Massage in Uluwatu: which one to book, what it costs and when to go

An hour of massage at a local day spa in Uluwatu costs a few hundred thousand rupiah, 200k to 400k at ours, and the right one depends on what your body did today. A Balinese massage is the safe choice for almost everyone. After a morning of surfing, a deep tissue or surf massage works better. If you only have half an hour, sit back in a recliner for your feet or your neck and shoulders. Below is how to choose, what each option costs at our three spas in Bingin, Ungasan and Labuansait, and a few things worth knowing before you book.

Start with what your body did today

Most people on the Bukit fall into one of four days. Pick yours and the choice gets easy.

You surfed. Paddling loads the shoulders, the upper back and the lower back, and two sessions a day add up fast. Book a deep tissue or a surf massage, 60 minutes if you only want the knots gone, 90 if you are paddling out again tomorrow morning.

You lay on the beach and walked the stairs. The steps down to Bingin, Padang Padang or Nyang Nyang are steep, and your calves will tell you about them that evening. Foot reflexology in a recliner, 30 or 60 minutes, is the one.

You just landed. A long flight leaves you stiff everywhere and too tired to think. A 90 minute Balinese massage is the classic first evening in Bali for a reason.

You did nothing, on purpose. Good. Keep going with a 60 minute Balinese massage and a facial afterwards. That is the joy of missing out.

The main types of massage, in plain words

Balinese massage. The traditional technique of the island: long strokes, acupressure, gentle stretching and warm oil. Medium pressure. It is the treatment our guests mention most in their reviews, and the one they come back for. If you are not sure, start here.

Deep tissue. Slower and firmer, working into the deeper layers of muscle. Useful for real tension. It can feel intense in places, so tell your therapist when the pressure is too much. A good one will always adjust.

Surf massage. A back massage built for after the waves: shoulders, upper back, lower back and the neck you strained looking up at the next set.

Head, neck and shoulders, and foot reflexology. Shorter treatments done in a recliner, fully dressed. Good for a gap between the beach and dinner, or for two friends side by side.

Lymphatic drainage and wood therapy. Lymphatic drainage uses light, rhythmic strokes; wood therapy uses shaped wooden tools. People book them as a series, which is why we sell them in packs of 5 or 10 sessions. They are body treatments, not a medical therapy.

What a massage in Uluwatu costs

Prices around Uluwatu cover a wide range, from small local day spas to clifftop resort spas that charge several times more for the same hour. Always check whether tax and service are included, because some menus add them at the end.

Our prices are the same at all three spas, with tax and service included:

• Balinese massage: 200k for 60 minutes, 280k for 90
• Deep tissue: 250k for 60 minutes, 350k for 90
• Surf massage: 250k for 60 minutes, 350k for 90
• Lymphatic drainage: 300k for 60 minutes
• Wood therapy: 400k for 60 minutes
• Head, neck and shoulders, or foot reflexology: 120k for 30 minutes, 180k for 60

The full menu, with facials, nails and waxing, is on our treatments and prices page.

60 or 90 minutes?

For a first massage in Bali, 60 minutes is plenty. Take 90 when you want the whole body done without rushing, or when you surf every day and your back needs more than a quick pass. Thirty minutes in a recliner is a real option too, and an easy way to try a place before you book a longer treatment.

When to go, and how to book

The quiet hours are usually earlier in the day. Late afternoon fills up after the morning surf and the beach, and the hour before sunset is the most wanted. We are open every day from 10am to 8pm, so an evening massage after dinner is also an option.

We book by WhatsApp. Send a message to the spa you want, Bingin, Ungasan or Labuansait, and the team there confirms your time. Booking a day ahead is a good idea for the late afternoon and for two people at the same time.

A few things worth knowing

• Rinse off the sand and the salt water before you come. Your skin and your therapist will both thank you.
• Tell your therapist about sunburn, injuries or pregnancy before you start. Skip a massage on fresh sunburn and book a foot treatment instead.
• Drink water afterwards, especially after deep tissue.
• Leave your phone in your bag. Missing out for an hour is the point.

This guide is general information, not medical advice. If you have a health condition, ask your doctor before booking a massage.

Where to find us

We have three small spas on the Bukit, between the surf breaks:

• Bingin, the original, in Bingin Square, Jl. Pantai Bingin No.11, Pecatu (Google Maps)
• Ungasan, on Jl. Toya Ning II, Ungasan (Google Maps)
• Labuansait, the newest, on Jl. Labuansait, Pecatu (Google Maps)

Maps, phone numbers and directions for each one are on our locations section.

In short

• An hour of massage at a local day spa costs a few hundred thousand rupiah, 200k to 400k at JOMO. Check that tax and service are included.
• Balinese massage if you are unsure, deep tissue or surf massage after the waves, reflexology after the beach stairs.
• 60 minutes is enough for a first massage, 90 if you surf every day.
• Late afternoon and sunset are the busiest hours, so book a day ahead by WhatsApp.

Slow down, you are doing fine. Send us a WhatsApp from our page and we will keep an hour for you.