Getting from Ubud to Uluwatu: A Guide for Female Solo Travelers

I used to think I was an “Ubud babe.” Over breakfast one morning, a local asked me if I was more Ubud or Uluwatu. Without hesitation, I picked Ubud rice fields, cafés, and calm. But the next day I visited Uluwatu for the first time. That evening, I called him back and changed my answer.

Ubud is cool, but it doesn’t have the ocean. Uluwatu does and that made all the difference for me.

In this post, I’ll show you how to get from Ubud to Uluwatu, the best time to go, and a few worthwhile stops along the way. If you’re planning the trip, this guide will help you figure out the easiest and most enjoyable route.

Let’s go!

How Far Is Ubud To Uluwatu?

The distance between Ubud and Uluwatu is about 50 to 55 kilometres (around 30 to 34 miles), depending on your exact starting and ending points.

While that might not sound far, Bali traffic, especially near Denpasar, can stretch the trip to 2 to 3 hours by car or scooter.

It’s a good idea to plan for a few extra stops or breaks along the way.

Best Options’ Overview:

Now that you have a rough idea, let me get to the details!

Best Ways To Get From Ubud To Uluwatu!

#1 Private Driver

Pros: Nice aircon, plenty of room for your luggage, driver stops anywhere you want, great for rainy days!

Cons: You will have to book in advance (the day before at least)

This is my number one choice for a few good reasons.

Private drivers stop anywhere you want. This is a really big deal because Uluwatu is FAR from Ubud and there is a lot to see in between.

Maybe you want to stop for lunch even! Having a flexible driver makes a lot of difference.

👉 I always book mine via Klook.com! It’s convenient and quick. You also get to read reviews from past travellers like you!

#2 Rent A Scooter

Pros: Budget-friendly and offers flexibility in exploring different areas.

Cons: Requires prior experience in riding a scooter and may not be suitable for everyone. Also, not the best option if you are travelling during rainy season or have luggage!

If you feel comfortable riding a scooter in Bali, you should go for it. It’s about a 2-hour ride, depending on traffic and how many times you stop for photos (because trust me, you’re going to want to stop!).

👉 Book your scooter on BikAgo, it’s easy and convenient! You can get your scooter delivered and they can pick it up too!

Costs about 50,000 IDR per day and you are completely independent.

👉 You could also rent a car through Klook.com if you have lots of bags with you!

#3 Book A Grab Car

Booking a car taxi is super easy, honestly! Just whip out your phone and open up a ride-booking app like Grab, which is pretty popular around here.

Once you’re in, just write in your current location (that’d be Ubud) and your destination (Uluwatu, here we come!). The app will show you the cost upfront so there aren’t any nasty surprises at the end.

If everything looks good, hit that ‘Book’ button and voila, your ride is on its way. You can pay by card (just like Uber) or cash!

Approximately 2 to 3 hours of journey time, costing around 300,000 to 400,000 IDR.

#4 Grab Scooter

This is a thrilling and pocket-friendly option, with fares around 200,000 IDR.

This is a more adventurous option. You can hire a scooter taxi via local transportation apps such as GoJek or Grab. It’s quicker than a car taxi as it can weave through the traffic.

Make sure you order an XL scooter taxi via Grab because it’s a lot more comfortable than a regular scooter (check more tips on Grab scooters here!).

#5 Shuttle bus

This is definitely the cheapest way to get from Ubud to Uluwatu, with fares around 60,000 IDR. However, you will have to share the shuttle bus with other travellers, which means more stops on the way!

I also need to add that you will not always find a shuttle bus available, so make sure to check in advance!

👉 Check out shuttle buses on 12Go!

Share The Trip To Save Up!

Sometimes, there are a few FB groups where people ask to share a car to Uluwatu or other places. You could suggest it yourself and see if anyone is willing to share a taxi with you!

I love the FB group called “Solo Travellers in Bali”!

Same with coworking spaces in Ubud, some would have WhatsApp groups. Send a message in the WA group and see if anyone would share costs.

Ubud to Uluwatu is a very popular route, so it’s very likely you will find someone!

Must-Visit Stops Along the Way

Why not make your trip from Ubud to Uluwatu more exciting with a few stops? Here are some ideas to spice up the journey:

• Visit Garuda Wisnu Kencana: This is a beautiful cultural park on the way to Uluwatu! Get your tickets in advance on Get Your Guide

• Nusa Dua: Stop here for a quick swim or just stretch out on the beach and enjoy the sparkling clear water—it’s a perfect spot to recharge.

• Jimbardan: Jimbaran is the spot for catching an unforgettable sunset. This place is also famous for grilled fish dinners by the beach

• Sanur: feeling like a quick stroll? Sanur’s beach is perfect for a relaxed walk before you hop back on the road. There are cute turtle sanctuaries and nice cafes.

You could even go to Sanur in the evening. The live music there is amazing and there are delicious restaurants right on the beach!

Best Places To Stay In Uluwatu

If you haven’t made any reservations yet, these are some of the best hotels in Uluwatu:

Luxury 👉 Six Senses Uluwatu

Mid-range 👉 Melrose

Budget 👉 La Kreyiol

If you are looking for hostels in Uluwatu, you should book Karma Backpacker. Make sure you reserve your spot early because it gets fully booked pretty quickly!

Best Places To Stay In Ubud

If you decide to extend your trip in Ubud, these are the best places – especially for female solo travellers like us!

Luxury 👉 Kebun Indah

Mid-range 👉 Arya Wellness – female only

Budget 👉 Nikuna homestay

Worried about choosing the wrong hostel in Bali?

Get the free guide with the safest and most solo-friendly hostels so you can book with confidence 🌸

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Timing is Everything

When it comes to planning your trip from Ubud to Uluwatu, timing is key. During Bali’s rainy season (November to January), Ubud tends to get quite humid due to its forests, and rainfall becomes more frequent.

-> Check this blog post on things to do in Ubud when it rains for more ideas!

If you prefer drier weather, this may be the perfect time to head to Uluwatu or Canggu instead. However, if you don’t mind a little rain and want to experience Ubud’s magical atmosphere, the rainy season can still offer its unique charm.

On the other hand, the dry season (June to September) is a lot busier with tourists and brings warmer temperatures. So, if you’re a sun seeker and thrive in a busy environment, this might be the ideal time for you to visit.

What Now?

You are probably heading to Uluwatu for some serious surfing or exploring the most amazing beaches in Uluwatu.

However, there is one thing you need to know, especially if you are a girl: tampons are not easy to find! Grab your list of sellers providing tampons in Bali.

This guide includes prices, a free Google Map, popular local brands and exactly where to find tampons with applicators on the island!

Ciao for now,

Silvia x

Worried your period will ruin your holiday?🩸

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