Beneath the Balinese Sun: Part 3

 The Last Day in Uluwatu, Bali: A Perfect Blend of Relaxation and Adventure

October 7, 2025: It was our final morning in Bali, and after several days of exploration, we woke up quite late, feeling the blissful exhaustion that only a fulfilling trip can bring. Our hotel room was basic, nothing fancy, and notably, it lacked a kettle and hence the morning tea! A quick freshen-up was the best way to start the day before heading out for breakfast. The hotel receptionist recommended a nearby spot called Bukit Cafe, and it turned out to be an excellent suggestion. We enjoyed a hearty, delicious meal that perfectly fueled us for the day ahead. Feeling content, we decided to stroll through the nearby market area. The streets were charmingly lined with upscale shops and quaint eateries, making the walk a delightful sensory experience, blending local culture with a touch of modern vibe.

Both Suluban beach and Uluwatu beach can be accessed from here during low tide

Our plan for the day was clear: visit Suluban Beach, Uluwatu Beach, and finally the famed Uluwatu Temple. We were advised to time our beach visits during low tide to fully enjoy the hidden caves and rock formations, so we had plenty of time to leisurely explore the market before heading out. After a satisfying lunch, we made our way first to Suluban Beach, where we spent a couple of tranquil hours. Nestled beneath towering limestone cliffs, Suluban Beach revealed a secret world accessible only when the tide was low. The entrance was through a narrow cave tunnel carved by the ocean, opening onto a crescent of soft white sand kissed by crystal-clear turquoise waves. Jagged rock formations dotted the shore and shallow tide pools reflected the sparkling sunlight, creating a magical coastal landscape. The powerful sound of waves crashing against the cliffs combined with the salty sea breeze made it a peaceful yet invigorating spot.





Suluban beach: A hidden paradise

Just a short walk along the rocks led us to Uluwatu Beach, lying side by side with Suluban but offering a very different vibe. Uluwatu Beach was broader and more open, a paradise for surfers drawn to its world-famous, rolling waves that shaped perfect barrels. The beach’s golden sands stretched invitingly, framed by rugged cliffs, with the vast Indian Ocean stretching endlessly beyond. Surfers dotted the water, skillfully riding the waves, their silhouettes etched against the sparkling blue sea. Watching them with the sun warming our backs was a serene yet energizing experience.

Uluwatu beach at low tide

Our driver then suggested a detour to Melasti Beach, another beautiful coastal stretch with pristine waters and striking cliffs. It was less crowded and gave us some quiet moments to soak in Bali's natural beauty.

Melasti beach is the dusk

The highlight of the day was the visit to Uluwatu Temple just in time for sunset. Perched dramatically on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean, the temple’s view was breathtaking. Uluwatu Temple, or Pura Luhur Uluwatu, is more than just a cliffside temple—it is a spiritual guardian of Bali’s southwestern coast. Perched 70 meters above the Indian Ocean on a steep limestone cliff, the temple is one of Bali’s six key directional temples built to maintain spiritual balance and protect the island from negative forces. Its history dates back to at least the 9th century, with expansions over time attributed to Javanese Hindu sages like Mpu Kuturan and Dang Hyang Nirartha. The temple’s architecture embodies traditional Balinese philosophy, using natural materials like coral stone and black lava rock, and features multi-tiered Meru roofs and intricately carved gates symbolizing the path from the physical world to the spiritual realm. As dusk settled, we were treated to the mesmerizing Kecak dance performance, a traditional Balinese fire and trance ritual that told ancient stories with a hypnotic chorus of chanting and graceful movements.

Ticket to Uluwatu temple comes with a free mandatory sarong

Adding a playful twist to the experience were the many mischievous monkeys inhabiting the temple grounds. One cheeky monkey even tried to open Soumitra’s backpack while he was busy capturing the perfect snapshot! Surprisingly, the monkeys paid no attention to me, which was a small relief.


Spectacular sunset at the Uluwatu temple

Uluwatu is undoubtedly a must-visit destination for surfers craving world-class waves. For other travelers pressed for time, a half-day trip from Kuta covers the highlights well enough while still giving a memorable glimpse of Bali’s coastal charm and cultural richness.

October 8, 2025: It's finally time to bid adieu to Bali. We head to Kolkata craving some home-cooked comfort food, but the scent of frangipani and the sound of the waves will linger long. Already dreaming of where the compass needle will point when the travel bug bites again. Until then, sampai jumpa!

Post-Trip Practicalities

  • Time Difference: Bali (Indonesia - Central Indonesian Time, WITA) is 2.5 hours ahead of Indian Standard Time (IST).

  • Currency Exchange Rate (October 2025):

    • As of October 2025, the approximate exchange rate is 1 INR = 187 - 189 Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). (Note: Actual market and cash exchange rates will vary.)

  • Flight Details (We took AirAsia connecting flight via Kuala Lumpur):

    • Kolkata (CCU) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL): Approximate flight duration is 3 hours 45 minutes to 4 hours.

    • Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Denpasar (DPS): Approximate flight duration is 3 hours to 3 hours 5 minutes.

  • Approximate Flight Fare:

    • A round-trip flight ticket from Kolkata to Denpasar (Bali) typically ranges from approximately ₹20,000 to ₹40,000 INR per person, depending on how early you book, travel season, and chosen ancillary services (baggage, meals, etc.).

  • Connectivity - Getting a SIM Card:

    • We found purchasing a Telkomsel SIM card right at the airport upon arrival extremely convenient. The activation process was quick, allowing instant connectivity with a generous package (like the 25 GB high-speed data plan for 250,000 IDR). The network coverage proved excellent, remaining strong even during our trips to Nusa Penida.

  • Modes of Transport in Bali for Sightseeing:

    • Hiring a Private Driver: Most popular and convenient for day trips and covering multiple attractions, offering flexibility.

    • Rideshare Apps (Grab and Gojek): Widely available and affordable for short-to-medium distances in key tourist areas (car or scooter-taxi service).

    • Scooter Rental: Cheapest and fastest way for experienced riders to navigate traffic, provided you have the necessary international driving permit (IDP).

    • Taxis: Available, but it's advisable to use reputable companies or negotiate the fare beforehand.

    • Tourist Shuttle Buses (e.g., Kura-Kura Bus, Perama): Connects major tourist hubs like Kuta, Seminyak, Sanur, and Ubud.

    • What we did: We chose a mix of Gojek and hiring a private driver with car. Considering the Bali traffic and the scorching sun, this seemed the most hassle-free option for us. Renting a scooter is another popular and cheaper option.

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