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The Bukit Peninsula is southernmost point of Bali, Indonesia.

[edit] Understand

This is a large limestone peninsula which, bar a slither of land just south of the airport, would be a separate island. It is rugged and dry and pre-tourist development this was a real backwater of Bali.

The Bukit (as it is commonly referred to) includes the famous cliff-hanging temple at Uluwatu, a number of Bali's very best beaches and the top surfing spots on the island. As is so often the case, it was intrepid surfers who really opened up the eyes of the world to this part of the island. The two main towns with strong local communities on the Bukit are Pecatu and Ungasan.

This article covers the whole of the Bukit Peninsula south of Jimbaran and west of Nusa Dua.

[edit] Get in

Map of the Bukit Peninsula

The Bukit Peninsula is connected to Kuta through Jimbaran by the busy Jalan Bypass Nusa Dua and this is the only route in. Take this main road south to the junction with Jalan Uluwatu II (the famous McDonald's junction) and turn west towards Uluwatu.

A taxi from Kuta to Uluwatu for example takes 30 to 40 minutes on winding roads and will cost about Rp 120,000 one-way. If you are just visiting for the day, consider asking the driver to wait trip as it can be difficult to find transport back. Figure on paying the taxi driver Rp 20,000/hour to wait. Joining a tour can be a cheaper way of getting to Uluwatu.

[edit] Get around

Exploring the Bukit lends itself very well to a rented motrobike. A number of the nicer beaches are reached via very small roads or dirt tracks and a motorbike is the best method.

A few bemos ply the main routes only but they are neither regular nor reliable.

[edit][add listing] See

The majestic cliff setting of Uluwatu Temple

Uluwatu Temple (Pura Uluwatu) is one of Bali's nine key directional temples. Though a small temple was claimed to have existed beforehand, the structure was significantly expanded by a Javanese sage, Empu Kuturan in the 11th Century. Another sage from East Java, Dang Hyang Nirartha is credited for constructing the padmasana shrines and is claimed to have attained Moksha here. Even more remarkable than the temple itself is its location, perched on a steep cliff 70 metres above the roaring Indian ocean waves. There are more steep headlands on either side and sunsets over Uluwatu are a sight to behold.

Entrance fee is Rp 3,000. As usual, you need to be properly dressed to enter and sarongs and sashes can be rented at the entrance. Guides, once famously mercenary, hassle visitors less than they used to, although they will offer to "protect" you from the monkeys, for a tip of course. Note that while you are free to walk around the temple grounds, the central courts can only be entered during special rituals.

The temple is inhabited by large number of monkeys, who are extremely adept at snatching visitors' belonging, including bags, cameras and eyeglasses. Keep a very close grip on all your belongings and stow away your eyeglasses if at all possible. If you do have something taken, the monkeys can usually be induced to exchange it for some fruit. Needless to say, rewarding the monkeys like this only encourages them to steal more. Locals and even the temple priests will be happy to do the job for you, naturally in exchange for a tip (Rp 10,000 - 50,000).

Behind the cuddly facade lies a cunning thief

There is also a very scenic Uluwatu cave with rock formations leading into a beach close to the temple. This is a popular spot for surfers.

There are number of good white sand beaches on the Bukit Peninsula which many consider the best in Bali:

• Balangan. Rated by some as the single best beach in Bali and one which receives relatively few visitors. It takes a bit of finding but heading out from Jimbaran towards Uluwatu turn right just before you reach the Pecatu Graha montrosity at Dreamland and follow informal signs to "Balangan" or "Balangan Surf". This is a stunning beach and well worth the effort required in finding it. There a few very laid-back warungs on the beach and even a couple of bungalows where you can stay the night.

• Bingin. Another white sand beach north of Padang-Padang and south of Dreamland. The beach here is not eay to access as the cliffs are high but the ocean views alone make the visit worthwhile. From the village of Pecatu head towards Padang-Padang on Jl Labuan Sait and look for informal signs on your right directing you to "Bingin Surf". Proceed fdown the maze of small roads here until you reach the clifftop.

Padang-Padang Beach

• Dreamland. Formerly a very beautiful beach which has been ruined by the adjacent Pecatu Graha "New Kuta" development. Still has excellent surfing conditions, especially for intermediate surfers & on days when other breaks are too big to surf. Right & left reef break, not too shallow and with decent shape. The entrance road to Pecatu Graha is impossible to miss adorned as it by huge statues and a truly massive billboard. The entrance fee to use the road down to the waterfront is currently Rp 10,000.

• Padang-Padang. A truly lovely beach with a big surf break offshore. Accessed from a stepped pathway on the north side of the obvious bridge 3 kilometres north of Uluwatu Temple. The white sand beach here is a little bit narrow at the highest of tides but is otherwise very nice indeed.

[edit][add listing] Do

The Kecak Dance

Go surfing. Uluwatu is a well known destination among surfing enthusiasts. Most of the surf spots are only suitable for advanced or expert surfers. Elsewhere on the west coast of the Bukit Peninsula, top class surfing spots are Dreamland, Padang-Padang, Bingin and Suluban.

Kecak Dance (monkey dance) performances are held at the temple daily between 6 PM and 7 PM. Tickets for the visually spectacular if rather unoriginal show (it was invented in the 1930s) performed for tourists cost Rp 50,000.

[edit][add listing] Buy

There are the usual souvenir shops at the parking area at the entrance to Uluwatu temple.

[edit][add listing] Eat

• Cafe Moka, Pecatu. Excellent coffee shop and cafe in Pecatu village close to the main Nirmala Supermarket. Free wireless internet for customers.  edit

• Jiwa Juice Internet Cafe, 108 Jl. Labuan Sait, Pecatu (on main road from Pecatu village near Bingin), ☎ +62 361 8470736, [1]. 8AM to 10PM (dry season); 8AM to 8PM (wet season). Jiwa Juice is a full service internet cafe and wireless hotspot. Serving breakfast, gourmet sandwiches, salads, smoothies, and all the good stuff. Jiwa Juice also serves as a business center, bulletin board, and meeting spot. This is where local surfers, expats and tourists in-the-know get their grind and web on. Jiwa means soul in Indonesian.  edit

[edit][add listing] Drink

[edit][add listing] Sleep

As a tourist destination, the whole Bukit Peninsula area was popularised by surfers. There are still numerous small, cheap bungalows close to the main surf points at Uluwatu, Padang-Padang, Bingin and Suluban and many visitors just turn up and find what is available.

The area has more recently sprouted an impressive collection of high-end villas and resorts as well. Beware false advertising though: only the most expensive "villas" are completely private and self-contained, while most share at least some facilities (eg. pool) and the cheapest ones are just clusters of bungalows.

[edit] Hotels

[edit] Budget

• Balangan Sea View Bungalows, Balangan Beach, ☎ +62 812 3761951. Budget accommodation right by the stunning beach at Balangan. Popular with surfers.  edit

• Flowerbud Bungalows, Balangan Beach, ☎ +62 816 4722310, [2]. Eight very charming rustic bamboo bungalows on Balangan Beach, several of which are family-sized. This great little place is representative of a Bali that is fast disappearing. Simple cafe facility and lots of old fashioned Bali charm.  edit

• Gong, Jalan Pantai Suluban, Uluwatu. Bit of an institution with the surfer crowd. Good, clean budget accomodation. Extremely popular. about Rp 80,000.  edit

• Guna Mandala Inn, Padang Padang, ☎ +62 361 8470673. Budget accomodation just 100 metres from the entrance track to Padang Padang beach. Rooms are on two levels with the upstairs option definitely preferable as it gets nice breezes. Rp 175,000.  edit

• Kongsi Inn, Padang-Padang. Just about as basic as accommodation gets in Bali these days. Very much aimed at young surfers and in a great spot for easy access to the Padang-Padang break. Simple huts with bamboo walls and cold water. From Rp 70,000.  edit

• Rocky's Bungalows, Jalan Pantai Suluban, Uluwatu, ☎ +62 817 346209. A old time favourite with the surf community. A good location close to Uluwatu with nice ocean views out over the Suluban cliff-line. From Rp 175,000.  edit

[edit] Mid-range

• Mick's Place, Bingin, [3]. Four beautiful cliffront bungalows. Styles itself as a yoga retreat, a haven for surfers and a wedding venue. Everything here is very well done indeed.  edit

• The Temple Lodge, Bingin, ☎ +62 813 37769477 (ducabruzzi@hotmail.com), [4]. Boutique accommodation at Bingin with 3 creatively designed bungalows built into the cliff face. Truly amazing views over the west coast surf breaks. Aims itself primarily at surfers but this would be a great value choice for any visitor who really wants to experience the best of the Bukit Peninsula. The restaurant pricdes itself on a health conscious menu and is very suitable for vegetarians. From about €50.  edit

• Uluwatu Resort, ☎ +62 361 769855 (info@uluwaturesort.com), [5]. Situated on the cliff top right above the Uluwatu surf break, five minutes from the temple. All of the standard rooms have private verandahs with ocean views. Also a five bedroom private villa available. US$ 50.  edit

[edit] Splurge

• Blue Point Bay Villas, ☎ +62-361-769888, [6]. Small resort with villa accommodation. Two pools, restaurant, spa. US$230-680.  edit

• Bulgari Resort, Jalan Goa Lempeh, Banjar Dinas Kangin, ☎ +62-361-8471000, [7]. Clifftop superluxury resort every bit as stylish as you'd expect from a boutique hotel run by a fashion label. Plunge pool, private elevator to the beach, excellent restaurants, and a price tag to match. US$1400.  edit

• Karma Kandara Resort, Jalan Wijaya Kusuma, ☎ +62 361 708800, [8]. Forty six private villas perched upon a clifftop 100 metres above Bali’s pristine southern beaches and rolling surf and with unobstructed views of the Indian Ocean. Each features a private walled garden complete with an infinity edge swimming pool. Each bedroom has its own en-suite bathroom, while the living rooms are open plan, comprising fully equipped kitchens, lounge and dining areas. A private cliff escalator provides access to Nammos Beach Club with its bar and fresh seafood grill. Gay/Lesbian friendly staff and management. Member of Leading Small Hotels of the World.  edit

• Tanah at Ulus, Uluwatu, (villa@tanahatulus.com), [9]. Tanah at Ulus family house is brand new with a pool, 3 bedrooms, air conditioning and a single-booking policy for complete privacy. US$120 nightly, US$700 weekly.  edit

[edit] Private Villas

All the villas listed below are standalone and feature private entrances, accommodation and their own swimming pools.

• The Istana, Uluwatu, (+62 361 730668), [10]. Five bedroom, clifftop luxury villa overlooking the famous Uluwatu search break. This is one of Bali's true super-villas and it has been featured in many internatinoal magazines. Sleeps up to 10 people, two private pools and extensive gardens - fully staffed (private cook, maids, etc). US$1,500 to 2,500.  edit

• Villa Moonlight, Uluwatu, [11]. Private luxury villa featuring four bedrooms and ocean view. Located just above Uluwatu surf beach and its world famous break. Built in 2008 to the highest standards of architecture and decor.  edit

• Villa Pemutih, Padang Padang, [12]. Four bedroom private villa with an infinity pool. Fully staffed and serviced with car, driver, maids, chef, security etc. from US$ 950.  edit

[edit] Get out

This is the most southerly point of Bali. Unless you are inclined to make your way east to Nusa Dua, the only option is to return to town via Jimbaran.