Uluwatu is a breathtaking location known for its world-class cuisine, luxury resorts, and breathtaking beaches. But there’s more to do in southern Bali than eat delicious food and soak in the sun – there’s a variety of wonderful activities to suit your vacation taste.
SPA DAY
Uluwatu features a wide range of extremely magnificent and opulent spa facilities that provide an idyllic alternative to beach relaxation.
Uluwatu’s spa range is practically unlimited, with options ranging from traditional Balinese massages to Ayurvedic therapies. It’s a heaven for exhausted bodies and a treasure trove for people hooked to their wellness. If you’re seeking for the best treatments, the top resorts in this region are a terrific place to start, but there are a few standout experiences.
The Vela Spa at the Ungasan Clifftop Resort provides six-star premium service. The kind staff pampers you in calm and exquisite treatment rooms, or in the solitude of your own villa if you’re staying at the resort.
Choose from a wide range of world-class treatments, including the Balinese massage, which focuses on boosting circulation and relieving muscle tension. If you’re looking for something a little more romantic, the Vela Balinese Romance package includes a traditional body scrub, a 60-minute massage, a cleansing facial for her, and 30-minute reflexology for him.
Anantara Spa, perched on a cliff near Padang Padang beach, anxiously awaits its clients to spoil them with kaolin clay body masks, Javanese Lulur body cleanses, and a smorgasbord of other treatments inspired by the spices of an Eastern garden. All of this takes place in a zen-like environment, with wooden floors meeting stone walls and the perfume of green plants and aromatherapy oils filling the air.
The Edge is one of the best locations to stay in Bali, and its spa is second to none. It overlooks a magnificent coastal cliff, and the views are breathtaking. This alone would qualify it as one of the greatest spas in Bali. There are also liquid floors, wall-less rooms, in-villa tubs, and private steam coves, all with views of the Indian Ocean.
WATERFALLS
A simple detour from the usual path in central Bali and Ubud will lead you to one of the country’s secret treasures: beautiful waterfalls.
It is possible to drive yourself to these spectacular natural forces, but the journey from south Uluwatu takes roughly two hours, so it is best to hire a driver for the day who can propose which spots to see. You won’t be able to see them all in a single day due to their vast number, but there are a few local favorites.
Due to its sheer size, Nungung Waterfall is rated as one of the best in Bali. It’s located high in the mountains, making the air cooler and the scenic drives through the palm-tree-ladened roads even more beautiful. The short trek through the jungle makes the waterfall an even more satisfying sight to behold.
Tukad Cepung Waterfall is undoubtedly one of the journey’s more unique and stunning aspects. The hike down to Tukad Cepung is very easy, though you must wade through a knee-high river and over a few boulders to get there. However, once there, it is well worth getting your feet wet. The beautiful rays of sunlight run directly through the top of the falls, forming natural beams of light across the canyon-like rock formations and creating spectacular landscape.
Kanto Lampo Waterfall is another must-see. The path to this incredible feature winds through beautiful rice terraces and down into the rocks below. This basic yet lovely trek continues to reveal a tranquil yet breathtaking waterfall buried in the Bali jungle. Because of its accessibility and beauty, this is a popular tourist site, therefore it’s best to visit early in the day.
PRIVATE BOAT CHARTER OF NUSA LEMBONGAN AND NUSA PENIDA
If you want to get away from it all, a private boat charter to the secluded islands of Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida is an amazing experience.
Your own yacht, operated by your own captain who will adapt the day to your preferences, will arrive to seemingly limitless snorkeling options, unspoiled beaches, and friendly people.
Most private trips include snorkeling equipment and transport you to some of Bali’s greatest and most secluded reefs to witness the abundant marine life, including enormous manta rays. There are lots of isolated beaches to drop the anchor and paddle into, but if at all possible, plan a visit to Nusa Penida’s spectacularly lovely Kelingking Beach.
LUWAK COFFEE PLANTATION TOUR
Segara Windhu Coffee Plantation, home of the most expensive cup of coffee in the world, is one of the few spots in the planet where you can see the production of this famous coffee bean.
The place is a couple of hours from center Uluwatu, but when combined with a day trip to Ubud, it may be an uplifting experience.
The feces of the Asian palm civet are used to make luwak coffee, which is why it is so expensive and scarce. Coffee beans are fed to the animal, which it partially digests and excretes. The digestive enzymes of the civet modify the structure of proteins in coffee beans, removing some of the acidity and producing a smoother cup of coffee.
In the United States, a cup of kopi luwak can cost up to $700 (USD) per kilo; however, the beverage costs roughly $100 (USD) per kilo in Indonesian markets. Beware of fakes, as it’s difficult to determine whether it’s made from wild civet feces. The coffee sold at Segara Windhu Coffee Plantation is not only cheaper, but you’re guaranteed to get a genuine version.
BALI ZOO
Uluwatu attractions are very varied and diversified, and Bali Zoo is only a short drive away in Sukawati. Animal enclosures can be little disappointing at times, but what sets this zoo apart from the rest is the hands-on experience that the park provides its visitors.
This family-friendly atmosphere allows visitors to feed and ride elephants. If you’ve never rode an elephant before, this softly padded, gently moving, ears fluttering, delicately swinging sensation is a must. There are short walks and long treks available, as well as a ‘Elephant Expedition,’ which is a whole separate offering that includes a stroll across a meandering river and past a gushing waterfall.
The staff’s remarkable expertise of the living wildlife is passed on to guests via some in-depth and engaging shows about the residing fauna at Bali Zoo. You can even pay a modest charge to feed some of the more dangerous animals, such as a lion, tiger, or crocodile.
