Ulu-watu Should Check Out
ULU CLIFFHOUSE
Soaring above a dramatic 60-metre vertical rock face overlooking the Indian Ocean, Ulu Cliffhouse is one of the most prestigious beach clubs in Bali, with mid-century Californian surf design elements that pay tribute to the region’s history. In April, Ulu Cliffhouse roared back to life post-pandemic with a performance by Berlin-based Korean DJ Peggy Gou.
LA BARACCA
Italian might not be the first thing you think of when visiting Bali. But Loong swears by La Barraca, a cool, casual eatery with a shady courtyard in the back. “I was in Italy not that long ago, and [La Baracca] beats
half of the places there,” he claims. “They serve handmade pasta, cooked perfectly al dente, and the sauces are so flavourful.”
TABU
A newcomer to Uluwatu’s budding restaurant scene, Tabu specialises in a fusion of Mexican and Japanese cuisines. Before you wince at the word “fusion”, we have to say the mix of bold Mexican flavours with Japanese elegance and impossibly fresh ingredients somehow makes Tabu uniquely Balinese.
SUNDAYS BEACH CLUB
Part of The Ungasan Clifftop Resort, Sundays Beach Club has claimed one of the most pristine pockets on the Bukit Peninsula. Guests descend the clifftop via cable car, arriving at a scene of soft white sand, crystal-clear waters and a beach club built from bamboo and alang-alang, a type of tropical grass. Take part in activities like stand-up paddleboarding and surfing, or hire one of the breezy VIP cabanas for a day of lounging, eating and massages.
GOOSEBERRY
Located on a quiet road above Bingin Beach, Gooseberry has a tropical brasserie vibe, with a sprawling outdoor space that features an azure pool flanked by cosy seating. It serves a seasonal menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and is a favourite among locals for long, laidback brunches on weekends. “I love going to Gooseberry for breakfast,” says Loong. “They do outstanding baked goods.”
OURS
A personal favourite of Loong’s, Ours is an airy, modern Mediterranean restaurant with a focus on locally sourced produce. “Ours really sums up where Uluwautu is right now: fun and happening, but not over the top,” Loong says.
THE ISTANA SPA
The first thing they do at The Istana Spa is take your phone and put it away for the duration of your stay.
“People love that,” says Loong. Book one of the two-hour sessions to enjoy use of the spa’s facilities, including saunas, hot and cold plunge pools, an otherworldly sound dome that doubles as a steam room and a clifftop garden that overlooks the surf.