White Rock, have direct beach access, many just have beach views, so you’ll have to be content swimming in the pool rather than the sea. Arrive early to make the most of your minimum spend and to get the best seat in the house, as most clubs get busy as sunset rolls in.
Best Beaches on the Bukit
While Canggu, Berawa and Seminyak’s Double Six are iconic, there’s no doubt that the Bukit Peninsula is home to some of Bali’s best beaches.
While some are very popular, especially with surfers, others you’ll have virtually to yourself, and while some are surrounded by warungs and chic restaurants, others are harder to reach, making the journey of discovery all the more fun.
Here are some of our top spots.
Melasti Beach
As a part-time resident of Ungasan, I would say Melasti Beach is my favourite, for a couple of reasons. Recently redeveloped, the drive down to Melasti is nothing short of stunning; you’ll pass down leafy backroads before suddenly arriving high above the coast and can then glide down the new road to the base of the towering cliffs, where a clutch of beach clubs – including chic Uma Beach House and sprawling, heaving White Rock – share the sand with smaller local warungs.
What I love about Melasti, apart from the fact that the sand is white and the scenery stunning, is that it’s swimmable. When the tide is in, it’s easy to navigate out to pockets of soft sand between the coral and the distant reef, which keeps the waves at bay. This makes the beach popular with families and sun worshippers.
You’ll need to pay an entry fee (approx US$1) at the entrance, and another US$6 for a beach bed (if you take one on the sand operated by the local residents rather than at one of the beach clubs) but you’ll have a heavenly strip of sand to enjoy and by late afternoon look out for the paragliders that make the most of the evening thermals.
Padang-Padang
Another iconic Bukit beach, the simple little Padang-Padang, is reached via a winding staircase down from the main road. Once you get down there, the beach – made famous for its cameo in Eat, Pray, Love– features golden sand and impressive beach breaks.
Even if you don’t want to brave Padang-Padang’s famed left-hand break, you’ll love the vibe down here as it gets busy with sun bathers who climb down to enjoy crystal clear waters and cold beers served by the little beachfront warung.
This beach is especially popular with attention-thirsty Instagrammers and the like, so be prepared to play your own cameo role in their videos.
Jimbaran Beach
Jimbaran makes up the northwest corner of the Bukit Peninsula and its acclaimed beach has been a tourism magnet for decades, thanks to its powder sand and calm waters. This is a great spot for water activities and for families who want to be able to enjoy a day at the beach without the risk of surfers riding in.
Most of the beach is fronted by cheerful little warungs and you can rent a beach chair and umbrella (US$6 per day), take a surf lesson (US$30-40 per session), or simply soak up the sun and watch planes arriving at the nearby international airport.
Jimbaran is also a great spot for sunset dining and all those warungs wheel out tables and chairs onto the sand and fire up the grill. You will be able to enjoy fresh seafood, cold Bintang and spectacular sunsets, all with your toes still in the sand.
Nyang Nyang
One of those beaches that’s a little trickier to get to and a lot more basic when you do, stunning Nyang Nyang was made easier to reach thanks to recent redevelopment, but it’s still a pristine and serene coastal destination that is popular with couples and families alike.
Its remote location keeps this 1.5 km long beach quieter than many others, so be sure to bring all that you need with you – there are a few local warungs, but don’t expect much. The swimming here is a little tricky at high tide, with strong currents, but the water is crystal clear and the setting is nothing short of magical.
Balangan Beach
Another spot that’s popular with the surfers is Balangan Beach, located in Uluwatu, on the west coast of the peninsula. With its laid-back vibe and sandy shoreline, Balangan has that Bohemian ambiance that many travel to Bali to find.
Surfers will find great left-hand breaks that are suitable for intermediate surfers, clifftop warungs and plenty of space for sunbathing. The beach gets very busy with visitors and locals alike as the sun sets, so be sure you’ve claimed your little slice of paradise.
Nusa Dua
The beach at Nusa Dua is best described as manicured bliss. Part of a major tourism development that’s home to luxury resorts like the Aman and St Regis, the beaches here are white sand wonders and while the waves can get a little tumultuous depending on the season, the swimming is safe as long as you stick to controlled areas.
You’ll also have your pick when it comes to dining or a cold beer, from rustic warungs right through the chic beach clubs like Le Bleu by K Club, which recently opened with covered dining and a clutch of indulgent beach cabanas, which come with resort-level service and an extensive drinks list.
Where to Stay in the Bukit Peninsula
When it comes to accommodation, the Bukit Peninsula is home to some of the most luxurious resorts on the Island of the Gods (and one of the best areas to stay in Bali), so expect things to be on the more expensive side.
That said, you can also expect spectacular settings, with many resorts located on those towering limestone cliffs, affording views of the Indian Ocean from every room, as well as great dining, luxurious guest rooms, and world-class wellness.
Here are some of our favourite houses of slumber on Bali’s Bukit Peninsula.
Seascape Uluwatu
The Bukit’s newest house of slumber comes in the form of Seascape Uluwatu, an intimate retreat nestled in Pecatu that blends minimalist design with modern comforts.
This new luxurious retreat is perfectly positioned for Bukit exploration (they even offer a luxury car shuttle service that will get you to the best beaches, temples and restaurants in style).
Book ahead for the Cabana Room with its private infinity pool, and leave time for a bite at Tsune Uluwatu, the resort’s signature Japanese restaurant, which dishes up modern interpretations of authentic dishes set against panoramic views of the Indian Ocean.
Asa Maia
A classic Uluwatu hideaway, the adults-only boutique Asa Maia is home to just 10 rustic, minimalist pavilions, centred around a tranquil swimming pool. You won’t have to endure beach clubs and all-night raves here – Asa Maia is all about wellness and mindfulness, making it popular with pro surfers like Kelly Slater (who visits every year) and travellers looking to escape from the world.
I’d suggest you try the Asa Maia Suite (approx US$500 per night), which is dressed in copper, rattan and teak wood in a blissfully stripped-down take on luxury. Be sure to leave time for a long soak in your bluestone bath.
You’re minutes from the best beaches on the Peninsula, and will also have access to an elegant, intimate poolside restaurant, a yoga studio, and hot and cold plunge pools (where those surfers practice breath work), with great restaurants and boutiques a short walk away.
The St. Regis Bali Resort
One of Bali’s Grand Dames, this heavenly Nusa Dua resort features 124 suites and villas – my suggestion would be to book one of the lagoon villas, which offer a private plunge pool and direct access to the lagoon pool that meanders through the middle of the resort. Every suite comes with the personalised attention of a St. Regis butler, so you’ll always be in good hands.
The resort also features a spectacular beach, complete with sun loungers, attentive staff and a swim up pool bar; the luxurious Iridium Spa, home to indulgent spa treatments (I also love the brilliant outdoor hydrotherapy section); the refined St Regis Bar, where the rum cocktails are to die for; and some of Bali’s best dining, including the acclaimed Kayuputi Restaurant. The kids will love the nightly lighting of the torch ceremony.
Alila Villas Uluwatu
One of my favourite Bukit hideaways, Alila Villas Uluwatu, is located atop the soaring sea cliffs facing south. With its 65 open-plan (from US$700 per night) and utterly luxurious pool villas (we love the 3,000 sqm three-bedroom Cliff Edge Villa, with its clifftop infinity pool) centred around a stunning main pool area, this thoroughly modern resort is the perfect place to escape the rat race.
You’ll dine on refined Indonesian cuisine at The Warung, or on pan-Asian cuisine at CIRE, sip cocktails at the iconic Sunset Cabana Bar, and indulge in contemporary treatments inspired by timeless healing practices at the spa (splurge on the 90-minute four-hand massage, which combines Balinese long stroke techniques with acupressure and lymphatic drainage). Don’t forget a nightcap at the speakeasy-styled Batique whisky bar.
Ayana Segara Bali
Located overlooking Jimbaran Bay, AYANA Segara Bali is part of the sprawling Ayana Estate, home to a series of four indulgent resorts. With 205 guest rooms and suites, Ayana Segara, the estate’s newest, blends Balinese village-style architecture with modern luxury.
Be sure to book ahead for one of the resort’s new Ocean View Residences (from US$800 per night), which range from one to two bedrooms and include open-plan living and dining areas, a fully equipped kitchen, in-unit laundry, a walk-in closet, and access to two rooftop pools, making them a great option for families.
You’ll also be able to access the iconic Rock Bar (more on that in a minute), soak away your troubles at a world-class spa with a hydrotherapy space, and dine your way across the Indonesian archipelago at the Kampoeng Bali restaurant.
Raffles Bali
Another favourite Bukit resort of mine is the sublime Raffles Bali. Located on the hills facing Jimbaran Bay, this luxurious retreat features just 32 private ocean-facing villas, each with its own plunge pool and sala surrounded by manicured gardens.
Located on a 23-hectare estate, the Raffles, which opened in 2021, blends contemporary luxury and touches of Balinese culture to perfection. The villas (from US$600 per night) are residential-styled and dressed in gleaming wood, with high thread-count linens, heavenly bathrooms, and lots of luxurious little touches (my wife loves the rattan beach bags in each wardrobe).
Appealing to honeymooners and couples, the Raffles is also home to Rumari, one of Bali’s most acclaimed restaurants and one that regularly showcases unique dishes from across Indonesia (look out for the restaurant’s regular guest chef events), as well as the elegant Writer’s Bar, a raffles staple, and the Loloan Beach Bar & Grill, an idyllic restaurant perched just above the waves of the bay.
Be sure to leave time for a singing bowl or meditation session in the resort’s hidden cave (it also doubles as a romantic private dining setting) and for the resort’s cultural activities, which include Kamasan painting workshops.
Where to Drink & Watch the Sunset
With its steep clifftops facing west, the Bukit Peninsula is particularly famous for its sunsets, with many bars, warungs, restaurants and pool clubs positioned specifically to make the most of those tropical moments.
However, there are plenty of other spots to enjoy a drink and even the venues facing east over the Indian Ocean offer stunning end-of-day experiences. Here are a few we’d recommend.
Rock Bar
The iconic Rock Bar at the sprawling Ayana Bali is one of the island’s best spots for sunset and combines a dramatic setting at the base of high cliffs, just feet above the waves of Jimbaran Bay, with elegant dining and cocktail menus and a rotating roster of international DJs.
The journey down the cliff, via a funicular, is an adventure in itself as you’ll enjoy spectacular views the whole way down (although expect crowds a plenty), and once you arrive you’ll be looked after by professional staff and extensive menus – try the signature Lau Muna, with Tequila 1800, caramel, mangosteen, nut mix, and bitters.
There is a range of seating options to choose from, but all offer spectacular westward-facing vistas. Just be sure to book ahead, as it gets very busy.
Single Fin
Another popular spot for an end-of-day libation is Single Fin, a legendary surf bar perched high up on Uluwatu’s dramatic sea cliffs. Famed for its laid-back ambiance (especially on Sundays when there’s live music and DJ sets throughout the day), this unforgettable spot features multi-level terraces looking towards the surf breaks.
Once you arrive, you’ll discover relatively affordable drinks (US$7 and up), by Uluwatu standards anyway, and some great bar snacks (we love the beef nachos, with birria braised beef, jalapeno cheese sauce, pico de gallo, guacamole, chipotle sour cream, and coriander leaves), to keep you sated until dark.
With its Bohemian surf culture vibe, Single Fin is an icon of the Bukit Peninsula, so be sure to arrive early as seats – especially the coveted couches – fill up fast.
Sundara
Located at the base of Four Seasons Resort Jimbaran, this elegant beach club features an infinity pool wreathed by sun loungers, a restaurant, an elegant cocktail bar, and uninterrupted views across Jimbaran Bay.
A more sophisticated take on sundowners, Sundara has a comprehensive menu of gourmet snacks, including sushi and fresh seafood, an extensive cocktail and wine list (look out for the crafted cocktails using a 100% pure Balinese arak that’s claypot-aged and infused with locally-grown fruits and herbs), and crisp, professional service. You can book a day bed for the day (approx US$150 per couple minimum spend) or slip in for a seat on the sun deck in time for sunset.
Ulu Cliffhouse
Image courtesy of the Ulu Cliffhouse website.
Another of my personal favourites, little Ulu Cliffhouse is a chic escape from the bustle of Uluwatu and offers spectacular sunset vistas, combined with smooth DJ spun tracks, a pool club and restaurant, and great cocktails.
Perched 60 metres up overlooking the Indian Ocean, this clifftop playground is more understated than the likes of Savaya and Rock Bar, and a little more relaxed than Sundara. Menus by chef Diego Muñoz combine international and Balinese flavours – try the Jimbaran grilled prawns with torched green beans, lime and chilli – while the mixologists whip up some great heat-busting cocktails.
Again, be sure to arrive early if you want one of the coveted cliffside tables.
Getting Around the Bukit Peninsula
Unlike many parts of southern Bali, the Bukit Peninsula can be a little trickier to navigate. With its many narrow lanes (sans footpaths), busy main roads, and only three steep access roads, expect traffic, especially just before and after sunset and on the weekends.
If you feel confident (and have an international licence), then hiring a scooter is definitely the best way to maintain transport independence. It allows you to reach remote beaches, beach and pool clubs and restaurants easily, and also lets you skip a lot of that traffic on the way home.
While there are Grab and Gojek drivers throughout the Bukit Peninsula, there are a few spots where the locals have (controversially) put their foot down in favour of the non-app drivers (called Ojeks), so expect to have to walk away from the entrance of spots like Padang-Padang (usually towards the bridge that spans the nearby canyon) to be able to get an app driver without any hassle.
If you plan to tour – for example, starting your day at the beach, heading somewhere else for lunch and then landing at a pool club for sunset, it might make sense to hire a daily driver (approx US$30 per day). This way, you can let them fight the traffic for you, and you’ll be able to leave whenever you like.
Insider Tips for Visiting the Bukit Peninsula
Be sure to leave plenty of time to get to the beaches or restaurants and clubs of Bukit, especially if you’re coming from Canggu, Seminyak, or anywhere else on Bali, as the traffic has bottlenecks where things can come to a standstill.
All the things you might need, like supermarkets and chemists (should you fall victim to Bali belly), can be found once you get to Ungasan, so you won’t need to bring much with you.
If you take a scooter, be sure to lock up your helmet or take it with you, as beach car parks are popular with helmet thieves.
Try to avoid driving on the main roads just before or just after sunset to avoid the worst of the traffic.
Bring your own towels if you’re going to a beach and want to opt for a local sunlounger.
Beware of those monkeys as they’re found all over the Bukit, especially in Uluwatu, and they can be real little gangsters.
Finally, don’t forget to read our guide explaining the best time to visit Bali to ensure that you maximize your time.