Golden Days in Uluwatu, Indonesia

After our sun soaked surf days in Lombok, we made our way back to Bali, Indonesia, but to an even more surfy area than Canggu. Perched on Bali’s southern cliffs, Uluwatu is a mix of ocean views, pastel sunsets, and winding roads that always lead to a beach.

Slow mornings, cliffside lunches, and evenings that blur into soft, glowing skies.

CLIFFSIDE CALM

Uluwatu isn’t the kind of place you just pass through. The second you get there, you notice everything happening all at once, like the scooters buzzing by, waves crashing somewhere below, that salty air that sticks to your skin. Everyone seems relaxed and out to find the best smoothie bowl.

Most mornings I’d wake up with the sun, grab a coffee, and go explore a new area. We rented a scooter, which instantly made us feel like locals, and looked for surf everywhere we went. As an intermediate surfer, it’s not exactly the best place for me, but there are definitely waves to be found and riden!

Lots of beaches have their own secret path, steps winding down through the limestone until you finally hit the sand. Bingin Beach quickly became one of my favorites!! It is a stretch of sand scattered with bright umbrellas, surf shacks, and barefoot travelers stretched out in the sun. Although, it’s changed a lot now, so I’m happy I was able to see it before the government tore it down.

SLOW MORNINGS & CAFE STOPS

If you know me, you know I’m a bit of a cafe hunter when I travel. And Uluwatu did not disappoint. Between surf shops and guesthouses, there are endless smoothie bowls, flat whites, and hidden gems tucked behind palm trees, all at fantastic prices. I loved the blend of modern and tropical, white walls, rattan chairs, and splashes of art everywhere!

You could basically just spend hours reading, journaling, or chatting with locals about the best surf spots. :)

BEACH HOPPING

Every corner of Uluwatu feels like it hides a secret beach, and finding them became part of the fun. We wandered down steep paths to Padang Padang Beach, a cozy cove framed by cliffs and caves that open up to crystal clear water. Later, we found ourselves at Dreamland Beach, where the waves crash strong and big against the shore, and the sand stretched farther than the eye could see.

Each spot had its own rhythm. Families swimming, friends laughing under umbrellas, and surf energy that makes you forget what time it is.

Even though Uluwatu has beach clubs and big resorts, it still isn’t trying that hard to impress you. It just is. It’s the smiles of the surf instructors and the freedom of long days spent outside - a perfect balance of adventure and peace, which fills me up creatively and reminds me how good simplicity can feel.

GOLDEN HOUR MAGIC

Uluwatu has this way of catching the light just right. As the day fades, everything turns gold, the cliffs, the waves, even the scooters parked along the road.

One evening, we found ourselves driving through the limestone roads near Melasti Beach, where the cliffs rise high on both sides. The light poured down the canyon, kind of like driving through a painting.

That’s what I love about Uluwatu, everywhere you turn, the beach and surroundings are inspiring. From bold blues and warm oranges to soft pink clouds, I think it’s just so beautiful.

POOL SIDE MOMENTS

In between adventures, we spent slow afternoons at our villa pool; nothing better than floating under palm shadows, the air still warm from the morning sun, that feels like complete peace. It’s also one of my fave spots for an impromptu youtube yoga sesh.

Those quiet hours became my favorite. It was a time for me to reset and sketch. Creativity needs stillness, too :)

FINAL THOUGHTS…

Uluwatu is one of those places that reminds you how good slow travel can feel (I could’ve stayed much longer!) It’s a mix of cliffside drama and calm simplicity where every day feels different, yet perfectly easy.

Whether you’re wandering down beach stairs, sipping iced lattes in the heat, or chasing one more sunset before dinner, Uluwatu has a way of making you think about it long after you leave.

🎥 Watch my Uluwatu Travel Vlog for the full story.
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Missed the earlier adventures? Start here:
👉 Surf Days in Lombok, Indonesia