Uluwatu: A Memorable Night Underwater: My Unforgettable Experience at the Koral Restaurant in Bali

After an exhausting 18-hour flight from the UK, we finally arrived in Bali, landing at 4 pm local time. To say we were exhausted would be an understatement, but the excitement of stepping onto the tropical island was enough to keep us going. We had pre-booked a taxi through Booking.com to take us from the airport to our hotel in Uluwatu, which turned out to be a wise decision. As soon as we stepped outside, we were greeted by a throng of taxi drivers vying for our attention. A bit like a scene from a film, but with less glamour and more shouting. Trust me, book ahead if you want to avoid being haggled!

Gravity Eco Boutique: A Slice of Heaven

Our driver took us on a scenic one-hour drive from the airport to our hotel, Gravity Eco Boutique. If you’ve ever wondered what paradise looks like, Gravity Eco Boutique is a solid contender. Perched high above the coast, the hotel offers stunning views down to the crystal-clear waters below. We were given our own bungalow room, which was the perfect blend of comfort and eco-friendly design. It was the kind of place that made you feel like you were living in a dream, only with fewer mosquitoes and more Instagram-worthy moments.

View from the dining area of the Gravity Hotel

Jetlag. It’s the kind of thing that hits you like a ton of bricks, and no matter how much you try to fight it, it wins. We woke up at 4 am the next morning, wide awake, with that "I’m on the wrong time zone" feeling. But instead of lying there like two grumpy teenagers, we decided to make the most of it. After all, when in Bali, right? So, we dragged ourselves out of bed, threw on some clothes, and headed down to Padang Padang Beach.

Padang Padang Beach is one of the most famous spots for surfing in Bali. It’s got that laid-back, surfer vibe, and it’s absolutely stunning. We arrived just in time for sunrise, and let me tell you, watching the sun rise over the ocean was worth every minute of the jetlag-induced fog. The beach was quiet, with just a few surfers out catching the early waves. The water was crystal clear, and the whole scene was so serene that it almost felt like we were in a dream.

We decided to go for a swim, because why not? The water was warm, the waves were gentle, and it was the perfect way to shake off the tiredness. But as we were leaving, we noticed a crowd gathering by the beach. A few locals were bringing animals down to the sand, and it quickly became apparent that they were preparing for some sort of ritual. It looked like an animal sacrifice, and while I’m all for experiencing new cultures, I wasn’t exactly keen on sticking around for that part of the show. So, we made a quick exit, quietly slipping away like two people who had just narrowly avoided witnessing something a bit too intense for a morning swim.

Beware of the monkeys......there's lots of them!

We got a taxi back to the hotel and spent the rest of the morning by the pool, sipping coconut water and pretending we were fully awake. It was one of those moments where you just sit back, relax, and think, “Yeah, life’s good.” We had no plans until the evening, so we took full advantage of the downtime. The pool was peaceful, the weather was perfect, and we had nothing to do except enjoy the moment. It was the kind of lazy afternoon that you dream about when you’re stuck in the office back home.

Dinner at Koral: An Underwater Dining Experience Like No Other

Underwater dining experience at Koral surrounded by sea life

Let’s talk about one of the trip highlights: dinner at Koral. I had heard about this place before we even arrived in Bali (mainly through Instagram reels), and when I found out there was a six-month waiting list to get a reservation, I knew I had to make it happen. So, I did what any reasonable person would do and booked it months in advance. Honestly, it was worth every second of that wait. The seven-course tasting menu was so good, I’m pretty sure I had a religious experience. Requesting a tunnel table (a table situated in the middle of the underwater tank) is a must! Booking this table requires an early pre-payment, however, this pre-payment is taken off the final bill, so works out the same price as a standard table.

Koral is located inside the Apurva Kempinski Hotel, one of the most luxurious hotels in Bali, and potentially across Asia. The hotel has to be seen to be believed. The restaurant is not just any fancy dining spot—it’s underwater. Yes, you read that right. You’re sitting inside a massive aquarium, surrounded by fish, rays, and even a few sharks. It’s like eating in a real-life version of Finding Nemo—but with way better food and fewer talking fish.

The seven-course tasting menu was an absolute masterpiece. Each dish was more delicious than the last, with flavours so complex that I found myself wondering if the chef had secretly studied at some kind of culinary wizardry school. From delicate seafood to rich, aromatic sauces, everything was perfectly executed. And the atmosphere? Well, it was like dining in the middle of the ocean, with a constant stream of marine life swimming by your table. I could’ve sat there for hours, mesmerised by the fish, but the food was so good that I had to force myself to pay attention to the plates in front of me.

Lobster roll at Koral

Wrapping Up Our Short But Sweet Stay in Uluwatu

Our time in Uluwatu was short, but it was the perfect way to kick off our Bali adventure. It was a great spot to recover from the jet lag, soak up the sun, and enjoy some truly unforgettable experiences. From the stunning views at Gravity Eco Boutique to the surreal underwater dinner at Koral, Uluwatu had it all. It was the kind of place that made you feel like you were living in a dream, even if you were still recovering from the effects of a 25-hour journey.

So, if you’re planning a trip to Bali, make sure Uluwatu is on your list. Whether you’re into surfing, relaxing by the pool, or eating your body weight in gourmet food, this place has something for everyone. Just remember to book your taxi in advance, and maybe skip the whole animal sacrifice thing.