Uluwatu accommodation from AU$35

Staying in Uluwata changes your Bali holiday experience from the moment you land at Ngurah Rai Airport. Instead of north, you make your way south, and instead of being thrown into the hectic streets of Kuta, you watch as the roadside scenery drops away into more natural surroundings . Lush greenery is always close by in Uluwatu, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by it. After settling into your Bali hotel, find yourself the perfect white sandy beach With so many to choose from, there’s no need to settle for one!

Uluwata beaches are up there with the best of them. In fact, Balangan Beach on the north coast of the peninsula is considered to be Bali’s number one beach. The pure white sand is framed by trees and rock at each end like something out of a movie set, and the sea is crystal clear with great surf. If you want a more laid back experience that you don’t have to share try Bingin or Padang-Padang. They may be a little tricky to reach, but you’ll be rewarded when you finally get there.

When you get tired of sitting on the beach all day, it’s easy to find plenty of other Uluwatu attractions. Even if you’re not into local culture and history, you’ll be amazed by the Uluwatu Temple, built in the 11th century, It’s perched on the edge of a cliff 70 metres above the ocean, and you can stand back in awe at the amazing architecture created from local black stone joined by old archways and a three-leveled roof, all of which are perfectly balanced against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean. Surrounded by monkeys (watch your belongings!) that roam its grounds, you should watch out for a local Kecak Fire Dance ceremony, a traditional Balinese dance which tells a story taken from Ramayana Epoch. Underneath the temple is a cave and rock formation leading to yet another amazing surf beach. You should also take the time to see the grand Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park, which has an array of gorgeous buildings including an amphitheater, exhibition hall and a lotus Pond which sits beside a Garuda bird that will eventually be the world’s largest statue! The statue represents the god Wisnu with his mount.

The food selection in Uluwata is superb, with a full range of local Indonesian restaurants that will refuel you with simple, delicious locally caught fresh seafood. Some of the best can be found at Pedang Pedang Breeze, a small guesthouse run by a surfing couple as well as an international selection with pizza, barbecue, And pastries. If you’re looking to live it up with the locals after dark, head to Kuta or Seminyak, which between them house hundreds of beachside bars and nightclubs.

With so much to see in Bali’s south, you don’t ever have to leave the area except for your flights to Bali, and for that we have some fantastic deals. After that, check out the Uluwatu accommodation and lay the ground work for that dream island break.