Uluwatu is a relaxed, trendy, and off-the-beaten-path destination in Bali. The hilly peninsula on the southern tip of the island offers world-class surf breaks, azure blue waters, white sand, and limestone cliffs like Nusa Penida. Because of this, it’s easily said that Uluwatu owns the most beautiful beaches in Bali. Find out about all the things to do in Uluwatu in this complete guide.
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. Nothing tops driving past the cliffs and through the lush surroundings in this part of Bali (one of our favorite things to do!).
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.
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 cliffs. Because it’s a bit more difficult to reach, Nyang-Nyang has almost no visitors.
Also read: Most Beautiful Beach on Nusa Penida, Bali
3. Uluwatu Temple
One of Baliโs most scenic temples, build on top of a 70-meter-high cliff is Uluwatu Temple. Tucked between the lush greenery and with incredible views, it’s easily one of our favorite temples we’ve visited on the island.
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 the Uluwatu Temple is 50.000 IDR (3 USD).
4. Enjoy a Private Beach at Thomas Beach
Thomas Beach is a beautiful white-sand beach tucked away and, therefore, 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, shimmering down below. In Uluwatu, this was our personal favorite beach to relax on.
Must read: 3-week Indonesia route
5. Karang Boma Cliff (Uluwatu Cliff)
A jaw-dropping 70-meter-high limestone cliff stands 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, there’s now a fence at the cliff, meaning you can’t get to the best viewpoint.
See availability for a tour of Karang Boma Cliff (includes Uluwatu Temple ticket)
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 stairs. 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
This small sandy bay gained its popularity because of its feature in the movie โEat, Pray, Loveโ. Now, you’ll find a lot of umbrellas dotted over the sand for sunbathing and relaxing.
It is an easy walk down where you will come across a lot of monkeys (donโt worry, they are not interested in you). The entrance to visit Padang-Padang beach is 10.000 IDR (0.75 USD).
9. Kecak Fire Dance
The Kecak Fire Dance is an iconic dance performance in Bali. A group of 65+ human vocals acts as instruments that strengthen a story told in the form of dance. All of this happens during sunset time on a clifftop amphitheater inside the Uluwatu Temple complex.
The show was so impressive, and we think your 3-week Bali Route isnโt complete without this experience. It runs at 5:45 PM and 7 PM every day 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 entrance way 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
Single Fin is the most popular cliffside bar in Uluwatu. It’s located on the walk down towards Suluban Beach and great for a drink, snack, relaxing vibes, and a beautiful sunset. Sundays are usually the busiest when they organize parties with live DJ sets.
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, but you can find easier waves at Dreamland or Padang Padang Beach.
14. Ulu Cliffhouse
Ulu Cliffhouse is a brand-new beach club on the cliff side overlooking the ocean. The well-decorated beach club has super comfy beds to relax on and a big pool to spend your afternoon in. The second part of Ulu Cliffhouse, called Ocean Deck, is accessible via a wooden staircase down to the ocean that weaves along the cliff side. We love coming here for a drink and to cool off in the pool.
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. Just a reminder: wearing flip-flops is not allowed :-)
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 grab a drink or eat. We personally found this our least favorite beach in the area, just because it’s a little busy. However, it’s a great spot to catch some calmer waves and mingle with others.
17. Visit GWK Cultural Park
GWK Cultural Park is a huge park used for music events, exhibitions, and conferences. In September 2018, a 121-meter 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. We have many favorites in this corner of the island but some of them are:
- Suka Espresso (best food & coffee!)
- Bukit Cafe (tasty healthy meals)
- La Baracca (Italian)
- Drifter Cafe (breakfast & coffee)
- Mango Tree (Mexican)
- Landโs 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 easy transport!
Getting Around
The best way to get around Uluwatu is by motorbike. You can rent a motorbike for 60.000 IDR (3,50 USD) per day and explore the entire area. Uluwatu is quiet compared to other areas in Bali, so it shouldnโt be too hard to drive around. We’ve always thought it to be quite peaceful here!
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 for this! :-)
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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Hello, your travel blogs are great. They have become our number 1 place to start from whenever we plan a trip!
Next up is Indonesia where we plan to stay approx 7 weeks. I was wondering whether we should do both Canggu and Uluwatu or just pick one? Uluwatu looks more interesting then Canggu. How about Seminyak? We are not much of beach goers but still like to feel the vibe and our 20 year old daughter wants to learn how to surf…
Thank you!
Tanja
Hi Tanja, thank you for your comment, that’s incredible to hear! We think Canggu and Uluwatu each have their charm and make great places to go surfing. The biggest difference is that Uluwatu sees waves that are typically more for intermediate/experienced surfers. Perhaps, for that reason, the lively Canggu or Seminyak might be a better option. Seminyak has prettier beaches and is a more sophisticated resort-style location, whereas Canggu has an incredible hipster feel with tons of cafes and trendy beach clubs. I hope that helps a bit! Wishing you a really great trip.