Uluwatu, Bali
Uluwatu is away from the big busy cities like Kuta and Seminyak. The roads are straightforward and quiet and easy to explore by motorbike.
1. Balangan Viewpoint
The viewpoint on the northern tip of Balangan Beach provides a panoramic view over the 200-meter wide beach. Balangan Beach is popular for both surfing and sunbathing.
During sunset, a handful of wedding photographers are working at the viewpoint. You might want to avoid this by visiting earlier in the day.
2. Nyang-Nyang Beach
Nyang-Nyang Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Bali. A 1.5-kilometer pristine white sand beach along the limestone cliff coastline. Nyang-Nyang has almost no visitors because it is hard to reach the beach.
Not as famous as Tanah Lot at Canggu, however, during sunset time the Kecak Dance performance attracts a lot of visitors (see number 9). Good to know: No drones allowed.
The entrance fee to Uluwatu Temple is 50.000 IDR.
4. Enjoy a Private Beach at Thomas Beach
A beautiful white-sand beach tucked away, and so quite unknown. It has a handful of small beach bars that sell coconuts and rent surf or paddleboards. When entering the beach via the stairs from the top, the beach really looks like a gem. Thomas Beach in Uluwatu was our personal favorite beach to relax.
Must read: 3-week Indonesia Route
5. Karang Boma Cliff (Uluwatu Cliff)
A jaw-dropping 70-meter high limestone cliff straight down into the ocean, Karang Boma Cliff, better known as Uluwatu Cliff, is located near the Temple and is a fantastic place to visit before sunset. Karang Boma Cliff is one of those places you must-see in Bali. Update 2023: Unfortunately, a fence has been placed at Uluwatu Cliff.
6. Chill at Bingin Beach
Bingin is a quiet hidden beach that can only be entered via a small alley followed by a 5-minute walk down the stair. The beach is great for sunbathing and having a drink at one of the beach restaurants.
Also read: Best Beaches in Bali
In this prime location, there are a handful of hotels and guesthouses that offer a beautiful view to wake up with.
7. Sunset Point Uluwatu Bar
Grab a drink or beanbag and enjoy the views are Sunset Point. The bar in Uluwatu has a pool and bar in a prime location. Update 2022: Unfortunately, this bar is permanently closed.
Instead, join this private beach club and cliffside bar tour. See tickets and availability here.
8. Padang-Padang Beach
A small sandy bay that once got popular because of its feature in the movie ‘Eat, Pray, Love’. The beach itself has a lot of umbrellas for sunbathing and relaxing.
It is an easy walk down where you will meet a lot of monkeys. Don’t worry, they are not interested in you. The entrance to visit Padang-Padang beach is 10.000 IDR (0.75 USD).
The show was incredibly impressive, and we think your 3-week Bali Route isn’t complete without this experience. It is from 6 – 7 PM and costs 150.000 IDR (10 USD) per person.
Tip: Make sure to buy a ticket around 5 PM since it usually sells out.
10. Suluban Beach
Suluban Beach is on everyone’s list of things to do in Uluwatu. The actual beach has a shipwreck on it and is only accessible via a small hole between the rocks. The surfing point, named Blue Point, is incredibly popular with surfers and can be entered via a cove.
11. Sunset or Party at Single Fin’s
Single Fin is the most popular cliffside bar in Uluwatu. It is located on the walk down towards Suluban Beach. Single Fin’s is good for a drink, snack, relaxing vibes, and a great sunset. Sundays are usually the busiest when they organize parties with live DJ sets.
Must read: Best things to do in Canggu
12. Visit the Cave at Pantai Tegal Wangi
The cliffs at Pantai Tegal Wangi are a popular sunset spot for both locals and tourists. A small stairway leads down to a white-sand, almost secluded, small beach. On this beach is a cave which is a great place to take a photo during sunset time. It is not recommended to visit this during high tide. Update 2023: At this moment, the entrance to this spot seems to be closed off.
13. Surf in Uluwatu
Uluwatu is surfing. Surfers from all over the world come to surf on world-class surf breaks. These are all breaks for experienced surfers. The easier waves are found at Dreamland or Padang Padang.
14. Ulu Cliffhouse
Ulu Cliffhouse is a brand-new beach club on the cliffside overlooking the ocean. The well-decorated beach club has super comfy beds to relax in and a big pool to spend your afternoon in. The second part of Ulu Cliffhouse, called Ocean Deck, is accessible via a wooden stair down to the ocean along the cliffside.
15. Paragliding
See the spectacular coastline of Uluwatu from high up in the sky during sunset time. Daily flights take off from the cliff at Nyang-Nyang Beach. Wearing flip-flops is not allowed :-)
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16. Dreamland Beach
Dreamland beach is popular with beginner surfers and sunbathers. There are a lot of shops and small beach clubs located near the beach to drink or eat. We personally found this our least favorite beach in the area.
17. Visit GWK Cultural Park
GWK Cultural Park is a huge park used for music events, exhibitions, and conferences. In September 2018, a 121-meters tall bronze statue of Lord Vishnu was revealed inside the park. Due to political issues, it took 30 years to finish the statue!
Best Restaurants in Uluwatu
Uluwatu is very trendy, with loads of beach clubs and delicious restaurants. These are our favorite restaurants in the area.
- Suka Espresso (best food & coffee!)
- Bukit Cafe (tasty healthy meals)
- La Baracca (Italian)
- Drifter Cafe (breakfast & coffee)
- Mango Tree (Mexican)
- Land’s End Cafe (best vegan)
Where to Stay in Uluwatu
It is best to find accommodation in the Pecatu area. From there, all major things to do in Uluwatu are within a 20-minute motorbike ride. Another popular and even quieter area is all the way down south in Ungasan, which hosts Omnia Dayclub, Sundays Beach Club, and The Edge. The surf vibe is more in the area of Uluwatu Temple and Single Fins.
Also read: Best Places to stay in Bali
How to Visit Uluwatu
Uluwatu is located about 45 minutes from the airport and 1.5 hours from the popular areas of Kuta, Seminyak & Canggu.
The best way to get to Ubud is by traveling in a taxi or Grab. Contact our Balinese friend Yande below for transport.
How to Get Around
The best way to get around Uluwatu is by motorbike. You can rent a motorbike for 60.000 IDR per day and explore the entire area. Uluwatu is quiet compared to other areas in Bali, so it shouldn’t be too hard to drive around.
Other options are Grab, Gojek, Taxi, or hiring a driver in Bali. A driver can get you to a lot of highlights in just one day. Our friend Yande is the best!
Best Time to Visit Uluwatu
The best time to visit Uluwatu is between April and October. Expect a little more rain in the month’s March and November. Read here about the best time to visit Bali, Indonesia.
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Hi! Thanks for a great travel blog 😊 Which place/places in the uluwatu-area would you recommend to stay for a couple of nights together with a 9 month old? Since we’re traveling with a baby we don’t feel comfortable to use a motorbike to get around.
Hi Emma, you’re welcome! We’d definitely recommend an area closer to the beach and easy access like Bingin Beach and Dreamland. Have the best time!