The 10 hotspots in Uluwatu, Bali, that you want to go to à la minute

Whether it is still undiscovered - not really, but one thing is certain for me: Bali is great. Great food, great weather, great cocktails and Bintangs, great healthy food, great everything. So it's not entirely surprising that after my first time in Bali I was pretty hooked and I am back here at the time of writing. And yes, it's just in thirty degrees (sorry in advance for rainy Netherlands). In Bali, most people go to the well-known spots, where surf spot Uluwatu is one of them. Now I can surf reasonably poorly, let's just say: not at all, but I am having a great time here. Where, you ask? Check out the 10 coolest hotspots in Uluwatu, Bali.

1. Single Fin. Well, the tips of tips probably when it comes to Uluwatu, and quite understandably too. They are famous and infamous for the parties on Sundays, which you definitely don't want to miss when you're there on that day. But even during the week it's cozy, with nice music, good food, and great happy hours. Pretty good happy hours too, by the way: from five to nine in the evening. Totally fine. Reserve a table at five just to be sure, so you have the ideal spot for the sunset.

2. Sundays Beach Club. When I think of tropical beaches and crystal clear water, I now think of Sundays Beach Club in Uluwatu. Honestly: I am not a big fan of swimming in the sea, but the sea here is particularly beautiful. It can also be particularly wild, so swimming is not always very responsible (indicated with a red flag). I found it bizarre to see the difference between low and high tide here. Every day around five o'clock a campfire is lit (because it's not warm enough yet, but it is atmospheric) and the sunset (around six) is absolutely worth the wait. Come early, because in terms of sunbeds and Fatboys, there are only a limited number available. The entrance fee is IDR 400,000 per person, of which you can spend IDR 200,000 on food and drinks. Nice: you are taken down by a lift.

3. Ulu Cliffhouse. Uluwatu is really a surf spot, and then for the more experienced surfers, as the water here can be quite intense. In terms of beaches, I think you are mainly good at Sundays Beach Club, and otherwise at a beach club with a pool. Like this one. Minimum spend for a day bed here is IDR 1,500,000, which you can share with a maximum of four people for food and drinks. Quite reasonable considering the view, the relaxed pool (with Fatboy to float on), the extensive cocktail menu, and the (healthy) food. You can also reserve your bed here for a maximum time of four hours, but if it's quiet you can stay longer.

4. Suka Espresso. Great for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and I did all three things here. Breakfast with super delicious healthy bowls or an avo smash (admittedly: it's not exactly authentic Indonesian...) and in the evening they have dishes ranging from a quinoa salad to a yellow curry. I went for the latter option and shouted very loudly ’oh yes, please‘ when the gentleman asked if I liked it spicy. Warning: spicy here is fire danger for us. The rest of the evening I didn't taste anything else and was burned out. But it was delicious.

5. District 6. Also open from breakfast to dinner and for drinks afterwards. They have a super extensive menu, from pizza to overnight oats. District 6 is just a stone's throw away from Suka Espresso and often just a bit less busy, so more chance of a table. Also within walking distance of beach clubs like Ulu Cliffhouse and Single Fin, by the way, so if you prefer to spend a bit less than eating at those beach clubs, then this hotspot in Uluwatu (together with Suka Espresso) is a good option.

6. The Cashew Tree. I don't know exactly why, but this name immediately made me suspect that this is a healthy hotspot. And yes, I was right about that. Maybe the combination of ‘tree’ and ‘cashew’ (which I prefer to eat salted, so not exactly healthy). But anyway, you can absolutely have a healthy breakfast and lunch here and the dishes are also to die for.

7. Kelly’s Warung. Don't let the word ‘warung’ mislead you, this is not a real Indonesian eatery where the staff speaks zero English and you have to order with hands and feet (although I find those places very nice and always so incredibly tasty). Kelly’s Warung in Uluwatu is located at Bingin Beach and is a popular spot among surfers. As I said, I don't fall into that category, but it's still very pleasant to be here.

8. The Loft. At The Cashew Tree, I was good in terms of category, here not so much. I thought it would be more of a night thing, with lots of cocktails. Ehm, that can also be here, but it's open from seven in the morning, so it's also visitable for breakfast and dinner. Well, in terms of menu, it's somewhat more of the same: healthy bowls and fresh smoothies and as many smashed avo toasts as you can eat. And of course all super Instagram-worthy. I must honestly admit: I often avoid these kinds of places in Amsterdam, but I found them all really good in Uluwatu. And just incredibly tasty.

9. Rock Bar. This bar is located in the Ayana Hotel and is also known for its sunset view. It's a bit more about seeing and being seen, but the view is indeed not bad, even during the day by the way. More expensive than most places in Uluwatu, but still very affordable by Dutch standards.

10. La Baracca. Bella ciao in Bali, oh yes. That can go very well at this hotspot in Uluwatu. If all the nasi goreng is coming out of your nose or, more likely, you are tired of all the acai bowls and smashed avos, then go here for an Italian evening. They definitely have pizzas (but more spots in Uluwatu have that), but the pastas are top and they also have many vegetarian and vegan options. Good to know: they also have a location in Canggu and Seminyak.

Okay, you understand: I would love to go back to Uluwatu. In fact, to Bali in general. Anytime. And yes, these are indeed the hotspots of Uluwatu in my opinion, but don't forget to eat at a warung every now and then. Not exactly cozy, but for after dinner drinks you can go somewhere else. But mi gado gado, how delicious I ate there. If I ever manage to whip up such soto ayams, mie gorengs or gado gado’s, I will be a happy person.