Why Honeymoon in Uluwatu?
Uluwatu, a mix of 2 Balinese words, Ulu (Lands end) and Watu (rock), is one of the most popular surfing and tourist destinations in Bali. It is located in the southwestern tip of Bali in Indonesia and is very popular, especially among surfers, tourists and couples. The most beautiful beaches and striking cliffs in Bali can be found here as well as the most dazzling sunsets overlooking the Indian Ocean.
After its discovery as a prime surfing location in 1972, it has become a famous honeymoon destination featuring Bali’s most luxurious resorts, clubs and super fancy restaurants. Featuring beaches with clear turquoise water, pure white sand, and dazzling sunsets, this honeymoon destination will leave couples falling more in love. Although Uluwatu is a world-class surfing destination, there are also beginner waves suitable for newbies to surf.
Explore Uluwatu
Suppose your definition of a perfect honeymoon destination is a popular tourist location with dazzling sunsets, pristine white beaches, a place where you can learn fun and romantic activities like surfing and a place filled with luxurious hotels and resorts. In that case, Ulu, short for Uluwatu, is perfect for you.
Uluwatu is on the Bukit peninsula, south of the airport and about 30 minutes drive from the airport. Uluwatu village, commonly called Pecatu, shares borders with the Indian Ocean towards the south and has a series of caves, restaurants, and a breath-taking view of the sunset.
Uluwatu Temple and Kecak Fire Dance
The Popular Uluwatu temple is just a 5-minute drive from the town and is where the famous traditional Balinese Kecak Dance is performed. The cliffs around the temple have a rich ecosystem of animals, including a thriving monkey kingdom. It is not unusual to find the monkeys being mischievous and snapping up headdresses, so you had better weave yours tightly around your head! Reports have it that if you bribe them well enough, they might just return it.
Beaches, cliffs and views
Towards the eastern side of Uluwatu, there is a lively jungle surrounded by beaches with dazzling sands. There are also a lot of fancy restaurants, clubs and luxury hotels.
If you would prefer to stay on the beach, sleep to the waves’ lulling sounds, and wake up to the smell of seawater and a gentle caress by the breeze, two hotels offer this option. The Padang Padang and Bingin hotels However, they are north of Uluwatu and can not be accessed entirely by car. You will have to walk down a path for the last 300meters.
One of the reasons Uluwatu is so popular is because of its dazzling sunsets that overlook the Indian ocean. Watching the sunset is a truly relaxing and romantic experience. Imagine you and your partner sitting down high on the cliff, leaning on each other, with the waves from the beach crashing below you whilst you experience a sunset so colourful that it leaves you transfixed. Bliss, I tell you.
Unlike the northern parts of Bali, which are much more reserved and have a few luxury options, resorts and restaurants in Uluwatu are high-class and top-notch. They offer varieties of services at a much lower price than you’d find in the western part of the world.
World-famous surf destination
We mentioned earlier that Uluwatu is a world-class surfing destination. It came into the limelight after a classic surf movie titled Morning Of The Earth was shot there. It has since become Bali’s most famous surfing location, seeing many surfing experts and even beginners. Although more experienced surfers use Uluwatu, there are still beaches with small waves that a beginner can learn with.
If you and your partner are surfing enthusiasts, or the idea of learning surfing on your honeymoon appeals to you, then Uluwatu is a must-visit for you. Padang Padang beach and the Canggu beach are the best beaches in Uluwatu for beginners.
If you’d rather not surf but do something less strenuous and more romantic, you could watch the brilliant colours of the sunset. This is truly a spectacle. Watching the sunset on Uluwatu is better experienced from the Single Finn restaurant - they have the best views.
Honeymoon Hotels in Uluwatu
Some of the most spectacular and luxurious hotels in Bali can be found in the Uluwatu region. Get ready to spend your money on a totally worth it luxurious lifestyle and treatment. Although most of these hotels are more expensive than others found elsewhere Bali, they give you your money’s worth. Below are our top picks on luxurious hotels in Uluwatu.
❤️ More Uluwatu hotels? You might want to compare prices or check all highly rated hotels for couples in Uluwatu for yourself. See all the best Uluwatu hotel options here and compare reviews and prices for your dates 📅.
If you follow this link, we've already filtered the list to only show the best options with great ratings of 8 out of 10 or above (but you can easily adjust the filters).
Alternatively, there’s a decent amount of private villas around Uluwatu too. Many villa owners in Bali list their properties on AirBnB, the best ones can be find if you book well in advance. We used these AirBnB discount codes before to get a little discount off our rental.
Honeymoon Activities in Uluwatu
There are lots of romantic things you can do with your partner while spending your honeymoon in Uluwatu. We’ve selected our favorites!
Check our Best Bali Beach Clubs if you need more ideas on how to spend your day!
Romantic Dining in Uluwatu
How to get to Uluwatu
Uluwatu is around 30 minutes drive from Denpasar Bali Airport. If your hotel doesn’t provide one, It is advisable to book a ride in advance so that you do not pay an exorbitant fee to taxis waiting at the airport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Uluwatu in Bali?
It is on the southwestern tip of the Bukit Peninsula in Bali, Indonesia.
How to get around in Uluwatu?
There are various means of transportation in Uluwatu. Taxis are everywhere, renting a scooter is affordable, and there is GoJek, the local taxi app similar to Uber.
How far is Uluwatu from Bali Airport?
It takes around 30 minutes by car from Denpasar Bali Airport to Uluwatu.
Is Uluwatu a good honeymoon destination?
Yes, Uluwatu is one of the best honeymoon destinations in Bali! It offers a variety of luxurious hotels, spectacular views, fun activities and fine restaurants.
How long should we stay in Uluwatu?
We recommend staying at least two nights, but you could definitely stay longer if you want. Uluwatu has a lot of activities to do, comfortable and Luxurious hotels, mysterious caves and amazing sunset views. There's a lot to do, eat and see.
Next destinations
For more travel ideas, we wrote a collection of 7-day, 10-day, 12-day and 14-day Bali Honeymoon Itineraries.
Written by Olivia & Dirk
Hi! We have put together this guide with a lot of care, based on our own experiences. As a couple, we have lived in Bali for the past 5 years, and we fell in love with the island. We have visited every corner of Bali, especially the romantic places ;-). While our articles do contain affiliate links, you can trust us to recommend only the experiences that we love.
Read more about us or let us help you organize your honeymoon for you!