Uluwatu (Pecatu)

Mad Monkey Uluwatu

★★★★★

Uluwatu has long been one of the most expensive corners of Bali to stay in, dominated by cliff-top villas and luxury resorts, so the arrival of Mad Monkey Uluwatu in March 2025 changed the picture for budget travellers. Mad Monkey is a well-known Southeast Asian hostel brand with a reputation for sociable, well-run properties, and its Uluwatu outpost is one of its most ambitious. It sits on Jalan Labuansait in Pecatu, just a few steps from the famous Padang Padang beach, with Bingin and the main Uluwatu surf breaks a few minutes away by scooter, and Uluwatu Temple a short drive south. The facilities read more like a boutique resort than a hostel: a swimming pool with a bar built into a cave, a sauna, an ice bath and a jacuzzi for recovery after surf sessions, an on-site gym, and a restaurant serving Indonesian and Western dishes. Rooms are mainly six-bed dorms in standard and superior grades, each available as mixed or female-only, plus a limited number of private twin rooms. The social side is built in. Every evening at seven, the hostel hosts The Meet Up at the bar with drink deals, and there are daily events and activities designed to help solo travellers meet each other, from beach trips to nights out at the area's clubs. It is lively, so light sleepers should pack earplugs. For anyone who wants to surf Uluwatu's breaks, watch the Kecak at the temple and catch sunsets from the cliff bars without paying villa prices, this is now the obvious choice.

Choosing a room: the superior six-bed dorms cost a little more than the standard dorms and are worth it for extra comfort; women travelling alone can choose female-only dorms in both grades. The private twin rooms are limited and priced well above a dorm bed, so book early if you want one. Check the official site for current rates, which vary by season.

Who it suits: solo backpackers, surfers on a budget and friends travelling together who want a social scene. It is not for families, couples looking for romance, or anyone wanting peace and quiet; for those, Alila Villas Uluwatu or a small guesthouse on the cliffs are better.

Practical notes: Uluwatu is spread out, and you will need a scooter or ride-hailing to get around; scooter riders need a valid licence and a helmet. A taxi or app ride from the airport typically costs in the range of twenty to thirty US dollars, or the hostel can arrange a private car. Padang Padang's reef break is for experts only; beginners should book lessons at gentler spots. Keep belongings secure on the beach stairs, where monkeys are quick to grab things.