17 Things To Do in Uluwatu, Bali

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.

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During sunset, a handful of wedding photographers are usually 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 cliffs. Because it’s a bit more difficult to reach, Nyang-Nyang has almost no visitors.

3. Uluwatu Temple

One of Bali’s 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.

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.

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.

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.

8. Padang-Padang Beach

This small sandy bay gained its popularity because of its feature in the movie ‘Eat, Pray, Love’. Now, you’ll find a lot of umbrellas dotted over the sand for sunbathing and relaxing.

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It is an easy walk down where you will come across 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).

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 isn’t 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.

Book a local driver or tour Contact our friend Yande with his Bali Friend Tour team. We've done countless incredible trips with him in the last 6 years!

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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:

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.

Our favorite hotels in Uluwatu 😴

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Padang Padang Inn

Uluwatu

Bukal Sari Villas

Uluwatu

The Elementum

Uluwatu

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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!

Book a local driver or tour Contact our friend Yande with his Bali Friend Tour team. We've done countless incredible trips with him in the last 6 years!

Contact on Whatsapp

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 shouldn’t 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! :-)

Book a local driver or tour Contact our friend Yande with his Bali Friend Tour team. We've done countless incredible trips with him in the last 6 years!

Contact on Whatsapp

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.