Where to Stay in Uluwatu: Best Areas & Hotels in Uluwatu for All Vibes & Budgets!

Looking for the best places to stay in Uluwatu? You’ve come to the right place!

In this article I have outlined all the best places to stay in Uluwatu, giving you an overview of each area, what vibe you can expect, who it’s best suited for, and of course, accommodation options for every budget.

Uluwatu is one of the most popular areas in Bali, especially amongst surfers. It’s famous for its world class waves, trendy beach clubs, beautiful beaches and chill vibes.

It’s actually my favourite area in Bali, and whenever I visit Bali now, I always stay in Uluwatu, so I have some experience when it comes to picking an area or hotel here.

So what are you waiting for? Read on, and discover where to stay in Uluwatu!

Beautiful Properties in Uluwatu Worth Mentioning

Accommodation in Ulwuatu, Bali comes in all shapes and sizes, from affordable all the way to luxury. You can find resorts complete with spas and infinity pools, private villas, and even treehouses.

Here are some of my favourite accommodation options in Uluwatu — they’re beautiful places to stay.

Uluwatu Surf Villas

This is prime Uluwatu beachfront accommodation. Scattered across a green clifftop, Uluwatu Surf Villas is a self-styled surfer’s paradise.

The resort has been built with nature in mind: there’s plenty of lush jungle, tropical gardens and greenery throughout the property.

Accommodation here comes in the form of premium villas, loft suites and bungalows. All of them have been hand-built out of ironwood and reclaimed teak in a modern yet traditional style.

The interiors everywhere have been lovingly crafted with artisan detailing.

 Meals can be enjoyed at the onsite restaurant, while other facilities include a swimming pool, yoga classes and a surf school.

A dreamy spot. The highlight of staying at Uluwatu Surf Villas is that there is a private staircase for guests, which will take you directly to the surf peak.

That way, you don’t have to tire yourself paddling out from Suluban Beach like everyone else, and you can also avoid the crowds!

The Istana

Is The Istana the best place to stay in Uluwatu, Bali? Maybe.

It calls itself a “no phone location”, which means staying here puts a real focus on disconnecting from technology and the stresses of modern life, and instead reconnecting with nature.

Uniquely for this list of beautiful Uluwatu luxury resorts, The Istana has been designed to be a place of meditation, and as such is actually smoke, alcohol and drug free. 

If this sounds like your sort of vacation, then book yourself into one of their supremely stylish Zen-inspired rooms.

Click here to book your Detox & Spa package at The Istana in Uluwatu!

Karma Kandara

Set above its own private beach, Karma Kandara is an exclusive spot to stay if you really want to treat yourself. The sprawling private rooms here feel like something from the pages of a design magazine.

Every detail has been thought out, from the cool staircases to the beautifully appointed marble bathrooms. The luxury continues with the facilities. These include a spa, an outdoor pool and water sports.

Having its own private beach, set in a secluded cove, you’ll never have to worry about finding a spot. I could wax lyrical more about this one, but you get the idea – it’s a stunner.

Click here to book your stay at Karma Kandara in Uluwatu, Bali!

The Ungasan Clifftop Resort

One of the best resorts in Uluwatu, Bali, The Ungasan Clifftop Resort is located right on the southern tip of the Bukit Peninsula. It offers up some of the best views in Uluwatu. 

Staying here means that you’ll have complimentary access to the famous Sundays Beach Club.

This beautiful beach hang-out means you can spend your days sunning yourself on a lounger, cooling off in the clear blue sea and sipping cocktails all afternoon.

Accommodation here includes luxury villas and suites. Each of the villas are uniquely designed, but all of them are very chic, with swimming pools, their own gardens and high-end furnishings throughout.

Click here to book your stay at The Ungasan Clifftop Resort in Bali!

Best Areas to Stay in Uluwatu

Uluwatu Beach (or Suluban Beach): Great Area for Surfing & Party

Suluban Beach (also known as Uluwatu Beach) is where surfing in Bali was born.

People from round the world are drawn to this spot, which made its way into surfing legend when it was featured in the 1972 surf film Morning of the Earth.

Paddle out and you’ll find some of the most famous Uluwatu surf breaks. Yet even though it’s world-famous, the beach itself remains undeveloped, with no sun beds, umbrellas, or any food or drinks directly on the beach.

That’s not to say that there aren’t things nearby. Single Fin and a bunch of other bars and restaurants are perched on the cliffs right behind this beach.

Today it’s not just surfers who come here, but people looking to let their hair down and party by the sea in style.

It doesn’t matter if surfing isn’t on your Bali bucket list, Suluban Beach and the area around it can be great fun for all types of travellers.

As such, it’s one of the most sought-after places to stay in Uluwatu, and here are some of the best places to stay there for every budget.

Budget –  Ancala Uluwatu:  One of the best places to stay Uluwatu, Bali on a budget, the Ancala Uluwatu offers some serious value for money.

Each room comes with double beds, minimalist design, cool artwork, and a private veranda leading out onto a lush tropical garden.

As well as a pool there’s also bicycle rental so you can explore further afield.

Click here to book your stay at the Ancala Uluwatu!

Mid-range – Puri Uluwatu Villas: Traditional Balinese architecture and design meet European style in this eye-catching and polished resort.

Staying here means staying in a villa with four-poster beds, sea views and some seriously Instagram-worthy interiors.

It’s located just a stone’s throw from top surf spots and a five-minute drive from Uluwatu Temple.

Click here to book your stay at the Puri Uluwatu Villas!

Luxury – Elemen Uluwatu Villas: If you’re on the hunt for chic hotels near Uluwatu temple, you may want to take note. This collection of stunning villas is super impressive.

Each villa has a private pool and is incredibly well maintained, as well as stylishly designed with indoor-outdoor living spaces, polished concrete and tropical plants.

The newly opened property is run by a professional team of staff who are always on hand to make sure everything runs as smoothly as possible.

Click here to book your stay at the Elemen Uluwatu Villas!

Bingin Beach: Great for Surfing + Beach vibes

Compared to Suluban, Bingin Beach is a bit less chaotic. It’s still a surfing hotspot and it’s a beautiful beach too.

The beach itself is a relatively small stretch of sand with coconut palms, backed by hotels and B&Bs overlooking it from the cliffs above. Bingin is a bit of a hipster hangout, but with added beach vibes.

It’s the best area to stay in Uluwatu if you like the sound of waking up to views of the sea from your clifftop balcony, and being just a five-minute walk from the waves themselves.

It’s definitely not lacking in places to eat and drink.

Lucky Fish Lounge is a cool bar with amazing views (sunset from here is immense), while Kelly’s Warung serves up local bites in a hip setting, and the Cashew Tree always delivers on delicious food (a great spot for dinner and cocktails).

Here are some great places to stay close to Bingin for every budget.

Budget – Bingin Bienvenue Guest House: Located just a five-minute stroll from Bingin Beach, this charming guesthouse is all about its cute bungalows.

Stay here and enjoy the serenity of white-washed walls, accented with natural materials (and each with its own balcony or terrace), in a garden that’s brimming with native tropical plants.

There’s an outdoor swimming pool to make full use of and an onsite restaurant and bar. A veritable oasis, and affordable too.

Click here to book your stay at the Bingin Bienvenue Guest House!

Mid-range – Bingin Garden Uluwatu: Located just a few hundred metres from the beach, this laid-back resort provides three-star accommodation in one of the best locations to stay in Uluwatu.

Rooms here are clean and spacious, and use minimalist decor accented with natural wood to create a calm atmosphere.

The whole property is centred around an inviting outdoor swimming pool area, where you can take a break from the crowds elsewhere and relax.

Click here to book your stay at the Bingin Garden Uluwatu!

Luxury – Legends Beachfront Resort: Go to sleep and wake up to the sound of the waves at this high-end property.

It’s right on the beach, so you can start your day with your toes in the sand — before or after a hearty, healthy breakfast.

There’s a choice of different room types to suit your needs, each of which comes with a private terrace. Based on location alone (literally right on the beach), this is one of the best Uluwatu resorts.

Click here to book your stay at the Legends Beachfront Resort

Close to Melasti Beach: For Families & Beach Vacations

If you want a quiet beach vacation, then Suluban and Bingin probably aren’t the best spots. They tend to be a little bit lively.

But before you’re question whether Uluwatu is a good place to stay for you at all, take note of Melasti Beach.

Set on the southern coast of the Bukit Peninsula (near the southernmost point of Bali), this beautiful two-kilometre (1.2-mile) stretch of sand is the place to be.

It’s got plenty of bars and restaurants, sun loungers and umbrellas, and some of the most beautiful water anywhere on the island.

It’s my personal favourite beach anywhere in Bali. Here you can find some of the best accommodations in Uluwatu for families.

As well as being quiet and not filled with party animals, Melasti Beach doesn’t feature zillions of steps to get to the beach itself, making it safe and easy to access for everybody.

It’s also pretty close to Green Bowl Beach, another of the best beaches in Uluwatu. Here are some of the best places to stay close to Melasti Beach for all budgets.

Budget – Salty Breeze Bali: Even if you’re on a budget you can find some amazing accommodation in Bali. This Uluwatu accommodation is just that: boutique, yet budget.

The bungalows here are cutely decorated, and come equipped with everything you need to be as comfortable as possible.

You’ll even have your own private terrace to chill out on. Services include a pool, restaurant, tour desk, bicycle rental and shuttle services.

Click here to book your stay at the Salty Breeze Bali!

Mid-range – Puri Pandawa Resort: Why not treat yourself to a stay at this four-star resort? Choose from a garden villa designed in typical Balinese style, or opt for a modern suite with garden views.

Everything you need is located onsite, including a spa, a free shuttle to the beach, and even a small restaurant. 

Click here to book your stay at the Puri Pandawa Resort!

Luxury – Umana Bali, LXR Hotels & Resorts: If you’re looking for luxury, then this resort definitely delivers.

Umana Bali is the place to relax among its luxurious setting, complete with a dedicated team of staff who provide exceptional service.

The five-star resort sits atop a cliff overlooking the ocean and offers a long list of facilities and amenities, including four dining options, private pools, hot tubs and a shared infinity pool.

Click here to book your stay Umana Bali, LXR Hotels & Resorts!

Final Thoughts on Best Places to Stay Uluwatu

There you have it, the ultimate guide to the best places to stay in Uluwatu! Have you been to Uluwatu before? How did you find it? Let me know in the comments below!

Uluwatu is my personal favourite area in Bali. It’s not the best if you have a wider Bali itinerary planned, as it’s quite far from famous attractions like Ubud and Tegalalang Rice Terrace.

But if you’re just looking for epic beaches, great surfing and fun vibes, then it’s the place for you! I would always recommend Uluwatu over areas to avoid in Bali like Kuta.

Uluwatu might not be the stereotypical Bali Instagram heaven you’re used to seeing, but that’s actually what makes it special. The beautiful beaches here are actually what make Bali worth visiting in my opinion.

It’s not just about Instagrammable Bali hotels and swings, it’s an area with a soul, where each beach and place has its own vibe.

I hope you found my where to stay in Uluwatu beachfront accommodation guide useful! If you have any questions about where to stay in Uluwatu, just let me know in the comments below!

Check out my other Indonesia travel guides! 

• Snorkel with turtles in Gili Trawangan!
• Discover the most beautiful temples in Indonesia! Yogyakarta temples tour
• Go on an epic volcano sunrise hike: Kawah Ijen in East Java

Enjoyed reading the best areas to stay in Uluwatu? Pin it!