Bukit Peninsula in Bali: a guide to the areas and the best beaches to relax

Bukit is a peninsula in the south of Bali, separated from the main part of the island by a narrow isthmus the size of an airstrip. This is the center of resort life, which will suit almost everyone. This is where Bali's best beaches, paradisiacal surf spots, long white sand coasts, turquoise waters and breathtaking views from the karst cliffs of Uluwatu are hidden. People come here to surf, sunbathe, indulge in beautiful views and enjoy sunsets. The south is also great for families.

Bukit is not like Seminyak or Canggu, with its hustle and bustle. The setting here is more peaceful, even a little rural, which makes the area a great place for those natural beauties and privacy. We tell you who is suitable for Bukit, what activities are waiting for you here, and what places are definitely worth visiting.

Bukit Features

In Indonesian, "bukit" means hill. Indeed, Bukit differs from other regions of Bali in its terrain. This is an elevated position that offers spectacular views of the Indian Ocean and its surrounding beaches. The area is dominated by rocky shores, but you can also find many beautiful sandy beaches that are located in picturesque coves.

The weather in Bukit, as in the whole of Bali, is tropical, with high humidity levels and stable temperatures all year round. The climate here is slightly drier than on the main part of the island.

Who can take a vacation in Bukit?

Surfers: Bukit is one of the best places to surf in Bali. Uluwatu's Padang Padang, Bingin and Dreamland beaches are known for their high and powerful waves for experienced surfers. In December, good waves come to the east coast, where all the surf schools come for lessons. You can catch a suitable wave in Nusa Dua or Serangan. There is a fairly long coastline here, so there is enough space for everyone to study and ride freely.

Couples in love: The peninsula can be called a real paradise for romantic travel. Purple sunsets, rocky cliffs and luxury villas with panoramic views create the perfect setting for a romantic getaway or honeymoon.

Families with children: For families looking for a relaxing holiday away from the bustling resorts, Bukit is ideal. Quiet beaches without strong waves, a variety of entertainment for children, kindergartens, cafes of Russian cuisine, cozy villas and security make this area popular among families with children.

Partygoers: For those who love vibrant parties and an energetic atmosphere, there are plenty of opportunities for a great holiday experience. The iconic Single Fin Bar in Uluwatu is famous for its sunsets and evening DJ sets, creating an unforgettable atmosphere. The Savaya Club Savaya, located on the top of a cliff, hosts large-scale parties almost every day with the participation of the best DJs on the planet.

Main areas and beaches

Uluwatu

This is probably the most famous and largest area of Bukit, which gets its name from two Indonesian words: "ulu" — end, and "watu" — stone or rock. Literally translated, Uluwatu means "at the end of a cliff", and this name perfectly describes its location. The area is famous for its surf spots, the most beautiful sunsets and huge cliffs, where villas and concept restaurants with panoramic ocean views are located, and is very popular with young people. Yoga rooms, cross-fit and fitness facilities, surf courts, padel courts and much more can be found here.

Uluwatu is also known for one of the main holy places in Bali – Pura Uluwatu Temple, which rises above the ocean and attracts tourists with stunning views. Uluwatu has a lively but relaxed atmosphere. The area is full of cafes, bars and beach clubs where you can enjoy the sunset after an active day. Each of the beaches of Uluwatu is beautiful in its own way. The landscape of the area is karst cliffs with small bays with emerald water that hide in the rocks. However, you need to be prepared that you will have to go down to some beaches along numerous steps along the rocks. The beaches of the west coast are the best places to watch gorgeous Balinese sunsets against the backdrop of powerful waves.

Uluwatu Beaches:

• Dreamland. An iconic beach that attracts a lot of people. It is not very suitable for swimming due to strong waves and underwater currents, but nevertheless it is especially popular with surfers, locals and lovers of the most beautiful sunsets.
• Bingin. Clean and picturesque beach, the way to which lies through a steep staircase on the cliff. One of the most popular places for experienced surfers. In the evenings, guests can enjoy a barbecue on the beach with sunset and ocean views.
• Padang-Padang. The legendary Bali beach with white sand and azure water. It was here that the film "Eat, Pray, Love" was shot. It is always crowded, the beach is a magnet for all tourists.
• Suluban or Uluwatu beach. "Secret" cliff beach in Uluwatu area. The entrance to the beach is through a cave, the beach itself is tiny, most of it under overhanging rocks. Rocky bottom and strong currents. At high tide, the beach is flooded, at low tide - you can go a little further along the rocks. During the descent, you will find many bars, restaurants and beach clubs. The best place is deservedly considered to be the Single Fin restaurant and bar. The views from here are beautiful, it is better to arrive earlier in order to have time to take a seat.
• Nyang Nyang. One of the wild beaches on the southern coast of the Bukit Peninsula. Great for walking at low tide and is an extremely popular spot for photo shoots. And on the cliff above the beach is a luxury airplane villa – one of the most expensive hotels in Bali.

Jimbaran

Once a small fishing village, turned into a fairly large village. One of the most peaceful and cozy places in Bukit. This area is known for its wide sandy beaches with moderate waves, characterized by tides. The most famous place here is the fish market. In the evening, Jimbaran turns into one continuous seafood restaurant right on the ocean, where you can meet the sunset and enjoy dinner on the beach with the sound of waves and live music. Jimbaran is suitable for those who are looking for a family holiday, tranquility and a relaxing atmosphere. There are not so many resort hotels here, mostly locals inhabit this part, but you can find inexpensive housing (a house or villa) for a long holiday.

Jimbaran Beaches:

• Jimbaran. A large beach with white sand, calm ocean, magnificent sunset and seafood restaurants right on the beach.
• Balangan. An authentic beach with a rocky bottom, powerful waves for experienced surfers, cheap cafes of Indonesian cuisine and very beautiful views from the cliff both in the daytime and at sunset. I think that's what Bali was like 20 years ago.

Nusa Dua

This area in the east of the peninsula was specially built in the late 1970s as a zone for hosting premium resorts. It is famous for its luxurious five-star hotels and long white sand beaches, which are considered some of the best in Bali. The peculiarity of these beaches is very calm water, which allows tourists to calmly swim, dive and learn to surf on the foam. The landscape and well-groomed nature of this area is noticeably different from other areas. Nusa Dua is particularly popular with all-inclusive tourists. Here you can enjoy peace, tranquility and the highest level of service, which makes Nusa Dua an ideal place for holidays with children, wedding ceremonies and romantic trips. There are golf courses, a park and walking paths, which is not typical for Bali. The area is also often chosen for hosting international conferences, seminars, and business events. It was here that the G20 summit was held in 2023. The beaches of eastern Bukit starting from the Pandava coast and ending with the Nusa Dua and Benoa areas are suitable for swimming and relatively sparsely populated.

Nusa Dua Beaches:

• The Pandava. A wide and long beach with white sand and developed infrastructure. The coral reef protects the coastal area from large waves. A spectacular entrance between limestone cliffs leads to the beach – one of the most popular photo locations in Bali.
• Gunung Payung. Beautiful undeveloped beach with rocks and caves. On the cliff above the beach there is an old atmospheric temple with an amphitheater and a viewing platform. Saps and kayaking are available at low tide.
• Savangan. Quiet beach near the Hilton hotel, there is a rental of sun loungers and umbrellas, suitable for swimming. It is considered a good training surf spot for beginners.
• Pura Geger. The beach is not equipped for swimming, but it is great for walking and photo shoots at low tide. If you drive a little further to the temple, you will get to a small bay and spit, which are especially loved by local residents.
• Mengiat. A long beach strip in the Nusa Dua area, passing by all five-star hotels. There are sun beds, umbrellas, changing rooms, showers and toilets. The beach has calm water and no strong waves, suitable for families with children.
• Nusa Dua. Quiet, sparsely populated and fairly long coast. It is famous for its surf spot for beginners and more experienced surfers. It is here that all surf schools come together in winter.
• Benoa. A beach with a well-developed infrastructure for water sports, ideal for outdoor activities, including jet skis, inflatable bananas and boats, water skiing and boardwalking, walking on the sea floor, parasailing, snorkeling and diving.

Ungasan

A picturesque, small and quite peaceful area, famous for the beaches of Melasti and Green Ball, which remain relatively calm and sparsely populated even in the middle of the tourist season. Ungasan is ideal for those who want to relax in comfort while enjoying the natural beauty. You won't be bothered by the hustle and bustle of traffic, and Uluwatu is only a 15-minute drive away. There are many budget cafes – including those with Russian cuisine, restaurants, several excellent beach clubs and spas.

The area is also home to Garuda Vishnu Kenchana Park (GWK) — one of Bali's main attractions. In the park stands a 120-meter statue of the god Vishnu, sitting on his mythical mount Garuda. It is one of the most impressive architectural structures in Indonesia. The park regularly hosts cultural events, shows and concerts, making it a must-see for tourists interested in Bali's culture and history.

Ungasan Beaches:

• Karma. Beautiful well-groomed beach with a variety of beach clubs. There are not many people here, but there is everything for a perfect beach holiday. Just above the beach, Karma Kandara Hotel offers a chic SPA with ocean views.
• Melasti. One of the most popular beaches in Bukit, in fact, is a continuation of Karma Beach. A very beautiful road leads to the beach, and tourists are taken here by buses. Every evening here you can see the Kecak theater performance.
• Green Bowl. Green and fantastic beach with a very heavy and long descent-300 steps. You can not swim here because of large waves and strong undercurrents. The beach is quite wild without any infrastructure. At high tide, it can be dangerous here.