Uluwatu is a beautiful gem in South Bali, boasting a unique landscape shaped by limestone cliff edges and lush vegetation.
This is a dream destination for surfers from all over the world, but it has more to offer: from yummy food and yoga to traditional Balinese music and dance performances.
Uluwatu is definitely worth at least a day trip, and here are the best Uluwatu attractions and things to do around Uluwatu and the Bukit Peninsula.
Summary: Our Favourite Things To Do In Uluwatu
- Uluwatu temple visit, beach hopping, and surfing are a must when you are in Uluwatu.
- If you have more time hit more restaurants, beach bars, markets, SAKA Museum, and GWK Park.
- Sunset is one thing not to miss in Uluwatu. Enjoy it from the beaches on the West side of the Bukit Peninsula, from clifftop bars and restaurants, or from a viewpoint.
Insider tip: The best way to get around Uluwatu to see more things in one day is by bike. You can rent one everywhere, but you must have an international driver’s license and proper travel insurance. If you can’t drive, a private car for a day trip is better since taxis don’t cover all the areas in Bukit and Uluwatu.
Things To Do In Uluwatu That Aren’t Beach Clubs
Uluwatu Temple & Kecak Fire Dance
Uluwatu temple is not only one of the oldest and most significant Hindu temples for Balinese, like Tanah Lot in Canggu.
Ialso a unique stage for a Kecak dance performance with men dressed in traditional costumes and chanting to accompany the show.
Come in the afternoon to take a strong walk along the cliffs following a small loop around the temple grounds, and then make your way to the amphitheatre to watch the show at 6 or 7 PM.
Tickets should be bought in advance. A must for a bit of cultural immersion with clifftop views.
Keep your wits about you as there are wild monkeys ready to snatch your phone or water bottle while you marvel at the Indian Ocean.
Yoga
Although Ulu is not the yoga capital of Bali, year after year more and more yoga studios pop up here and some of them are the best on the island, like Alchemy or The Space Bali.
All things yoga, meditation, and breathwork are easily accessible and you will find a great community here, too.
Yoga at Alchemy would be our first choice. The shala itself is a beautiful bamboo structure and they have lots of classes and workshops based on their own system. Drop-in prices start from 160,000 IDR (16 AUD).
GWK Park & Statue
GWK, or Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park, houses the tallest statue in Indonesia – a 75-meter-tall mythical bird Garuda carrying the Hindu God Wisnu on its back.
The statue offers panoramic views and a little history display, while the park itself is a huge playground for taking photos, Lotus Pond location is a must, eating (food court and restaurants with a view), and enjoying dozens of traditional dance and music performances in different corners of the park.
Tickets are available online with different packages, starting from 150,000 IDR (15 AUD).
Where Is It? Uluwatu St, Ungasan, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali 80364, Indonesia
SAKA Museum
A modern museum dedicated to Balinese holidays and artifacts, inaugurated by AYANA Resorts is an architectural marvel and an amazing way to spend a rainy afternoon.
Our favourite exhibitions are about subak, a water irrigation system in Bali, and Ogoh-Ogoh, Balinese huge handmade figures locals create every year for the New Year’s parade (around March).
Where Is It? Jl. Karang Mas Sejahtera, Jimbaran, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Surfing
Surfing in Uluwatu is iconic and these breaks were precisely what put Bali on the international surfing map back in the 80s.
An abundance of surf schools, coaches, rentals, and pros to share tips in the area. Come with your own gear or rent a board on the beach for 50,000 to 100,000 IDR (5-10 AUD).
Most of the breaks along the Uluwatu shoreline are pretty challenging with fast and punchy waves, perfect for turns and even barrels, so beginners should be very careful not break a board or snap the leash.
The best bet is to get private lessons to get acquainted with tricky reef bottoms and strong currents.
Advanced and pro surfers will have a blast at Padang Padang (if can handle crowds), Uluwatu break, Green Bowl, and Balangan.
Unfortunately, none of the Uluwatu beaches is really good to swim. For that, you should take a drive to Nusa Dua or Benoa where the waters are calmer and shallower.
Seafood Dinner
There is no shortage of delicious cafes and restaurants in Uluwatu with good prices and even better food, from Indonesian to Italian, Mexican, Japanese, and even Georgian.
However, the highlight of being on the island, is of course, seafood and its freshness. You have a few options, for each budget and occasion:
- Jimbaran seafood market (a bit of a drive but the most authentic and local experience where you pick your fish and seafood at the market and ask a shop nearby to grill it for you. You pay by weight at both the market and the grilling restaurant. Best value for money. Search for Kedonganan Fish Market (Pasar Ikan Kedonganan) on Google Maps.
- Ulu Fish Market is a cleaner, tourist-oriented alternative right in Uluwatu with a much more sophisticated menu, and, higher prices. Our favourite place to dine in Uluwatu. It is very close to Thomas Beach.
- Mana Uluwatu (Uluwatu Surf Villas’ restaurant) is not only a pleasant upscale restaurant with a pool, but the upstairs dining room also has a stunning view of the ocean. The menu offers ceviche, oysters, grilled fish and more. Besides food, Uluwatu Surf Villas is a beautiful hotel and it has morning yoga classes, too.
- Luxury romantic dinner. Many high-end resorts closer to Nusa Dua have a service like this. You can ask them to organise a private dinner for just the two of you on the beach or on a private clifftop terrace with a selected menu. Resorts like Anantara, AYANA, and Biu Biu have such special offers.
Sunset
You will be spoiled for choice to enjoy a beautiful sunset around Uluwatu.
Beach bars like Single Fin or something more local on the stairs leading to the Suluban beach (Kelly’s Warung). They often have cocktails, live music, DJs, or some sort of entertainment at night.
Beautiful beach clubs and resorts with infinity pools and clifftop bars like Rock Bar at AYANA Resort. The downside of beach clubs in Uluwatu is that tables and day beds come with a minimum spend and require booking in advance to secure a good table with a view.
Many recommend El Kabron, but we found the food there underwhelming for the price. Ulu Cliffhouse is better. However, we are biased and still believe that Canggu’s FINNS Beach Club is the best on the island (and in the world).
Simply getting down to one of the beaches and enjoying a cold beer or a coconut on the white sand is also a great way to enjoy the sunset.
Beaches on the west coast of the Bukit Peninsula will have the best sunset, while on the South and East coast of the Peninsula you will get colourful skies but won’t see the sun actually rolling down.
The best sunset viewpoints are: Balangang Cliffs, Karang Boma Cliffs (south of Uluwatu temple), and Honeymoon Beach (Tegal Wangi).
No matter which location you choose, stunning views are guaranteed.
Local Boutiques & Markets
If you choose to go down the main street in Uluwatu, jl Labuansait, you will find clusters of boutiques selling jewellery, clothing, swimwear and such all within walking distance from one another.
Plus, there are Sunday Market at Hatch and Ulu Love Markets (three of them in the area) with all sorts of affordable beachwear, souvenirs, bags, and trinkets.
Bring cash to shop at the markets and remember that it is okay to haggle a bit, especially if you know you are being asked a high price, which is common in touristy spots.
Paragliding At Pandawa or Melasti Beach
Tandem paragliding is not a big thing in Bali but Melasti and Pandawa beaches are one of the rare spots where you can enjoy the views from the bird’s eye view and get that adrenaline rush going.
Please check all the reviews carefully before committing to a certain provider, paragliding can be dangerous. Also, make sure your travel insurance covers adventures and extreme sports.
Paragliding experience usually takes 1 to 2 hours (including take off and landing) and costs about 100 AUD per person.
Helicopter Tour
If you’re looking for something special and more premium, look into helicopter tours. There are several time packages so the pilot takes you to all the favourite spots around Uluwatu, South Bali, or all of Bali.
Fly Bali is one of the biggest tour providers, and they do have a list to choose from with flights even beyond Bali.
Prices start from 2,600,000 IDR for just 12 minutes in the air (260 AUD).
Spa Day
After all these adventures, a spa is warranted. And you are just in the perfect spot to get pampered.
In Uluwatu, you can find cheap local massage salons with skilled ladies, upscale Australian-owned spas with beauty treatments, and unique spa packages at luxurious resorts like Bulgari with views of the ocean (The Edge Spa).
One of the most famous spots for a recovery day is The Istana – a large wellness facility with a no-phones policy and clifftop views. You get access to their biohacking treatments (extra cost), saunas, plunges, infinity pool, and restaurant.
Uluwatu Cooking Class
The majority of cooking classes happen in Ubud and Canggu, but there are some hidden gems in Uluwatu, too.
For example, a traditional cooking class at Six Senses where during your 2-hour class you’ll learn how to cook a few dishes of Indonesian and Balinese cuisine at home.
The offer includes drinks and lunch (local food).
Best Beaches In Uluwatu For Beach Hopping
Uluwatu has some of the most beautiful beaches in Bali and one of our favourite things to do here is spending time exploring them.
Thomas Beach
Thomas Beach is special not just because of the scenery but also because you can rent a SUP board here and paddle around early in the morning.
After you get down the steps you will end up on a beautiful beach with shells, white sand, transparent blue waters, and no cellphone coverage – perfect to disconnect!
Bingin Beach
Bingin is one of the most stunning beaches in Uluwatu, you get panoramic views even when you start to get down to the beach.
Beautiful rock formations rising from the ocean, cliffs, and vegetation make a perfect backdrop for your photos.
Stop by Drifter to have a meal near Bingin Beach, it is a famous surf shop and a cafe with lots of vegan options.
2026 situation: There is currently a lot of demolition going on in the area and rubble is not being cleaned out quickly.
Padang Padang Beach
Padang Padang Beach is a surfing destination in Ulu, with high-performing waves. Lots of pros surf here, and a few annual contests are organised during the peak season.
Thanks to surfing and the Eat Pray Love movie, this beach is super crowded yet still beautiful to see.
The entry fee is 15,000 IDR (1.5 AUD).
Dreamland Beach
Another popular beach in Uluwatu, Dreamland Beach, offers a long white-sand strip perfect for walking. Lots of sun beds and umbrellas to rent.
Waves are quite choppy, so you won’t be able to swim, but you can sunbathe, take pics, and enjoy the sunset here.
The entry fee is 10,000 IDR (1 AUD).
Nyang Nyang Beach
Our personal favourite. Although, a bit harder to reach and not facing sunset, Nyang Nyang has a lot of natural beauty, especially during the low tide when natural pools by the shore get exposed.
Less crowds, for sure!
Suluban Beach
Suluban beach is incredibly unique thanks to its cave entrance.
Visit during the low tide, to be able to enter the beach. It is small, cozy, white-sand beach where people chill and surf, but it is too small to comfortably spend a day.
Green Bowl Beach
A more hidden beach, way less popular as it takes a bit of a ride and trek down the stairs.
Yet, you will be rewarded with sandy beach surrounded by vegetation and cliffs with small caves and a temple.
Beware of mischevious monkeys here.
Pandawa Beach
Mostly popular among domestic tourists, Pandawa is a massive beach on the East Coast of Uluwatu and a less busy alternative to popular Melasti Beach.
Signature scenery here is towering limestone cliffs and drive to the beach carved out through them.
Besides sunset and cliffs, Pandawa has something unique to offer: amazing statues of Hindu gods!
FAQs
What Not To Miss In Uluwatu?
A few tourist attractions in Uluwatu are not to miss for first-time travellers like the ancient Hindu Uluwatu temple with Kecak fire dance show at night, GWK statue, surfing, and of course, a beach day hopping between the most beautiful beaches in Bali.
Is Uluwatu, Bali Worth Visiting?
Totally. Uluwatu will be a great place to stay or to visit on a day trip for all kinds of travellers.
There are high-performing surf breaks for experienced surfers, modern coworking spaces for digital nomads, amazing dining options and nightlife for tourists, and some of the leading yoga studios for yogis.
How Many Days In Uluwatu Is Enough?
3-4 days are enough to explore beautiful Uluwatu if you’re not into surfing and need to fit it in your 10 to 21 days vacation.
Surfing enthusiasts can spend months in Ulu during the dry season to enjoy maximum of the good waves.
If you are a digital nomad, a couple of weeks will be great in Uluwatu since you can really explore all the beaches and have a more relaxing time compared to Seminyak or Canggu.
What To Do In Uluwatu In A Day?
Start in the early morning in Uluwatu with visiting a beach, either to try surfing or simply relaxing.
Then explore GWK cultural park, make a stop at one of the restaurants, and in the afternoon check out Uluwatu temple and book tickets for the Kecak dance.
After dark, party at Hatch, Tabu, or fancier places like Savaya.
Final Thoughts On Things To Do, Uluwatu
Don’t let people tell you that all you can do in Uluwatu is visit restaurants, hunt for the best coffee, or spend time in a beach club.
Uluwatu may not have such a diverse cultural scene or nightlife as other parts of Bali, but there are lots of things to do for any type of traveller here, from museums to live music to shopping.
Uluwatu is not just for surfing either, so make sure to make a day trip to Ulu when visiting Bali!