We’re always torn when it comes to cliff clubs, do they count as beach clubs? After all, the only way you can get to the beach is usually down a steep set of stairs or going somewhere completely different for access.
But you can see the beach and we think that’s the critical component, so in the end we decided that cliff clubs would count for the rankings in Bali’s Best Beach Clubs.
And that meant the team had all the excuses they needed to visit the swanky Uluwatu Surf Villas and try out Mana Uluwatu high above the beach on the Bukit Peninsula and this is what they learned while they were there.
Introduction – Getting To Mana Uluwatu
The Bukit Peninsula is the southernmost tip of Bali and while it’s not that hard to get to, in theory, the traffic through Sanur, Kuta, Seminyak, Jimbaran, etc. is often pretty bad and that means it can be an hour or two to reach parts of Pecatu where Mana is based.
However, there’s no doubt that there are plenty of people who stay in Uluwatu, Pecatu and Ungasan for whom the drive will be much shorter and more bearable.
Assuming, you decide to make the drive, then you should find parking at this resort easy enough with a security controlled carpark available.
You will need a reservation to get in to Mana as priority is given to guests of the Surf Villas complex, and access is strictly controlled on a day-to-day basis.
Then, you can simply waltz up to the entrance and wander in, they will give you directions on how to get from the door to your seat at Mana.
Where Is Mana Uluwatu? Pantai Suluban St, Pecatu, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali 80361
Website: Uluwatu Surf Villas
Opening Hours: 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, except Nyepi
What’s Inside Mana Uluwatu?
There are comfortable seating areas, a clifftop infinity pool and bar and restaurant facilities. This is not a party venue, so there is no entertainment or dance floor space.
Our Review Breakdown For Mana Uluwatu
We always review each and every beach club in the same fashion. This is so that we can assure beach club owners that we’re being fair to their properties and so that our readers can easily compare beach clubs with the same criteria.
To get to a review, we begin by visiting the beach club. The whole team is assigned to visit, though they don’t usually visit together, at the same time or even on the same day.
While they are at the beach club, each person is expected to grade the club from 1 (worst) to 5 (best) in the series of categories that are laid out below.
Following the visit, once everyone has had a chance to complete their own review, they meet up as a team and discuss their experiences. They also work together to vote on a final grade in each category.
Then, one member of our team is put forward to type up the review and ensure they incorporate the comments from the discussions and the final grades as agreed.
Finally, the review is published on our website, where it will remain for a period of 1 year (roughly) before we revisit the club and amend any scores or comments as we see fit.
Pre-Club Advertising
We have heard of Mana before but that’s because it’s connected to one of the best known resorts in Uluwatu and not because of their advertising.
Now, we can understand that it might be awkward to try and advertise this service when trying to push the hotel side of the operation, but they should anyway.
One of the best things about a day out by the pool in Bali is the social aspect of things, and the more people who are around, the more social the occasion.
So, we can’t give them any points in this respect.
Location
Uluwatu is an up and coming spot in Bali and if you’re staying in the local area it’s nice and convenient to visit Mana and it’s not too far from the airport.
Unfortunately, Bali traffic can make it a bit of a nightmare to visit this location from elsewhere on the island and what ought to be a relatively short drive can turn into hours.
It’s also not the best place to get a Grab or Gojek from at the end of the night, but it is in a nice location for the sunset view off the cliff top.
Booking Process & Seating Options
They have a lovely website for the hotel and it does a pretty good job of laying out what’s at Mana too, but then they either push you to one of two outside websites Chope and Tablecheck to make your booking.
We don’t find this particularly convenient and it means you can’t choose where you sit. Because these sites don’t take a deposit, you also have just 15 minutes to take your seat after the reservation time or they can give your seat away.
In 2025, we strongly feel that clubs can do better than this. They should implement their own booking systems, that include table choice and just levy a deposit to allow you to secure the seats you want.
Entry Fee
There is no entrance fee of any kind at Mana and that’s actually quite surprising given that this is a resort facility and they could, reasonably, levy a small charge on outside guests.
Of course, hotel guests are given priority for bookings, etc. at this facility but that they allow outsiders in and aren’t charging them for the privilege is to be applauded.
Minimum Spend
There is also no minimum spend at this cliff club but that’s not quite as good a thing. While it does mean you have the luxury of visiting without being forced to spend a certain amount of money, it also means there’s no incentive for them to put a proper reservation system in place.
After all, without a minimum spend, it’s hard to charge a deposit and without a deposit every reservation is a risk for the management rather than an asset.
Welcome And Security
This is a first rate resort property and there’s no doubt that you get a very warm welcome from the staff here. They make you feel genuinely valued and wanted.
However, we weren’t subjected to a bag check, though there was a brief security stop at the hotel entrance to check our car.
We think bag checks out to be mandatory everywhere as they help ensure there are no major incidents in Bali and contribute to the overall safety of everybody in the venue.
Inclusions
This venue provides anyone who is eating and drinking and in the pool area with a free towel rental which is fair enough given that they don’t charge an entrance fee or minimum spend.
However, there’s no tiered system for additional inclusions for a small fee and this seems like a big oversight for an upmarket resort like this one.
People are on holiday, they want to splurge a little, why not give them a reason to do so? We feel a lot of beach clubs are leaving cash on the table in this way and not offering their guests the premium services they might want or need.
Service
We were very impressed with the level of service in this place and it’s on a par with any of the 5-star resort clubs on the island.
The staff are well versed in what’s expected of them, the menu and they’re helpful, kind and warm like Balinese people almost always are.
Overall, there’s no doubt that if you spend time at Mana, you’re going to come away with a very positive impression of its people.
Entertainment
This is very much a chilled out restaurant and bar vibe rather than a party zone and there’s no entertainment to speak of at Mana Uluwatu.
That’s fair enough, not every day needs to be a party in Bali and this is a nice spot for getting over a hangover rather than trying to earn a new one.
Pool Quality
The pool is very pleasant and a real highlight of spending time at Mana, it’s a clifftop infinity pool with amazing views out over the beach and ocean.
This is a nice place to spend a sunset with a cocktail in hand, watching the world go by and the pool is well-maintained and clean. We’d have no hesitation in coming back here to swim in future.
Menu/Drinks Pricing
With the exception of the steaks at Mana which are quite pricey for what they are, we thought their menu was competitively priced with the best beach clubs on the island and we didn’t feel, unlike at many businesses in Uluwatu, that they were charging too much.
Even the drinks are reasonably priced, though the craft beers might be verging on the expensive.
Overall for this part of Bali, Mana represents pretty good value for money.
Food And Drink Quality
While it wasn’t quite the best food we’ve had in a beach club, it was getting very close and we thought the food here was delicious and the portions were on point.
The drinks were well mixed and they were beautifully presented. Most importantly, they also contained enough alcohol to justify their price tags.
Sunset View
Uluwatu is on the right side of Bali to enjoy some lovely sunsets and this clifftop club has a fantastic view of the sunset right out over the ocean and beach below.
There’s no doubt that sunset is the highlight of a holiday on the island and this is a wonderful place to experience that legendary light show.
Music And Ambience
There is background music at this club and it’s sort of bland and inoffensive, it allows you to get one with talking to the people with and around you and that’s no bad thing.
Payment Options
You can pay by cash or card in this club and while there’s no facility for QRIS advertised, that’s probably not as big of a deal at a high-end expensive resort like this one as it is at some of the other more modest beach clubs on the island.
Exit Process
This isn’t the biggest place and it’s easy enough to get out the way that you came in. The staff will wish you a warm farewell as you leave.
Transportation
This isn’t the worst pace to get home from by Grab or Gojek, though you may have to wait a while for a ride as it’s not the best place to get a ride-share from.
There’s nothing in this area, though, so don’t expect to walk around and find somewhere else to be.
Social Media Presence
They have a decent social media presence which is semi-regularly updated and which does show a decent amount of what it’s like to be in Mana Uluwaut.
Other/General Comments
This is a cliff top resort restaurant and it’s a nice one. There’s no doubt that if you’re in the mood for a nice meal in a nice setting, this is a good choice.
It’s not the sort of place you’re going to want to hang out at all day, but that’s OK. Not every club has what it takes to keep you interested all day long.
Our Overall Opinion Of Mana Uluwatu
This is a top notch facility where you can get a nice meal, a swim and a great view off the cliff top. No, it’s not FINNS and it won’t keep you excited all day long and into the night, but if you’re in the area, it’s worth visiting Mana Uluwatu.
FAQs
Can You Swim At Mana Uluwatu?
Yes, you can swim at Mana Uluwatu. This cliff club has a very attractive cliff top infinity pool which for many visitors is its star attraction.
All guests may use the swimming pool as long as they are eating and drinking at the Mana restaurant and towels can be provided on request.
The pool is very nicely kept and is always well maintained. It’s very popular though and it can sometimes get a little packed with would-be influencers trying to grab the perfect photo over the cliff.
There is no beach access at this cliff club though, so you can’t swim in the sea. This is probably good news as the beach below is a popular surfing beach and isn’t ideal for swimming.
What Can You Do At Mana Uluwatu?
You can swim and relax in the infinity pool here and enjoy food and drinks from the restaurant and bar menu. You can also chill out on a daybed by the pool or grab a seat with a view in the bar area.
This isn’t really a party destination and there’s no entertainment or dance floor in this venue.
Is Mana Uluwatu A Family-Friendly Venue?
Yes, Uluwatu Surf Villas and all other aspects of this property are family-friendly and children are welcome throughout the resort.
There is a “Mana Ocean Confidence for Kids” prpgram held on and off throughout the year for children between the ages of 8 and 12.
This teaches breathing exercises, how to deal with discomfort and basic survival skills in the sea and in the pool. Children and their parents who attend this program will be offered discounts on day beds, food and beverages and accommodation at the resort.
However, there are no special children’s facilities at Mana and parents will be expected to ensure that their children entertain themselves and do not annoy any other guests.
One thing we should note is that pets are welcome at Mana, but they must be left in the designated pet area and may not enter the restaurant or pool areas.
There is a no-laptop policy in place here after 5 p.m. and it’s non-smoking throughout too.
Who Owns Mana Uluwatu?
Mana Uluwatu is part of Uluwatu Surf Villas which is owned and managed by a local company “Bali Villas” this is owned by Tim Russo a former music promoter from the US state of Maryland.
Final Thoughts On Mana Uluwatu
There’s no doubt that the views from Mana Uluwatu are spectacular and some of the best surf spots in Bali can be witnessed from the cliff top.
However, it’s a very pricey affair and certainly not the sort of spot that most people are going to visit for a quick day out.
Overall, if you’re in Uluwatu and in the mood for a treat, this is a nice place, but we don’t think we’d want to deal with the Bali traffic just to spend a couple of hours at the pool in Mana if we were coming from further afield.
