Ultimate Bali in 9 Days – Day 1
Bali is a large island and province of Indonesia, and is the most popular travel destination in the country. Not only travelers, but also yogis, religious people, photographers, beach-lovers, and surfers flock to the shores of Bali. The best thing about Bali is that it has something for everyone. Beach-lovers will head to dreamy Uluwatu, surfers to relaxed Canggu, party-lovers to Kuta or Seminyak, yogis to green Ubud, honeymooners to secluded Sidemen, and adventurous souls to Nusa Penida. Whether you want beaches, waterfalls, surfing, jungles, shopping, snorkeling with manta rays, or just relaxing on the sand with fresh fruits in hand, Bali is your paradise. We started our 9-day Bali vacation with an overnight stay in Uluwatu – a stunning destination in south Bali, best known for the cliff-top temple and surfer-friendly beaches overlooking the Indian Ocean. Here’s my top 5 Uluwatu favorites that you cannot miss when in the area!
Highlights of the Day
- Check-in at PinkCoco Bali
- Lunch at Om Superfood Burger
- Padang Padang Beach
- Uluwatu Temple
- Kecak and Fire Dance
- Dinner at Bukit Cafe
Arrival in Bali
I flew in Bali from Thailand, and Richie flew in from India. My flight from Bangkok, Thailand took around 4 h 5 m, while Richie’s flight was from Kolkata, India via a layover in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Luckily, our flights landed almost at the same time in Ngurah Rai International Airport, so we could take the taxi together to our hotel.
Things To Do When Arrive in Bali Airport
- Firstly right after clearing immigration, we purchased two local Telkomsel SIM cards for Rp 250,000 each, with 18 GB data and 30 min domestic call. The two popular network providers are Telkomsel and XL Axiata. However, Telkomsel is considered the most-stable and widest signal coverage provider.
- Secondly, we downloaded GoJek app in our mobile, for booking taxi rides and more. It is like Grab app in Thailand. Grab also works here, but GoJek is cheaper. With GoJek, we managed to book a taxi easily from the airport to our hotel in Uluwatu by paying Rp 150,000, which is almost half of the amount of what the airport taxis were charging.
- Thirdly, if you are carrying only USD currency, you must change some of it to IDR currency in the currency exchange kiosks in airport. However, I would suggest to change the rest of the money in currency exchange kiosks in the island that will give you better rate.
Where To Stay in Uluwatu?
There are many cliff-top resorts and villas on the high-end. However, we preferred PinkCoco Bali, which is just 200 m from Padang Padang Beach, popular for surfing and Saturday-night parties. It is also only a 10-m drive from the popular Uluwatu Temple. It took us around 1 h from the airport to reach PinkCoco Bali.
The resort can arrange surfing tours, bicycle rentals, and laundry services. It also helped us arrange rent a scooter for Rp 100,000 a day to get around Uluwatu.
Things To Do in Uluwatu
Uluwatu is a laid-back area in South Bali, a great place to relax and get away from the crowd. We were so excited to explore the place that we did not take any rest, so we just got ready, hopped on the scooter, fueled it up, and off we went! Here I will share the must-do things in Uluwatu.
Grab a Burger in Om Superfood Burger
One of the best healthy vegan burgers I found in this superfood burger joint. The place is specialized in healthy burgers served with organic produce and superfood ingredients. Plus the second-floor views is epic.
Padang-Padang Beach
Padang Padang Beach is a small sandy bay where you can sunbathe and relax. It is an easy walk down the road where you will meet a lot of monkeys. There is a small entrance fee of Rp 10,000 to the beach.
Other beaches that are worth checking out are Suluban Beach (also known as Uluwatu Beach), Bingin Beach, and Dreamland Beach.
Uluwatu Temple
Once you enter the temple complex, you have to buy entrance ticket for Rp 30,000, and you have to borrow sarongs from the gate for free as a part of Balinese culture.
Uluwatu Temple, or Pura Luhur Uluwatu, is the landmark of Uluwatu, mostly renowned for its magnificent location on the top of a high cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean. ‘Ulu’ means the ‘top’ or the ‘tip’ and ‘watu’ means a ‘stone’ or a ‘rock’ in Balinese language. It is one of nine key directional temples believed to be Bali’s spiritual pillars. The locals also believe that the three divine powers of Brahma, Vishnu, and Siva become one here at Uluwatu Temple.
Kindly be careful of the monkeys grabbing attractive items such as sunglasses and cameras. However, they may give you back the stolen possessions if you approach them with peanuts or bananas. However, it is better to be careful and grab hold of your things firmly.
Kecak and Fire Dance in Uluwatu, Bali
The must thing-to-do in Uluwatu Temple is witnessing the traditional Balinese Kecak and Fire Dance, which is held at the open stage of Uluwatu Temple after sunset. The ticket costs Rp 100,000 for each and is available inside the temple complex from 5 PM onward. The show starts at 6 PM and concludes shortly after sunset.
The Kecak dance narrates the episodes where Ramayana was sent to exile by his father King Dasaratha because of an evil trick by his stepmother Kaikeyi. Uluwatu’s setting matches with the deep monkey forest where Rama is accompanied by his wife Sita and loyal younger brother Laksamana. Later, Ravana who knew of this set out to kidnap Sita. Later, with the help of the monkey king Hanuman and his monkey troops, the two brothers rescue Sita and the lovers are finally reunited right after the setting sun.
Dinner at Bukit Cafe, Uluwatu
Bukit Cafe is a lovely and classy restaurant to enjoy a quiet dinner near Padang Padang beach. It was within 500 m from our resort. The food is not cheap here, but it is certainly a lovely venue to have a relaxed dinner.
Goodnight Uluwatu
It was a long day as we did not rest even for a moment after reaching Bali. We headed all over Uluwatu to explore the beautiful area in South Bali. The area is beautiful and if you are a first-timer, you must visit these places in Uluwatu and surely try the lovely restaurants I had mentioned.
Finally, after an early dinner, we got some time for ourselves. I know it’s not a good idea to get to the pool post-dinner, but I could not resist myself and took a dip in it. It was so relaxing. The bed at PinkCoco Bali was the comfiest. It put me to sleep right way. Goodnight!
NET EXPENSE FOR 1 PERSON (IN IDR)
Let us have a look at the expenses of Day 1 in Indonesia – Uluwatu, Bali.
- Local SIM card: 250,000
- Getting around: 130,000
- Stay at PinkCoco Bali (1 night) for twin-sharing: 450,000
- Entrance fee of Padang Padang, Uluwatu Temple, and Kecak and Fire Dance: 140,000
- Food and miscellaneous: 150,000
- Fuel: 7,500
Total expense (roughly): 1,127,500 IDR
For a more customized itinerary, whether for solo or couple or group of any number of people, feel free to contact me on Contact Us page.
If you are planning for a much-organized, tastefully-curated, stress-free yet exciting vacation, consider booking your holidays at Travel Love Repeat. It is going to be a treat for sure!
Amazing pictures ? Being vegan with you and to travel the world with you is magic. We will do big things babes ? love you much !!!
Thanks for this, Richie.
Bali is somewhere I am still dreaming of visiting. The accommodation is so nice! I love the colours and how luxurious it looks. Seems like the perfect place to unwind and get away from it all.
Yes Nikki, Bali is beautiful.
Bali really does have something for everyone – even Uluwatu alone seems to have something for everyone. I would absolutely stay at the Pink Coco. It looks like the perfect spot with everything you need on site. The Kecak dance show is something I would love to see in person for myself. I love being immersed in local culture when I travel, especially when it’s very different from what I’m used to!
Yes Diana, Uluwatu was a complete surprise for me.
I’ve never been to Bali, but it looks so beautiful and I enjoyed reading about Uluwatu. It looks like a great place to relax, plus to enjoy natural scenery like waterfalls and jungles, as well as local food and culture, like the fire dancers. Also like the look of PinkCoco, looks so colourful!
Yes Kavita, soon I will write about Ubud. I am sure you will like that too.
This post is giving me major Bali throwback vibes. I too visited Uluewatu when I was in Bali for 6 months, but didn’t really explore the local area. The food looks so amazing with so many quaint cafes in the area. Really loved the tips that you gave, which I feel are quite realistic and helpful for anyone planning a trip to the land of Gods.
Yes Arnav, Bali is love. Where are you travelling next?
I like Uluwatu and it’s still far from crowds like Kuta area. The sunset is so beautiful, and I can’t believe my eyes seeing the tourists watching Kecak and Fire Dance at Uluwatu Temple. It wasn’t like that before, but it was loong time ago. lol. I’m not vegan, but your burger looks delicious. I’m willing to give it a try.
Nice to know you have been there before.
Your post made me miss the tropics. Bali seems to be a very popular destination these days. Almost everybody I know has been to Bali. Visiting the Uluwatu Temple seems like one of the best things to do there. I’d love to see the traditional Balinese Kecak and Fire Dance.
You will love it, Anda.
Gorgeous Bali told beautifully in nutshell with pictorial representations ❤️
Shreya what’s good about you is that you actually experience it personally and then suggests unlike the others who throws shots in air.. the reviews and suggestions are indeed practical and helpful for the first time travellers…
keep exploring and sharing ?
Glad you liked it, Arun!
I can’t wait for the day I’ll cross Bali off my bucket list. Uluwatu seems like a great addition to the Bali destinations I had in mind. The temple visit seems like a great activity. Thanks for sharing the amazing photos!
Yes Lora, starting with Uluwatu is a great idea tbh.
So how much is Rp 100,000 in USD? I love going to those cultural performances when we travel but sometimes it is soooo expensive. Anyway, I really like the highlights which you pointed out in this article. Super helpful guide to Bali 🙂 Thanks!
Rp 100,000 is around 7 USD.
Wow, that is a really pink complex, love all the colors – I remember going to the Uluwatu temple and seeing the show and sunset – it really is quite spectacular. LOL, that vegan burger looks a little ridiculous – was it good?
Yes the pink complex is actually cute. Hhahahahhaa the burger was nice.
Uluwatu is my favourite part of Bali. I watched the Kecak dance at the Uluwatu Temple. And that open-air stage is simply fabulous as well as the dance and the Ramayana story!
Great to know that you had been there.
I love how beautifully you organise your post and all the details you provide along with the cost. The pictures are stunning. The pink doors of your room are just adorable. What a stunning beach really. No wonder it interests the filmmakers of the world. Thanks for the helpful guide.
Glad you liked it!
Bali is one of those places which just has something for everyone, and if you can be happy there, well that would just be sad, wouldn’t it! PinkCoco looks gorgeous! The room was so cute and earthly yet so vibrant! I have heard of the Kecak dance, hope to see it someday soon! Extremely helpful tips about telecom chip and taxi app. Loved the post thoroughly!
Hope this post is helpful.
That was quite a day in Bali. You chose everything right…the lodging, the meals, the show, the night cap!
Thanks so much.
I want to return to Bali and see more than my previous one day allowed. The Kecak and Fire Dance looks awesome so I see why you consider it a must-do.
Yes, on the point.
It’s a great tip to purchase a local sim at the airport and download GoJek app, it is super helpful to travel around in Bali. I loved the Uluwatu Temple and Padang Padang beach, especially the cliff walk with views of the coast. PinkCoco Bali looks like a beautiful property, well chosen! Also, watching the Kecak and Fire Dance is something I absolutely recommend to everyone visiting Bali!
Yes Medha, you would like it, overall.
Uluwatu, Bali, looks so beautiful and it has all that is required for a relaxing and rejuvenating holiday. I really like the look of PinkCoco Bali , it seems to be a cute place to stay in and explore the treasures around. The Padang-Padang beach looks so gorgeous. Another fascinating experience is the Balinese Kecak and Fire Dance, it looks so exciting.
Totally agree!
This is very timely since we’re planning to visit Bali next month. It has been one of my favorite getaways and there are just a lot of reasons to go back. Looking forward to visiting Bukit Cafe.
Bukit Cafe is must when in Uluwatu, also Cashew Tree, which I have mentioned in my following post.
I am yet to visit this part of the world and have it high on my list but I must say I would definitely add Uluwatu to my list. There is a lot on offer here I must say apart from the natural beauty that attracts most tourists to this region. For me the most attractive ones would be Padang beach followed by the Fire dance . The accomadation is perfect and I would try and find out what it would cost me to live here on my visit so thumbs up to PinkCoco Bali. Overall a great post highlighting the most popular things and sights so thanks fro sharing.
Thanks so much, Amar. I wish you visit Bali, soon.
Lovely pictures and they prove that you sure had an awesome time in Uluwatu in Bali. I am extremely fond of Bali and I love everything about it from its beaches, temples, culture to food. I remember seeing traditional Balinese Kecak and Fire Dance during my first visit in 2011.
We actually had a great time!
Uluwatu seems like a brilliant weekend getaway. I can see how the PinkCoco gets its name – LOL. Those superfood burger look delish too, Look like you two had fun.
Yes Jenn, a lot of fun!
I loved Bali, but didn’t make it to that area That hotel is so colorful. Wow, only $32 a night! That’s a bargain.
Yes, actually, the place is pretty economical.
Is the total expenditure mentioned in the end correct? Conversion to India Rupee came up to only around 6k. That seems really low. If true would be wonderful to visit and spend a lot more days.
I usually give the expense of each day, and if I am traveling with one more person, the accommodation cost gets shared, also the food.
We loved our time in Bali – there’s so much to see and do in this small island. We enjoyed the kecak dance last time. Padang-Padang Beach is new to us – will need to visit next time!
There are so many places to visit. There is always a next time.
Uluwatu was fun when I visited it too. Especially the sunset over that temple. Loved your accommodation there – it looks so luxurious and comfy. The next time I should look this one up along with Padang Padang beach – funny I missed that the last time!
Where did you stay Amy?
I’ve been to Bali and really enjoyed Uluwatu as well. Overall, I love the island even if it’s quite touristy. The sunsets over there are to die for!! Thanks for bringing back good memories!
Glad you liked them, Marielle.
Wow! That burger is seriously huge! Can you eat them all? Hehe… I think we’re lucky when we watched the Kecak and Fire Dance it wasn’t that crowded. But I remember the monkeys didn’t make me comfortable. I would like to go back though and staying at the PinkCoco seems nice.
PinKCoco is love.