7 Awesome Things To Do in Uluwatu, Bali

The best things to do in Uluwatu, Bali revolve around the sun, sand and surf. While the epic shoreline is what beckons travelers to this region of Indonesia, inspired visitors can seek out cultural gems and an exceptional culinary scene. 

The Uluwatu coastline, which marks the western Bukit Peninsula in southern Bali, is distinctly different than other parts of the tropical island. Rather than long swaths of flat sandy Bali beaches, sheer rock cliffs rise dramatically from the water. Uluwatu is settled atop a steep mountain at the western end of the peninsula offering superb viewpoints from above…and sensational surf spots below.

We spent one week in Uluwatu exploring the best beaches and seeking out top attractions and great places to eat. It was the second destination on our Bali Itinerary – and we easily fell into a leisurely pace.

 

Best Things To Do in Uluwatu, Bali

Still one of the less-developed tourist regions of Bali – at least in comparison to Kuta, Seminyak or Sanur – Uluwatu exudes a easy going vibe. Rather than high rises, visitors find low-slung family restaurants lining the streets and ramshackle cafes clinging to the cliffs. Sure, there are posh resorts and fancy beach clubs, but the overall scene is casual.

Uluwatu only became a holiday destination in the 1970s. It was then that surfers happened upon the incredible swells aligning themselves perfectly against the northwest facing shores. Since then, Uluwatu has seen a surge of visitors. Although it is indisputably a surf mecca, we can assure you there are more things to do in Uluwatu, Bali than just ride the waves!

Save, Pin or Bookmark our Uluwatu Travel Guide to plan your trip to Bali!

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What To Do in Uluwatu, Bali

While most well known as a surfing destination, there are other Uluwatu attractions that don’t require a surfboard! Our Uluwatu vacation guide can be used by those who are just spending a few hours on the Bukit Peninsula or a few days. To assist other travelers in finding these awesome Uluwatu, Bali things to do, we’ve included a helpful map at the end of the article – as well as a few other essential Uluwatu travel tips!

 

#1 Surf Uluwatu, Bali

When talking about the best things to do in Uluwatu, it would be remiss to not put surfing at the top of the list. As tourism grew from the initial influx of surfers in the 70s, the surf culture has become intertwined with Uluwatu.

For beginners, learning how to surf is one of the fun things to do in Uluwatu. On many of the beaches, visitors will find surfboard rentals or can hire a professional for surfing lessons. 

  

Watching Uluwatu Surfers

That said, surfing entertainment isn’t exclusive to board riders; it’s a spectator sport, too. Although I have zero interest in riding the impressive Uluwatu waves, watching the scene unfold is mesmerizing. Uluwatu cliffside and beachfront warungs offer incredible vantage points for non-surfers and photogs to watch the action on the some of the best waves in Bali.

We spent hours in Uluwatu with our eyes glued to the surfers, anticipating the next set of waves – just like they were. We would crane our necks to watch the brave Uluwatu surfers catch a long ride…and cheered or winced when a surfer would make a impressive maneuver or awkward wipeout.

 

#2 Explore The Best Uluwatu Beaches

One of our favorite things to do in Uluwatu is to explore the sandy shoreline. The region is home to a few of the best Bali beaches. From the clifftop, beaches in Uluwatu can only be accessed by steep – often shoddy – staircases.

Although all the top Uluwatu beaches are within close proximity, each has its own distinct characteristics. While the most popular beaches have become Uluwatu tourist attractions, others are untouched and natural. We think these unique Bali beaches are one of the top things to see in Uluwatu!

 

Best Bali Beaches

Blue Point Beach and Padang Padang Beach are the most popular Uluwatu beaches. However, visitors can find solitude at one of the more secluded spots, like Green Bowl Beach or Nyang Nyang Beach. 

There is no entry fee to the public beaches; they are one of the best free things to do in Uluwatu! That said, there are private Uluwatu beach clubs that do charge entry fees. Some of the best beach clubs in Uluwatu are along the southern coast, such as Sundays Beach Club, Palmilla Bali Beach Club and Karma Beach Club. 

We share specific details about the prime beaches in Uluwatu, in our complete Uluwatu Beach Guide.

 

#3 Watch a Stunning Uluwatu Sunset

Watching an amazing Bali sunset from the top of the cliff should be on every Uluwatu To-Do list! Honestly, there isn’t a better elevated vista than the perch in Uluwatu. With abundant west-facing coastline, there are plenty of places to grab a seat for the daily show of the setting sun.

 

Where To Watch Sunset at Uluwatu

Watching sunset is the thing to do in Uluwatu – and there are plenty of places to take in the view. The most popular Uluwatu sunset bar is Single Fin, which sits at the top of the cliff above Blue Point Suluban Beach. The famous bar is often crowded and a bit on the pricey side, but fun nonetheless. 

Stacked below Single Fin are several warungs clinging to the cliffside, some of which have sea-facing seats. Ideal for both Bali sunsets and Uluwatu surf-watching, these places seem to switch owners/names/offerings often, so we suggest just heading down the stairs and seeing which one looks good to you!

Alternatively, you can trek out to Karang Boma Cliff to watch the sunset in Uluwatu. The grassy knoll at the top of the cliff offers a sensational sunset viewpoint. There is a small fee to enter – and to get there you will need to grab a taxi or ride a scooter.

Top Tip: We preferred to watch from the top of the cliff, but if you are looking for an Uluwatu, Bali sunset beach, Bingin and Dreamland have amazing views as well!

 

#4 Visit The Famous Uluwatu Temple

The famous cliffside temple, Pura Luhur, is one of the top places to visit in Uluwatu. The Balinese Hindu temple sits 230 feet above the water on the cliff’s edge. Although it is a popular tourist destination, it is also one of the most important temples for Balinese Hindus.

The temple attracts tourists throughout the day. However, one of the most popular things to do in Uluwatu is to visit the temple at dusk to watch the fire dance. 

 

Kecak Fire Dance and Temple Tips

Uluwatu Temple is busiest at sunset and the traditional Kecak Dance is performed in an outdoor theater daily as the sun goes down.

The Uluwatu Temple can be visited on your own or by joining a tour. There is a fee to enter the temple, as well as an additional charge to watch the Kecak performance.

A note of warning: beware of the Macaque monkeys that live at the Uluwatu Temple – they are sneaky and quick to snatch bags and phones from unsuspecting tourists!

 

#5 Spend a Day at Garuda Wisnu Kencana

The Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park is one of the most spectacular places to see in Uluwatu. Boasting a 400-foot-tall Vishnu statue – plus musical performances, traditional dancing and native art, GWK is a haven of cultural experiences. 

 

Garuda Wisnu Kencana Tickets and Tips

Tickets to GWK include live performances, theater shows and entry to the museum. An upgraded ticket package also provides a tour to the top of the GWK statue. As the area is quite spacious, visitors can also hire golf cart buggies inside the theme park to easily see the attractions.

 

#6 Unwind at a Uluwatu Spa

Whether your trip to Uluwatu is about surfing or vacationing, unwinding with an Uluwatu spa treatment is one of the best things to do! There are numerous Bali wellness centers that offer a range of spa services, but I highly recommend partaking in a traditional Balinese massage.

 

Best Spas in Uluwatu

Laniakea Spa is one of the highly-rated places in Uluwatu for a personalized Balinese massage. Guests are asked to indicate their pressure preference and area of focus in order to get the best Bali massage in Uluwatu. 

The Grey Spa Bali, however, offers specialized Surfer Massages – which are fantastic after a day of getting barreled. Bali Mesari Spa also receives high marks from it’s guests. Travelers can also combine an Uluwatu sunset and spa experience on this package deal. 

 

#7 Go to the Best Uluwatu Restaurants and Bars

Now that we have covered the top Things To Do Uluwatu, it’s time to talk about what and where to eat and drink!

 

Best Uluwatu Restaurants

There are many choices when it comes to places to eat in Uluwatu. We dined on scrumptious cuisine, devouring both traditional Indonesian fare and surprisingly tasty Western food. Most of the restaurants in Uluwatu offer affordable meals in comfortable settings.

 

Where to Eat in Uluwatu

We avoided eating at Uluwatu resorts, preferring instead to dine at the restaurants that line the main roads. Our recommended Uluwatu restaurants are the places we ate our best food in Uluwatu. 

 

Nyoman Local Food

Family-run Nyoman Local Food warung was our favorite spot for homemade Indonesian dishes. We ate at Nyoman more than once during our stay in Uluwatu. The seating area – complete with a boat table – has a quaint, backyard feel to it, even though it faces the main road.

Recommended Dish: Ayam Goreng, which is fried chicken with rice, but the Nasi Goreng was one of the best we tried!

 

Suka Espresso

This hopping spot is known for incredible breakfast food, but the dinner we ate at Suka Espresso was one of our top meals in Uluwatu. In the evening, candles create a cozy atmosphere.

Recommended Dish: Seared Ahi Tuna Bowl.

 

La Baracca 

There is no better place for pizza in Uluwatu than La Baracca. The wait was well worth it for the tasty pies, or make a reservation if you want to be guaranteed a seat. We loved the shabby chic decor, and without a booking we ate on the patio railing which provided an opportunity to meet other travelers!

Recommended Dishes: Pizza – any pizza. You won’t be disappointed!

 

Bukit Cafe

Perhaps a bit more expensive than other places in Uluwatu, the food at Bukit Café is fresh and well-presented – and the portions are big. A great spot for any meal of the day – or just to pop into for a refreshing juice smoothie.

Recommended Dish: The extensive menu has something for everyone, but don’t miss the Specials Board. We had the daily special chicken tacos, which were incredible!

 

Kelly’s Warung

Bingin Beachfront Kelly’s is one of the most stylish warungs in Uluwatu. The chill space welcomes lingerers and surf-watchers – and the simple menu includes fresh juices and light fare, which is perfect for a day at the beach.

Recommended Dish: The wraps were incredibly good – and don’t miss out on the smoothies!

 

Top Uluwatu Bars

Uluwatu nightlife may not be as notorious as in Kuta, but there are a sufficient number of bars where you can tip back a few Bintang beers at the end of the day.

The legendary Single Fin Beach Bar is a hot hangout for surfers and tourists long after the sun goes down. With DJs spinning long into the night, Single Fin always has a crowd. Alternatively, Ulu Garden entertains with live bands every night of the week, but it only open late Friday and Saturday.

 

Tips for Bars in Uluwatu

Resorts, like Ulu Cliffhouse, often host themed party nights with DJs or live music. Look for signs and flyers around town for details of where and when the next Uluwatu party is!

For more low-key drinking establishments, every warung and restaurant doubles as a bar. Another fun (and inexpensive) ‘bar’ is the local liquor store, AngelMartz, that has a few tables out front and offers shisha (hooka) as well.

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Uluwatu Bali Map

Use this link to Google for an interactive Uluwatu, Bali Map marked with all of our top picks for Best Things To Do. 

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Top Uluwatu Tips For Your Bali Trip

Now that you know what to see, do, drink and eat, we want to share a few of our personal travel tips for planning your Uluwatu trip! 

 

Uluwatu, Bali Accommodation

There are many places to stay in Uluwatu that range from luxury beach accommodation to basic Bali budget rooms.

 

D’Padang Hotel

During our visit to Uluwatu, we stayed at D’Padang. What we liked best about D’Padang was the ideal location (that put us within walking distance of most Uluwatu sights), the two on-site refreshing swimming pools and the overall affordability.

Breakfast was included with our room and we enjoyed getting to know the friendly staff. We especially loved playing with Poke, the adorable Bali-dog. Check availability for your stay!

 

Tips for Where to Stay in Uluwatu

When determining the best accommodations for your Uluwatu trip, consider price, location and amenities. The area’s extravagant resorts have all the bells and whistles, but come with a high price tag, too. The least expensive places to stay often have shared rooms and no air conditioning.

We recommend starting your search for the perfect Uluwatu accommodations for your trip on Booking.com – like we do! First, however, read our tips for Booking the Best Hotels for Cheap. 

 

Getting Around Uluwatu Bali

Travelers can get around Uluwatu by car, scooter, bike or on foot. Generally speaking, Uluwatu taxis are expensive and not always available. Many visitors to Bali opt to rent scooters to get around Uluwatu, as it is the most efficient mode of transport. However, for those uncomfortable riding a scooter in Bali (like us), most of the sights in Uluwatu can be reached on foot.

 

Getting To Uluwatu

Getting anywhere in Bali can be a trying task – as traffic is absolutely dreadful. Therefore, travelers going to Uluwatu directly from the airport should consider booking a car in advance. 

For those coming from other Bali destinations, we recommend getting a taxi. We traveled to Uluwatu from Canggu – and the cab ride between the two destinations cost 350K ($23 USD). Considering it took us three hours to make the trip in Bali’s horrendous midday traffic, we thought the price was equally fair and mind-numbing .

Fellow Bali travelers riding scooters said they make the trip from Canggu to Uluwatu in a little over an hour. For day trippers, there are private day tours that visit the Uluwatu highlights that you can book in advance of your trip.

 

What To Pack for Uluwatu, Bali

Ready to go to Uluwatu? Good! Our final tips are all about what to pack in your backpack or suitcase. You can find all our hacks on our How To Pack Page, but for now grab your Free Packing Checklist!

 

Bali Beach Essentials

Don’t forget to pack your beach essentials! Make sure you bring good sunscreen, a wide-brimmed travel hat, polarized sunglasses and insect repellent for your Bali trip.

 

Proper Shoes

Uluwatu is walkable…but only if you have the right shoes! Don’t forget to pack a pair of lightweight and comfortable walking shoes for your trip. I (Sarah) travel with these shoes by Columbia and Reef. Kris prefers wearing these shoes by Sanuk. We share complete reviews in our article, The Best Shoes for Travel.

 

Travel Camera

We’re certain you’ll be snapping tons of photos during your Bali trip! To get great action photos of surfers and wonderful sunset pictures, you will need a real travel camera with a proper lens. We shoot with a Canon Rebel which comes with heaps of accessories and is a fabulous budget camera for travelers. Want videos from the water? Invest in a GoPro for your trip – or a similar (less expensive) waterproof action camera. 

 

Zippered Day Pack 

A zippered day bag – like a small backpack – is ideal for days at the beach and sightseeing adventures. It’s perfect for stowing your sunscreen, guidebook and everyday travel items. Use our tips to ensure you get the Best Travel Day Bag for your vacation.

 

Bali Trip Insurance

No matter how well you prepare, things can go wrong; lost luggage, canceled flights, even illness or injury. If you haven’t already obtained insurance for your trip to Bali, consider traveling protected with World Nomads.

 

Travel Planner

As you begin to make your plans and book reservations, staying organized is key. We recommend using our Printable Travel Planner to stay on top of all the details of your trip!

 

Start planning your trip to Indonesia! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing!  Want more travel advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!

 

More Bali Travel Tips

If our guide of things to do in Uluwatu, Bali, Indonesia helped you plan your trip, check out our other Bali travel guides. 

• Prime Uluwatu Beaches
• Ultimate 2-Week Bali Itinerary
• What To Do Canggu
• The Best of the Nusa Islands
• Top Nusa Penida Day Trip

 

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