Honest Review of The Korowai Boutique Hotel in Uluwatu
Uluwatu is such a beautiful place in Bali but sometimes looking for the right accommodation is not that easy, especially if you are looking for an intimate place and blend completely in with nature.
I recently had the opportunity to stay at The Korowai in Uluwatu, and I want to share my honest review of this unique accommodation.
If you’re considering a stay here, especially as a solo traveller, you will notice this place is quite pricey so you are probably wondering if it’s worth booking your stay at The Korowai.
Well, hopefully, this post will give you an idea of what to expect!
Are you ready?
Let’s dive in!
How to Reach The Korowai
Getting to The Korowai from the Airport
Reaching The Korowai is pretty straightforward, especially if you’re coming from Ngurah Rai International Airport. The hotel is about a 30-minute drive from the airport, and they offer a paid airport shuttle service, which can be booked in advance. Alternatively, taxis are readily available at the airport, and the ride to The Korowai is relatively inexpensive.
Once you arrive, you’ll find that the hotel is conveniently located within walking distance of several popular beaches. If you enjoy a bit of adventure, renting a scooter is a great way to explore the area and discover hidden gems along the coast.
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Reaching the Korowai from the taxi
I know it sounds strange but once you get off the taxi, you are not there yet! You have to walk down a path for about 10/15 minutes depending on how clumsy you are (for me even 20 minutes).
But trust me when I say every time a place is difficult to reach is always 100% worth it! The Korowai is exactly on your way down to Impossible Beach which is one of the most beautiful beaches in Uluawtu.
It’s also less touristy because of course it’s less accessible
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Arrival and First Impressions
The customer service here goes above and beyond any other place in Bali. They started contacting me on WhatsApp even before my stay. This is to make sure I had their contact number and that they will help take your bags to The Korowai. I really appreciated this gesture!
As soon as I got there, I was welcomed very warmly (like always in Bali!) and went through the check-in in no time at all! I had a good gut feeling about this place straight away because it really feels like you are genuinely cared for. This is really nice when you travel alone – in my case, I was also injured (surf accident!).
After my check-in, the staff showed me around and took me to the room which is what we are going to discuss next!
Rooms At The Korowai
The staff showed me around and inside the room as well. Because, yes, there’s a thing or two to know about this place. Monkeys would visit regularly (read my paragraph later in this post).
My room at The Korowai was like a dream! It was mainly made out of bamboo and wood, like a treehouse. The terrace was definitely the highlight of the stay. I opted for a room with a private pool and ocean views. I’ve spent my evenings there watching the sunset with a frangipani flower in my hair. The terrace was really big, enough for a workout (I do MWH Pilates when I travel). There is also a lovely table with chairs and sunbeds.
The room was equipped with all the essentials—comfortable bedding, air conditioning, and fast Wi-Fi. I appreciated the attention to detail, with bed linens and towels provided fresh daily. However, the electricity might come off from time to time. This is totally normal as this place is literally on a cliff! The views from the room are stunning too. I had the best sleep and tried to really disconnect from my digital devices.
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Location of The Korowai in Uluwatu
I know we discussed how to get there but we need to talk about where The Korowai is in more detail. From your room, you can walk down maybe 4 minutes and you are right on the Impossible Beach. You can watch an amazing sunset from there. In the evening there will be an impressive low tide and people walk from there all the way to Padang Padang Beach!
If you love surfing, take your surfboard with you because you will love the waves there. You have to be advanced level though and I would recommend wearing sea shoes as there would be a few rocks in the beginning.
So from The Korowai’s cafe go down the steps and turn right. There is no sign so just turn right as soon as you see some room to turn. That’s where the beach is! If you can’t find it ask the staff. Your room will also have a beautiful beach bag and towel, remember to pick them up. There is also a secret spot if you go down (instead of turning right to the Impossible Beach) and turn left. There are some beautiful rocks. I used to go there with my towel and a book, you will be totally on your own!
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Dining Options Near The Korowai
While The Korowai itself doesn’t feature a full restaurant, there’s a cute café on-site that serves delicious meals and refreshments. I found it to be the perfect spot for breakfast or a light lunch, with a menu offering a variety of local and international dishes. The relaxed atmosphere made it an ideal place to unwind with a book or plan my day.
In addition, there are numerous dining options within a short walking distance. You can find beachside warungs (small restaurants) that serve fresh seafood and traditional Balinese cuisine. I highly recommend trying Nasi Goreng (fried rice) or Soto Ayam (chicken broth) at a local warung for an authentic taste of Bali.
Activities in the Area
One of the best aspects of staying at The Korowai is the wide range of activities available nearby. Whether you’re into surfing, yoga, or exploring cultural sites, Uluwatu has something for everyone. Here are a few activities I recommend:
- Surfing: If you’re a beginner or want to improve your skills, numerous surf schools offer lessons nearby. Alternatively, experienced surfers can catch some incredible waves at Bingin Beach or Suluban Beach. Check out the best surf schools here.
- Uluwatu Temple: This iconic temple is perched on a cliff and offers breathtaking ocean views. It’s also the perfect spot to catch a stunning sunset, so be sure to plan your visit accordingly.
- Kecak Fire Dance: After visiting the temple, consider staying for the traditional Kecak dance performance that takes place in the amphitheatre overlooking the sea. The combination of cultural storytelling and sunset views makes for an unforgettable experience. I would recommend this tour which includes both the temple visit and the Kecak fire dance.
- Yoga Retreats: Uluwatu is home to various yoga studios that offer classes for all levels. Joining a morning session can be a fantastic way to connect with your inner self while enjoying the tranquil surroundings. Alchemy is one of the best yoga studios in Uluwatu, I would definitely check it out!
🌧️ Rainy day? No problem! This is a list of things to do when it rains in Uluwatu!
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Monkeys at The Korowai
Beware of the Monkeys!
If you’re familiar with Bali, you know that monkeys can be both cute and mischievous. When you get to your room with the hotel staff, make sure you ask what time the monkeys will come. Trust me on this, it’s like they wear a watch, they are ON TIME every single day. They go to the same places every day, at the same time. And when they come, they will literally steal everything.
During my stay they even stole the lightbulbs of my terrace, I mean the audacity! I locked myself in and I watched them having fun in my pool and everywhere on the terrace! They are funny for sure but make sure you never leave anything outside and doors/windows are always locked.
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Downsides of Staying at The Korowai as a Solo Traveller
While my experience at The Korowai was absolutely positive, there are a few downsides worth mentioning. Being a smaller hotel, it doesn’t offer the extensive amenities found at larger resorts. If you’re seeking a bustling atmosphere with numerous on-site activities, you might find The Korowai quieter.
Additionally, as a solo traveller, socialising can sometimes be challenging in smaller accommodations. However, the chilled environment and friendly staff make it easier to connect with fellow guests (maybe by the cafe) if you’re looking for some company. Also, sometimes it’s nice to have some alone time!
👉 Check Available Rooms At The Korowai
Final Thoughts on The Korowai in Uluwatu
In summary, my stay at The Korowai in Uluwatu was an amazing experience. I highly recommend The Korowai for anyone looking to enjoy the beauty of Uluwatu in an intimate setting.
If you are scared of monkeys, honestly, they are not a problem because they wouldn’t show up that often, only at the time that the staff will tell you! When that happens, I would stay inside if I were you, because it’s a lot of them! Enjoy!
Ciao for now,
Silvia x
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✍️ Bali Travel Planning Guide 🌴
Before you start your unforgettable journey to Bali here are the essential tips every female solo traveller should know:
📱 Do I need an eSIM for Bali?
✅ Yes. Having data from the moment you land makes your trip so much easier. I recommend Ubigi eSIM, which connects instantly without queuing at the airport for a SIM card and works better than other eSIMs I have tested. 👉 Get your Indonesia plan now
🚑 Should I buy travel insurance for Bali?
✅ 100% YES! — My #1 safety tip for all travellers is to buy travel insurance for every trip in case anything happens during their visit (and yes, Bali belly is a thing!). I highly recommend HeyMondo – you get 24/7 support and it’s budget-friendly!
💧Can you drink the water in Bali?
🚱 No — It’s recommended to drink filtered or bottled water in Bali (I even brush my teeth with filtered water).
🏩 What’s the best way to book my Bali accommodations?
My go-to for Bali hotels is Booking.com. For hostels, I normally go for Hostelworld (you can also filter by private rooms if you want!). If you love pets you should consider Trusted Housesitters, you would get free accommodation in exchange for looking after amazing pets ❤️
🐒 What’s the best way to book my Bali activities?
Get Your Guide and Viator are the best ones. You can go through the reviews to learn more about each activity and they have amazing customer support!
🛒 Will I find tampons in Bali?
Yes! However, they are hard to find! Get the guide with the list of sellers and Google Map here!
🚕 How can I book my taxi in advance from the airport to my accommodation?
I always recommend reserving your taxi in advance via Klook. This is because it will ask you for flight details and the driver will be able to track your flight in real time. I would book my taxi especially when I fly to new places or get there at night time! If you want to rent a car, Klook is still your best bet. They have cars available to pick up right at the airport! For scooter rental in Bali, go to BikAgo.
🏄🏽 Where can I book surf camps or yoga retreats?
Booksurfcamps.com is the best for surf camps all over the world. Use Bookyogaretreats.com for the best yoga retreats in Bali and worldwide.
✈️ What’s the best site to book my flight?
Skyscanner is definitely the best one out there! I love their “explore everywhere” function for when I need inspiration on where to go next! If you will embark on a long flight and you love showering in between flights or just using the lounges in airports all over the world, check out Lounge Passes on Klook, GetYourGuide or get a lounge membership on Priority Pass!
🎫 Do I need a visa for Bali?
👍 Yes — US, UK, and EU passport holders can get the Visa On Arrival (Tourist Visa) valid for 30 days in Bali. Read more here)
💰 𝗖𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆: The currency here is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), and there are plenty of ATMs if you need cash. I always withdraw from ATMs to get the best rates (select “no” when it asks you if you accept the conversion rate). The best debit card to use when travelling to Bali is Wise!
🚕 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Getting around Bali is easy peasy! Rent your scooter on BikAgo. The alternative would be getting a scooter taxi using Grab or Gojek which are safe and cheap in major places like Ubud, Canggu and Uluwatu. You can also book your private driver!
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