Escape to Bukit Peninsula, Bali's Surfing Paradise

Lost Guides author and photographer Anna Chittenden knows more than a thing or two about Bali, and just published an off-beat travel guidebook to the dreamy island. Here's her rundown of the Bukit Peninsula in the southern region.

THE SCENE

Bukit Peninsula, locally known as the Bukit, has been a magnet for surfers drawn to the region's endless string of perfect Indo-waves since the 1970s. While nomadic surfers still descend in droves, the cliffside villages have become a retreat for bohemian travelers looking to experience the laid-back side of Bali.

The Bukit is defined by its stunning shoreline with craggy limestone cliffs that tower over an azure-tinted ocean. The beaches are exactly how you'd imagine them to be in Bali: Cream-colored sand sweeps around a shoreline with piercing blue waters crashing on the coast. Steep cliff access means the beaches are quiet, aside from a sprinkling of cafes and local eateries called warungs. Days are spent perched on a surfboard, evenings are spent drinking Bintang beers at a ramshackled beach bar, and nights pass in a wooden Balinese bungalow on a cliff.

LAY OF THE LAND

Located in the southernmost point of the island, the Bukit is split into four major neighborhoods: Uluwatu is for die-hard surf fanatics. Bingin is where you'll find beautiful beaches and boutique hideaways. Balangan is a quiet and simple surf spot. And Jimbaran is fairly developed with high-end hotels but maintains historical sites like its traditional fish market.

The view at Bingin Beach.

Dragon fruit smoothie at Kelly's Warung on Bingin Beach, Bali.

IF YOU ONLY DO ONE THING

Bingin Beach is one of my favorite beaches on Bali. Not only because it has soft white sand, crystal turquoise waters, and a lack of crowds, but also because it's one of those friendly, unpretentious places where travelers come and chat over dragon fruit smoothies at Kelly's Warung and trade travel secrets while sitting on their surfboards waiting for a wave.

WHAT I KNEW ON THE LAST DAY THAT I WISH YOU HAD KNOWN ON THE FIRST

There's a secret beach that not many people know about called Nyang Nyang. It's hard to get to (you have to climb down 500 steps), but once you are there, you usually have the place to yourself, with perhaps a few locals spearfishing in the sea.

Hungry surfers fuel up at Kelly's Warung.

The Uluwatu bowl at Nalu Bowls.

WHAT TO DO

Yoga
Drop-in vinyasa flow classes are held at the lovely Morning Light Yoga every day at 7:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. This breezy open-air yoga studio is surrounded by lush foliage and situated high enough to enjoy views of the ocean.

The Beach
Along with the lovely Bingin and Nyang Nyang beaches, Padang Padang is another one to visit. The quiet and secluded beach in the small village of Padang Padang is the perfect place to relax and take in the glorious Bukit coastline. Come early in the morning for a swim and you'll have the sand and sea all to yourself. Not all beaches in Bali are suitable for swimming so this is a great spot.

Surfing
Bukit Peninsula is a surfer's haven. You are spoiled by choice when it comes to looking for the perfect break. Head to Uluwatu if you want a challenge or Bingin, Padang Padang, and Balangan if you are at the beginner to intermediate level. There are plenty of teachers around to show you the ropes.

Sightseeing
Slightly south of the surf breaks at Uluwatu Beach lies a Hindu temple locally known as Pura Luhur Uluwatu or Uluwatu Temple. The draw isn't the structure itself (Bali has more impressive temples dotted around the island), but the striking scenery. Situated on a limestone cliff 70 meters above the roaring ocean, it's especially beautiful at sunset. One of the oldest in Bali, the sacred sea temple was originally built in the 11th century.

Live Music
The Bukit is lucky enough to have two fabulous live music evenings. If you're around during the week, head to The Cashew Tree for their Thursday Sessions and over the weekend for Single Fin's Sunday Sunset Sessions, where bands play against a backdrop of the Indian Ocean.

The pool at ecofriendly resort Sal Secret Spot.

A private pool at Acacia Bungalows.

WHERE TO EAT

Morning Fuel
Start your day with a visit to the Nalu Bowls and Revolver Espresso kiosk at Single Fin in Uluwatu. Nalu Bowls serves fruit-filled acai bowls in coconuts. My favorite is the Uluwatu, which comes with dragonfruit, banana, mango, and raspberry. Revolver Coffee has some of the best coffee on the island.

Lunch
The Bukit isn't know for its food scene (head to Seminyak or Ubud if you want more innovative cuisine), but there are several healthy, laid-back options perfect for hungry surfers. Refuel at Kelly's Warung on Bingin Beach for pink pitaya fruit bowls, raw vegetable wraps, and refreshing juices or The Cashew Tree for pumpkin tofu cashew curry and a raw cacao dessert. If you want fancier fare, book a table at The Warung at Alila Villas Uluwatu resort for traditional Indonesian cuisine with a modern twist and to-die-for views.

Dinner
For the finest meal in The Bukit, make note of Cuca. Headed by chef Kevin Cherkas, who previously worked at El Bulli in Spain, Cuca serves innovative cocktails and culinary tapas-style creations in the coconut groves of Jimbaran.

WHERE TO STAY

The Bukit is filled with affordable, cute, and quirky boutique retreats. I love Sal Secret Spot, a Mediterranean style B&B in Bingin with the option of pool or cliffside rooms. For more privacy, I like to stay at the gorgeous Acacia Bungalows, where you have your own private pool, huge outdoor bathroom, and on-site spa treatments.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

How to Get There
From Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS), the Bukit is around a 30-60 minute taxi journey, depending where you are staying. Ask your hotel to organize a taxi for you or catch one at the airport.

Getting Around
Most people travel around on a moped (often with a surfboard strapped to the side). You can also hire a car. There are taxis, though you will need to book them in advance. There's no public transportation.

When to Go
Bali is one of those destinations where the weather is nice year-round. Peak season is July and August when families visit during school break. November to April is officially wet season, although you often have days with bright blue skies. The tropical rains are heavy but brief.

BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE

Fathom's Bali Guide
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Beyond Bali: Exploring Nusa Lembongan