Uluwatu is known for its cliffs, temples and world-class surfing. It's quieter than more established areas in Bali like Seminyak, offering a more relaxed lifestyle. You can work from a small cafe or coworking space, then head out to catch the waves or simply enjoy the view.
The vibe here is pretty laid-back. There aren't as many amenities as in more developed parts of the island, but that is changing quickly as more businesses, bars and restaurants take the opportunity to open premises in the south and take advantage of the areas growing nightlife and food scene.
Internet speed can vary from place to place, so bear that in mind if reliable wifi is a must. Uluwatu is perfect if you enjoy mixing work with a bit of surf and sunset views. It's a good choice for nomads preferring a quieter, more scenic lifestyle with a bit of adventure.
The Good
- 🎉 Decent nightlife
- 🤤 Great food options
- 🍜 Streetfood
- ☕ Coffee
- 💼 Plenty of places to work
- 🦄 Strong nomad community
- 👴 Strong ex-pat community
- ☀️ Fantastic weather
- 👮 Safe
- 🏝️ Nature & beaches
- ⛰️ Stunning scenery
- 🏄♂️ Surfing
- ⛱️ Amazing beach
- 🥰 Beautiful
The Bad
- 🏘️ Limited accomodation options
- 🚌 Limited public transport
- 🚶 Not walkable
- 🚧 Tricky to reach
- 🌉 Poor infrastructure
Living costs
- Uluwatu is the 6th most expensive place (out of 12) to live in Indonesia
- It's about 105% cheaper to live in Uluwatu than it is Paris
- You can expect to spend around $1,304.93 per month living here
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Leisure
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- Prices are estimates and should be used as a guide only. We accept no responsibility for inaccuracies in data.
- Prices adjusted to reflect exchange rates as of 12th Jul 2026
Safety
Generally safe for tourists and digital nomads, with low crime rates; however, petty theft can occur, so remain vigilant.
Where to stay
1. Pecatu
Pecatu is famed for its cliffside views, spotless beaches, and world-class surf breaks. Home to landmarks like Uluwatu Temple and beaches such as Padang Padang and Dreamland, Pecatu draws nomads seeking adventure, relaxation, and culture in a gorgeous coastal setting.
2. Bingin Beach
On the west coast of Pecatu sandwiched between Dreamland and Padang Padang beaches we have Bingin. Bingin is known for its gorgeous beach, world-class surfing, and chilled atmosphere. Those seeking a quieter time will enjoy its charm with beach bungalows and a decent choice of cafes. The steps down the cliff face to the actual beach can be challenging however so bear that in mind. Especially if you have mobility issues or tons of luggage.
Where to eat
The Cashew Tree
Jl. Pantai Bingin No.9, PecatuSat right near the clifftops of Bingin Beach this is the place for currys, bowls and breakfast.
Nightlife
Fitness
Melasti Beach
Jl. Melasti Ungasan, UngasanOne of our favourite beaches in Bali, stunning white sands surrounded by gorgeous cliffs. The perfect spot for walking, beach volleyball or jogging after sunset.
Bingin Beach
You won't get many workouts like decending the stairs at Bingin Beach to reach the beach below. It is seriously hard work but so worth it.
Transport
Scooter or Motorbike
There's no public transport in Uluwatu so your only real option to get around is to rent a scooter or motorbike. You can expect to pay around 950,000 IDR per month for a Honda Scoopy. Larger bikes such as a Yamaha NMax will likely be more than double that.
The roads in Uluwatu are a lot quieter and easier to ride on than the likes of Canggu but you should only hire a bike if you have a bike license, insurance and are a capable rider. Uluwatu is extremely hilly and there are many blind bends that could catch out an inexperienced rider. There is also little street lighting after dark, especially on the more rural roads.
Gojek
If you can't ride a bike then in all honesty Uluwatu probably isn't the best area for you to stay. Some areas are quite remote and although you can use Gojek there are many areas where ride hailing is banned and cars/bikes simply won't be allowed in to pick you up. This is enforced quite strictly by the local drivers or 'taxi mafia' who don't take kindly to ride hailing companies encroaching on their livelihood. Especially when they will often charge significantly more than these companies.
Bluebird
Bluebird is the main taxi company in Bali and you can spot the cabs pretty much everywhere - although they aren't as common in Uluwatu as they are in places such as Canggu or Seminyak. Be aware that prices can be extortionate (compared to Gojek and Grab) so it's advisable to agree a set price with your driver beforehand. It's also worth noting that other non-affiliated blue cabs or private cars - which may not be regulated or even have insurance - may try and pass themselves off as Bluebird. So always double check before getting into any vehicle.
Private Driver
Your other option is to hire a private driver. This is the most expensive option however so isn't really feasible if on a budget or staying long term. You are usually looking at round 750k to 1m IDR for a driver for the entire day (8 hours). Any shorter trips will need to be negotiated with your driver on a trip-by-trip basis.
Internet speed
Internet coverage is generally good in Ulu and with new coffee shops, restaurants and bars popping up weekly it will likely only get better
Time difference
When to visit
May to Sept
Nov to March
Average temperatures
Who it suits
Places near Uluwatu
Kuta
Nightlife, surfing, and cheap beers.
Seminyak
Sun-kissed beaches, trendy cafes and fancy boutiques.
Canggu
Surfers, coconuts, and beach clubs.
Sanur
Serene beaches, yoga, and chilled vibes.
Pererenan
Trendy, developing beach town
Ubud
Indonesian culture, rice terraces, and spiritual retreats.
Amed
Scuba, snorkeling, and fishing villages
Gili Trawangan
Parties, beachfront bars, and unreal sunsets
Gili Air
Chilled out tropical island charm
Lombok
Volcanoes, waterfalls, and traditional Sasak culture