Pecatu, Ungasan and Kutuh areas in Bali

The areas of Pecatu, Ungasan, and Kutuh are quite similar to each other, so it's more accurate to talk about all three at once. They are located in the southwestern part of the Bukit Peninsula and share similarities in nature, infrastructure, and overall atmosphere.

If you ask someone living in one of these areas for a couple of weeks where they live, you're likely to hear "Bukit," "Uluwatu," or "Nusa Dua" as a response. It's very rare to hear the names Pecatu, Ungasan, and especially Kutuh.

From the airport to one of these areas, it can take anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes depending on your specific destination. Add an extra 20 to 30 minutes for traffic, which often builds up before and after sunset on Uluwatu Street. Additionally, expect the same amount of time for the construction of an underground interchange near the airport, which has affected the Ngurah Rai Bypass. Due to this construction, traffic from Jimbaran to the toll plaza moves at the speed of a very tired and sick pedestrian during certain hours.

If you plan to live in Pecatu, Ungasan, or Kutuh, you'll need to sort out transportation. Getting around without it will be difficult.

You can use services like Bluebird taxis, online taxis like Grab, Uber, or Gojek. However, keep in mind that many local transport operators, called "bajajs," protect their drivers and prohibit online taxis from picking up passengers in certain areas. For popular places like Single Fin Bar or Uluwatu Temple, it can be quite challenging to leave using an online taxi. Local taxi drivers may confront the online taxi drivers and pull passengers out of their vehicles.

If you hail an online taxi near a popular place, be prepared for the driver to ask you to move away from that location. And don't mention Uber, Grab, or Gojek to the taxi drivers around you. Instead, say that a personal driver will pick you up.

Renting a car or bike will make things much easier for you. Both cars and bikes are convenient for getting around these areas. Typically, restaurants and shops have enough parking space for cars.

If you don't like busy, polluted main roads, you probably won't enjoy Uluwatu Street very much. Tourist buses, trucks, and heavy vehicles climbing uphill can be quite a hassle. I recommend exploring the local shortcuts, which will allow you to move between beaches without using the main road. Using these shortcuts, you can easily travel from Jimbaran Beach to Balangan, from Balangan to Dreamland, and from Dreamland to Bingin without having to go onto Uluwatu Street.

Before it became a tourist attraction, the Bukit Peninsula was not particularly interesting to the original inhabitants of Bali. The soil here is infertile and completely unsuitable for rice cultivation.

Boats find it more convenient to dock along the gently sloping shore, which is why the fishing village was and partially still is located on Jimbaran Beach.

For a long time, the Bukit area was not very populated, and the few residents who inhabited it were newcomers - Balinese who had left their villages or residents from neighboring islands. To this day, you won't see in these areas such a huge number of traditional Balinese houses and carefully maintained Balinese villages as you can find closer to the central part of Bali.

At the same time, Balinese temples, pavilions for local government meetings called "wantilan," and rare houses in Balinese style are also present. Sometimes, you can drive in the evening along the road from the beach and hear a rehearsal of a traditional gamelan orchestra in a pavilion by the road. If you're curious about traditional music, feel free to approach, listen, and enjoy this unplanned concert.

After foreigners discovered the surf spots in Bali, the Bukit area was a surfer's paradise for a long time.

Later, with the arrival of broader interest in the area, it gained a new dimension of fame as the epicenter of magnificent villas with breathtaking ocean views. This was largely thanks to renowned resort hotels like Bulgari and Banyan Tree, which elevated the concept of luxury in Bukit to a new level.

Expensive, elegant villas nestled on the cliffs of Bukit. This was followed by the emergence of beach clubs and exquisite restaurants with views of the ocean expanses.

Different categories of tourists visit these areas. Some come exclusively for surfing.

Some people come to relax in luxurious villas with ocean views from the cliffs. Someone goes to soak up the light soft sand of the beaches.

Someone - to go paragliding. Some people just love Bukit sunsets.

As I understand it, the audience gathered here is very diverse and varied in terms of budget.

Pecatu, Ungasan, and Kutuh are similar to each other with their white sandy beaches, majestic, and picturesque limestone cliffs. It's pleasant to swim on many beaches here even during the rainy season. Currents also bring plastic to the beaches of Balangan, Dreamland, Bingin, Padang-Padang.

But not in such quantities as in Kutu and Seminyak. Volcanic inclusions sometimes form in the sand, forming bizarre beige and black patterns. This can be seen especially clearly in Dreamland.

The water on the beaches is azure. If there are no waves, it is transparent. If there are waves, they are mixed with sand, but still the same alluring blue.

The climate of Bukit is predominantly dry, with rocky and not particularly fertile soil. In these areas, lush greenery can be seen during the rainy season, but from July to September, you are more likely to encounter yellowed grass and dry leaves on trees. However, if you live in Bukit during the rainy season, you'll have fewer chances of finding mold in homes compared to residents of Ubud, for example.

The air here is filled with a sweet-earthly aroma of greenery. Along the roads, living hedges of trees intertwined with crossbars twist. Cacti reaching human height are a completely normal phenomenon here. Welcome to the tropics.

In many places along the road and in the fields, cows graze, whose grace and elegance could rival that of deer.

The peninsula has a different geological origin, being a limestone massif from the tertiary period that emerged from the ocean. In contrast, much of Bali is volcanic. This is why the nature of Bukit differs significantly from the rest of Bali.

There aren't many truly upscale five-star resort hotels and villa complexes in these areas. But many of them are located on the tops of cliffs and provide guests with breathtaking ocean views.

Among the most recommended are The Edge Bali with the recently opened OneEighty cliff club,

Bukit is known for its abundance of relatively affordable private villas. If you're looking to relax with a group of friends in an area with beautiful beaches and don't mind traveling a bit to reach them, then finding a villa in Pecatu, Ungasan, or Kutuh could be the optimal solution.

In these areas, there are plenty of budget guesthouses available for tourists with a moderate budget. Among the guesthouses priced at up to $35 per night and with good reviews, you might consider:

Telaga Sari - with a swimming pool, near Bingin Beach

Jepun Sari - with a swimming pool, the nearest beach is Bingin

The Gong by Bukit Vista - with swimming pool, nearest Suluban Beach

The Bali Boarding House - very atmospheric, inexpensive, but there is no pool and the beach is a bit far away, the nearest beaches are Bingin or Melasti,

Olas homestay - inexpensive, no pool, but close to Bingin and Padang Padang,

The Bingin Green View - with a swimming pool and a pleasant green lawn near Bingin beach,

Orange Balangan Bungalow - with a swimming pool, equally close to both Balangan beach and Dreamland.

Prices for long-term rentals are very favorable for those who want to live on Bali for several months or even years. If you're looking for a home for long-term rent, I can recommend exploring areas such as Akasia Park Residence, Arjuna, and the neighboring area immediately to the left of the entrance gate to Dreamland. These areas typically always have some houses available for rent, which can accommodate a large family or be shared among a group of friends. You can simply drive around the areas you like, searching for "for rent" signs.

In Pecatu and Ungasan there are many beaches suitable for swimming. Therefore, in most cases, if you come to Bali on a moderate budget and live in a guesthouse or house without a pool, you will not greatly limit yourself in the pleasure of swimming.

The nightlife scene is present but not as vibrant as in Seminyak and Kuta, for example. Among the main events that traditionally attract weekly gatherings, we can mention the Sunday parties at Single Fin, as well as smaller but equally cozy gatherings there on Wednesdays.

Single Fin is located on the top of a cliff overlooking the ocean. During the day, the atmosphere is relaxed and surf-oriented, with many Australians and Brazilians in casual clothing. Prices for dishes range from around 85,000 to 90,000 Indonesian Rupiah on average. They offer a good selection of cocktails and mocktails. There's also healthy food options, such as smoothie bowls from the Nalu Bowls chain, which are popular among expats.

Before sunset, you can descend from the cliff via a staircase with steep steps down to a cave. From the cave, you can walk to the right under a stone arch.

The beach there is not very big, but very interesting for photography. Or you can go back to the cave, gather your fears into a fist and squeeze into the narrow passage between the stones and go out onto the expanses of the white spacious beach. This place captivates with the power of the ocean and a giant cliff rising to a height of 90 meters.

Although it is not ideal for swimming, it is used for sunbathing and swimming.

And in the eastern part of the beach, a pile of shaggy green boulders begins, which in their severity are reminiscent of the character of the Bukit Peninsula.

Be careful along the way. The monkey grazing here knows his monkey trade very well and periodically tries to carry the bags of unwary tourists.

Closer to sunset, lovers of beautiful views gather in Single Fin. If you want to take a good place to admire the sunset colors in the sky, arrive early - at 17.00 - 17.30. Just before sunset the club will be very crowded.

People anxiously walk around the club in search of at least a couple of seats with a view. They sit down at tables nearby and if one of those sitting “in the front row” leaves ahead of time, then the lucky ones joyfully rush to these places.

Spectators in the front row prop up their smartphones with bottles of beer and take time-lapses, trying to compress the magic of the sunset into incredibly bright and exciting moments. The sky's hues change every couple of minutes, flashing pinks, purples and yellows here and there against the darkening blue.

If you come to Single Fin for sunset and all the seats are occupied, then go to the nearby cafes with sunset views.

On Thursdays, The Cashew Tree restaurant near Bingin Beach hosts live music concerts. The rest of the time, Cashew is a great healthy food restaurant that's perfect for a family outing.

The cafe is located in a quiet place, away from the noise and dust of the main streets. Quiet and calm, clean air, a lot of greenery around.

There are also parties at the beach clubs Karma Beach, Ulu Cliffhouse,

Omnia. These are higher class establishments. Be prepared for high prices. Karma Beach hosts regular movie screenings on Mondays.

Despite being somewhat remote, these areas have some interesting places that are beloved by tourists.

Pura Luhur Uluwatu Temple

This temple complex is one of the largest and most revered in Bali.

Uluwatu Temple is a Balinese sea temple dedicated to the supreme Balinese deity Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa. It is built on top of a 70-meter cliff. The name itself reflects this, as "ulu" translates from Balinese as "edge" and "watu" as "high rock" or "cliff."

In Balinese mythology, the cliff is said to be part of the petrified ship of the goddess Dewi Danu, the protector of the water element.

The temple at this site has existed since time immemorial but was expanded by the Javanese sage Empu Kuturan in the 11th century. It is said that another sage, Dang Hyang Nirartha, attained enlightenment here and ascended. In Balinese, this is called "ngeluhur," which means ascending upwards. This is why the word "Luhur," meaning ascension, is included in the temple's name. Thus, it is a temple of ascension.

Another attraction of the temple is the mischievous monkeys that tourists often take photos with. It is highly recommended to hide away anything that might attract the monkeys because anything left out can easily be stolen. Attempting to protect your belongings risks being bitten by the monkeys. There have been no cases of rabies among the temple's monkeys, but cases of tourists being bitten are quite common.

Before sunset, the temple's amphitheater hosts the Kecak dance. This is a unique blend of trance dance and ballet based on the Hindu epic Ramayana, which tells the story of Prince Rama's quest to rescue his abducted wife Sita from the island of Lanka. The performance lasts exactly an hour, just enough to keep the audience engaged. After the show, everyone eagerly takes photos with the star of the show and the most colorful comedic character - the actor in the Hanuman costume, the monkey king.

If you walk along the path between the amphitheater and the ocean before the Kecak performance, you'll come out to a spacious clearing. From here, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the ocean. Thrill-seekers like to sit here on the edge of the cliff, dangling their legs over the abyss.

Near the temple, there is a beautiful lookout called Tebing Karang Boma.

It's wild and undeveloped, so safety is your responsibility. You can find it using coordinates. Park near the iron gates and make your way to this magical place through the paths and clearings. Be cautious. This area is used for regular cattle grazing, so cow pats will greet you every few meters.

The views are dizzying. Keep yourself in check and don't pose too close to the edge.

GVK Park is a space that is partially carved out of the rock. Large concerts are often held here. In the park's amphitheater you can watch interesting dance performances throughout the day. The latest schedule of dance performances can be viewed on the park's website. You can ride a Segway in the park.

These beaches are not suitable for serious and comfortable swimming due to strong ocean waves. Despite this, it's hard to deny yourself the pleasure of refreshing after a hard climb, and people still splash around in the shallow waters during low tide.

The desolation of these beaches is very advantageous for Instagram enthusiasts and professional photographers. On Nyang-Nyang Beach, there lies a shipwreck adorned with bright and romantic graffiti. Moreover, one of the most unusual hotels in Bali, the Bubble Hotel, is located here, which at first glance looks like evidence of Bali's visitation by extraterrestrial civilizations.

There are about 500 steps leading to the beaches, so be patient and drink water.

Nyang Nyang Beach is one of the paragliding points in Bukit.

In Pecatu, Ungasan, and Kutuh, there are large chain grocery stores:

Nirmala Supermarket Ungasan - at the border of Jimbaran and Ungasan,

Nirmala Supermarket Pecatu,

Nirmala Balangan - new, not very large, and a bit empty, but essential products are available,

Pepito Market Uluwatu,

Pepito Express - Pecatu,

There are also grocery markets, and along the roads, you'll find vegetable and fruit stalls.

If you live not too far from the southern part of Bukit, you'll surely indulge in trips to the fish market in Kedonganan. In the northern part of Jimbaran Beach - Kedonganan closer to the airport is the seafood market (Pasar Ikan Kedonganan), where you can buy fresh fish. It's best to go there in the morning, although the market itself operates until sunset, around 6:00 - 7:00 PM. Prices at this market are usually fixed because locals and foreigners are quoted the same price. You can have the purchased fish grilled at one of the cafes located in the market and enjoy it at a table overlooking the beach. Choose mahi-mahi, tuna, prawns, Napoleon fish, and dorado, and you won't go wrong.

In Pecatu, Ungasan, and Kutuh, there are numerous restaurants catering to all budget levels - from sophisticated gourmet options like the Di Mare restaurant in the Karma Kandara complex to local eateries called warungs.

For luxurious options for a romantic dinner, you can confidently recommend the restaurant and beach club El Kabron.

The beaches of these three areas can be discussed endlessly. This is the main reason why tourists choose Bukit. Each beach has its own face, its own zest. And among many other beaches, you can easily distinguish the beaches of Pecatu, Ungasan and Kutuha.

If you are looking for a pleasant beach in these areas for comfortable swimming during the rainy season, choose Pandawa or Melasti. They are visually similar. However, Pandawa is a more developed beach, which can sometimes be quite crowded. Melasti, on the other hand, is quieter and more peaceful.

Be cautious. Surf spots in Bukit are reef breaks, and while some are suitable for higher-level surfing, others are for lower levels. There are no spots for absolute beginners. If you've never surfed before, start with your first steps in Kuta.

In Pecatu, Ungasan, and Kutuh, there are several paragliding spots, including the aforementioned Nyang Nyang, Gunung Payung, and Timbis (Pandawa). As the saying goes, each praises its own swamp, and likewise, every paragliding company claims to have the longest flight and the most beautiful views.

If your inner child periodically rages and you no longer know how to calm him down, try to occupy him with war games. Paintball center Paintball in Bali Jimbaran Hill is located in Ungasan.

Cashew Tree has its own Muay Thai studio. So if you have always dreamed of taking up this martial arts, consider that you have a lucky chance not to put it off on the back burner.

And as you understand, a place like Bukit could not be avoided by the ubiquitous yoga.

Consider PADMA yoga studio. If you're not among those who believe yoga should be practiced in its pure form without mixing, try Gym Juice Yoga studio. It's located near the entrance to Dreamland and combines yoga, martial arts, and boxing.