Uluwatu has always been one of my favorite places in Bali and Southeast Asia. My dream has been to live here, as it's a small surf town with amazing beaches. However, it's always lacked good restaurants, nice food, gyms, and other amenities for long-term living.
I've been a digital nomad in Bali and Southeast Asia for almost three years now, and I've lived in Canggu for the last year. I wanted to see if Uluwatu had improved and if it was a place I could live long-term.
I'm staying at Dreamland Beach, one of my favorite beaches in Uluwatu. It's conveniently located near a variety of activities, and it's a great place to swim and unwind.
Uluwatu Has Developed Over the Last Year
Uluwatu has developed over the last year and now offers a wider range of activities, including paddleboarding. There are multiple locations for paddleboarding, and the area has seen an increase in gyms, spas, saunas, and similar amenities. However, the number of open paddle games is less compared to Canggu.
The spot I frequent for paddle also offers an ice pad and sauna. Though less trendy than Canggu hotspots, the availability of these options is a welcome feature.
However, I find the racket rental and paddle expensive here compared to Canggu. In Canggu, it's included in the paddle fee.
Warung Local - Great Value for Indonesian Food
I went to Warung Local for lunch today. It's a good value for Indo food at around seven dollars for two dishes and a smoothie. The food was good, but not exceptional.
Other restaurants in Uluwatu seem pricier than those in Canggu.
Klapa Resort - A Good Option Near Dreamland Beach
I'm staying at Klapa Resort near Dreamland Beach. It's 40-60 dollars per night with an ocean view and rooftop pool. The resort is older but still a good option with some drawbacks like Wi-Fi quality.
I'm looking for long-term living options within a budget of 600-800 dollars per month. The room isn't exceptional but has an ocean view and is comfortable with a spacious bathroom. The Wi-Fi isn't the best but works adequately for work.
There are many new sunset bars in Uluwatu. Single Fin is a classic spot to watch surfers and the sunset on Sundays. However, it's busy on Sundays, making it difficult to find space to watch the surfers and sunset.
Dreamland Beach is also a nice spot to watch the sunset with a super nice vibe and plenty of space.
There are many new sunset bars in the Tullabon beach area besides Single Fin. I enjoy watching surfers while having a Bintang at one of these bars. It's less crowded than Single Fin.
I went to Singelfinn today for two pizzas for one promo. The pizza was good, and I enjoyed the sunset, live music, and the overall Uluwatu vibes.
Habitat Village - Gym & Spa
I visited Habitat village today. It offers gym, spa, sauna, ice bath, restaurants, accommodation etc., but the gym isn't fully ready yet during my visit.
Bamboo Fitness is another gym option that looks great but lacks a sauna and an ice bath. The monthly prices are high, especially considering the lack of these amenities.
Rattan is the next place I'm staying at. It's well located with good design at a reasonable price of 30-40 dollars per night.
It feels more homey than a hotel but lacks the beachfront location. It's still within driving distance of anywhere in Uluwatu.
Bamboo Fitness has nice design but lacks some amenities like sauna and ice bath that I want. They offer classes and have a cafe on-site. Daily prices are affordable but monthly prices are high without sauna and ice bath facilities.
Samtai Recovery Spa provides a relaxing pool area, an ice bath, a jacuzzi, and a large sauna for just $13 per visit.
Living in Uluwatu vs Canggu:
- Paddle: More expensive racket rental
- Restaurants: More expensive
- Accommodation: Similar price
- Amenities: Less developed
- Sunset: More crowded
Canggu is better for long-term living due to lower costs and more developed amenities like gyms and restaurants.
Uluwatu is better for short-term stays due to its beautiful beaches and sunsets.
If you're looking for a quiet beach town vibe with fewer tourists or digital nomads, Uluwatu might be better for you than Canggu.