Anastasia Smith
Home to some of the island's finest heritage sites and Hindu shrines, Uluwatu is no ordinary beach hub in Bali. From the area's luxury spas and seafood restaurants to its unique cultural festivals, here are the best reasons to a stopover at Uluwatu during a getaway to Indonesia's beach hub.
Taking place during the month of March each year, the Nyepi Festival is a unique local event that shuts Uluwatu down for a full 24-hour period to ward off evil spirits. Apart from witnessing the Ogoh-Ogoh parade that's held on this hallowed day, travellers who join in the festivities can follow the locals who spend the day in meditation and quiet reflection or by engaging in yoga sessions to find inner peace.
If honeymooners and couples looking to get away from it all head to Uluwatu in droves during the peak travel season, it's to spend time in the area's luxurious healing centres and spa facilities. As one of Bali's more tranquil beach hubs, Uluwatu is home to some of the island's top spas and treatment centres, which not only specialise in Balinese healing modalities but also Ayurvedic, Thai and Swedish therapeutic practices. Uluwatu's famous outdoor spa facilities are another reason to holiday in this region of Bali as these sanctuaries provide wellness, deep relaxation and rejuvenation for weary travellers.
As one of Bali's most popular religious landmarks, Uluwatu Temple is not only an active place of worship but a heritage site of truly mammoth proportions. Occupying a scenic seaside location, the Hindu temple is renowned for its awe-inspiring architecture and panoramic views. Easily accessible to those based at Anantara Uluwatu Bali and other similar luxury resorts in Uluwatu Bali, the nightly Kecak dance performances are another feature that sets this temple apart from other spiritual points of interest in Bali.
With warungs lining its beaches and popular streets, Uluwatu is also a dream come true for foodies. Inexpensive and accessible at every turn, classic Balinese and Indonesian dishes every visitor should try during a trip to Uluwatu include Balinese Babi Guling and Nasi Padang. Uluwatu's beach restaurants are also known to prepare a delectable Nasi Campur for rice fanatics so the sheer number of cafes, restaurants and beach bars in the area makes it a desirable holiday hotspot for those with big appetites.
Boasting some of Bali's most peaceful beachfront, Uluwatu also affords visitors the opportunity to hop from one pristine seaside to another. Nyang Nyang Beach, Gunung Payung Beach and Balangan Beach are hotspots that should be a part of every travel itinerary on a getaway to Uluwatu although Melasti Beach and Pandawa Beach are equally stunning.
Uluwatu's Blue Point and Padang Padang surf spots may be some of the region's finest destinations for wave riders but they are by no means the only ones. The area around Pecatu, for instance, is one of the best surfing sites in all of Bali.
