The Bukit Peninsula is fast gaining popularity as a destination for families and groups of friends to stay in private Bali holiday villas, due to the myriad of both established and new tourist attractions for a fun-filled Bali Escape.
The Bukit Peninsula is famous for having some of the islands most beautiful beaches, the world’s best surf breaks, fabulous wedding villas and jaw-dropping views from the limestone cliff-tops across the azure Indian Ocean.
There is now a plethora of new 5-7 star resorts and some incredible family holiday villas that will leave you simply breathless.
Let’s not forget the ancient Hindu temples, theme parks, amazing surf breaks, fabulous cafes, shopping, water sports, championship golf courses, relaxing and party-oriented beach clubs and some great dining experiences to be enjoyed.
Here’s a snapshot, of why you should seriously consider the Bukit Peninsula, as your next family holiday destination, on the amazing island of Bali.
If you would like to rent any of our Uluwatu Villas so you’re in the heart of all the action please contact our reservation team:
Some of our preferred Uluwatu villas
Villa Bale Agung
Villa Grand Cliff
Villa Pawana
Villa Karang Saujana
Villa Anahit
A golfing getaway – of epic proportions
If you’re an avid golfer, maybe just a beginner, or even a touring golf professional; then you should definitely consider staying in a family holiday villa on the Bukit Peninsula. No matter the exact location of your luxury villa accommodation; whether it be anywhere from Jimbaran, to Uluwatu, Pandawa, Bingin or Nusa Dua; you will be just a short drive from golfing heaven!
Within just a few kilometres radius, you will be spoilt with easy access, to not one, but three championship 18-hole golf courses.
The first golf course we should bring to light, is The Bali National Golf Club, located at Nusa Dua, fully renovated just a few years ago, the course design, playing surfaces and clubhouse, are of international calibre. You will play in a ‘Club Car’ golf buggy and be looked after, by your own private, female caddy.
The second course to be made aware of is the New Kuta Golf Club; an 18-hole Championship Golf course with a links-style design. Playing here, offers guests breathtaking views of the azure Indian Ocean, from the limestone cliff-tops overlooking the beautiful Dreamland and Balangan Beaches. Once again you will play in your own buggy with your own skilled caddy to help you around this rather demanding layout.
Pandawa Golf Club is a Championship, 18-hole, par 3 golf course; boasting exceptional playing surfaces, international design and construction, views of the endless Indian Ocean and exceptional service, provided by your personal caddy.
It would be a good idea to contact Peter Manz, Club Secretary of the Raffles Social Golf Society (info@rafflesgolfbali.com)
To make sure you receive the best possible green fee rates, at all three of these exceptional golf courses.
The drop-dead beautiful beaches of Uluwatu & Ungasan
Uluwatu & Ungasan are home to some of the world’s most well-known surf spots in the world. Here you have the chance to experience the most amazing secret beaches, ultra-exclusive, holiday villa estates, 5-star resorts, the famed Uluwatu Temple and some of the most compulsive beach clubs on the island.
Let’s start with a mystery tour, of some of the less crowded and more or less, secret beaches, only known by a select few. Suluban Beach is known by only a few hardcore surfers, but it’s the secretive Suluban Cave that steals the show here. Like a scene from Leonardo Dicaprio’s ‘The Beach’; the setting is both serene and mystical at the same time. Literally, under the cliffs of Uluwatu Beach, you can almost reach the revered Uluwatu Sea Temple, home to the famed Kecak Fire Dance, held most afternoons around sunset.
We couldn’t leave Green Bowl Beach off the list, it simply wouldn’t be fair. Its name is derived from its appearance amid low tide, where the rocky, algae-covered reef becomes exposed. Recently becoming almost totally desolate, after the closure of the Bali Cliff Resort, a mini excursion along winding paths and a final descent down hundreds of steps will bring you to a blissful beach setting. But be aware the caves are home to many resident bats, so be careful not to wake them on your expedition.
Nyang-Nyang Beach is renowned for its pristine white sands and protected by an immense green cliffside, making it hard for anyone who doesn’t know exactly where it is, virtually impossible to find. Take the dirt track next to Uluwatu Temple and look for the staircase, a mere 500 odd steps will be a great workout and well worth the effort. The beach is rugged, yet beautiful and an old shipwreck provides the perfect Instagram shot.
Upon the soaring cliff-tops of Melasti Beach, you will feel like you are standing on the edge of the world! This is a dream location for both novice and professional photographers alike, with its dramatic landscape and glorious uninterrupted ocean views.
Padang-Padang and Balangan Beach offer some exceptional surfing opportunities’, however maybe not be so suitable for the intermediate or beginner surfers at Padang-Padang, but definitely suitable for the more experienced surfer. However, Uluwatu and Balangan have some spots that are great for beginners, with some reputable surf schools operating here.
Also read: 11 amazing things to do in Uluwatu, Jimbaran & the Bukit in Bali
The Ultimate Beach Clubs
We hope heights aren’t your biggest fear because the glass-bottomed infinity pool at One Eighty Beach Club is certainly going to put them to the ultimate test! The beach club’s pool reaches out beyond the edge of the cliff and sits some 500 feet above sea level. Try some of the most amazing designer cocktails at the poolside bar and dine on divine cuisine, prepared by the International chef, all part of the upscale and exclusive; ‘The Edge’ Villa Estate.
The menu is extensive with a few select, signature dishes such as the mouth-watering Shrimp Po’boy infused in Salmon roe or the giant fresh prawns from Papua, smothered in Kemangi Butter or maybe the hearty Baby Back Ribs, marinated in rosemary honey butter. Try the high tea before sunset, an assortment of cream-filled delicacies. Entry will cost around $40 Aud per person with apx $35.00 Aud worth of food & beverage credit to be enjoyed, Phone: +62 361 8470 700 – Bookings are essential.
The Ulu Cliffhouse is one of the newer and very satisfying vantage points to spend the long languid days by the pool or enjoy a dry Martini as the sunsets. Located high on the Uluwatu limestone, cliff-lined ridge, ‘The Ulu Cliffhouse’ is fun in the sun; expansive, chic and has the most amazing views of world-class waves, rolling in from the majestic Indian Ocean.
Relax in supersized day beds, a romantic settee for two, or cool down in the waters of the azure, infinity party pools’, glistening waters. Be spoilt with free-flow Prosecco, as the resident DJ’ massages your holiday mojo! Phone: +62 8133881 2502
It’s Sunday every day, at ‘Sundays Beach Club’! This is a hip little beach club, accessed by an inclinator, which descends from an exclusive villa estate. Adding to the adventure, as you head down a tropical ravine, to a gorgeous beach, it’s something like a setting, from a Robinson Caruso movie.
A series of traditional Alang-Alang roofed pavilions are built into the bottom of the Cliffside where you can enjoy wood-fired pizzas, a fully stocked bar and a resident DJ play’s great lounge music.
Popular, especially on Fridays and Saturdays, is the ‘ocean to table seafood platter, feast out on amazingly fresh, salt watered delights; King prawns, giant lobsters, fresh oysters…..ah the list goes on! All of this sits above a white, sandy-bottomed, azure lagoon. Wash this down with an Iced-Mojito, under a pristine white parasol, that lines the trendy sun lounges and day beds. ‘SUP boards’ and ‘paddle sea kayaks’, allow guests to explore the blue lagoon, outer lying reefs and nearby blowholes! It will set you back $35Aud ($20 F&B credit), $15Aud for kids 7-12yrs and includes kayaks, snorkelling and SUP boards.
El Kabron, serving the finest Spanish cuisine, is a beach club come restaurant where night owls hang out. The club overlooks the Indian Ocean from its cliff-top vantage point and features an air-conditioned dining room, an expansive sun deck with plush day beds and a white, pristine free-form pool. Enjoy fluffy paella, icy cold Corona’s and plenty of Sangria to get you into the Spanish Beach vibe. Phone: +62 821 4437 0139
The Spices of Indonesia – Wining & Dining
Here’s your chance to be wined and dined on the flavours and aromas of traditional mouth-watering Indonesian dishes with a modern twist. At ‘Dugong Restaurant’ – Suarga, Padang-Padang, the management takes extra care, in selecting the freshest produce from farmers that are no more than 50km, from its Padang-Padang location.
An immense, soaring bamboo structure is architecturally designed, to display its amazing craftsmanship. Curved bamboo roof lines meet natural, hardwood decking, cut to precision. 220 meters above sea level offers guests unobstructed ocean views
Order from a selection of fine wines and champagnes, as the sun sets elegance suddenly appears on the horizon. Contemporary twists on traditional delights such as chicken wrapped in banana leaf, only to be outdone by the oozing chocolate fondant finale!
Phone: +62 361 472 5086 – 7.30am – 11.000pm
Di Mare is well known, to both the elite ex-pat and local communities of Bali and the discerning jetsetters to the Bukit Peninsula. Part of the international, Karma Kandara Resort, Di Mare is etched into a stone clifftop with ‘Moroccan Beach White’ as the champion of the show, offsetting the dramatic azure blue hues of the infinity pools and vast Indian Ocean backdrop.
This is no ordinary restaurant, having won ‘Mediterranean Restaurant Awards’, maybe you could be in Mykonos or Santorini, it’s all up to your imagination. Expect white napkin, silver service, fine china and fancy glassware as you slip back into your comfy dining chair. Just the sea breezes, the endless rugged coastline, layer upon layer of azure blue waters and your loved one by your side, how perfect!
Phone +62 361 848 2200
The views at ‘Mana Uluwatu’ are almost complementary, that is unless you are a paying customer of course! Part of the Uluwatu Surf Villa Complex. This establishment has an open-air, laid-back surfer undertone to it with a modern menu consisting of Asian and South American cuisine. The soft-shelled crabs are said to be of particular notoriety on the menu; try ‘crab gazpacho’ for something to add a little tang and spice to your holiday palette.
With a strong Latino vibe present at Mana Uluwatu, expect the very best of the traditional, refreshing Mojito or Margarita with a squeeze of fresh lime, mint and even passionfruit. Phone: +62 817555 421
The Banyan Tree Resort has created a beautiful in-house restaurant, open to the public; Ju-Ma-Na. Pre-dinner aperitifs, elegant cocktails, Arabian inspired canapés can be enjoyed amid sunset views, through the double heightened, floor-ceiling glass from its lofty 70-meter perch.
The French come Japanese; the infused menu offers tasty dishes where East meets west, the presentation of dishes is modern and highly skilled. The Ju-Ma-Na Royale champagne is a must-try, slightly infused with Yuzu essence and a petite rose petal garnish.
Phone: +62 361 300 700
To Heaven & Back – The Bukit’s Best Spa Treatments
The Edge is an exclusive villa that could be found in the Beverly Hills, South of France or maybe Monte Carlo. Facing the Indian Ocean on your massage treatment table, the room is of soft sky blue hues with running water and the most sleep-provoking music in the background.
Behind the floor-to-ceiling glass, a water-flow flooring system and in the comfort of your huge, ergonomic chair enjoy a series of three treatments. Try a ‘Pevonia Botanica’ treatment to bring back your fresh, youthful glow, a choice of muscle-relieving massages and ‘Signature Rituals’ to rediscover your inner Zen!
Phone: +62 361 8470 700
‘Royal Treatments’ at the cliff-front, Karma Kendara Beach Resort, are spot-on; the Indian Ocean views at this private location are second-to-none! A timber decking circles a large Jacuzzi, natural stone surround the walls, and hints of greenery and vibrant bougainvillea give a tropical pop! Prices are at the end of the higher scale however every penny is worth it, with attention to detail and a professional masseuse that is amazingly in touch with your body, mind and soul. Phone: +62 361 848 2200
Also read: 19 Bali Holiday Villas with Incredible Ocean Views
Surf Camps –Uluwatu, Padang-Padang & More!
So it’s time to do this, I’m going to learn how to surf and ‘nuttin’s gonna stop me! The ‘Kamafari Surf Camp’ is based at Uluwatu & Bingin, where you can find great beginner waves as well as those for the hardcore surfer.
The Kamafari surf team, consist of friendly staff, with professional instructors, providing informative lessons with a focus on building student confidence via proper technical instruction.
Phone: +62 878 6195 3010 – info@kamafari-surfcamps.com
Have a blast at the well respected Padang-Padang Surf Camp. After a hard session chill out in the camp’s beachfront club with hammocks and plenty of cold drinks.
A large, traditional family-style holiday villa is the home base for those on the Padang-Padang Surf Camp, with quality accommodation and plenty of privacy, when needed. You can literally walk to the barreling waves of Padang-Padang, and a short drive will bring you to Balangan and Dreamland based on the day’s surf conditions. Balian Beach is just a few footsteps away, surf for a week and enjoy 2 meals per day, a private room and transfers to all the best spots with great instruction as well.
Phone: +62 819 9928 35
Jimbaran Bay
Jimbaran, its beautiful bay and surrounds are the foothills to Bukit Peninsula proper. It’s a holiday playground, a fabulous beach that is perfectly suited to families and kids; easily accessible from the car, lots of food and drink vendors, shaded areas and clean, clear waters with a shallow bottom, perfect for young children.
A few must-do’s when in the Jimbaran area are much related to food and eating, why not when you have world-class dining venues such as Nelayan Restaurant and Puri Bar at the Belmond Jimbaran Puri Resort? Enjoy the freshest seafood done in style, a little higher quality, great service and exceptional service.
Try the yellowfin tuna or a hearty Snapper; this is a beachfront dining experience that certainly won’t disappoint. The tropical bamboo timbers and traditional alang-alang roofed Puri Bar is perfect for post-dinner aperitifs and a few relaxing nightcaps to top off the perfect dinner.
Steven is a die-hard Bali island addict and committed surfie. When he's not writing or taking videos of the latest restaurants or cool places, he's at Echo Beach surfing or riding his scooter around Seminyak, Berawa or Canggu. Steve is part of the Bali Villa Escapes marketing team and has been living in and out of Bali for the last 15 years.
