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From Bingin Beach to Balangan, Uluwatu to Nyang Nyang, Bali’s Bukit Peninsula is a must visit on great Bali itinerary. Commonly nicknamed “The Bukit” (translating to hill or hilly in English), it is famous for its towering limestone cliffs, stunning sunsets, world class waves, beautiful beaches and a more relaxed vibe. To help you get the most out of this beautiful part of Bali, we’ve created our personal list (in no particular oder) of what to do during your stay on the Bukit.
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1. Come stay with us! - Melali Bingin
Tucked away at the end of a quiet Bingin laneway, Melali Bingin offers boutique accommodation across three guest rooms. Come experience our beautiful purpose built property, our quality amenities, our famous breakfasts and our highly personalised service. Book by the room or bring your friends & family and rent the whole property (3 bedrooms) exclusively.
(Melali has been ranked number 1 on TA for βSpecialty Lodgingβ in the area for 7 years running – Come stay with us and experience it for yourself!)
2.Ultimate Beach Day - Sun swim & Surf
The Bukit Peninsular offers some of the best beaches, secret coves and sandy nooks in all of Bali. From Bingin, Uluwatu and Padang Padang to Balangan, Nusa Dua and more. We wont list them all here as we’ve already put together a wonderful guide to our favourite sandy spots here:Β Your guide to the best beaches on the Bukit.
3. Get lost on a scooter
Part of the fun of being on the Bukit is the adventure had by scooter and unlike the chaos of Canggu, Ubud or Seminyak the Bukit is home to quieter roads and less crowds. Which means exploring on scooter is doable even for a novice. The surrounding Bingin farmland and hills are a warren of laneways dotted hidden temples, cliff-top sunset spots, panoramic view points and secluded sandy beaches and are all out there waiting for your discovery. Be sure to stop in at a little warung or shop and buy some essentials or souvenirs to support the local businesses.Β
4. Surf world class waves
The perfect left handed reef breaks of the Bukit first came to fame in the 1970βs. Now days surfing the waves of southern Bali are on every accomplished surfers bucket listΒ – Uluwatu, Padang Padang & Bingin to name a few. The dry season from May until September is the best for swell and it can get HUGE. It’s not uncommon to see mega swells that bring in waves of more than 10 foot. So remember to know your ability level – experienced and advanced surfers only.Β And a little tip for visitors – be sure to reacquaint yourself with the surfers etiquette & rules. Respect and care for fellow surfers is a must around here and it will absolutely ensure a better surf experience for you.
5. Tour the clifftop temple
Pura Luhur, Uluwatu Temple
Pura‘ (temple) ‘Ulu‘ (head) ‘Watu‘ (rock/stone) ‘Luhur‘ (heavenly/transcendent/ancestral/ glorious).
Perched on top of a steep cliffΒ 70m above the roaring waves of Uluwatu, this cliff top location is indeed impressive. Facing west, Pura Luhur is a great place to view the days sunset or enjoy the nightly fire dance (see info below). If you have sunset plans, go in the morning before the heat of the sun hits and take your time to wander and take in the spectacular views. But remember, beware of the monkeys! Keep a tight grip on your belongings because these guys are cheeky and will grab anything and everything.
6. Sample the local delights
In the wise words of Anthony BourdainΒ βYour body is not a temple, it’s an amusement park. Enjoy the ride.βΒ Β We couldn’t agree more!
If you really want to experience a new place, itsΒ culture and people, what better way than through food?Β There’s nothing like pulling up to a little roadside stall, tasting some local delicacies and watching the world go by. Eat in established warungs (eateries), road side stalls or from a cart perched on the back of scooters (this last one is not for the faint of stomach!). You’ll find the favourites on offer & including BalineseΒ specialtyΒ dish, Babi Guling. Other dishes worth trying are lawar, ayam betutu, nasi jinggo, bakso, sate lilit, rujak & anything gorengan (deep fried!). For our fave spots, check out Our Guide to Delicious Indonesian Food on the Bukit.Β
7.Learn to surf
The Bukit also offers many options for beginners and learning surfers. The way to get the most out of your surfing is to get a lesson or guide. A few schools and instructors we love:Β
- TNT Surf School, Bingin BeachΒ
- KSF Surf School, Padang Padang
- Olas de Bali Surf School, Padang PadangΒ
- Dawn Patrol in Balangan
If you choose any of these guys, you are in wonderful and capable hands. They’ll know what the swell and tide is doing and can advise best times and places to go. And most importantly, they’ll have you riding waves in no time.Β
8. Seafood BBQ on The Beach
Facing west, Bingin Beach is the perfect spot to watch the sun go down. Why not enjoy some of the local delicacies at the same time? The nightly beach seafood bbq is a unique experience and a real guest favourite. Offered by a few local warungs on Bingin Beach, their fresh daily caught seafood – from mahi mahi fillets and whole snappers to squid and prawns are cooked on smokey beach grills. All you have to do is choose your seafood, order a beer, sit back, feel the sand between your toes and soak up the memories.Β TIP – grab a bottle of wine from our minibar and take it down for dinner.Β
9. Massage & Spa Days
No trip to Bali is complete without indulging in a rejuvenating spa day or, at the very least, experiencing a relaxing massage at one of the island’s abundant and incredibly affordable spas or salons. Bingin and Uluwatu have some wonderful options offering a plethora of massage styles – from traditional Balinese massage to Shiatsu, Thai, Slimming, Hot Stone & even Tibetan Bowl massage. Along with massage, you’ll find menus full of specialty treatments & Scrubs, manicures, pedicures, facials, hair removal and body treatments, eyelash extensions, hair cuts & colour and more. For our recommendations check out Our Guide to the Best Massage, Spas & Self Care in Bingin & Uluwatu.Β
10. Support the locals
The beaches of the Bukit are perfect spots to shop without leaving your beach umbrella. So find a spot in the sand, read a book, relax and pick up a sarong, a t-shirt or hand woven bracelet. The Ibu’s (ladies) selling on the beach will come to you and offer their wares. Already good for souvenirs? You can also get a massage, snacks and drinks. We highly recommend you to try a bbq’d corn on the cob (“jagung bakar”) and wash it down with a freshly opened coconut to really get into the island style of life.Β Our tip – be sure to wear a smile and have a sense of humour when bargaining for prices!
11. Dine in some of Bali's best restaurants
Dining at some of Bali’s best restaurants should be on any discerning food lover’s Bali bucket list, and the great news, the Bukit is home to some absolute GEMS! Whether it’s for a special occasion or you just want to try some exceptional cuisine prepared by world class chef’s, the Bukit has you covered! For a full list of our absolute favourites, check out our Guide To The Best Restaurants on the Bukit.
12. yoga & Pilates
For yogis or the yoga inspired, the Bukit is blessed with a number of great studios. The OG’s of Bingin – Mu Β and Temple LodgeΒ have morning classes every day.Β La Tribu, (just 100m from us) and The Space both offer a range of yoga styles along with breath-work dance and movement classes. The sleek newΒ Flow & Form studio in Uluwatu offer yoga pilates, barre and boxing. Then there’s the beautifulΒ Morning Light Yoga in Uluwatu with 2 classes a day in an open air thatched roof building with partial sea views.Β For more information check out ourΒ Guide to Yoga, Pilates & Fitness Classes in Bingin & Uluwatu.
13. H.I.I.T the Gym
Like your holiday with a side of butt kicking? Join aΒ HIIT, Functional Fitness, Kettlebell or Muay Thai class at Bali Training Centre (aka “BTC”) an open air studio in the heart of Bingin. Stick around at the end for their famous post work out photo (above). They offer private and group classes. Looking for CrossFit, Weigh-lifting and and open gym? Head to very trendyΒ Bambu Fitness in Bingin or the 360 Move in Uluwatu – a fantastic indoor & outdoor island style facility.Β
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14.Cafe Hop
The Bukit is gastronomic paradise boasting countless cafes serving incredible food, coffee and snacks. Whether you’re in search of a hidden gem or a trendy hotspot, this vibrant region has it all. For delectable eats Lands End Cafe,Β Thirst Trap, Drifter,Β Suka Espresso, Alchemy, Cashew Tree, French’a, Gooseberry, Chela and BGS, are some of our ultimate Uluwatu cafe haunts.
15. Hit the shops
The are some gorgeous boutiques that’ve popped up in Uluwatu over the last few years selling clothing, swim and surf-wear, lingerie, homewares, jewellery, skin care and more. Our favourites are the ones stocking labels made right here in Bali and other parts of Indonesia – because #SupportLocal. Check out Daya Surf, I Love Bali Boutique, IndoSole Sea Gypsy, Gooseberry Intimates, Drifter Surf, BGS, Blood & Bone, On Board Store,Β Toko Collective,Β The Find. ForΒ Bali T-shirts, sarongs, souvenirs etc, you’ll find sellers in shops along the main road, on the beach and in the labyrinth of warungs below Single Fin.Β
16. beach day with 5 star Service
The Bukit Peninsula is home to some stunning private beach clubs – with Sundays Beach Club and Karma Kandara being the stand out favourites. You’ll find them hidden below rocky cliffs, accessible by an inclinator. Once at the bottom you’ll experience azure coloured waters, white sandy beaches, great food and drinks delivered to you while you relax under your umbrella. It’s beach day perfection. If you prefer to be poolside, check out the very classy Sundara at the Four Seasons Hotel, they have fantastic cocktails, excellent food, a grown up vibe and the longest pool in Bali – all directly on Jimbaran Beach.Β
17. clifftop Culture - Kacak Fire Dance
Need a culture hit? Then the Kecak Dance at the Uluwatu Temple is a must see. It is a bit of a tourist trap, but a wonderful experience and glimpse into some Balinese culture and history nonetheless. Nightly performances are held in an open air amphitheatre that is perched atop the cliffs of Uluwatu, with the Indian ocean as its backdrop. It is really a sight to see. Shows start at 6pm, but best to arrive a little early to secure the best seats.Β
18. Cocktails & Sunset Dreams
It’s no surprise that on the top of everyones ‘what to do on. the Bukit’ list includes a sunset session because if there’s one thing Uluwatu is famous for (other than the phenomenal surf), it’s those jaw dropping sunsets. That magnificent golden hour when beaches, clifftops and sun-kissed faces are drenched in a rich golden glow as another day crawls to a close… or perhaps its just beginning! Wether you’re into a relaxed and understated vibe, a party atmosphere, romance or prefer to chill with the local crowd (takeaway drinks, toes in the sand) theres something our here for everyone! Check our Guide to the Best Sunset Spots in Uluwatu.Β
19. Movies under the stars
Ulu Cliff House screen feature films, with a focus on cult classics every Tuesday night. With the spectacular Indian ocean as your backdrop, settle in to your day bed or pull up a bean bag, order a cocktail, some snacks and enjoy the show. Drifter Surf also screen films in their courtyard garden during the dry season. It has a chilled, community vibe with delicious healthy food. They showcase mostly thought provoking documentaries and classic or contemporary surf films. Occasionally they have “talk story” where surfing pioneers, film makers or local characters will share interesting and inspiring stories.Β
20. Cruise the coastline
Sport fishing, Surf Session, Romantic Sunset Cruise – whatever your jam, its always better doing it from the bliss of a a private boat. And our favourite way to do it is in aΒ “jukung”- a dugout canoe outrigger boat iconic to Bali. Often painted in a rainbow of colours its used mostly for fishing as it’s able to skim over coral reefs in any conditions. Pack your swimmers, snacks and drinks and for a sunset cruise or book a fishing day.Β With the experience of the local fishermen, reeling in a Spanish mackerel might just be on the cards. For cruises contact Putu at Sampian Cottages or Black Pearl Jimbaran Bay.Β
21. Icy Thrills and Blissful Heat
Bali boasts a diverse array of wellness experiences and the newest trend in town is the wonderful world of saunas, ice baths, and hot plunge pools. These therapeutic havens will detoxify your body and allow you to unwind in pure Bali contrast therapy bliss. We love Santai Recovery Spa (just 100m from Melali) and The Istana (located on the cliff top of Uluwatu). For are more intimate and exclusive experience, Asa Maia resort is the go. They offer very limited day-passes.Β
22. Catch some Live music or DJ set
For music, be sure to check out Ulu Garden, the home turf of local reggae outfit The Ulu Roots. The long running, crowd favourite Thursday night acoustic sessions at The Cashew TreeΒ has a great community vibe. Here on a Tuesday? Check out Rolling Fork’s super fun Latin & Salsa night.Β The Wishing Well Uluwatu & Hatch also have a great rotation of live music and DJ’s.Β Like to party with a view? Head down to Single Fin (famous for their epic Sunday sessions), Ulu Cliff House or Savaya. All draw in some incredible international acts and DJs.Β
23. Capture Memories with a professional Photoshoot
Β Instead of taking home a bunch of selfies wth part of your head cut off, why not get the professionals on to it and go home with some seriously special snaps? Personal memories, special occasions, surf shots, brand or business photos? Or perhaps you just want to make your friends jealous back home! There’s photographers a plenty who’ll capture you in your best light! For some recommended photographers, get in touch with us.Β
24. Garuda Wisnu Cultural Park (GWK)
GWK is set in 250 hectares of land dedicated to embrace and preserve the art, cultural, culinary & spiritual aspects of the Island. More recently made famous by the enormous 120m towering statue of the God Vishnu riding a great Garuda (a mythical golden eagle, common to both Hindu and Buddhist mythology), its size is so mammoth we wouldn’t be surprised if it can be seen from space. Along with statues, there’s traditional Balinese dance and Gamulan music performances. To explore the park you can walk or rent a segway.
25. Fly high over uluwatu
Glide weightlessly above the rugged coastline of Uluwatu and Nyang Nyang. Birds eye views, wind in your hair, heart pumping, wonderful memories – all with an internationally-licensed paragliding tandem master. Most companies lift off on the south facing coast of Nyang Nyang all the way to Pandawa.
26. Propose or get hitched!
With all the beautiful beaches, sweeping views and magical mystique of this gorgeous island, Bali is the perfect place to get your romance on. Bingin, Uluwatu and the surrounds have a wonderful array of locations perfect to pop the question. Likewise, the area has a bounty of properties perfect for every style of wedding for loved up couples ready to tie the knot. We’ve had a handful of Melali Bingin guests pop the question during their stay, even helping with some of the surprise plans! On top of this, we got said our “I do’s” here, so feel free to ask us about our best tips.
1 Comment
ItΓs nearly impossible to find well-informed people for this topic, but you seem like you know what youΓre talking about! Thanks