Backpacking Uluwatu, Bali... In Two Days

Last Updated: January 22, 2026

NEED THE ESSENTIALS FOR BACKPACKING ULUWATU NOW?

HOW TO GET HERE | WHERE TO STAY | THINGS TO DO | WHERE TO EAT | WHERE TO PARTY | STAYING SAFE

Reading Time: 20 minutes | Written by Greg

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Surf and Holy Turf

Do you worship the waves? Does your hair billow softly in the wind? Does your Instagram look like a travel brochure? Uluwatu is calling! Come and be with your people.

Nestled on Bali's southernmost cliffs, overlooking the turquoise Indian ocean, you'll find this preppy surf town. 'Uluwatu' literally translates to 'Land's End Rock', and it was originally known for its breathtaking clifftop temple, guarded by a troupe of wild monkeys.

It then found fame in the 70s for its killer surf. Tourism followed, and Uluwatu has since bloomed into a full-on ecosystem of clifftop bars, hidden coves, and, more recently, luxury resorts. It's a surf town that's done very well for itself!

I spent seven months running tours further north in Bali, and on a couple of down days, I came here to suss it all out!

It's very trendy, very hipster, and very 'Insta'. If this is your scene, you'll have a ball backpacking Uluwatu! In fact, you'll probably want to spend a week or more in town, getting a few hours work done in the morning, before catching some surf in the afternoon.

I'm gonna show you how to soak in this surf town in two chilled days. We'll be hitting up Uluwatu's best beaches, food, and sunset spots, as well as that temple, and plenty of steep cliff paths on the way!

Ready? Let's do it!

My friend and I backpacking Uluwatu trying to smash Insta

What's Uluwatu Like?

Head south on Bali's narrow roads, where stretches of nothing are dotted with sporadic traditional villages. When you smell the sea air, the traditional buildings give way to modern glass, and some long-haired adonis with a surfboard calls you 'dude'; you've made it to Uluwatu!

The outskirts are incredibly vibrant, like someone's turned up the saturation. Fields are a patchwork of different colours; one orange, one pastel pink, one purple, and countless shades of green between.

The roadsides start to fill with shacks, until the whole place looks like a long, narrow market. Shoes, souvenirs, and fruits overflow into the road. Suddenly, one is billowing with smoke and flame!

Don't worry, it's just a guy cooking.

Heading into town, the colour stays, but becomes more textured. It's now pops of colour from plants, murals, and vibrant mopeds whizzing about. Uluwatu becomes a fusion of old-school Bali, and the new-wave western invasion. It's totally normal to see a thatched hut parked next to a vast, glass-fronted Billabong store. And you could find this is the case anywhere! The roads are Bali's usual weaving, random mess, and each turn is a lucky dip. Is it a resort? A farm? A clifftop?! Who could say? Roll them dice!

It's all become a bit of a Frankenstein. There is a real charm to it, it's just incredibly hard to describe! In most towns, there's the old bit, the new bit, and a bit of overlap where they meet. In Uluwatu, it's all overlap. The only thing that's consistent is the hipster crowd of long-term tourists. Thankfully hand-painted wooden signs are nailed to telegraph poles to point your way, and following them will eventually, after a journey through this beautiful mess, spit you out at the most incredible coastline!

Genuinely golden beaches, soaring clifftops, hidden coves and turquoise waters are dotted along this rugged coast, scattered with greenery and punches of vivid colour. Above it all, it's crowned by Uluwatu Temple, sitting high on its outcrop and overlooking its kingdom. The scenery around Uluwatu is breathtaking, and it's worth the trip just to see this.

Lose yourself in this trendy, mismatched maze, and you'll find out why Uluwatu's popularity has exploded, and why it's so hard to describe!

Backpacking Uluwatu views of beautiful flowers
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How to Get To Uluwatu

There's really only one way to get to Uluwatu: road.

The island has a natural choke point at the International Airport just south of Kuta, so you're gonna be coming through there.

Once you're outside the airport, your best bet is a Grab or Go-Jek.

These are ride-hailing apps in Indonesia (a la Uber back home), and they make backpacking Bali a breeze. Just pull up the app, call a lift, and you'll be zipping towards Uluwatu's cliffs in no time. Just be smart when you choose your ride, because you can call a moped as well as a car. Mopeds are cheaper and faster, but if you have a shitload of bags, that's not gonna work.

A Grab or Go-Jek ride from the airport to Uluwatu will cost around 200k IDR (£10). Just know that they're not allowed in the airport grounds, so you need to meet them outside.

There is also the option of buses, but the bus will take twice as long, and still leave you a few kilometres out of Uluwatu, leaving you to get a cab for the rest anyway. Just take the cab from the start - you could be surfing in Uluwatu before the bus squad even arrives. The moral? Don't take the bus!

Official airport taxis are an option, but they're more expensive than a Grab or Go-Jek. If you do take one, make sure they use the meter! They will not offer this to you, and they're bastards for ripping off tourists. Don't get caught out.

If you're staying in the fancier hotels in Uluwatu, they'll likely offer you transfers, so check this out ahead of time. It's all part of the luxury service! If you're in one of Uluwatu's hostels... not so likely!

If you're coming from further afield in Bali (like Ubud), your best bet is to get a private driver. Everyone in Bali knows someone who'll do this, and they do it a damn sight cheaper than any taxi or bus! Ask around at your accommodation, or just chat loudly about needing one in a public place, and you'll fine one nice and easy. Explain where you need to go, haggle on a price, and then get going!

The other alternative is to hire a moped. These can be gotten hold of anywhere on the island, and are a super cheap and authentic way of getting around, giving you the freedom of Bali's notoriously not-so-open roads! The cost of this luxury? Around 140k IDR (£7) a day, but depends on season, area and so on. Oh, and you have to pay for fuel too, but it's dirt cheap on Bali.

Here's some rough travel times:

Denpasar Airport - Uluwatu: 35 minutes

Sanur Port - Uluwatu: 50 minutes

Padang Bai Port - Uluwatu: 1 hr 45 minutes

Ubud - Uluwatu: 1 hr 30 minutes

Canggu - Uluwatu: 1 hr 15 minutes

Timing your Trip

How Long Should You Spend Backpacking Uluwatu?

Are you coming for a quick nose around, or to join the legions of surf-obsessed hipsters?

If you're just coming to soak it in and see Uluwatu's attractions, spend a night here. Maybe two if you want a lazy beach day in the middle.

If your heart pumps saltwater, your skin is 90% ink and your hair covers your eyes, this is home! You could easily spend weeks here, surfing in the day and kicking it in your hostel in the evening (or one of Uluwatu's best hotels with infinity pools and spa, if your budget allows!).

Uluwatu, like Canggu, is home to a plethora of long-term travellers, living their digital nomad life in the day and crashing with a beer to watch Uluwatu's sunsets in the evening.

There are worse ways to live!

The Best Time Of The Year For Backpacking Uluwatu

If you're looking to see Uluwatu at its best, avoid monsoon season!

This is November through to March, and it makes Uluwatu's sightseeing a bit...damp. The same goes for the rest of Bali.

Of course, this is no biggie if you're surfing - there'll be fewer people around, and you were gonna get wet anyway! It's not like it's cold in the off-season, just more moist.

Otherwise, it's all sunshine and lush greenery! Season peaks around July and August, and it gets pretty busy! If you're coming then, you'd be smart to book your accommodation in Uluwatu ahead of time.

Speaking of...

Where to go when backpacking Uluwatu
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Where to Stay Whilst Backpacking Uluwatu

So... I came to Uluwatu on a series of day trips. I didn't stay overnight.

We only ever recommend places we've actually stayed, so instead of a throwing you places we found on Google in a list of the 'Best Hotels in Uluwatu!', we'd rather teach you how to find the best accommodation yourself, and take back control!

When it comes to finding accommodation in Uluwatu, you can't go too far wrong with the holy trinity of accomodation sites! Between these, you'll find your perfect Uluwatu hotel, hostel or villa for any budget.

You got this!

a few places to stay when backpacking Uluwatu
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The Best Things To Do In Uluwatu

Uluwatu is pretty scattered. There isn't a bit you could point to and go, "That's the centre!".

This means you're gonna be travelling around a bit! This is good news, because it means you'll be seeing most of the area just by criss-crossing over it between stops. Of course, if you see a clifftop, beach or cafe you like the look of on the way, stop to check it out! This isn't prescriptive.

You will need transport to get around. You can join the crowds and hire a moped from one of the many places that offer them, or tap into the Grab or Go-Jek networks we talked about earlier. It's too far to walk.

This Uluwatu itinerary will take you all over town - just remember to take it at an easy pace! Uluwatu is too chilled to rush.

Backpacking Uluwatu: The Highlights

One: Chill on Uluwatu's Epic Beaches

  • Why: Cause who doesn't love a beach?!
  • Where: Dotted along Uluwatu's coastline. (map)
  • How long: You'll probably spend half your total time in Uluwatu on the sand.
  • How much: Free!

You can't have a list of things to do in Uluwatu and not mention the beaches!

Each beach is a little different. Some are tiny coves, some are a nightmare to get to, but all of them sit under the sweeping limestone cliffs, with teal waves crashing offshore and rolling to a halt on Uluwatu's golden sands.

Are some better than others? Of course! Instead of leaving you to figure out which ones, I've got the brightest and best beaches in Uluwatu for you right here.

Oh, and almost all of them have a big ol' staircase to get down from the cliffs to the sea - and back up, more to the point - so I hope you're feeling fit!

Bingin Beach

Backpacking Uluwatu is albout beautiful beach vibes
Check that flat water - perfect for a swim!

Bingin Beach is a small, vibrant, and achingly pretty cove towards the north of Uluwatu. Nestled under dramatic cliffs, it's peppered with boulders in the sand down below, ringed with huts along the cliffs up above, and there's a ton of lush greenery to tie it all together.

It's one of Uluwatu's most popular beaches (with good reason!), but it doesn't feel packed or noisy. Everyone who's on the beach is here to relax, and crashing onto the warm sand to watch the surfers hits the spot! Add a drink or two from the folks at Sun and Surf, and a swim in the turquoise shallows (mind your feet on the sharper stones getting out), and that's an epic beach afternoon!

The steps up and down to Bingin ain't easy, but it's worth the sweat you'll build climbing back up later. In fact, if you're only hitting up one of Uluwatu's beaches, this is the one to aim for.

Dreamland Beach

This is Bingin Beach without the crowds.

Dreamland is a lot more open and untouched. It's a razor-thin ribbon of sand snaking under the cliff edge. Instead of Bingin's rings of huts tumbling down the cliffs, it's cascading strings of greenery. There's still the golden sands, big limestone boulders and ridiculously blue water, so you can hit the sand and soak up the sun, just without the crowds and cafes.

Dreamland is a beach for people who just want the beach.

Make sure you're here at low tide though, or none of this will be true! The beach will be swallowed by the sea, and you'll be left bunched on a small patch of sand by the staircase. And that'll suck.

Uluwatu 'Beach'

More beach days when backpacking Uluwatu

This is a world-famous surf spot, and needs a mention on any Uluwatu guide. But put your picnic blanket back in your bag amigos, because it ain't what you're expecting!

Uluwatu beach is a tiny little gorge that transforms as the tide rises and falls, yet always remains a little gem.

A steep staircase leads the way from the cliffs, cafes and markets above. Once in the cove, the earth encloses around you, leaving you in a narrow tree-topped, overgrown canyon. It feels prehistoric.

At high tide the gorge is filled with water, but as the sea retreats you can follow it out, leaving a couple of pools in the rugged rock formations big enough to cool off in.

However, this is not a relaxing, lay-out-on-the-beach-for-a-day kinda place. There are too many rocks to relax, too many waves to swim, and too many voices echoing through the gorge for peace. It is purely a spot for pleasant exploration.

And exploration is rewarded! Follow the right-hand wall, where the waves have gouged out a small, slippery path, and the tunnel will lead you to another, quieter rocky beach. Similarly, there's a few staircases around that'll take you up to some lookout points.

Two: Browse the Beachfront Markets

  • Why: Pick up some weird and wonderful souvenirs.
  • Where: Surrounding the staircase around Uluwatu Beach. (map)
  • How long: 15 minutes to find something you like.
  • How much: There's nothing fancy here, so not much. But still haggle well!

If you're wandering down to Uluwatu Beach, you can't miss this.

Starting at Single Fin and weaving down to the cove is this chaotic mess of a market.

It's not a market in the normal Balinese sense. Instead, it's a horde of people who have pitched a stall to sell visitors an incredible variety of... shit.

Seriously, this is the sort of pointless, touristy crap the Shit Shelf was born for, and I am so here for it! Expect terrible shirts, tacky fridge magnets, and the ever-popular cock-shaped bottle opener.

So yeah, it's not exactly a hotbed of culture, but it's fun! Spend a little while meandering the narrow, descending path down to the beach, laughing at the crap on display. Just try not to fall over someone's beloved collection and go tumbling ass-over-tit down to the beach. You need three sets of eyes here, and that makes it hilarious!

It's all noise and fun and colour, and if you're heading that way anyway... why not?

Three: Explore Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park

GWK a brilliant place to visit when backpacking Uluwatu
Impressive? Definitely! Tasteful? Well...
  • Why: That statue is 30 metres taller than the Statue of Liberty! Plus there's a ton more included.
  • Where: In the centre of that bulbous bit on the bottom of Bali. (map)
  • How long: Easily a couple of hours to take it all in.
  • How much: 125K IDR (£6-ish) for entry to the park, with add-ons. Another 50K (£2.50) to go up the statue.

Where to start?

I don't know what exactly this is, but 'cultural park' is along the right lines! It's best described with a list of some of the stuff you'll find:

  • A series of picturesque gardens and fountains;
  • A cinema;
  • A food court;
  • A series of shops;
  • A series of daily dance displays;
  • A ton of immaculate open spaces;
  • That 122m statue, depicting Vishnu riding his mount Garuda;
  • A conference centre;
  • A load of other statues;
  • A learning and education centre;
  • An amphitheater that's hosted Iron Maiden, Paramore, Miss World 2013, and the largest EDM festival in Asia.

So... yeah.

If you have a better name for it than 'Cultural Centre', then let them know, but I sure as hell don't! As far as I can tell, it's built entirely to bring new events and a new type of tourist to the island.

Which brings things back to us. It's too crazy to ignore, and that statue alone is worth the look... even if you can see it from Canggu for free! It's the 13th largest in the world. Add all the other stuff you get thrown in, and this becomes pretty damn good value!

Four: Look Down From Uluwatu Temple

Backpacking Uluwatu 13
  • Why: It's one of the holiest temples in Bali, and it's beautiful.
  • Where: Balanced on Uluwatu's cliffs, to the south end of town. (map)
  • How long: Spend an hour or so checking out the temple, grounds, and those bastard monkeys.
  • How much: 30K IDR (£1.50).

And now for something completely different.

It's far from the most spectacular building you'll see on the island, but Uluwatu Temple is all about that location.

This Hindu temple is perched precariously on one of Uluwatu's highest cliffs, and this makes for some of the most dramatic temple grounds you'll find anywhere. Follow its paths, and you'll be taken to unprotected edges, where a quick glance down to the pounding Indian Ocean is enough to make even the hardest mofo take a step or two back.

Look back towards Uluwatu Temple (called Pura Luhur Uluwatu in Balinese), and it's now that you'll see why it's so special. Those sheer drops cut a stark silhouette against the horizon, particularly during the incredible Uluwatu sunsets.

It's probably because of this that Uluwatu Temple is one of the holiest spots in Bali - widely considered one of the Sad Kahyangan, or 'six sanctuaries of the world'. These bring spiritual balance to Bali, and I talk more about them and the dos and don'ts of visiting Balinese temples in this blog.

Backpacking Uluwatu Temple

Back in Pura Luhur Uluwatu itself, things are simple. It's traditional Balinese buildings, a few fountains, and gnarled old trees weaving throughout it all, making nature as much a part of the experience. It's one of the most visited temples on Bali, but it's not too busy. It still has that peaceful stillness a temple should have.

Apart from the monkeys.

Never trust the Monkeys.

Throughout Uluwatu Temple and the grounds, you'll find troupes of these fuckers, and they're fearless. Keep your valuables on lockdown, or just don't bring 'em. That's one of my golden rules for dealing with monkeys in Bali. They will nick anything they can get their hands on, and your only defence is to be vigilant, because once they have something, they ain't giving it back. They'll open bags, snatch water bottles out your hand, steal sunglasses off your head... and their favourite target is expensive shit.

I'm sure they're being trained for this!

They have an uncanny knack for targeting the stuff you really don't want them to nick. I watched a straight-up robbery of one girl, where the monkey dive-bombed her from above, stole her bag, and started rifling through it. Being the hero that I am, I tried to get the stuff back. The monkey ran straight to the edge of the cliff, and started ransacking the bag.

This little prick took things out one at a time, and kept hold of the three most expensive items in two feet and a hand, putting down the cheapest each time. As I walked towards him, he pulled out her purse, opened it, grabbed the banknotes, held them over the cliff, and locked eyes with me.

I took one more step forwards, and he smiled, and let go. The bastard never broke eye contact.

He then ran off with her GoPro, and, as we chased him, he opened the GoPro, and stole the memory card! How he knew to target the one thing no one wants to lose, I'll never know. We chased him around for ages, and never got close. Eventually, he got bored of torturing us, dropped it on the floor, and fucked off.

Never trust the monkeys.

Five: Feel The Heat at the Kecak Fire Dance

  • Why: It's Bali's answer to Broadway!
  • Where: Next to Uluwatu Temple (map)
  • How long: The show is at 6pm and lasts about an hour, but get there at least a half-hour before.
  • How much: Tickets are 150k IDR (£7.50) per person.

If you stay at Uluwatu Temple into the evening, you can witness a story of love and hate, good and evil, an unsuspecting victim...

And a shitload of paraffin.

There's a small amphitheater in the grounds of the temple, and, each night, the Kecak Fire Dance is performed, telling the tale of the ancient Hindu epic Ramayana. This is the story of the deities Hanuman and Rama leading an army against the evil king Ravana. With a load of fire.

I won't pretend I'm cultured enough to have walked away understanding this story. I just thought it was awesome, and pretty warm, even in the stands! There's clearly a lot of effort and choreography in the show, and it builds to an immense, fiery climax where the floor is set on fire, and around 30 guys dance through it like it's just a Sunday stroll.

Not one person left saying, "I feel Iike they half-arsed that one...". Every single performer gives everything they have to this display.

Including the hair on their legs.

It's a great way to spend an evening. It's entertaining for you, it supports and preserves local culture, and you won't need to put your heating on that night. Winning all round.

Six: Honourable Mention: Catch Some Legendary Uluwatu Surf

  • Why: It's a world-famous surf spot!
  • Where: The iconic spot is Uluwatu Beach, but there's a few. (map)
  • How long: Keep going until you get the munchies, then head to Single Fin.
  • How much: Once you have a board, the ocean is free. Obviously.

So why is this an honourable mention?

Because this is the Premier League of surfing on Bali, and I'm a bit more... Sunday League.

So I bottled it.

These are some serious waves, and they're packed with serious surfers. The kind of guys that speak with so much surf slang it's not really English anymore. And they get pissy if you 'drop in' when the 'surfs up', and steal their 'barrel'.

It's so big-league, in fact, that they've named the waves. If you're surfing Uluwatu Beach, you can ride Racetrack, Outside Corner, The Peak, Secrets, the Bombie and Temples. Whatever that means...

If you're not buddies with Kelly Slater, there's less crowded waves up the coast at Padang Padang and Bingin Beach. And if you don't know who Kelly Slater is, you can join me at Kuta Beach or Canggu instead!

We're no experts, so for an in-depth guide to the surf in Uluwatu, check out these guy's breakdown.

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Where to Eat When Backpacking Uluwatu

You're in one of Bali most hipster spots. There's gon' be vegans!

You know the sort of thing: smoothie bowls or smashed avo for brekkie, buddha bowls for lunch, and some local Indonesian Gado Gado (veggies in a peanut sauce) for dinner.

And you know what? That's a complete win!

However, meat-eaters: fear not! You, too, are well catered for. Almost all of the best restaurants in Uluwatu have something for you, and you can be tucking into huge bowls of Nasi Goreng whilst watching the surfers from high on Uluwatu's cliffs.

Also, because of the large number of western tourists down here, there is a lot of western food around. So if you're backpacking Uluwatu and you just need a bowl of fries... you're in luck! May I recommend pairing them with a (large) Bintang?

You'll find most of Uluwatu's restaurants and cafes are paired with sea views, and often also offer accommodation. There are usually hanging off of cliffsides on stilts, and offer some of the best spots in town to enjoy Uluwatu's epic sunsets.

Finally, a shoutout to the legendary (and inevitable) Bali Belly. Everyone gets sick at some point in Bali - it might be whilst backpacking Uluwatu, it might be somewhere else on the island - and it'll happen to you too. To this, we say: don't live in fear! It happens, it sucks, it passes.

The Sun and Surf

Stopping for a lunch break whilst backpacking Uluwatu
  • What: White-washed, wooden cafe that is so chilled it feels like a hostel.
  • Where: Overhanging Bingin Beach. (map)
  • How much: Brunch will set you back around 50k IDR (£2.50), dinner more like 70k (£3.50). (menu - Temporarily closed)

If you've survived the steep walk down to Bingin, treat yourself to a fresh juice at Sun and Surf!

That up there is the watermelon juice, and it tasted like refreshment. You need that shit in your life.

When you step in, Sun and Surf just feels mellow. It's got that whitewashed Greek Mediterranean look going on, and you could easily convince yourself you're halfway around the planet. There's even a Greek salad on the menu.

You can grab a spot at one of the tables, overlooking the beach, or on the cushions. You'll be welcome. The whole place feels like a hostel common room, with people lounging about and doing stuff like painting or playing games. This makes sense when you realise the Sun and Surf isn't just a cafe, but also a pretty slick-looking series of private rooms **Temporarily closed - August 2025**.

Even if you're not staying, it's a great spot for brunch. I had the eggs Benedict, and daaaaaamn. Eating something fresh and vibrant, lapping up that view and listening to the waves roll in... that's some paradise right there.

Ultimately, this is a beach bar on steroids. You could spend the whole day based out of here, and, if you're crashing on Bingin Beach anyway... maybe you should?

Just remember to grab a roadie for the walk back up that hill!

Single Fin

Backpacking Uluwatu 11
  • What: Western pub grub and plenty of beer, served on sweeping verandas over the beach.
  • Where: Perched above Uluwatu Beach. (map)
  • How much: Not the cheapest. 110k IDR (£5.50) for a burger and fries. In Bali, that's a lot! (menu)

If you love fish and chips, burgers, pizzas, and fried chicken, this is the place for you!

Single Fin is a massive, higgeldy-piggeldy mess; with verandas and balconies, booths and tables all criss-crossing over several levels, following the contours of the cliff.

And you know what? It just works!

It's all very modern, at least for Bali, and there's a solid buzz all day. That said, it's after night falls following one of Uluwatu's spectacular sunsets that Single Fin packs out, and the party atmosphere gets going!

However, if you rock up in the afternoon, you shouldn't have any issues finding a spot. All that's left to do is to tuck into some serious comfort food, and watch the wave wanderers get wiped out on Uluwatu's biggest surf. And trust me, that's entertainment!

Ultimately, the food won't blow your socks off and it's too expensive, but it does the job. But that's not why you're here. Single Fin is somewhere to see in the evening, and grab a bite to eat along the way. Really, you should think of it like this: half of your bill is for the food, and the other half is for that truly sensational view.

When you think of it like that, it makes sense.

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Where to Party Whilst Backpacking Uluwatu

Once again, I was day-tripping it down here, which meant I was heading back to Canggu in the evenings. So whatever mysteries Uluwatu's bars hold, I didn't get to see them.

As far as partying in Uluwatu goes, the closest I came was knocking back the Bintangs in Single Fin. The atmosphere kept building and the whole place was really picking up, and I'd have loved to have seen where the night went. However, like a kid at a school disco, someone was always here to pick us up, we had to go to our own parties back north.

From what I saw of the town, it's not gonna be heavy, wild nights anyway. The scene is more relaxed vibes, a few beers, and a chat with your mates.

Sounds pretty perfect to me.

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Is Backpacking Uluwatu Safe?

Backpacking Uluwatu is a fairly safe sport, really.

If something's gonna go wrong, it's probably gonna be due to the Bintang, and/or your own stupidity.

Let's look at what these stupidities might look like:

Trying to get your shit back off a monkey

If they have your shit, play it cool. They're faster, have bigger teeth, and, seeing as they have your stuff, are probably smarter as well. So you ain't gonna win a fight. Remember: never trust the monkeys.

This is most likely to happen at Uluwatu Temple (that's Pura Luhur Uluwatu, if you're practising your Balinese), and your best bet is to get some help from one of the Balinese guards dotted around.

If you're not at the temple and a monkey gets you... Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Surfing a wave, and finding it starts surfing you

Well, you fucked up son.

These waves are no joke. If you don't know what you're doing, you're gonna get waterboarded by several tons of Indian Ocean. The good news is if you don't know what you're doing, the other surfers will quickly tell you. Isn't that nice?

Seriously: if you can't surf, try Kuta first.

This also applies to drunken swimming.

Falling off cliffs

Don't.

Particularly when drunk.

Scooters with Surfboards

Often, people are given scooters without checking if they can actually ride them. Add a weighty sidecar, and it can catch people out, and make the steering very... wobbly.

If you're riding: your board has made your scooter longer and wider than you think. Don't be a dick.

If you're a pedestrian: Watch out for careering mopeds.

Oh, and a serious one: Earthquakes

Bali is in an earthquake zone. The good news is that the whole of Uluwatu is on a cliff, and so if one doesn't fall on you, you have time to climb up out of range of any ensuing tsunamis.

The odds are low, but it can happen. If it does, head high up, inland, and stay away from tall stuff that could fall over at any moment.


Otherwise, you're all set.

Backpacking Uluwatu is safe. You're extremely unlikely to get robbed, scammed, or any of the other nasty shit people can do to other people. Whether you've come for Uluwatu's temple, surf, or sunsets, if you keep yourself out of trouble, trouble is unlikely to find you.

Fresh coconuts when backpacking Uluwatu
Also, avoid people with machetes. But that applies anywhere.
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Leave a comment

So there you have it: a chilled, two-day Uluwatu itinerary!

If we've missed anything, let us know in the comments. Bonus points for hidden beaches!

Similarly, if we can help you any more with your own adventures backpacking Uluwatu, give us a shout and we'll do what we can to help out.

Now go check out them waves. Hang ten!


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Eve
Eve
2 years ago

Great article, loved the humour!