Uluwatu is a place where limestone cliffs rise 70 meters above the ocean, where world-renowned surf waves alternate with calm sandy beaches, and where every sunset resembles a painting. Welcome to Uluwatu, a magical peninsula in southern Bali that can enchant almost any traveler.
Uluwatu is a more refined part of Bali. You’ll find nice establishments, boutiques, and great clubs here, often featuring famous DJs (e.g., Chainsmokers or Zedd). However, prices are higher here. Let’s take a look at Uluwatu, Bali: 17 Best Things to Do and See.
TL;DR
- When to go: April to October is the ideal season for surfing and outdoor activities with minimal rainfall.
- Accommodation: We recommend the Pecatu area (Zena Surf Suite) from where it’s a short distance to all attractions, or Ungasan (Villa Araya) if you prefer peace and quiet.
- Attractions: Uluwatu Temple with Kecak dance, Karang Boma cliff, Padang Padang and Bingin beaches.
- Surfing: Uluwatu offers world-renowned surf spots, but beware – most are suitable for advanced surfers.
- Transport: The best way to get around is a scooter for 60,000 IDR (approx. $4.30) per day; the peninsula is calm and safe. If you don’t dare to ride a scooter yourself, Grab or Gojek work perfectly here.
Where to Stay in Uluwatu
The Pecatu area is an ideal base for exploring the peninsula. From here, you can reach all main attractions within a 20-minute motorbike ride. Try Zena Surf Suite.
For those seeking an even calmer atmosphere, the Ungasan area on the very south of the peninsula is an excellent choice. Here you’ll find some of the most prestigious beach clubs like Savaya or Sundays Beach Club. So, stay at Villa Araya.
Uluwatu, Bali: 17 Best Things to Do and See
Let’s move on to what to see and do in Uluwatu. I have 17 tips for you.
Read also: Nusa Penida Vacation
Uluwatu Temple and Traditional Kecak Dance
Pura Luhur Uluwatu is undoubtedly the most famous landmark of the peninsula. This sacred temple, built in the 11th century on a dramatic 70-meter-high cliff, is dedicated to the spirits of the oceans and seas. In addition to breathtaking views of the endless Indian Ocean, the temple offers a unique performance of the traditional Kecak dance every evening at sunset.
This mesmerizing ritual, where more than 65 male voices create a polyphonic accompaniment to the dance performance, is among the most powerful cultural experiences in all of Bali. The show takes place daily from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, and the entrance fee is 150,000 IDR (about $10.70).
Karang Boma Cliff
Karang Boma, also known as Uluwatu Cliff, offers one of the most beautiful views on the entire island. You can observe surfers dozens of meters below you and, with a bit of luck, even sea turtles swimming in the clear water.
The best time to visit is an hour before sunset, when the cliff glows in golden hues. Unfortunately, in 2023, railings were installed, which limited access to the best viewpoints, yet it remains one of the most sought-after attractions on the peninsula.
Suluban Beach
Suluban Beach, also known as Blue Point, is a hidden beach accessible only through a narrow passage between rocks, giving it a sense of true adventure. You can even find a shipwreck on the beach.
The path to the beach leads past the iconic Single Fin bar and a number of other shops and restaurants. During low tide, a wider area opens up for relaxation, while at high tide, the beach almost closes off. For surfers, this place is legendary – the waves at Blue Point are among the best in the world, but they are only suitable for very experienced surfers.
Single Fin Bar
Single Fin has become an iconic spot in Uluwatu and a must-visit for every visitor to the peninsula. This cliffside bar with panoramic ocean views offers some of the most beautiful sunsets in Bali. Every Sunday, it hosts a legendary Sunset Party with live music and DJ sets, attracting surfers and travelers from all over the world.
The bar’s atmosphere perfectly represents Uluwatu’s relaxed surf culture. You can relax here, watch surfers on the waves far below you, and enjoy cocktails. The bar is open every day, but Sundays are usually the best.
Padang Padang Beach
This small sandy cove gained worldwide fame thanks to the film “Eat Pray Love” starring Julia Roberts. The entrance fee to the beach is 10,000 IDR (about $0.73), and the beach is suitable for both swimming and beginner surfers. Smaller waves and a sandy bottom create a safe environment for those just learning to ride a surfboard. Due to its popularity, the beach can be quite crowded, especially on weekends.
Bingin Beach
This hidden beach is accessible only via a narrow alley followed by a five-minute walk down stairs to the ocean. It is precisely this slightly more difficult accessibility that ensures it’s never too busy here.
The beach is popular among surfers of all levels, and on the beach, you’ll find several cozy restaurants where you can enjoy fresh coconut water or traditional Indonesian food. Some hotels in this area offer rooms with direct ocean views.
Nyang Nyang Beach
If you’re looking for a true beach paradise without tourist crowds, Nyang Nyang Beach is your answer. This 1.5-kilometer-long beach with crystal-white sand stretches along limestone cliffs and, thanks to its remoteness, remains almost untouched by mass tourism. The path down to the beach is not a walk in the park, but the result is worth all the effort.
The wide beach offers plenty of space for everyone, and the ocean views are absolutely breathtaking. It’s an ideal place for romantic walks, meditation, or simply relaxing away from civilization. Don’t forget to bring enough water and food, as there are no services on the beach.
Thomas Beach
Thomas Beach is a perfect example of what makes Uluwatu so special. This beautiful white sandy beach is hidden among dramatic cliffs and offers an intimate atmosphere with several cozy beach bars.
On the beach, you’ll find fresh coconuts, the option to rent surfboards or paddleboards, and simple refreshments. The atmosphere is completely relaxed, and the beach is never crowded.
Balangan Beach
Balangan Beach is very popular among surfers, not only due to its quality waves but also thanks to the magnificent viewpoint from the top of the cliff. The viewpoint on the northern tip of the beach offers a panoramic view of the 200-meter-wide beach and allows you to watch surfers in action.
The beach itself offers ideal conditions for both surfing and swimming. During low tide, you can visit a bar with a pool right on the beach. Balangan is also known for its romantic sunsets, which is why you’ll often find wedding photographers at work here.
Jimbaran
Jimbaran captivates not only with its peaceful beach but primarily with the Kedonganan fish market and amazing beachfront restaurants. Local fishermen offer their fresh catches here every morning, and in many restaurants, you can have fish grilled according to traditional recipes.
Paragliding over Uluwatu
A view of the Uluwatu coastline from the air presents a completely different dimension of the peninsula’s beauty. Daily flights depart from the cliff near Nyang Nyang Beach and offer the chance to see the entire coastline from a bird’s-eye view during sunset. However, keep in mind that you cannot fly in flip-flops, so don’t forget to bring sturdy footwear.
Ulu Cliffhouse
Ulu Cliffhouse is a beautifully designed beach club perched on a cliff with breathtaking ocean views, offering comfortable sun loungers and a large swimming pool. The second part of the complex, the Ocean Deck, is accessible via wooden stairs leading along the cliff towards the ocean.
Garuda Wisnu Kencana Statue
GWK Cultural Park hosts an impressive 121-meter-tall bronze statue of the Hindu god Vishnu seated on the sacred eagle Garuda. The completion of this enormous statue took an incredible 28 years due to political issues, but the result is worth all the waiting.
The park also offers a theater with traditional Balinese dances, exhibitions, and various cultural events. The statue is the fourth largest in the world and is visible even from great distances. Park admission can be purchased online.
Dreamland Beach
Dreamland is popular among both beginner surfers and swimmers. You’ll find many shops and small beach clubs here where you can have a drink or food. The waves here are usually calmer than at other surf spots in Uluwatu.
Pantai Tegal Wangi
The cliffs at Pantai Tegal Wangi are a popular sunset spot among locals and tourists alike. Small stairs lead down to an almost secluded white sandy beach. On this beach, you’ll find a cave that creates an amazing backdrop for sunset photography.
Visiting during high tide is not recommended for safety reasons. Unfortunately, in 2023, access to this place was temporarily closed, so check the current situation before visiting.
Nusa Dua
The Nusa Dua area on the Bukit Peninsula offers some of Bali’s most luxurious resorts. In what was originally a presidential complex, you’ll find everything from excellent restaurants to beautiful sandy beaches and the island’s most modern golf course. Entry to the resorts is permitted even for non-guests, though you might expect a small check at the entrance gate.
In Nusa Dua, you’ll find several beaches – Bali Tropic, Sri Lanka, Mushroom, and Geger. Most of them are well-maintained and suitable for families with children due to their gradual sandy entry into the ocean.
Surfing
Uluwatu is synonymous with top-tier surfing. Surfers from all over the world come here to enjoy some of the best waves on the planet. However, most surf spots are for experienced surfers.
Beginners will find more suitable conditions at Dreamland or Padang Padang beaches, where the waves are smaller and safer. Surfboard rental costs around $8.60 per hour, and local surf schools offer lessons for all levels.
Read also: What to Do in Canggu
FAQ
When is the best time to visit Uluwatu?
The best period to visit Uluwatu is from April to October, when it’s the dry season with minimal rainfall and ideal conditions for surfing and beach activities. Temperatures range between 25-32°C, and the southeast wind creates perfect waves for surfing.
Is swimming in Uluwatu safe?
Swimming in Uluwatu requires caution due to strong currents and large waves. Some beaches like Padang Padang or Thomas Beach are safer for swimming, while the main surf spots are more suitable for experienced swimmers. Always respect local conditions and warnings.
How to get to Uluwatu from the airport?
From Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar, the journey to Uluwatu takes about 45 minutes. The most convenient option is a taxi or Grab for approximately 10-15 dollars. You can also use local transport services or rent a car.
Do I need a motorbike to get around Uluwatu?
A motorbike is definitely the best way to get around Uluwatu. The roads are calm and easy to navigate, and rental costs around 60,000 IDR (about $4.30) daily. Alternatively, you can use Grab, a taxi, or hire a driver for the whole day.
Can I learn to surf in Uluwatu?
Yes, but most surf spots in Uluwatu are suitable for advanced to expert riders. Beginners should start at Dreamland or Padang Padang beaches with smaller waves. Local surf schools offer lessons tailored to all levels, including full equipment.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
