How to Organise the Best Komodo Island Tour in Indonesia

If you’ve been dreaming about visiting the world-famous island of DRAGONS, get ready to read the ultimate Komodo Island tour in Indonesia! The following guide will help you organise the best Komodo trip and it includes useful info about how to get there, what fun things you can do while you’re there and more.

Question: Have you ever seen dragons outside of movies? No? Good.
Would you like to? Yes? You’re in luck!

Out of the 17,508 islands that make up Indonesia, there is one that has dragons or, more correctly put, the largest lizards on the planet. The fact that there are dragons on this island makes it surreal. That you can stand a few feet away from them makes it mind-boggling.

Interested? Here’s all you need to know in order to organise the best self-made Komodo Island trip!

Quick facts about Komodo Islands

Spread over 390 sq. km., and with a population of around 2000 people, Komodo Island in Indonesia is part of Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Primarily famous for the “dragons”, Komodo Island is named after these majestic creatures that inhabit it – “Varanus komodoensis”.

Along with 28 nearby islands including Rinca and Padar, Komodo Island is a treasure trove of biodiversity. Pristine waters populated with dolphins, manta rays, and sea turtles are excellent spots for snorkelling, swimming, and diving. Pink beaches and nature trails will offer you endless options for exploring and a true Komodo adventure!

How to get to Komodo Islands

Before you can take a selfie with a slow-moving giant lizard in the background and caption it ‘Enter the Dragon’ (which of course you should), you’ll need to know how to get to Komodo Dragon Island, of course.

There are multiple ways to get to the island, but the easiest would be to fly to Labuan Bajo on Flores Island. A direct flight from Bali takes a little more than an hour. This is what I did as well and everything went smoothly! The flight price is around $70 and I recommend checking for the cheapest fees from Labuan Bajo to Komodo on Skyscanner.

From Labuan Bajo, you can travel to Komodo Island by boat only. The ride takes two hours and the price varies between depending on whether you take a group tour or hire a private boat.

You can also take a ferry from Bali directly to the Komodo Islands. I don’t really recommend this, as the entire ferry ride takes 36 hours and it’s a bit more dangerous, although it’s cheaper – only $10 USD!

RELATED READ: Complete Gili Islands Travel Guide – Gili Air, Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan

Recommended: Organised day trips to Komodo Islands

If you want to skip the hassle of organising your own Komodo tour, I would seriously recommend simply booking a day trip or multi-day trip. This is the most popular way to explore the Komodo Islands as you get to see everything and skip the hassle of the organising. There are many tour companies offering these tours, but here are my favourite hand-picked options:

1-day Komodo Island tour by speed boat – recommended if you’re short on time
A private 2-day tour – one of the top Komodo tours for extensive exploring
A private 3-day tour with hotel and professional guide included
A guided 3-day group tour – perfect for the social traveller.

Most of these tours offer an itinerary that includes everything stated in this blog post: Komodo Island National Park, Rinca Island, the Pink Beach, Taka Makassar Island, Padar Island and Manta Point. Thank goodness, because all of them are unmissable! Multi-day tours include on-boat accommodation as well, which is a big plus.

I recommend checking if the organised tours and day trips include the entrance fee to Komodo National Park as well – this usually costs an additional 150.000 Rp on weekdays ($10.5 USD) and 225.000 Rp. on weekends ($16 USD).

Find more tours

7 Top things to do in Komodo Islands

1 – Spot Komodo dragons at Rinca Island

A komodo dragon tour is the main reason to go to the islands, as it’s the only place on earth where these magnificent creatures live! All tours, group or private, will take you to Rinca Island where you can observe the Komodo dragons in action. And by that, we mean really slow-moving, but potentially fatally dangerous action. It’s mandatory that you have a trained and armed ranger with you on the tour. During our tour, we were guided by a small dude with a big stick. At first, we were dubious of his capabilities to fend off any of the dragons should they attack, but we were still glad to have him there to give us warnings and information on these incredible animals.

The Komodo dragon can grow up to 2.5 metres, and weigh up to 300 pounds. Extremely venomous, the dragons can be usually found lounging around or guarding their nests. It’s important to maintain a safe distance and do nothing to provoke these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat.

2 – Visit the Pink Beach

Turquoise waters, blue skies, brown mountains, and pink sand. The pink beach on Komodo Island is one of the only two pink sand beaches in Indonesia!

From a distance, the Pink Beach, or Pantai Merah, will remind you of multi-coloured ice cream bars from your childhood. This can only mean one thing. It’s time to get busy with your camera, and soon realise that none of its filters can match the contrast of colours all around you!

After the exploration of Rinca Island, the pink beach is an idyllic location to just sit down and unwind. The waves, just like the locals, are friendly, and perfect for snorkelling. After a while, a long stroll along the crescent-shaped beach will seem undeniable. I spent an hour collecting the most stunning conch shells and left them behind for the next lucky visitor to find. Please remember that it’s illegal to take shells or sand from the beach.

3 – Snorkel with manta rays at Manta Point

The waters around the Komodo Islands are home to, among other marine species, enormous manta rays. And snorkelling is the best way to get close to them! This spot is usually included in most tours. However if you’re going solo, you can either take a regular boat or a speedboat to Manta Point to meet these impressive creatures and do some unforgettable Komodo Island diving. The captain of your boat will guide you to the precise spot from which you can begin your adventure.

Manta rays are big and graceful; they move in groups, and allow you to swim along beside them, which will be an experience you won’t forget for a long time! As the waters are pristine, and manta rays are harmless yet curious gentle giants, you will be able to closely observe them. Believe me, after this experience you’ll consider changing your favourite animal to Manta Rays.

4 – Sunset bat spotting at Kalong Island

If giant reptiles and manta rays haven’t satisfied your lust for wildlife, how about giant clouds of bats?

No boat trip to the Komodo Islands is complete without a visit to the Kalong Island at sunset. The island, known as Pulau Koaba, houses tall trees and closely packed mangroves. As the sun sets, the skies above Kalong Island are home to a spectacular sight as hundreds of thousands of bats leave their caves, partially clouding the sky. This arresting sight lasts for a good hour or so, and the best place to observe it is from your boat.

5 – Sunrise hike on Padar Island

The spectacular sunrise at Padar Island is the reason why I recommend to stay not just one, but at least two days to explore the Komodo area! For the sunrise hike on Padar Island, you will have to start your day a little early. And by that I mean around 4:30. The boat will dock at the island from where a smaller speedboat will take you to the shores. From there you will have to go on a relatively easy hike to the top that takes about 20-30 minutes. Although the trek is made easy by stairs, you will have to climb a bit as you near the top, so I would recommend solid shoes. Once you reach the viewpoint, you will realise that it was all worth it, because the view is simply stunning!

Many travellers and locals believe it’s the best place in Indonesia to watch the sunrise, and rightly so. Picture this: the black sand beach, boats docked at the shore, a golden glow atop the rolling hills, and the horizon stretching forever. That’s the view you will have from the top at sunrise!

NOTE: Drone pilots beware! Padar Island is a strict no drone zone. You may be thinking – Ah ha! I shall climb to the top and they shall never know! – I am here to tell you, they will, my friend… they will. We saw two groups get heavily fined (10mil Rp.) on their way back down to the boats.

6 – Snorkel in the turtle sanctuary

turtle sanctuary in komodo island indonesia

Komodo National Park never ceases to amaze travellers with the variety of its beautiful wildlife. One of the most elegant among them is the endangered sea turtles that can be found in multiple spots around the Komodo Islands. The coral reefs of Siaba Island are home to these beautiful marine turtles. Because the reefs are protected, the boats will dock away from them. Smaller speedboats will then take you to the reefs where you can snorkel and catch a glimpse of a vibrant and thriving marine life including these incredible turtles. Since the water is crystal clear, you will be able to see the colourful sea life deep below.

You can also go snorkelling in Turtle City, a hard coral reef that’s also protected. Green sea turtles can be seen napping peacefully here. You could also head to Manta Point or Batu Bolong for more glimpses of these peaceful animals.

7 – Admiring the clearest blue water at Taka Makassar Island

One of the most popular islands not just around the Komodo Islands but the whole of Indonesia is Takka Makassar Island. Pristine waters, light pink sands, and hills in the distance make for a spectacular sight and make this island a must-visit spot. The water is shallow and crystal clear and simply invites you to swim or snorkel.

Get ready to gaze at the blue waters and the boats on the horizon. After all the nature trails and walks, this is where you relax and just let go of all your worries and exhaustion. June to August is the best time to visit this breathtaking beach, that despite its immense popularity, still manages to stay clean, thanks to the diligence of the authorities.

Keep in mind that this crescent shaped, little blip of sand is completely bare, so remember to slap on the sunscreen as you won’t find any shade to protect you from the sun.

Komodo Island accommodation

If you’ve decided to prolong your stay around the Komodo Islands, you’ll need to find some accommodation – this will most likely be in Labuan Bajo. Below I have hand-picked three of the best Komodo Island hotels.

My best finds:

SPLURGE: Komodo Island Resort – on Sebayur Island at the border with Komodo National Park

PICTURE PERFECT: Le Pirate Island – boutique beach bungalows on a private island

MID-RANGE: Puri Sari Beach Hotel – in Labuan Bajo

BUDGET: Seaesta Komodo Hostel and Hotel – in Labuan Bajo

Find more hotels

How much does it cost to go to Komodo Island?

A day trip to Komodo Island can cost as low as $150 from Bali or $300-400 for a Komodo tour package for 2 or 3 days with accommodation, food and everything else included.

But is it worth it? Definitely! I mean, what other chance would you get to see real dragon-lizards in person?

And that’s everything you need to know in order to organise the best Komodo Island tour and get the best out of your experience!

This is just a small part of my one-year-long adventure around Indonesia. If you want to read more about Bali, Lombok or the Gili Islands, I recommend you check all my articles here.

xoxo,

Melissa

Want to know more about travelling to Indonesia?

Check out all my Indonesia Travel Guides here.
Need to book your flights? Head over to Skyscanner!
Time to book your tour in the city? Head over here!
Did you not get travel insurance yet??? Get it – it’s not a hassle you want to risk!
Don’t forget to download my nifty Google Maps Guide for your trip to Indonesia so you don’t miss a thing!

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A Complete Guide to Visiting Komodo Islands Indonesia

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Complete Guide to the Nusa Islands, Bali – Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Penida and Nusa Ceningan

If you’re looking for the ultimate island vibes while travelling around Bali, you need to hop on a boat and check out the Nusa Islands! In case you’re planning a trip to Nusa Lambongan, Nusa Penida or Nusa Ceningan soon or you simply don’t know which one of them to choose, this complete guide to the Nusa Islands is here to help you!

Even though they are getting more and more popular with tourists, the slower pace of the Nusa Islands is the perfect getaway from the bustling streets of Bali mainland. Think turquoise waters, hidden beaches, dramatic cliff sides and a rich ocean life. If you want to live the island life as a solo traveller or with your friends or if you want to plan a romantic getaway, these three superb islands are for you!

Scroll down to find everything about the Nusa Islands – which one of the 3 to choose, how to get there, what to do on the islands, where to say, where to eat and more!

Which one should you choose?

The three Nusa islands are each pretty unique in their own way and offer different perks and advantages, so it all comes down to your own preference. Lembongan and Ceningan are connected by a bridge, so really you can explore them both together very easily. If you’re struggling to decide which one to use as a base, here’s a short breakdown to help you choose:

Nusa Penida – the biggest one of them all. It has superb beaches, lots of exciting viewpoints, caves and waterfalls and adventurous activities such as cliff jumping.
Nusa Lembongan – smaller, but also the most popular, which means it’s also the most crowded. There are countless activities to be done here.
Nusa Ceningan – the smallest of the three, with a laid-back vibe, perfect for relaxation away from the crowds. Keep in mind that there aren’t as many restaurants and bars here, compared with the other two above. But still, you won’t get bored!

The good news is that all three are VERY easily accessible from mainland Bali – no more than 40 minutes by boat. I’d say to pick either Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan as your base and then visit the other two as a day trip using a boat. I’d personally choose Nusa Lembongan!

How long should you stay on each of them?

Nusa Penida – 3 days
Nusa Lembongan – 2 days
Nusa Ceningan – 1 day

This post will offer you a pretty good idea about how many activities you may want to do in each spot, so you can better plan your itinerary.

How to get to the Nusa Islands

As I mentioned before, all three islands are easily accessible if you’re already in Bali. And following my suggested plan above, let’s say that you want to make Nusa Lembongan your base for the trip. This works wonderfully, as you can visit Nusa Penida with a short boat ride and you can visit Nusa Ceningan easily as well with a scooter.

Okay, now let’s find out how to get to each one of them from Bali. First of all, you need to know that the most popular departing point to the islands is Sanur Harbour in Bali. Basically, once you arrive at the harbour, then the rest is a breeze. The drive to the harbour takes 60-90min from Ubud or Uluwatu, 60min from Canggu and 40min from Seminyak.

BALI TO NUSA LEMBONGAN

Wondering how to get to Nusa Lembongan from Bali? There are plenty of companies that can take you from Bali to Nusa Lembongan. The most reputable companies are: Scoot, Marlin and Rocky. The majority of boats leave from Sanur Harbour (it’s the most convenient) but some (Rocky) leave from Serangan Pier.

TIP: Make sure to check with your accommodation on the island before you book. Often, they will include transportation in the cost of the stay or can help you to arrange the journey over.

Duration: 30 minutes

Ticket Price: 500,000 to 650,000 IDR (36 to 46 US$) for the roundtrip ride (including hotel pick up and drop off).

Schedule: there are normally 4 boats each day per company.

Alternative: I have also found this very convenient fast boat to Nusa Lembongan that you can book in advance.

NUSA LEMBONGAN TO NUSA PENIDA

If you’re wondering how to get to Nusa Penida from Nusa Lembongan (and vice-versa), you don’t need to worry about booking your tickets in advance – it’s easy! You can just buy them at the pier. The pier on Nusa Lembongan is called Yellow Bridge and the pier of Nusa Penida is ToyaPakeh Harbour.

Duration: 15 minutes

Ticket Price: 60,000 IDR each way (4.30 US$)

Schedule: from 8AM to 5PM, leaving very often.

Alternative: Or you can take this fast boat to Nusa Penida (and the other way around) that you can book in advance.

NUSA LEMBONGAN TO NUSA CENINGAN

Nusa Ceningan can only be reached via the other two islands, you cannot go there directly from Bali.

The most popular route is Nusa Lembongan to Nusa Ceningan. There’s a bridge connecting Nusa L to Nusa C called the “Yellow Bridge” (or “The Bridge of Love” as it has been renamed after its reconstruction in 2017) and you can easily cross it by foot or scooter. It’s all a matter of minutes!

Best organised tours to the Nusa Islands

Here’s a smart shortcut: if you don’t want to be bothered with all the planning yourself, you can book an organised trip and have a tour agency arrange everything for you. Easiest and most convenient option if you don’t mind paying a bit extra for the organisation! This is also an excellent choice if you don’t have a lot of time and you only want to visit these islands as day trips from Bali.

Here are some of my best finds:

ONE-DAY TRIPS

Bali: Best of Nusa Penida Full-Day Tour by Fast Boat – for those that want to visit Nusa Penida quick and easy in a single day without staying overnight;
From Bali: Nusa Lembongan & Nusa Ceningan Island Tour – combo tour with lunch included and some swimming as well
Bali: Full-Day Snorkeling Trip to Nusa Penida & Manta Point – fancy some snorkelling instead? This one’s for you!
Bali: Snorkeling Day Trip to Nusa Lembongan – fancy some snorkelling, but on Nusa Lembongan? This one’s for you!

MULTI-DAY TRIPS

Find more tours

What to do on the Nusa Islands

After all this talking, you MUST be curious: what’s there to do on each of these islands? Why is everyone visiting them? Good news: you can find a short X-ray of things to do on each of the three Nusa islands below.

WHAT TO DO IN NUSA LEMBONGAN

I’m starting with Nusa Lembongan, of course, as this one will be your base (most probably!). Here are the best things to do in Nusa Lembongan island.

RELATED READ: If you want to read my detailed article about what to do here, I recommend clicking here: Best Things to Do in Nusa Lembongan, Bali.

Devil’s Tears – unmissable, especially if you’re looking for a great place to see the sunset. Or, for some of the loco locals… cliff jumping into the water!
Dream Beach Nusa Lembongan – probably the best beach on Nusa Lembongan for some relaxation with music, drinks and good food;
Mushroom Bay Nusa Lembongan – go here if you’re in the mood for some SUP or to simply eat some good food in a beachside warung and enjoy the island vibes;
Swim with Manta Rays – one of the best things to do on the Nusa Islands, especially if you’re a diver – it will surely make your trip unforgettable! You can book tours through your accommodation.
JungutBatu Beach – definitely the longest beach on the island and a good place to see the sunset too.
Mangrove Forest – take a boat tour (or the self-guided kayak tour) if you want a relaxing experience in the lush mangrove forest;
Sandy Bay – a laid-back, secluded beach that also has a great beach club (Sandy Bay Beach Club) where you can grab some lunch for an upscale experience.

WHAT TO DO IN NUSA PENIDA

God, there are SO many things to do here, I don’t even know where to start! Pssst: some people say that Nusa Penida is THE place to go if you want to experience real Bali island life. I don’t know ‘bout that, but it’s definitely worth seeing it with your own eyes.

RELATED READ: Here’s my shortlist below, but you can find many more recommendations for unmissable things on this island in this article: Best Things to Do in Nusa Penida, Bali.

Broken Beach Nusa Penida – a beautiful cove with an impressive archway. And impressive is kind of an understatement in this case, trust me.
Kelingking Beach Nusa Penida – now this is something out of this world! This secluded beach is enclosed by a cliff which creates a wonderful view and tons of photo opportunities. Don’t forget to check out Kelingking Cliff Lookout as well while you’re there.
Thousand Islands Viewpoint – also called Pulau Seribu, this is one of the best viewpoints in Nusa Penida. Scratch that, there are actually two viewpoints here and the second one hosts the famous Tree House as well!
Crystal Bay Nusa Penida – come here for some incredible crystal-clear waters!
Diamond Beach and Diamond Beach Viewpoint – Another beautiful beach and another notable viewpoint;
Manta Bay / Manta Point – the best place to go if you want to jump in the water with some Manta Rays. And you will want to see them, of course;
Pura Goa Giri Putri Cave – I know, this one’s a challenge to pronounce but it’s a real hidden gem almost on top of a mountain;
Peguyangan Waterfall – A steep cliff with blue steel stairs that will take you to the bottom, where you’ll find an impressive waterfall.
Banah Cliffs – an excellent place if you want to have the sunset all to yourself.

I know, this list is pretty long as it is, but there’s actually so much more to see on this island!

THINGS TO DO IN NUSA CENINGAN

As I mentioned before, Nusa Ceningan is more laid-back and often seems like a secluded piece of Bali heaven. Although the list of things to do in Nusa Ceningan is not as huge as the other two, there are still some very exciting activities awaiting for you there.

RELATED READ: For the full article on all that there is to do in Nusa Ceningan, click the link here: Best Things to Do in Nusa Penida, Bali.

Yellow Bridge – this is actually the bridge you’ll have to cross from Nusa Lembongan to Nusa Ceningan and it’s an attraction by itself. Its bright yellow color can be a great backdrop for a couple of pictures;
Blue Lagoon Nusa Ceningan – a rocky cove with superb blue water and the best place on the island to see some cliff jumping;
Secret Beach Nusa Ceningan – if I’m telling you about it, is it really secret anymore? I guess not, but you just HAVE to go there! This beach is an amazing place for relaxation and you can even stop by Driftwood Bar Hotel for a cocktail and a dip in their infinity pool;
Mahana Point – another cool cliff jumping spot and a surfing spot as well.

Where to stay in the Nusa Islands

Regardless if you choose to stay on Nusa Lembongan or any of the other two, you’ll find some very good hotel recommendations for your trip below. If you’re searching for even more options, you can check out this article: Where to Stay on Nusa Islands, Bali.

WHERE TO STAY IN NUSA LEMBONGAN

Bucket List Bungalows – Cute and cozy bamboo bungalows located a few minutes from the beach, this is the best value stay you’ll find on the island. Each bungalow has a private garden decked out with cosy swings and hammocks to soak in the sun.
Ohanas – This boutique resort is a pricier option but located on the oceanfront, and with a social beach club vibe, you have everything you need if you’re looking for a stay that provides it all. They have different types of rooms for all budgets – from one-bedroom suites to private villas. Truly a very nice hotel in Nusa Lembongan!
The Acala Shri Sedana – A 4-star resort with amazing, beach-vibe rooms, located only 2km away from Mushroom Bay. They also have a great on-site restaurant and a free shuttle service that can take you around the island!
Indiana Kenanga Villas – the ultimate beach club stay, this is by far my top choice for a luxury Lembongan stay.

Find a place in Nusa Lembongan

WHERE TO STAY IN NUSA PENIDA

Adiwana Warnakali Resort – an excellent resort with nice rooms, a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool and a bar as well. The best thing about this place is that the rooms have superb sea views and there’s also a shared terrace where you can relax and unwind.
Nusa Sedayu Hotel Nusa Penida – looking for beachfront accommodation? This one’s for you! This awesome hotel awaits with a bar, a garden, a terrace and a… water park as well. Lots of fun to be had here!
Penida Bambu Green – This holiday park is a bit more budget-friendly but it doesn’t skip on awesome facilities as well, such as a garden, a pool and a restaurant as well. And the location isn’t bad either, close to the White Sand Beach.

Find a place in Nusa Penida

WHERE TO STAY IN NUSA CENINGAN

Twilight Ceningan – A gorgeous 4-star accommodation that has literally everything you can think of: beach access, an outdoor pool, a bar, a restaurant and countless opportunities for snorkeling and fishing as well. A perfect place for some world-class relaxation!
Blue Lagoon Avia Villas Nusa Ceningan – Located pretty close to Devil’s Tear, this beautiful 4-star Nusa Ceningan hotel has an outdoor swimming pool where you can stay and splash all day. If you’re bored, you can relax in the garden or sip a cocktail at the on-site bar!
Nusa Veranda Sunset Villas & Restaurant – A great location, pretty rooms and a laid-back vibe – this accommodation is simply a good choice! They also have a sun terrace and the possibility to book various activities around the island through them.

Find a place in Nusa Ceningan

How to get around the islands – scooter rental

Let’s talk about getting around the islands. Luckily, Nusa Lembongan is small and easy to zip around by motorbike or scooter. A small yellow bridge connects Nusa Lembongan to Nusa Ceningan, so it’s easy to cover both islands in a couple hour’s drive. You can also explore Nusa Lembongan by car if you would prefer, but unfortunately you can only reach Nusa Ceningan by bike as the connecting bridge is not wide enough for cars to pass.

All in all, the best idea would be to get around with a scooter. I would 100% recommend it! It’s a fun and easy way to explore the island and see the hidden and hard-to-reach places. The roads are much quieter than on mainland Bali and with less traffic it feels much safer too.

You can rent a scooter in every town and through most hotels. The average price of a scooter rental is around 75,000 IDR (5.30 US$) per day. The easiest option is to rent one from your hotel, if they offer this price or something similar. If not, as you arrive at the harbour there will be people renting scooters for around this price. If you choose to opt for renting a scooter from the pier, remember two things: you can bargain the price and make sure to check the scooter’s condition before paying!

Where to eat on the Nusa Islands

There are numerous good places to eat and grab a drink on all three islands, so scroll down to find some of my recommendations!

TIP: It may sound surprising, but it’s always a good idea to call ahead, as many places offer a free transport service to collect and drop you off at your hotel. Perfect if you want to enjoy a couple of drinks or don’t want to drive your scooter home in the dark!

WHERE TO EAT IN NUSA LEMBONGAN ISLAND

Ginger & Jamu – This is a beach side restaurant that serves smoothie bowls, brunch and some good local options too. Great, vibey place to come for breakfast or lunch.
The Deck – This is a restaurant with a cliffside dining terrace in front of the sea. The restaurant is pricier than other options (I guess because of its great location) but offers free pick-up from your hotel after 5 PM, making it an amazing choice for dinner or drinks during sunset hours.
Kayu – A really good option for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The food here is delicious. Personally, I loved the beef rendang tacos and the seared tuna poke bowl!

WHERE TO EAT IN NUSA PENIDA ISLAND

Organica – an amazing place for breakfast or lunch. They have colourful smoothie bowls, as well as fish dishes and some staple Indonesian dishes as well.
Dapur Kue Hamzah – for a little bit of traditional food and some of the best nasi campur on the island.
Penida Colada Beach Bar – a very good place for cocktails but also some quick bites.

WHERE TO EAT IN NUSA CENINGAN ISLAND

Sea Breeze Warung – More than a restaurant, Sea Breeze Warung created a space by the sea for people to hang out and socialize, with hammocks, comfy seating, and even some swings. The menu has tons of options, both local and international. We spent a morning here lounging by the pool, playing on swings and chilling in hammocks and we really enjoyed it!
Next Level Cafe – a cute little open-air cafe with good coffee, good food and a beautiful view of the water!
Le Pirate Nusa Ceningan Beach Club – a cool beachfront place where you can eat, drink and, if you pass the minimum spend, you can also take a jump in their pool!
Klyf Club – with amazing views of the blue lagoon, come here to chill out and enjoy a luxury pool club vibe.

My travel tips for travelling to the islands

my top tips for visiting nusa islands in bali

nusa lembongan, nusa ceningan and nusa penida

Now that you know everything there is to do, see and eat on all 3 Nusa Islands, let me give you some of my most precious advice before you leave:

TAKE CASH.

Come prepared with enough cash for your stay as the ATMs across the island are not always reliable. Some of the beach clubs and restaurants accept card payment, but it’s better to play it safe!

EXPECT A HIGHER PRICE TAG.

Island life comes with a higher price as everything has to be imported from mainland Bali. You can still find cheap warungs, but expect a general rise in prices. It is what it is!

BRING SOME WET WIPES WITH YOU.

This advice is especially good if you’re riding a scooter on the islands. The roads can be dusty so it’s good to have these on hand so you don’t look like you belong in the cast of Mad Max in all your photos. For the same reason, it’s also good to carry a mask with you so you can cover your mouth and nose.

BRING A SCARF TOO.

Or a sarong. Oftentimes, you’ll need them in order to enter various sacred places such as the Pura Goa Giri Putri Cave and it’s better to have them than pay the small fee for nothing. And here’s a golden tip as well: leave a scarf on your scooter’s seat whenever you can. This way, the seat won’t be burning when you return to your scooter!

It’s been a long road but here we are at the end of my complete guide on the Nusa Islands! In this article I have told you literally everything you need to know about Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Penida and Nusa Ceningan, from what to do, where to stay, where to eat and more. Plus lots of tips that will help you choose one of them for your visit.

Or, even better, I hope this post helped you to decide to visit all three!

In case you want to read about more exciting places in Indonesia (Bali, Uluwatu, Komodo Islands and more), I recommend clicking here to read all about my year-long adventures in this incredible country.

xoxo,

Melissa

Want to know more about travelling to Bali?

Check out all my Bali Travel Guides here.
Need to book your flights? Head over to Skyscanner!
Time to book your boat to get to the Islands? Head over here.
Not get travel insurance??? Get it – it’s not a hassle you want to risk!
Don’t forget to download my nifty Google Maps Guide for your trip to Bali so you don’t miss a thing!

Pin me for later!

Everything you need to know about visiting the Nusa islands in Bali Indonesia

An ultimate guide to Nusa Lembongan Nusa Ceningan Nusa Penida

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10 Best Things To Do in Uluwatu, Bali – A Complete Guide

Uluwatu has become a trendy spot for both solo travellers and couples in recent years thanks to its charm as an off-the-beaten-path destination. However, because this stunning part of the island is still relatively unknown to tourists, you might be wondering how to fill your Bali itinerary while you’re in Uluwatu, right? And this is where I come in to help! In this complete guide, I have gathered all the best things to do in Uluwatu, as well as some very useful info about where to stay, where to eat and how to get around.

Uluwatu is located on a stunning cliff top peninsula that offers a wide variety of things to do for every traveller. With tropical waters perfect for surfing, white sandy beaches for relaxing, and local temples to explore for a big dose of local culture, everyone from adrenaline junkies to history buffs has something to look forward to in Uluwatu, Bali.

Today, I’m sharing with you my favourite things to do in this gorgeous part of Bali, so stay tuned to find everything I have prepared for you in my Uluwatu guide!

Where exactly is Uluwatu located?

Uluwatu is a quite popular destination in Bali, Indonesia. It’s located right in the south of Bukit Peninsula, right next to Jimbaran Bay and Nusa Dua. It is said to host some of the most beautiful beaches in all of Bali. Is that true, though? Heh, let’s find out!

10 Top things to do in Uluwatu

As I mentioned earlier, you’ll never be short of things to do in Uluwatu. Despite that this part of Bali is relatively unknown to tourists, we’ve always found something new to do here every time we’ve visited. So, not only is Uluwatu perfect for travellers looking to get away from the crowd, but it’s also got tons of opportunities to explore and enjoy the Balinese culture. Let’s jump right into it:

1 – Uluwatu Temple

Even though this one isn’t as famous as Tanah Lot in Canggu, Uluwatu Temple is one of the top Uluwatu attractions, by far! It’s a Balinese Hindu cliffsea temple with a rich cultural history, actually considered to be one of the six key temples of Bali. Known in Balinese as Pura Luhur Uluwatu, this stunning temple is perched atop a 70-metre high cliff, giving you breathtaking views over the ocean. It’s also a great Uluwatu sunset point, and I recommend you to not miss the traditional Balinese Kecak fire dance while you’re there – more info below.

CAREFUL: The temple itself is inhabited by Macaque monkeys who are infamous for stealing visitors’ belongings. No joking here! While you can typically bribe them to give your items back with fruit, nuts, or candies, this isn’t typically recommended as it encourages them to steal more frequently. Also… just image that. Bribing a monkey with a banana in the hopes that they safely throw your iphone back at you. No thanks! So make sure you keep your belongings secure at all times and don’t wear any sunglasses or jewellery, preferably.

Uluwatu Temple dress code: You must wear a long dress, sarong or long pants. Don’t worry if you’re unequipped, you will be given a sarong at the entrance. It is also polite to make sure your shoulders are covered.

Entrance fee: 30.000 IDR/adults (2.10 US$) + 100.000 IDR (7 US$) for the Kecak Dance show. In total, it’s 9.10 US$.

2 – Kecak Fire Dance

The traditional Balinese Kecak dance is performed daily at the Uluwatu Temple just before sunset. This traditional dance performance takes place on a circular stage outside of the temple, with tiered seating up to a maximum height of ten feet surrounding it for tourists.

Okay, but what’s so special about this ceremony, after all? Well, my friends, the thing is that the Kecak dance isn’t performed to instruments or music, but rather repetitive chanting. It’s derived from an ancient Balinese ritual called the sanghyang, which communicated the wishes of the gods or ancestors to the Balinese people. Each Kecak performance features thirty bare-chested men who sit in a circle and chant, with the evening culminating in a jaw-dropping fire display. Yep, it’s not called the ‘fire dance’ for nothing!

The show takes place from 6 PM until 7 PM.

Kecak fire dance entrance fee: the cost of temple entry (30.000 IDR), plus 100.000 IDR for the performance. Be careful to buy your ticket at 5 PM (that’s when the ticket office for the dance opens) and not later, as they sell out FAST!

3 – Karang Boma Cliff Uluwatu

Right near Uluwatu Temple you’ll find a beautiful spot called Karang Boma Cliff, one of the best places to visit for the view. This awe-inspiring 70-metre limestone cliff descends straight into the ocean, making it a popular spot for watching Bali’s stunning sunsets or sunrises – yep, another one to add to your list (and some even consider it better than Uluwatu Temple, by the way)!

In fact, Karang Boma Cliff is the southernmost point of Bali, giving it unparalleled views over the beautiful blue ocean. It’s also extremely popular for wedding photos, particularly around sunset and sunrise during the summer months, so it might be a good idea to visit it a bit earlier than that.

Karang Boma Cliff entrance fee: 10.000 IDR (around 7 US$), parking included.

4 – Balangan Viewpoint

And in case you’re not tired of high viewpoints just yet, I have another one to add to your list of things to do in Uluwatu! On the northern tip of Balangan Beach there’s Balangan Viewpoint – a spot that offers a gorgeous panoramic view overlooking the 200 metre-wide white sands. This beach is one of the most popular in Bali for its soft, white sands and excellent surfing conditions. Plus and gorgeous sunsets over the ocean!

TIP: Just like Karang Boma Cliff, this spot is very popular with wedding photographers at sunset, so I recommend visiting it a bit earlier so you’re not disappointed. But this also means you won’t be there to catch the gorgeous sunset, so it’s completely your choice!

Balangan Viewpoint entrance fee: Free, but you’ll have to pay 5.000 IDR for parking (0.30 US$).

5 – Many, many beautiful beaches

One of the best things to do in Uluwatu? Spending time on the beach! After all, that’s why you’re going there, right? This is the exact reason why I recommend you dedicate at least one day in your Bali itinerary to exploring as many Uluwatu beaches as you can (and want to). For example, Nyang-Nyang beach isn’t just great for paragliding, but it’s also fairly secluded because it’s not easily accessible – making it perfect if you’re more adventurous! However, if it’s relaxation you’re looking for, the sapphire waters and golden sands of Bingin beach will be right up your alley. And, of course, if you want to grab a cute pic to show off to your friends, I’d always recommend Balangan beach.

Not sure what beach to visit in Uluwatu depending on your needs? No worries, I got you! I made a short round-up below, so you can take a look and decide for yourself. Spoiler alert? All of them are absolutely gorgeous!

Thomas Beach – Probably the most well-known beach in Uluwatu, where you’ll find enough bars and restaurants to grab a drink or a bite. It’s also an excellent spot for surfing, as well as paddleboard. In short, Thomas Beach is great for water sports and some sunbathing as well!
Nyang-Nyang Beach – If you’re looking for a superb white sand beach stretched over 1.5 km, this one’s for you! It’s true, it’s a bit hard to reach, as you’ll have to go about 500 steps down a cliff, but it has a unique “secret beach” vibe!
Bingin Beach – Another beach that’s a bit tucked away, but it still offers enough beach restaurants and a perfect spot for sunbathing. Plus, I recommend going there if you’re dreaming of a romantic dinner on the beach, with the sunset as your backdrop!
Padang-Padang Beach – This one’s among the most famous beaches in Uluwatu, mainly because it was one of the shooting locations for ‘Eat, Pray, Love’. Padang Beach, also known as Pantai Labuan Sait among locals, is ideal for some sunbathing, getting friendly with the monkeys (watch your belongings!) and lots of relaxation!
Suluban Beach – This beach is mainly famous for the shipwreck located there – an excellent photo spot! This is also where you’ll find the well-known Blue Point surfing point.
Pantai Tegal Wangi – Pantai Tegal Wangi is a wonderful beach if you’re looking for another unique Uluwatu photo spot. There’s a cave there and plenty of little natural pools where you can swim. Plus, it’s quiet! But be sure to wear appropriate shoes, as the beach itself is quite rocky.
Dreamland Beach – Dreamland Beach is an excellent surfing spot, especially if you’re a beginner and you just want to get started with catching waves. This Uluwatu beach is also a very good spot for sunbathing, beach clubs and shops as well.
Green Bowl Beach – Remember that I mentioned Tegal Wangi beach having a cave on spot? Well, this one has not one, but two limestone caves and it’s a bit more secluded, so if you’re looking for a beach that you can have all to yourself, this one’s an excellent choice.
Melasti Beach – Last but not least, if you’re looking for a beautiful Uluwatu beach that’s popular among tourists, add this one to your bucket list! It’s a good place to lounge and to swim as well, but it’s location makes it popular with the crowds.

TIP: It’s not unusual to be charged a fee for entering a beach in Uluwatu, or mainly for parking. These fees usually range from 10.000 to 15.000 IDR (0.70 to 1 US$).

6 – Watch the sunset at one of the beach clubs

I know I mentioned tons of sunset spots already, but what can you do? Uluwatu is blessed with superb sunsets and lots of viewpoints where you can admire it! Other than going to Uluwatu Temple or one of the above-mentioned cliffs, another ah-mazing idea would be to admire the sun setting down the Indian Ocean in a beach club, with a cocktail in your hand. Of course, there are plenty in this corner of paradise! Below are my 3 choices I can recommend to any traveller:

Ulu Cliffhouse – Here’s a beach club located right on the edge of a cliff, where you’ll find a terrace bar, a restaurant, as well as a pool and DJs playing all night long! The entrance is free, but there’s a minimum spend if you want to use the day beds. Ulu Cliffhouse offers accommodation as well, by the way.
Single Fin – If you’re looking for exciting places in Bali where you can really enjoy the night, this cliffside bar should be on top of your list! Single Fin is on the way to Suluban Beach (right above it) and they offer yummy food and excellent music as well. One of the best things to do in Uluwatu in terms of nightlife!
Sundays Beach Club – Good food and good vibes! This is a perfect spot to enjoy a bit of Bali’s nightlife or to sip some cocktails during happy hour. Plus, one of the perks of Sundays Beach Club is that it has direct access to the beach!
Oneeighty – In case you’ve always been dreaming of laying in an infinity pool while looking at the ocean and enjoying some fresh Mojitos, this is hands-down THE place to do it. Talkin’ about livin’ on the edge, am I right?
Savaya Bali – This is a cool place with music, a pool, a bar and a restaurant as well. And the views? Simply unforgettable! By the way, this place occupies the location that was formerly known as Omnia Dayclub, a famous partying spot in Uluwatu.

7 – Take a day off at the spa

If I’d have to pick a single place in the world to go for perfect massages, flower petal baths and beauty treatments… you know it’d be Bali! The prices for spa treatments here are incredible and the service is incomparable. As for actual spots, I’d recommend Anantara Spa – known as one of the best places in Uluwatu for complete relaxation!

Alternatively, you can book this candlelight dinner and Balinese spa experience, which is tailored especially for couples. Or you can check if your hotel offers spa treatments – most of them do so in Bali!

8 – Paragliding

Adrenaline junkie? Get ready for something special! Uluwatu is extremely popular for adrenaline-inducing experiences thanks to its stunning paragliding flights. Daily tandem paragliding flights are available from Nyang-Nyang beach, where you can book a tandem paragliding experience that will fly you over Bali’s gorgeous shoreline, as well as Uluwatu Temple, popular surf spots, and secluded beaches.

Prices start at 75 US$ per person. Booking in advance is highly recommended. You can book your paragliding experience here.

9 – Surfing

I know I mentioned some exciting surfing spots here and there in this article because yes, besides having incredible beaches and beach clubs, Uluwatu is also an excellent (and quite popular) point in the Bukit Peninsula to do some world-class surfing. It’s not called the “surf mecca” for nothing! Expect to be blessed with plenty of surfing spots with some of the most stunning waves!

Here are some of the most popular beaches to go for this activity:

Blue Point at Suluban Beach
Uluwatu Beach
Balangan Beach
Green Bowl Beach
Nyang Nyang Beach

Most surf experts only recommend that you attempt surfing in Uluwatu if you’re an experienced surfer, especially because some of the reefs can be particularly shallow and sharp during low tide. If you’re a beginner, you can head over to Dreamland Beach, where the surfing experience will be a bit more “friendly” with you.

TIP #1: Looking for surf reports in Uluwatu? Check out this website!

TIP #2: Consider getting some reef shoes, as it will 100% help with your comfort and confidence surfing this reef break.

TIP #3: If you’re a really active traveller looking to improve your surfing AND yoga skills, then I have good news for you: you can book an essential yoga and surf retreat in Uluwatu! 5 surf lessons and 5 yoga classes, as well as one adventure island day tour. Sounds pretty cool to me! You can find more details here.

10 – GWK Cultural Park

GWK is short for Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park and it’s one of the hidden gems of Uluwatu among travellers. It’s considered to be one of the country’s most important heritage and cultural spots thanks to its Wisnu Garuda statue – the second biggest monumental statue in the world! The cultural park offers plenty of different activities, from joining a colourful Indonesian dance performance to eating some traditional Balinese dishes or just visiting the Lotus Pond and Wisnu Plaza, an amphitheater made of limestone blocks. At the end, don’t forget to grab a trinket from the numerous souvenir shops!

GWK Bali entrance fee: 125.000 IDR/person (31 US$).

Best Uluwatu tours for all types of tourists

In case you want to book a complete tour of the main highlights or simply reserve some experiences before actually arriving in Uluwatu, here’s my hand-picked selection of tours you can choose from, depending on your preferences:

CITY TOURS:

GWK Cultural Park, Beaches & Uluwatu Temple Tour
Beach Club and Cliffside Private Bar Hopping Tour – a little bit of bar hopping, anyone?
Tandem paragliding experience
Uluwatu Temple Helicopter Tour – a unique, VIP experience!

DAY TRIPS TO ULUWATU:

And if you want to visit Uluwatu as a day trip, here are some choices for you too:

Uluwatu, Tanah Lot and Jimbaran Private Tour – one of the most popular ones!
Uluwatu Temple, Kecak Dance and Jimbaran Bay
Uluwatu Experience Tour – includes Uluwatu temple, GWK Cultural Park, Padang-Padang Beach and more;
Nusa Dua & Uluwatu Tour
Customizable Half-Day Tour – you can customise this tour to include Uluwatu Temple and other highlights of Bali such as the Ubud Monkey Forest.

More Uluwatu tours

Where to stay in Uluwatu

When it comes to picking a place to stay in Uluwatu, you’ll quickly realise that you’ll be no short of options. There’s everything from super affordable homestays and hostels to luxurious resorts to choose from, all depending on your budget and personal preferences. Heck, there are even special surf villas here and some of them even include lessons and all the equipment you need!

As for the areas, I recommend staying somewhere in the Pecatu area, as it is close to all the main attractions (20 minutes by scooter). Ungasan area is a good choice as well.

Here are my hand-picked places to stay in Uluwatu:

RESORT: Anantara Uluwatu Bali Resort or La Joya Biu Biu

SPLURGING VILLA: The Edge or Alila Villas Uluwatu

BOUTIQUE STAY: Villa V Uluwatu

BEACHSIDE LOCATION: Dreamsea Bali

BUDGET VILLA: Uluwatu Breeze Village

SURF VILLAS: Uluwatu Surf V i llas

HOSTEL: Home-Bience Hostel

More places to stay in Uluwatu

Where to eat in Uluwatu

You’ll surely be looking for yummy places to eat after a full day of exploring, surfing or simply sunbathing during your vacation in Uluwatu. Do not stress, as there are many beach clubs, restaurants serving tropical, healthy food and pretty cafes around. The hardest thing will be to choose! In order to help your tummies out, I have made this selection of amazing restaurants and cafes in Uluwatu:

Suka Espresso – extremely good coffee and food as well;
Bukit Cafe – for healthy food and a delicious avo on toast on Padang-Padang Beach
Nourish – great place for brunch with an easy, laid-back atmosphere;
Drifter Cafe – excellent spot for breakfast, lunch or dinner;
Gooseberry Cafe and Boutique – such a pretty restaurant with great coffee and food – one of my favourites;
The Loft – great choice for a chill dinner;
Ours – great option for dinner with yummy cocktails too.

Getting around Uluwatu

Hands-down the easiest and most convenient way to get around Uluwatu is by scooter/motorbike. Freedom + cheap prices = what more can you wish for? They can be rented in plenty of places along the main road and cost around 60.000 IDR per day (4.30 US$). Or you can simply ask at your accommodation, it’s very likely you’ll be able to book a scooter with them! Alternatively, you can also take a taxi or Grab to get around.

How to get to Uluwatu

Uluwatu is only 45 minutes from the airport, which makes it an excellent spot to start or end your Bali itinerary. You can take a taxi, Grab or Gojek (the Indonesian version of Grab) at the airport (175.000 IDR / 10 US$) or arrange for a private transfer beforehand if you want to be all set once you arrive. I’d personally opt for the private car, especially for a group of friends, as it’s only 25.60 US$ for a group of up to 4 people and you’ll also have Wi-Fi on the way!

Here are the distances from other parts on Bali:

Canggu – 1 hour, around 14 US$
Ubud – a bit less than 2 hours, 18 US$
Kuta – half an hour, 7 US$

When to visit Uluwatu

The best time to visit Uluwatu is between April and October for the best weather!

I hope you enjoyed this complete travel guide to Uluwatu! I tried to squeeze in as much useful information as I could by telling you all about my ultimate list of attractions, as well as recommendations for where to stay, where to eat and how to get there.

When I think of Bali, Uluwatu pops into my mind as one of the most amazing places that each and every traveller out there should visit! There are so many things to do in Uluwatu, from superb white sand beaches to cute cafes serving healthy food, surfing spots, temples and more!

Interested to find out more? You can read more about other cool destinations in Bali here.

xoxo,

Melissa

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An Ultimate Guide to visiting Uluwatu Bali

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10 Most Beautiful Beaches in Uluwatu, Bali

Located in the southwestern end of the Bukit Peninsula of Bali, Indonesia, Uluwatu is a popular holiday destination for surf, sun and soft white sand. This means that, yes, some of the best beaches in Bali are located here! If you’re travelling to Uluwatu soon, this article will surely come in handy, as I’ve compiled all the info you need to know on the 10 best beaches in Uluwatu (in my humble opinion), which activities you can do there and more!

Fun Fact! The name Uluwatu came from ‘ulu’ which means “land’s end” and ‘watu’, meaning “rock”, which exactly describes Uluwatu’s location. Uluwatu’s coastline captivates holiday-makers and surf enthusiasts across the globe; its beautiful cliffs and gorgeous rock formations add to the reasons why it is a must-visit destination in Bali!

With so many gorgeous beaches in Uluwatu, it can be really hard to choose. Luckily for you, I have narrowed my list down to 10 must-visit beaches. Whether you want to surf, swim, or sloth under the sun, this guide will take you through the best beaches in Uluwatu!

Let’s go:

10 Best beaches in Uluwatu, Bali

NOTE: You can visit Uluwatu any time of the year, but the best time for beaches, swimming, sunbathing or a surf break is from April to October. This time of year there is less rain and humidity. Or, if you are travelling on a budget, you can visit the Bali beaches in May, June, and October.

Just so you know from the start: it’s not unusual to be charged a fee for entering the Uluwatu beaches, or mainly for parking. These fees usually range from 5.000 to 15.000 IDR (0.25 to 1 US$). I will mention the entrance fee for each of the beaches I’m talking about below:

1 – Dreamland Beach

With a 100 metre stretch of soft sand and crystal blue water for swimming and surfing, Dreamland Beach used to be one of Bali’s hidden treasures; now it’s set up with sunbeds to rent and visited by tourists frequently. Even though it’s good for surf (perfect for beginners btw!) the waters are also good for swimming as the waves don’t get too rough on the shore. However, it is always a good idea not to swim out too far since the current is strong in this area.

Dreamland is easy to access and a perfect start before heading to other Bali beaches, which is why I consider it to be one of the best beaches in Uluwatu! This beach is one short walk away (20 minutes) from Bingin Beach. Refreshment shops and food carts are available along the beach, which makes this one of the best Uluwatu beaches in my opinion!

ENTRANCE FEE: IDR 10,000 for domestic tourists and IDR 15,000 for foreigners

THINGS TO DO: Surfing, swimming, sunbathing, sunset viewing (walking up the hill for the best views)

BEST BEACHCLUB: Klapa

WHERE TO STAY: Klapa Resort

RELATED READ: Wondering where to stay in Uluwatu? I recommend checking out my dedicated article: A Complete Guide to Accommodation in Uluwatu, Bali – 22 Best Hotels

2 – Padang Padang Beach

Padang Padang Beach (also known as Pantai Labuan Sait among locals) is definitely on everyone’s list of the famous best beaches in Uluwatu. Heck, it’s even one of the most popular beaches in Bali! Why? Mainly because it was one of the shooting locations for ‘Eat, Pray, Love’, so you might recognise it if you’ve seen the movie. Padang Padang Beach in Uluwatu is ideal for some sunbathing, getting friendly with the monkeys (watch your belongings!) and lots of relaxation!

What to do at Padang Padang? Find souvenirs like sarongs, friendship bracelets, shirts, hats, board shorts from one of the local shops. Catch the beautiful sunrise, or dig your toes into the soft golden sand, find a spot to read a book, the list is endless – sounds perfect, right?

NOTE: The main section of Padang Padang Beach is easily accessible but rather small, and can get pretty crowded during the daytime. During low tide, you can walk along the beach all the way down to Impossibles Beach. You’ll find lots of rockpools and formations along the way, so make sure to explore!

ENTRANCE FEE: IDR 15,000 per person and an extra 10,000 IDR for the car park.

THINGS TO DO: Swimming, sunbathing, surfing, rockpools

BEST BEACH CLUB: Blue Heaven Bali

WHERE TO STAY: Suarga Padang Padang

3 – Nyang Nyang Beach

If you’re looking for a superb white sand beach stretched over 1.5 km, Nyang Nyang Beach is one of Bali’s best spots for you! It’s true, it’s a bit hard to reach, as you’ll have to go about 500 steps down from the top of the cliff, but it has a unique “secret beach” vibe that is worth all the time and effort. Nyang Nyang Beach is the best if you are up for something more secluded or want a leisurely walk on its long stretch of lovely white sand. Nyang Nyang also has the remains of the hull from a shipwreck which is quite cool for photos. If you want to enjoy the view, the water, and a little privacy, this is the place to be!

By the way, you can even do paragliding here – more info here and easy to visit Uluwatu Temple from here as well, which is only half a kilometre away by car/motorbike.

ENTRANCE FEE: There is no entrance fee, but parking will cost 2,000 IDR per motorbike

THINGS TO DO: Beach walk, swimming, soak up the sun, photo-taking, sunset viewing, paragliding, mini shipwreck

WHERE TO STAY: The Sanctus Villa

4 – Thomas Beach

Birds eye view of Thomas beach, Bali, Indonesia

Gorgeous and truly underrated! Thomas Beach Uluwatu is a hidden gem and a superb beach in Bali which makes for an excellent spot for surfing, as well as paddleboarding. Getting there is a sweaty 10 minutes hike on the bumpy road, but you will be rewarded with blue waters and soft sandy shores. I recommend visiting Thomas Beach before low tide to enjoy swimming. It is also a great surfing spot for beginners and the perfect place to relax; enjoy the sun, water, and sand. You can also rent a surfboard at Thomas Beach for 50.000 IDR for 2 hours.

ENTRANCE FEE: there is no entrance fee, but sunbeds and umbrellas are available for rent for 50.000 IDR (2 beds and one umbrella)

THINGS TO DO: surfing, swimming, sunbathing

WHERE TO STAY: Kutuh Manak Guest House is not exactly only the beach, but 400m from it

5 – Suluban Beach

Suluban Beach Uluwatu is famous for the shipwreck located there, which makes for an excellent photo spot! Even though it’s pretty tiny, Suluban is one of the best spots around Uluwatu to watch the sunset or sunrise. It’s also known as Blue Point Beach because this is where you’ll find this famous surfing spot.

While you’re at Uluwatu Suluban Beach, make sure you check out the nearby cave formations and rock pools where you can take a dip, visit some other sandy beaches located nearby, catch some waves, and be in awe of the incredible sunset after a long day. It may be a strenuous walk down the developed cliff, but this paradise is worth the workout.

ENTRANCE FEE: There is no entrance fee, but the parking cost is 3,000 IDR (0.20 US$). But if you access the beach via Single Fin, you will have to pay 5,000 IDR (0.35 US$) for parking your motorbike or 15,000 IDR (1 US$) for parking your car.

THINGS TO DO: sunset/sunrise watching, surfing, swimming

BEST BEACH CLUB: Single Fin

WHERE TO STAY: The Manik Toya, only 300m away from the beach

6 – Pantai Tegal Wangi

Pantai Tegal Wangi Beach is a wonderful Bali beach located close to Jimbaran and it’s the best beach in Uluwatu if you’re looking for a unique photo spot. There’s a cave there and plenty of little natural pools where you can swim. Plus, it’s quiet! But be sure to wear appropriate shoes, as the beach itself is quite rocky.

Truth be told, the major attraction on Tegal Wangi Beach is the magnificent sunset view. The swimming area is small due to the massive rock covering most of the shoreline, but there are rock pools that you can swim in during low tide. The best part is that developments have not reached this area yet, so you get to indulge in gorgeous views.

ENTRANCE FEE: There is no entrance fee but with parking cost of 2.000 IDR

THINGS TO DO: sunset watching, exploring the natural rock pools, relaxing

WHERE TO STAY: AYANA Resort and Spa is only 350m from the beach

7 – Green Bowl Beach

Green Bowl Beach Uluwatu (Pantai Green Bowl) is an excellent choice if you’re looking for one of those secluded Uluwatu beaches that you can have all to yourself!

Remember that I mentioned Tegal Wangi beach having a cave? Well, Uluwatu Green Bowl Beach has not one, but two limestone caves and it has a very laid-back vibe, which makes it one of the best beaches in Bali in my opinion. Plus, Green Bowl Beach is also a very good surfing beach in Uluwatu and the waters are SO, so clear!

You can park your car or scooter in the parking lot at the top of the cliff and then you’ll have to descend 300 stairs. The good part is that the stairs are made of concrete, so you won’t have any difficulties here – maybe just a little to get back up!

ENTRANCE FEE: no entrance fee, parking is 2.000 IDR

THINGS TO DO: exploring the caves, relaxing, sunbathing, surfing

WHERE TO STAY: no nearby hotels

8 – Bingin Beach

If you’re looking for a tucked-away beach, Bingin is your answer! And it’s also one of the most gorgeous Uluwatu beaches in my humble opinion. Bingin Beach Uluwatu offers enough beach restaurants and accommodations and it’s a perfect spot for sunbathing even though it’s still remote. I totally recommend Bingin Beach if you’re dreaming of a romantic dinner on the beach, with the sunset as your backdrop! If you decide to swim here, it’s best to have some sort of water shoes, as the seabed is quite rocky. And make sure you swim on the left side at high tide, it’s the safest part!

ENTRANCE FEE: no entrance fee. The parking lot is not that close as for the other beaches, you’ll have to walk for 5-10 minutes to reach Bingin Beach

THINGS TO DO: relaxing, SUP, surfing (advanced only), snorkelling, sunbathing, eating at the warungs, taking a picture with the boulder and tiny tree

BEST BEACH CLUB: no beach clubs around, but the restaurant at Sun & Surf is pretty good

WHERE TO STAY: The Inn Possible

9 – Karma Beach

Karma Beach is hands-down one of the best beaches in Bali if you want to experience staying in a luxury resort without actually staying there! Karma Beach was recently transformed into Karma Beach Club which has quickly become one of the most fun Uluwatu beaches. They have various restaurants here, movie nights and countless other fun activities. If you’re all about relaxation, you can just sit with a cocktail at the bar and admire the sunset! And the best part? No need to climb down to the beach, as they have an funicular that takes you there directly.

ENTRANCE FEE: 450.000 IDR (31.5 US$)

THINGS TO DO: see the sunset, sunbathe, drink, watch a movie, kids club

BEST BEACH CLUB: Karma Beach Club

WHERE TO STAY: Karma Kandara

10 – Melasti Beach

Last but not least, if you’re looking for a beautiful Uluwatu beach that’s popular among tourists and that has a good vibe, you should add Melasti Beach Uluwatu to your bucket list! Melasti is a good place to lounge and to swim as well, but its location makes it popular with the crowds, so even though it’s a great spot, expect Melasti Beach to be touristy and crowded at times. It’s right near Green Bowl Beach and the stunning rise that descends down to Melasti is so worth the effort – so many beautiful views!

ENTRANCE FEE: 10.000 IDR entrance fee + 2.000 IDR for the parking

THINGS TO DO: relaxing, sipping a drink at the beach club, sunbathing, swimming

BEST BEACH CLUB: Sundays Beach Club is very close to Melasti Beach

WHERE TO STAY: Villa Melasti

BONUS: Other notable beaches in Uluwatu, Bali

Not your first time visiting Uluwatu Bali? No worries, I made a short round-up below with some extra beaches in Uluwatu to choose from. Spoiler alert: just like the ones above, all of the beaches below are absolutely gorgeous!

Balangan Beach – Balangan Beach is one of the best beaches in Uluwatu that offers everything you can think of: perfect vibes, soft white sand, yummy food places and some of the best surfing experiences on the coast. Pantai Balangan is tiny but super beautiful and, best of all, it’s not that crowded; plus, it’s not hard at all to get to the beach, compared to other spots on this list. This being said, there’s no reason not to add Balangan Beach to your list, especially if you’ve already seen most of the 10 Uluwatu beaches on my list above!
Pandawa Beach / Nusa Dua – Pandawa Beach, also known as Nusa Dua is a gorgeous beach in Uluwatu with white sand, white limestone cliffs and turquoise waters. And it’s also known as one of the prettiest beaches in Bali! The entrance fee to Pandawa Beach is 10.000 IDR it is a great choice for surfing and paddleboarding.
Karang Boma Cliff – also known as THE best sunset spot in the entire Uluwatu, Karang Boma Cliff offers one of the many places for incredible panoramic views of Bukit Peninsula and the Bali sea. The beach isn’t actually accessible, but the viewpoint is worth it. Entrance fee of 10.000 IDR.
Jaran Hill Beach – Jaran Hill hosts the famous “Secrets” surfing point and offers one of the best views of the other beaches in Bali and the entire coast. This beach is located right at the end of the trail that gets you to Uluwatu Lighthouse and you’ll find 3 viewing points here: Uluwatu Lighthouse, Jaran Hill Cliffs and Jaran Hill (highest).

When it comes to finding the best white sand beach, Bali (Uluwatu) is definitely THE place to go! It’s exactly why I created this ultimate guide to the best beaches in Uluwatu. I selected 10 beautiful beaches that I, personally, really love – some for sunbathing, others for surfing, paragliding or simply sipping a cocktail on the beach. I’m recommending some famous spots such as Thomas Beach, Nyang Nyang, Dreamland Beach and more. I also created an extra list with 7 more great beach spots around Uluwatu such as Melasti Beach, Balangan Beach, Bingin Beach and Karang Boma Cliff.

If you need more help with planning your trip and itinerary for Uluwatu, I recommend clicking here to find all my articles about this superb destination.

xoxo,

Melissa

Want to know more about travelling to Bali?

Check out all my Bali Travel Guides here.
Need to book your flights? Head over to Skyscanner!
Time to book your tour in the city? Head over here!
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A Complete Guide to Uluwatu Bali The Best Beaches

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Where to Stay in Munduk, Bali – Best Munduk Hotels For All Budgets

Munduk is a great area in northern Bali, Indonesia, located around one hour and a half from Ubud. It’s the perfect spot to see some unique waterfalls, lakes, coffee plantations, hot springs and rice terraces. A must-do if your itinerary allows it!

If you’re planning on doing the Munduk Waterfall Trail and to explore the numerous attractions in the nearby area, it is worth it to take your time and spend one or two nights in Munduk village. In this case, in the article below you’ll find ALL the best Munduk hotels, guesthouses and cottages to stay in both in the village of Munduk and in the surrounding areas. For all budgets and preferences, all hand-picked by me!

A couple of things to note before booking your hotel in Munduk:

The village of Munduk is located in a steep valley and some accommodations require going up some (sometimes numerous) steps. Keep this info in mind and check beforehand when choosing your hotel in case you have problems accessing this type of places;
If you choose a hotel a bit outside of Munduk Village (I have a special section for them below, make sure to still check it out), please don’t think you’ll be too far away. Most nearby attractions won’t be more than 10–20 minutes away by scooter and the village itself and its restaurants and shops are very close to all the hotels I’ll be recommending here;
Please keep in mind that most luxury resorts are located a bit outside of Munduk village, as you’ll see in my recommendations and notes below. But because most of them offer either scooter or bike rental, it’ll be SO easy to get around!
If you want to find out more about the famous Munduk Waterfall Trail that takes you to 5 superb waterfalls, I recommend checking out my dedicated article: Bali: Munduk Waterfall Trail
And if you need some inspiration about some other cool things to do in the area of Munduk, here’s the article for you!

Munduk Village hotels

Most of the accommodations in Munduk are located on the main road or very close to it. This means you’ll have easy access to everything interesting happening in the village, including restaurants, bars, shops and all the cool things to do in Munduk. Here are the best ones I could find with super-duper reviews and a great list of amenities:

Resorts & luxury hotels in Munduk Village

Munduk Moding Plantation Nature Resort & Spa

Unfortunately, most accommodation options in Munduk fall under the mid-range or budget section, with lots of affordable homestays and guesthouses, but I still found two great resorts and villas for you below:

Munduk Moding Plantation Nature Resort & Spa – This amazing 4-star resort has an infinity pool and it’s settled in an organic coffee plantation. Some villas even have their own private infinity pool – how awesome is that? This is the best luxury resort in Munduk that everybody talks about! Okay, I admit, it’s not really on the main road, so I’d normally add it in the next section below, but it really is your BEST upscale option!
Munduk Heaven Luxury Villas – Gorgeous, gorgeous villas with an unforgettable restaurant and a beautiful infinity pool. You can choose from a floating villa or a forest cabin – whichever floats your boat!

More hotels in Munduk

Mid-range accommodations in Munduk Village

Munduk Menir Villas – Amazing villas surrounded by lush nature – coffee and clove plantations, to be more precise. They have an outdoor swimming pool, a hot tub and some of the villas even have their own terrace or balcony with beautiful views.
Atres Sari Munduk Resort – A very nice resort with clean rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, a restaurant, a garden and a bar. They offer an amazing service for very good prices!
Atres Villa – This is not just a simple accommodation, as they present themselves as an entire holiday park! They have an outdoor swimming pool, beautiful bungalows (some of them have 2 stories), good food, scooters for rent and the staff can even arrange different tours for you.
Swar Bali Lodge – Cute and cosy, this 2-star hotel has a terrace and beautiful rooms. You can do some cycling close to the hotel and enjoy an American or Asian breakfast. Yum!
Meme Surung Hotel – I recommend this homestay to anyone that wants to experience an authentic stay in a Balinese home with very good prices. One of the best things about this place is the outdoor veranda with beautiful mountain views.
Gumi Ayu EcoHotel – A nice inn with very good prices, free parking, an on-site restaurant and a bar. You can choose from different types of suites according to your needs and budget!

More hotels in Munduk

Budget guesthouses and homestays in Munduk Village

Adila Warung and Homestay – This is a cute guesthouse with an on-site restaurant, outdoor pool, and superb views of the mountains. They have very good prices and the Wi-Fi is very good as well!
Villa Sande – This is a 3-star bed and breakfast with an outdoor swimming pool, a shared lounge and free parking. Plus a sun terrace that’s perfect for relaxation!
Pondok Asri Homestay Munduk – Free Wi-Fi, a terrace for all units, an on-site restaurant (warung, to be more precise) – these are all waiting for you if you choose to book a room at this comfy homestay in Munduk!
Ekommunity – This affordable holiday park has a garden, a terrace and a shared kitchen in case you want to cook your own meals and save some money. They offer cheap but comfortable stays in private glamping tents or shared dorms!
Damarwidi Glamping by Madhava – In the mood for some glamping? I got you! This clean and cosy campsite offers different types of tents, an Asian breakfast and a very good location close to the rice fields. Cheap and comfortable!

Find more Munduk Bali hotels

Hotels around Munduk – nearby villages and valleys

You don’t need to stay in the heart of Munduk in order to explore the area, my friends! In fact, most of the luxury resorts are not located along the main road, but a bit outside of Munduk. And you’ll find all my best recommendations below:

Sanak Retreat Bali – Beautiful 4-star resort in the middle of some lush rice fields. It’s very quiet, the staff is extremely friendly and the service is amazing. What more can you wish for?!
Melanting Cottages – This one has an amazing location for visiting the nearby waterfalls! The gorgeous, cosy cottages have Balinese architecture and they all have a private balcony with picture-perfect views and clean bathrooms.
Villa Dua Bintang – Excellent guesthouse with an outdoor pool, free parking, an on-site restaurant and bar. All guests say that the rooms are spacious and the staff is super friendly, which is a great plus!
Puri Lumbung Cottages – Not just cosy cottages, but an on-site restaurant and spa as well! This place offers a very good service for affordable prices.
Lesong Hotel and Restaurant – A very nice hotel located in the middle of a rice field, right next to Munduk. This accommodation offers an on-site restaurant, a terrace for each room and a cosy garden where you can relax and unwind.
Terrasse du Lac Tamblingan – Cute guesthouse with a terrace and a choice of either English or American breakfast. The rooms are simple but they have everything you’ll need for a comfortable stay!

RELATED READ: A Complete Guide to Munduk, Bali

This was my complete list of recommended Munduk hotels in Bali! Regardless if you’re looking for a complete splurge in a luxury resort or a budget accommodation such as a hostel or a guesthouse, you’ve got some great options in my lists above.

If you need more help planning your trip and itinerary for Munduk, I recommend clicking here to find all my articles about this cool destination and its nearby waterfalls and here you will find all my posts and stories about Bali. Do check them out!

xoxo,

Melissa

Want to know more about travelling to Bali?

Check out all my Bali Travel Guides here.
Need to book your flights? Head over to Skyscanner!
Time to book your tour in the city? Head over here!
Did you not get travel insurance yet??? Get it – it’s not a hassle you want to risk!
Don’t forget to download my nifty Google Maps Guide for your trip to Bali so you don’t miss a thing!

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Top accommodation options in Munduk Bali

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East Bali Adventure – My Recommended 10-Day Itinerary

Bali is a paradise on Earth and I truly believe that everyone NEEDS to visit it at least once in their lifetime! And although South Bali is all the rave, I think East Bali is THE place to be for people who want to explore Bali’s unique beauty… and don’t want to be in the middle of huge crowds of tourists. If you’ve been to all the hotspots in South Bali before (Uluwatu, Kuta, Seminyak, Bukit etc) or if you’re looking for a laid-back vacation, please – take East Bali into consideration!

If you decide to do so, first of all, YAY! And second of all – let’s get to business, we got quite some planning to do! And this 10-day East Bali itinerary is here to help. I have gathered all the best things to do in East of Bali in this post, as well as some awesome places to stay during your adventure, plus some pretty useful tips at the end. My itinerary includes everything you could wish for: adventure, culture, relaxation, tradition, exciting activities, towns, nature and more!

Let’s get started!

My recommended 10-day East Bali itinerary

Yes, I’m recommending a 10-day trip to East Bali in order to do everything there is to do here! It may sound like too much for such a small area (it is, really?) but trust me, with all there is to see, it isn’t too much at all. 10 days are just enough. East Bali is no place where you can get bored, so you will always have something to do and a new place to explore without overcrowding your days or ending up feeling exhausted. Balance is key here! That’s why I picked a mix of different activities – some require more effort, while others are all about relaxation and picture-taking.

My recommended 10-day itinerary for East Bali:

SIDEMEN – 3 days

KARANGASEM – 3 days

AMED – 3 days

CANDIDASA – 1 days

And here’s an East Bali map with all the places I am recommending below:

11 Top things to do in East Bali

I know I’ve said it before, but I just can’t help it: there are SO many amazing East Bali attractions! If you decided to explore this part of the world on my recommended 10-day itinerary (or more! Or less – it’s up to you), here are some UNMISSABLE things to add to your bucket list.

Pssst, I also have a bonus list with extra stuff if you scroll down – no time to get bored here!

1 – Tukad Cepung Waterfall

The most beautiful waterfall in Bali? Yes, sir, count me in! I know I will probably say this time and time again, but Tukad Cepung Waterfall is a really special place. It simply looks like Heaven on Earth! And this is not just a metaphor – what makes this place special is the way the sun falls on the waterfall at sunrise, oftentimes creating beautiful rainbows and countless photo opportunities.

The water is clear, the sound of the water falling is soothing and the light is just SO amazing! I can try to put it into words if you want, but I feel like this doesn’t do it justice. So I recommend looking at the pictures instead.

LOCATION: Central Parkir Waterfall Tukad Cepung, Jl. Tembuku, Tembuku, Kabupaten Bangli

ENTRANCE FEE: 10.000 IDR/person (0.70 US$). Free parking.

TIP: If you want to visit more waterfalls in Indonesia, I commend this Ubud Spectacular Waterfalls Tour (Tukad Cepung, Tegenungan and Tibumana) or this Bali Instagram Highlights Tour (Lempuyang Temple, Tirta Gangga, Tukad Cepung Waterfall & more).

2 – Sidemen Rice Terrace

Before you ask: No, Sidemen Rice Terrace is not as big and popular as Tegalalang Rice Terrace. But the views more than compare – they really are wonderful! But what makes Sidemen a must-visit during your trip is a small little detail that no other rice terraces have: the view of Mount Agung looming in the background, also known as the highest mountain in Bali and an active volcano.

So if you’re interested in some lush greenery and a relaxing walk, this is the place to go! Doing a trek in Sidemen is very recommended and it’s a pretty popular activity. On your way, you will walk in the rice fields, through the charming Sidemen village and over the river. Lovely!

LOCATION: Sidemen Village – Jalan Sidemen – Sangkan Gunung, Sangkan Gunung

ENTRANCE FEE: Free

3 – Mount Agung

Mount Agung (also known as Gunung Agung) is the highest mountain in Bali at 3.031 meters tall. You will see beautiful views of it from many places in East Bali such as Amed or Tukad Cepung Waterfall, for example. Ah, by the way, Mt Agung is not just a mountain, it’s actually an active volcano! It’s really grand and impressive and, if I come to think about it, in a way, I can compare it to Mt. Fuji in Japan – a.k.a you can feel its presence everywhere.

Feeling adventurous? You can even climb Mount Agung! But this is not for the feint hearted – you’ll need a good level of fitness for this one. I’m talking about professional-level-mountain-climber here. No, I’m not kidding! A lot of people are saying that climbing Mt. Agung was the hardest climb they ever did in Indonesia because the way there is very steep and dangerous. So I really do not recommend doing this one alone – please, hire a guide to go with you. Safety first!

TREKKING PRICE: around 80 US$/person. You can find more details here.

4 – Bukit Cinta Pangi Viewpoint

In case you don’t get to climb Mt. Agung to admire the gorgeous view from up there (don’t worry, most of us won’t), here’s a second option for you: Bukit Cinta Pangi Viewpoint. The view from up here is stunning and it’s considered to be one of the most beautiful sunrise points in Bali. You can see Mt. Agung and the rice terraces from there, so make sure you don’t forget your camera!

LOCATION: Abyandauh, Pangi Karangasem, Karangasem, Kec. Karangasem

ENTRANCE FEE: Free

TIP: If you can, come here very early in the morning in order to avoid the big crowds of tourists. What a spot to have as your starting point for the day!

5 – Tirta Gangga Water Palace

Tirta Gangga is one of those unmissable Balinese temples because it’s just so beautiful! It’s unlike any other temple you will encounter here – it has numerous gardens, pools, fountains and fish ponds (with huge Koi fish!), as well as gorgeous stepping stones. This Water Palace is actually a former Royal Palace and its aristocratic feel is well preserved – you’ll feel right when you arrive!

LOCATION: Jalan Raya Abang Desa Adat, Ababi, Abang, Kabupaten Karangasem

ENTRANCE FEE: 30.000 IDR/person (2.10 US$). 10.000 IDR (0.70 US$) if you want to swim in the pool as well.

TIP: A visit to Tirta Gangga Water Palace is included in this Two Day East Island Tour of Bali – recommended if you’re short on time but still want to visit the highlights of East Bali.

6 – Besakih Temple

Besakih (Pura Besakih) is also known as Bali’s “Mother Temple” and I don’t think I’m exaggerating when I say that it’s the biggest (and some people even say the “holiest”) temple in Bali. And no, it’s not just one temple, but a beautiful complex with 3 main temples and more than 85 smaller temples and shrines! Each of them with its own particularities and celebrations. Each of them, worth at least a short little walk.

By the way, another great thing about this temple complex is its location – high up on a hill, providing an unparalleled view of the landscape surrounding it – hills, rice fields, mountains and more.

LOCATION: Jl. Gunung Mas No.Ds, Besakih, Rendang, Kabupaten Karangasem

7 – Lempuyang Temple

Heh, Lempuyang Temple (also known as “The Gates of Heaven”) is truly one of the most famous spots in Bali overall! So it has to be HIGH up on your list of things to do in East Bali if you ask me. The top of the temple is where you want to arrive – a superb setting for pictures, where Mt. Agung can be seen between the two gates. By the way, this temple is the highest temple in Bali!

Now I’m sure you’ve seen countless pictures of this place, especially on Instagram. Because of this, I recommend going there at sunset – the mornings have become crazy busy with tourists trying to get the perfect picture.

And while we’re on the subject… you may have seen that most of the pictures of this temple online make it seem like there’s a big pool or a lake in front of the gates. That’s, in fact, just not true. Spoiler alert – there is no lake. Just some locals, holding a little mirror for the pictures, elevating your gram game and hoping to earn a tip. Although it’s a bit misleading and it brings up the bigger topic into discussion, related to the impact that social media has on travelling, there is no denying it’s a pretty impressive photo.

LOCATION: Bunutan, Abang, Seraya Bar., Kec. Karangasem, Kabupaten Karangasem

TIP: If you want to book a tour with a professional photographer at The Gates of Heaven, I recommend this one. Or, if you want to get snap happy, you can take this Bali Instagram Highlights Tour that includes a stop at this gorgeous temple.

8 – Amed

Amed is a gorgeous fishing village in East Bali and THE perfect destination for world-class snorkelling, diving and freediving as well. This place is actually one of the most famous diving destinations in the world. There are underwater shipwrecks, statues and lots of coral reefs to explore.

Except for the water activities, there are many other interesting things to do in Amed – that’s exactly why I’m recommending you to spend 3 days in this town. I’m talking about all of the activities you can do here (together with some hotel and restaurant recommendations as well) in this article: Complete Guide: 7 Things to Do in Amed, Bali and Why You Should Visit It

LOCATION: Purwakerti, Abang, Karangasem Regency, Bali, Indonesia

TIP: In case you don’t have a lot of time on your hands but you still want to do some snorkelling here as a day trip, I recommend this tour: East Bali: Snorkeling Day Trip to Amed!

9 – Ujung Water Palace

Ujung Water Palace, also known as Taman Sukasada Ujung is a bit larger than Tirta Gangga Water Palace – and with a different charm that earns it a visit! You’ll find beautiful pools there, photo-worthy architecture and, of course, the unmissable backdrop of Mt. Agung that you may already be familiar with. After all, I’ve been talking about it all through this guide!

I highly recommend you stop and pay a visit to this water palace for a bit of relaxation and a dose of history, as this spot will show you how the Royal family of Karangasem used to live and unwind. The fish ponds are unmissable as well!

LOCATION: Tumbu, Karangasem, Karangasem Regency, Bali, Indonesia

10 – Candidasa

candidasa beach destination in east bali

Next in line is East Bali’s super popular beach resort town! So if you’re all about laying on the beach away from the tourist crowds in the south, this is the place for you. And whenever you’re bored of the beach and soft sand, you can explore the village and its well-preserved temples. Candidasa will often feel like a bit of local Paradise that you can have all to yourself!

LOCATION: Nyuh Tebel, Manggis, Karangasem Regency, Bali, Indonesia

TIP: If you want to explore Candidasa during an organised two-day trip, I recommend this one: Two Day East Island Tour that will take you to Karangasem, Candidasa, and Amed. Easy and convenient! And if you’re all about diving, I recommend this Candidasa Diving Experience that includes 2 dives!

11 – Virgin Beach

Swimming, sunbathing and relaxing on a secluded white sand beach. If you’re still not bored with beaches yet (and how can you be, this is Bali after all!), I have another recommendation for you – Virgin Beach, a laid-back beach where you will find almost no tourists and incredible, beautiful blue water. No, really, this place is so off-the-beaten-track that many people still don’t know about it. And you can easily get here from Candidasa, as they’re so close to each other!

A typical day on Virgin Beach looks a little bit like this: laying in the sun, or under an umbrella (they’re cheap to rent – 50.000 IDR/person which is around 3.8 US$), applying lots of SPF (safety first people!), grabbing a bite to eat at one of the nearby warungs, coming back to the beach for a splash… If this doesn’t sound perfect to you, I don’t know what does!

LOCATION: Jl. Raya Bukit Asah No.Desa, Adat Bugbug, Kec. Karangasem

ENTRANCE FEE: The beach has a parking fee of 10.000 IDR (0.70 US$) per bike/car.

TIP: Want to try your hand at spearfishing? Or even line fishing? You’re in luck, as Virgin Beach is just the place to try these activities and this tour is the perfect choice for an organised experience.

BONUS: 8 Extra things to do in East Bali

Complete Guide - 7 Things to Do in Amed Bali and Why You Should Visit It

Now that you know all about my list of 10 awesome things to do in East Bali, I have another list for you! Yes, extra stuff to double the fun! In case you feel like your days are not full enough or if you have already visited some of the spots above and need something new, you can pick from the activities recommended below. I told you you’ll never get bored in East Bali!

1 – Bukit Lemped canopy experience

Bukit Lemped Pedaling Tree House is among the most popular East Bali tourist attractions. Many people flock here not just for the beautiful treehouse, but also for the canopy experience. Expect an adventurous experience with ladders, ropes, paths and bridges among tall trees. The kid in you will be SO happy! But if you have a fear of heights… you might be better skipping on this one.

2 – Goa Lawah Temple

Gao Lawah Temple, literally translating to the “Bat Cave”, is an important temple in Bali (actually one of their 9 directional temples) and a popular tourist stop. It’s actually one of the biggest temples around and it dates from the 11th century. From then until now, the temple has remained a place of worship for locals. And yes, there are real bats living there!

TIP: You can stop at Gao Laway Temple on your way from Denpasar to East Bali. This can easily be one of your first stops if you want to!

3 – Candidasa Lotus Lagoon

You know, I suggested a stop in Candidasa in my itinerary. Well, one of the highlights of this place is the Lotus Lagoon. Yes, it’s exactly what you’re expecting it to be – a beautiful (artificial) pond with numerous pink lotuses, as well as some intricate Balinese statues. No entrance fee!

TIP: If you want to get a unique view of the Lotus Lagoon, I recommend crossing the road from it to the shrines. This spot is a little more elevated and it provides an unobstructed view of the flowery pond with the sea as a backdrop.

4 – Kerta Gosa

Kerta Gosa, also known as Taman Gili Kerta Gosa is located in Semarapura and it’s part of a historic royal palace complex. There are two main buildings to be visited here: Bale Kerta Gosa (grand hall) and Bale Kambang (floating pavilion) – two halls/pavilions, both of them filled with beautiful paintings and lots of history.

This is a National Heritage Site, but the entrance is free. Bonus points!

5 – Tenganan Traditional Village

Tenganan Village, also known as Tenganan Pegringsingan, is a traditional village located close to Candidasa. And yes, this is another place that’s RICH in history! I recommend going here if you want to see how local village communities used to live in the past – and trust me, their cultural and social life is different from anything you’d expect in Bali!

6 – Telaga Waja white water rafting

White water rafting? Yes, sir, it was high time for some proper adventure in Bali! Doing some white water rafting on Tegala Waja River is a popular activity – and a pocket-friendly one, too! Except for a little bit of adrenaline, you’re also signing up for some incredible views of hills, waterfalls, valleys and more.

7 – Tihingan Village

Tihingan Village is a traditional Balinese craftsmen village known for its production of gamelan instruments – anything from drums to gongs. Most of these instruments are traditionally used in holy prayers and rituals. The village is a wonderful place to explore as you’ll find lots of workshops there (with blacksmiths at work!), as well as cute galleries with instruments on display. If you’re enthusiastic about it, you can even go home with some pretty bells for around 25 US$.

In case you want to explore more of Bali, here are some other awesome destinations to add to your trip:

Ubud
Nusa Islands
Uluwatu
Munduk
Lovina
Canggu
Seminyak
Gili Islands
Komodo Island
Lombok

I have detailed articles about each of them, all you need to do is click on the titles above!

BONUS #2: Best organised tours for East Bali

MY RECOMMENDATION: I think the best idea would be to book a private car charter for your itinerary. This is especially great if you’re travelling in a group. It’s flexible (they have multiple types of cars and the drivers can speak different languages), it’s budget-friendly (as you will share the entire price with your fellow travellers) and it’s very convenient (you can make your itinerary as you please)! I recommend this option.

However, here are some other good tour alternatives, especially if you’re short on time and can’t do a longer East Bali tour:

3-Day Private Bali Tour: The Best of Bali – my top pick! You can customise this tour as you wish and you can let your guide know all the places you want to go;
East Bali Exploration Private Trip – they have 4 different itineraries to choose from;
Best of East Bali Tour – 8 to 10 hours. Departure from several cities/towns in Bali;
Lempuyang Gate of Heaven and East Bali Tour – 10 to 12 hours. Pick-up from 20 different towns in Bali, depending on where you’re located;
East Bali Trekking Adventure – 5 hours. Good if you’re looking for a walk through rice fields;
East Bali Tour – 10 hours. Lunch included!

Find more East Bali tours

Where to stay during each day of your itinerary

wapa di ume sidemen accommodation — Wapa di Ume Resort in Sidemen

I hope I convinced you by now that all your days in East Bali will be filled with relaxation, adventure and lots of fun, but there’s still one thing left uncovered – where will you sleep? I’m one step ahead of you! Here’s a list of hand-picked accommodations for each of the 4 base cities I recommend:

MID-RANGE: Mejore Hotel

BUDGET: Aquaterrace Amed

Find a place in Amed

WHERE TO STAY IN CANDIDASA

SPLURGE: Candi Beach Resort & Spa

MID-RANGE: Lotus Bungalows

BUDGET: Amarta Beach Cottages

Find a place in Candidasa

Useful tips for your trip

Last but not least, here are some very useful tips and things to take with you on your trip to East Bali:

SET UP YOUR ITINERARY BEFOREHAND

You can use this article as a base for your East Bali itinerary, but I strongly advise you make a day-by-day plan so you can ensure you’re making the best out of your time in this wonderful destination. You don’t want to go home with the regret of not visiting that beautiful waterfall you dreamed about just because you didn’t plan properly!

SIM CARD

Making sure you get a local SIM card with data once you arrive at the airport. You can also order it online beforehand and pick it up once you arrive.

CASH

It’s always best to have some cash with you when you’re travelling around Indonesia. You might not encounter as many ATMs here as you’d wish, especially if you’re visiting remote locations. Plus, not all places (only a very few, actually) offer the possibility of paying with your card.

DRESS APPROPRIATELY

This is especially important when you’re visiting sacred/prayer places such as temples. Make sure your shoulders and knees are covered, even if it’s just with a scarf.

DON’T POLLUTE

And I cannot stress this enough! This is, of course, something I advise you to be careful about anywhere in the world. A good tip to help with this: I recommend bringing your favourite filter refillable water bottle with you and avoiding buying endless bottled water.

THINK TWICE ABOUT VISITING DURING LOW SEASON

The low season in Bali is equal to the rainy season (January, February, March, April, October, November) and, although the prices drop drastically during these times, it’s best to think twice about it. The rainy days in Bali usually mean light sessions of rain in the afternoon… or full on tropic thunder storms! – This could limit your sightseeing opportunities at times!

LASTLY, DON’T FORGET TO BARGAIN

Almost all prices in Indonesia are inflated, so at least some bargaining is expected. Don’t be embarrassed to do it!

That was my complete itinerary and list of things to do in East Bali! From visiting the world-famous Tirta Gangga Water Palace to snorkelling in Amed, there are countless exciting things to do in this part of the world. I hope my guide will help you create your ideal vacation filled with exciting days exploring East Bali!

And if you want to find out more about other cool destinations in the country such as Nusa Islands, Ubud or Uluwatu, I recommend clicking here to read all about my adventures in Indonesia.

xoxo,

Melissa

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Recommended: Organised day trips to Komodo Islands

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7 – Admiring the clearest blue water at Taka Makassar Island

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TAKE CASH.

EXPECT A HIGHER PRICE TAG.

BRING SOME WET WIPES WITH YOU.

BRING A SCARF TOO.

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Where exactly is Uluwatu located?

10 Top things to do in Uluwatu

1 – Uluwatu Temple

2 – Kecak Fire Dance

3 – Karang Boma Cliff Uluwatu

4 – Balangan Viewpoint

5 – Many, many beautiful beaches

6 – Watch the sunset at one of the beach clubs

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10 Best beaches in Uluwatu, Bali

1 – Dreamland Beach

2 – Padang Padang Beach

3 – Nyang Nyang Beach

4 – Thomas Beach

5 – Suluban Beach

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