15 Best Things To Do In Uluwatu Bali

Uluwatu, located on the western side of Bali’s Bukit Peninsula, offers a variety stunning beaches tucked below lush, forested clifftops, great surfing and yoga, tons of healthy, hip cafes, cool clubs, incredible sunsets, and the ancient Hindu temple this area was named after. If Uluwatu wasn’t on your list of places to explore in Bali, it should be. The seaside tropical paradise of Uluwatu offers many fun places to explore and things to do. Plus, it’s a great escape from some of Bali’s more crowded spots like Kuta and Ubud.

Best Things To Do In Uluwatu

Surfing

Surfing in Uluwatu is renowned, and has been a destination since the 70’s. Not only are the waves world-class, but there are multiple spots with great waves, meaning surfers are spread out over a variety of places rather than all jammed at one location.

You can find ideal surfing spots at Balangan beach, Bingin beach, Impossibles beach, Padang Padang beach, Suluban beach, Thomas beach, and more. Even international surfing competitions are held here, like the Padang Padang Rip Curl Cup.

There’s something for everyone here though, from beginner to advanced. So whether you’re just learning or you want to hone your skills, Uluwatu is an ideal location. There are surf shops on many of these beaches to help you find the best place for your ability, as the waves change with the tide, weather, wind direction, and time of year. Swellbali also offers this very detailed guide.

Yoga

Uluwatu is also a great place for yoga. Morning practices in the lush, tropical forest or overlooking the waves are a glorious way to center yourself and improve your well being. And if you’re a surfer, yoga is a great compliment to surfing, for stretching, balance, and strength.

There are a variety of places for yoga along the coast, but here are a few amazing spots to practice.

• Temple Lodge at the top of the Bingin beach cliff offers daily yoga classes as well as retreats.
• DreamSea Surf Camp at Impossibles beach offers daily yoga as well as retreats.
• Morning Light Yoga at Uluwatu Surf Villas by Suluban beach also offers classes
• Alyan Yoga School, also near Suluban beach, offers yoga classes and teacher training.

Balangan Beach

Balangan beach is one of northernmost beaches in Uluwatu, with golden sand stretching 600’ (200 m) along the coast and beautiful turquoise waves. I did not visit this beach personally, but have read that it’s good for a variety of levels of surfing, that swimming is feasible, depending on tides, and that it does not get crowded.

Aside from the beach, one of its best features is the clifftop on its northern side known for its amazing panoramic views, called Sunset Point (below). There are also some caves to explore at the base of the cliffs.

There is parking (for a fee) at the top of the cliffs, not far from Sunset Point. This beach has many steps to climb down to beach area (which may be why it’s not crowded).

Bingin Beach

Bingin Beach is a stunning little cove surrounded by cliffs, with rock formations in the sea that make it very picturesque. Most of the big picturesque rocks are along the sides of the beach, but you also need to clamber over small and medium sized ones to get into the ocean.

Bingin is known best for its surfing for a variety of levels (based on conditions), with board rentals and surf lessons available. This is not really good beach for swimming, but you can. It’s more of a place to jump in a cool off. There was a red flag out when I was here saying not to swim, but people were jumping in anyway.

My photos don’t show any sand, but there is some, just not a lot. Especially at high tide, when the surf comes very close to the cafes and bars. This is the perfect time to walk and explore the rocks here.

There are several cafes, and bars down by Bingin beach with amazing ocean views and a casual, laid-back vibe, so their balconies are a popular to sit and enjoy a drink, or eat, while watching the sunset. There was also live music playing nightly when I was here.

To get down to this beach you need to climb down 150 to 200 steep steps. This means it’s not very crowded.

There are also many cafes and restaurants at the top of the cliff area for variety, Alchemy, Fitness Bambu, Nourish and The Loft are just a few. All were delicious with many healthy food options. A lot of very well-dressed, fit, young people frequent these places.

There was a lot of construction going on down by the beach area of Bingin when I was here, so this area is definitely growing.

Impossibles Beach

This small beach is not mentioned often and it’s not easy to get to, but it’s beautiful! Located between Bingin beach and famous Padang Padang beach, it’s also known for surfing, mostly intermediate to advanced. As the beach is small and rocky, it’s not noted for swimming, but you can sun here (although not at high tide), explore the rocks, and jump in to cool off.

This beach was supposedly named Impossibles in the 70’s (when surfing became popular here) because it was hard to get to. And it still is. There is access from the Radisson Blu, Anantara Uluwatu Resort, and Dreamsea Surf Camp. You can also access it by paddling from Bingin beach or Padang Padang beach.

Padang Padang Beach

Padang Padang beach is the beach used in scenes of the movie Eat Pray Love with Julia Roberts. It’s beautiful, surrounded by cliffs and rock formations, thick white sand and turquoise waters, but very small. Due to its fame, it has an entry fee of 15,000 IDR (about $1).

This beach is good for expert surfers, although there is an area called Baby Padang which is a good place to learn and hone your skills. Lessons and board rentals area available.

The waves here are generally gentle enough to swim, but make sure to heed any posted warnings.

Once you pay at the ticket booth, you walk down two sets of steps, passing through a small space where two clifftops meet. This makes it feel a bit like you’re entering a secret beach. In the end, however, its fame has made it a bit too touristy.

Padang Padang beach is located just north of the suspension bridge on the main road, north of Blue Heaven. You can’t miss it as you’ll see many people standing on the bridge as you drive up or down the main road, as people often stop to admire the view.

There are vendors on the beach selling beverages, snacks, and trinkets. There’s also a toilet.

When I was at Padang Padang beach there was a Balinese celebration going on. Unfortunately, I’m not sure what celebration it was.

Notice the red flag behind the ceremony on the beach that says no swimming? The ocean was full of people swimming anyway. I just cropped my photos to show the natural assets, not the people.

Thomas Beach

Thomas beach is a long stretch of unpretentious beach that sits below Thomas Homestay between Padang Padang and Suluban beach. It offers golden sand and turquoise waters. This is a good beach for swimming, although best when tide is not too high (as there’s not much beach) or too low. When the tide is low, you can explore the rocks and caves. It’s also great for surfing, with surf boards for rent and lessons available.

It’s a little confusing, but this beach was originally Padang Padang beach (you’ll see signs for it here), but it gained the name Thomas beach from the Thomas Homestay up on the cliff. Padang Padang beach was actually Lubuan Sait, which was accessed by paddling from Padang Padang (Thomas). I note this mainly due to the confusion the signage creates.

There’s a small parking lot on the clifftop and many steps to walk down to the beach, bit not as many as Bingin. There are umbrellas for rent, several cafes, or warungs, and toilets.

There are some nice (but also unpretentious) restaurants around the clifftop area, like Bali Blue Coffee (which also has sandwiches), La Baracca, and Doppio Zero.

Suluban Beach

Suluban beach, also known as Uluwatu beach and Blue Point beach (named after Blue Point Villas here), is a small, but stunning little beach area sandwiched between two cliffs. Like other beaches, you walk down a series of steps to get to the beach, although many less than some of the others.

This rock formations on this beach are so picturesque, many people come here for selfies. As it’s small, this often means waiting your turn to get a photo.

One thing to watch out for here is that large waves can come crashing onto the beach very quickly, so be careful, keep your phone/camera high, and don’t lay down your towel too close the water. And at high tide, there’s very little beach here at all.

Surfing here is noted for advanced and experts. There are surf shops and board rentals before you get to the beach.

When visiting Suluban beach it’s very popular to stop at Single Fin bar and cafe, which has a large balcony overlooking the sea. There are steps up to it off to the right, about mid-way as you walk down the steps.

Uluwatu Temple

Uluwatu Temple, formally known as Pura Luhur Temple is definitely one of the top things to do in Uluwatu. It’s renowned for its magnificent clifftop location towering over the Indian Ocean and is one of six of the most significant temples in Bali. One that Balinese Hindus believe has the powers of the Hindu Trinity merged: Brahma, Vishnu, and Siva. 

Built in the 10th century, this Temple is actually how Uluwatu got its name. With word ulu meaning “land’s end” and watu meaning “rock”, it translates to the temple on the end of the rock.

It’s perched about 230’ (70 m) above the wild, blue waves that crash at the base of the cliff. And as it sits on the western tip of the Bukit, it offers spectacular sunsets. It’s also home to many gregarious macaque monkeys.

Kecak fire dance performances are held here nightly, timed for the sun to set behind the stage. As the sun sets, the fire becomes the focal point of this dramatic Hindu dance that repels evil spirits. This really is a must-see performance in Bali, and Uluwatu Temple is one of the best places to see it. It starts at 6 PM, but sells out quickly, so make sure to arrive early to get a seat.

The Temple itself is only open for special ceremonies, but you can walk the grounds to see the sites. The grounds are quite large, so expect to spend about an hour walking from one clifftop lookout point to the other and, of course, watching the monkeys.

Since this is a Temple, remember to dress to respect Indonesian culture. Upon entry, however, they do provide sarongs, to cover legs, and sashes for your visit.

Tickets For Uluwatu Temple

The entry fee for the temple is 50,000 IDR (2023 price for foreigners). Cash only. The Kecak fire dance performance is an additional 150,000 IDR. Also cash only. There is a small fee for vehicles entering the parking area, including taxis. About 1,000 IDR. In total, this is about $13.

Note On The Monkeys Of Uluwatu Temple

The many macaques here are considered guardians of the temple, but be careful. They’re very slick at stealing your stuff and using it to barter for food. They stole the sunglasses right off my head. So smoothly I didn’t even know a monkey was nearby! A local at the temple was prepared with a packaged treat for the monkey, who easily gave it up in exchange. Of course then he requested money for his services. I, of course, obliged as I was very thankful. Bottom line, avoid monkey mishaps by not wearing sunglasses, jewelry, or anything that can be snatched, and keep a firm grip on your purse, wallet, phone, or camera.

How To Get To Uluwatu Temple

Uluwatu Temple is located on the southwestern tip of the Bukit Peninsula. It’s easy to get to from anywhere in Uluwatu via scooter or car. Or download the Grab or Gojek app to hire a taxi car or scooter. As an example, the scooter ride from Bingin beach to the Temples is about 15-minutes.

Book An Ocean View Room

The beaches all noted above are nestled at the bottom of rain-forested clifftops along the western coast. The plus side of this is the variety of accommodation with spectacular views. The downside, is that to get to the beaches, or the accommodation down by the beach, you need to climb down lengthy sets of steep steps to get to them. Most accommodation will help you will your luggage. Some have carriers that work for tips, while others have set fee. It’s best to ask at your accommodation.

I personally stayed at Bingin beach that I found on Airbnb (image below). It is no longer listed, but there are often others similar, so make sure to check their site as well. It was a very simple, inexpensive room overlooking the ocean. So simple, there was no air conditioning, but with the breeze from the ocean it was fine. There was also a shared bathroom. It’s the perfect room for a surfer. Close to the beach and you can easily check the waves!

I also stayed at DreamSea Surf Camp, an eco-sustainable resort, on the southwestern edge of Impossibles beach and just northeast of Padang Padang beach. A great location. This place is super charming and has amazing views. The downside here is that the rooms have thin walls, so you’ll get to know your neighbors really well. I loved the location and everything else so much, it didn’t bother me.

I would definitely stay in both locations again!

Watch The Sunset

With so many clifftop vistas, there are many amazing places to watch the sun melt into the Indian Ocean in Uluwatu. I’ve listed seven awesome sites below. All of these locations are popular, so it’s best to arrive early. Some charge fees for parking, and some, like the bars or bars, will require a purchase or minimum spend.

Uluwatu Temple

Uluwatu Temple is one of the best places to watch the sunset in Ukuwatu. The dramatic cliffs looming over the waves make it even better. You need to,purchase a ticket to enter the Temple.

Sunset Point At Balangan Beach

At the northeastern end of Balangan beach there’s a clifftop location called Sunset Point that’s ideal for watching the sunset. It’s so beautiful, it’s not unusual for wedding photos to be taken here. There’s a fee for parking here.

The Headland Above Dreamland Beach

This clifftop vista is located above Dreamland beach, just south of Klapa resort. It’s the headland just south of the road going down to Dreamland beach. If you head toward Klapa, you can’t miss it, as you’ll see the scooters and people on the vast space of the clifftop. This is currently free.

Ulu Cliffhouse

Ulu Cliffhouse is a cool club showcasing amazing sunsets with a hip vibe. It’s located on the edge of the cliff between Thomas beach and Suluban beach.

Single Fins Above Suluban Beach

The balcony at Single Fins is very popular and has an amazing view. Plus you can enjoy it with a cold Bintang. This place has a very laid-back vibe and often has live music in the evening. It’s located above Suluban beach. Entry is free, but you need to purchase something.

Batu Jaran Hill

Batu Jaran is a natural clifftop located between Uluwatu Temple and Suluban beach with a stunning view. As this is a clifftop with a steep drop, please watch your step.

Karang Boma Cliff

Another natural clifftop is Karang Boma Cliff, about a 5-minute drive south of Uluwatu Temple. This spot is really epic, but also has a steep drop, so be careful.

Paraglide At Nyang Nyang Beach

For some variety in your activities, another great thing to do in Uluwatu is to try paragliding at Nyang Nyang beach. This beach is located on the southern coast of the Bukit Peninsula. It’s an awesome way to get a spectacular views, plus just about anyone can do it. Just know that you need to wear close toed shoes (no sandals). They also say to wear long sleeves. They provide all the rest.

Try The Edge Infinity Pool

The Edge is an incredible infinity pool that hangs over the edge of the clifftop, 500’ above the ocean with a bottom made of transparent glass.

It’s at Oneeighty day club at The Edge resort. This instagram-worthy spot is located on the southern coast of the Bukit Peninsula, about a 15-minute drive east of Uluwatu Temple.

A day pass here is 400,000 IDR (about $26), where 300,000 of this is available for you to use a food and beverage credit. The pass can be used for up to 4 hours. It’s important to book online in advance. There’s also a VIP option for 6 hours that includes a welcome drink.

Beach Clubs

In such a stunning setting, there’s also a variety of beach clubs to explore. Some of the best include the following.

Sundays Beach Club

Sundays Beach Club is one of the most popular beach clubs in Uluwatu. It’s located on a beautiful beach front area and has a very exclusive vibe. They have a restaurant with a variety of salads, bowls, pizzas, burgers, and ice cream sundaes. They also offer water sports equipment. And on weekends, there are beach bonfires at 5 PM and live music.

The entrance fee is 500,000 IDR, with a 300,000 food and beverage credit in return (about $32). There’s also a VIP booking option that’s 1 million IDR with an 800,000 food and beverage credit that offers premium seating and free use of kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, and snorkeling equipment (depending on the tide of course).

The VIP option needs to be booked 30 days in advance while general admission is for walk-ins. Sundays gets busy, especially on weekends, so if you’re a walk-in, arrive early. They open at 10AM. See their website for all the options and details.

Sundays Beach Club is part of the Ungasan Resort located on the southern coast of the Bukit Peninsula.

Ulu Cliffhouse

Ulu Cliffhouse, which is noted under best places to watch a sunset above, is another well-known club. This club looks spectacular. It has epic views, an infinity pool, a restaurant, music events, and a cool, cliffside ocean deck over the water. If you’re looking for something a little more upscale, this is the place for you.

Ulu Cliffhouse is located between Thomas and Suluban beach.

Single Fins

Single Fins is not really a club, but it’s so popular, it really belongs in this list. It’s also noted above as one of the best places to see a sunset, but there’s so much more here. If you’re looking for a great place with a laid-back vibe, this is the place to go.

In addition to their balcony overlooking the sea up above Suluban beach, they also have a restaurant and bar. They have a music program on Wednesdays and are famous for their Sunday Sessions with international DJ’s and live acts.

Try The Cafes Of Uluwatu

There are so many wonderful healthy and great food options in Uluwatu you can’t go wrong. Some of my favorites include the following.

Alchemy

Near Bingin beach, Alchemy is a pure vegan restaurant using only all-natural, sustainable, and organic ingredients. This restaurant/cafe is very classy and clean and you know you’re eating super healthy. Alchemy also has a location in Ubud (where they also have a yoga and meditation center).

Bambu Kitchen

Near Bingin beach, Bambu Kitchen is connected with Bambu Fitness. They serve a wide variety of healthy options that include portion, and are frequented by some very fit people!

Nourish

Near Bingin beach, this unpretentious cafe serves a wide variety of food from burgers and pizza to salads and smoothies.

La Baracca

Near Thomas beach, La Baracca is a great Italian restaurant with pizzas and pastas. La Baracca also has locations in Ubud and Canggu.

Bali Coffee Blue

If you want a great coffee shop that also sells sandwiches and gelato, stop by Bali Coffee Blue just north of Padang Padang beach. They use filtered water for towash all the fruit and mineral water for their juices.

How To Get To Uluwatu

Uluwatu is in the southern part of Bali in a place called the Bukit Peninsula. It would be an island except for a small sliver of land connecting it to Kuta and Denpassar near the airport.

The drive from Denpasar airport to Uluwatu is 30-minutes to an hour, depending on final location and traffic. You can rent a scooter, which provides the ability to pass the many cars in the street, or download the Grab or Gojek apps and hire a taxi car or scooter to drive you. You will need an International Driving Permit (IDP) as well as your regular license.

How To Get Around Uluwatu

Renting a scooter is the most convenient way of getting around Uluwatu if there are two of you driving together. You will need an International Driving Permit (IDP) as well as your regular license.

Using Grab and Gojek, however, is super easy and affordable. All of my drivers were very courteous and I found their driving safe. The apps are great as you can translate to English at the press of a button if they write in Balinese (they all immediately wrote “I are there”, but think they meant they are on their way). I also found it convenient that if there was a question on the pickup location, you could send a photo of your actual location. This was so helpful when I was not by a mapped business or cafe.

Best Time To Visit Uluwatu

Temperatures are warm and humid year round in Bali, so visiting any time is good. April through October are the driest months, while the rainiest are December, January, and February.

I’ve visited twice, once April and once in February. February did have more rain, but when it did rain, it only rained for a few hours. Simply waiting an hour or two, meant clear blue, sunny skies again. It’s just easier to plan when there is less rain.

When is the best time to surf in Uluwatu? You can find great waves here year round, but the waves are the most consistent in the dry season, May to September. The waves also tend to be bigger then.

Things To Know About Uluwatu

Uluwatu is really beautiful, but there are a few things that are good to know.

First, this area is best for fit, agile people, as most all of the beaches have lengthy steps to climb down to get to them. Some as many as 200. In 85 degree heat, this usually means you’ll be coated with sweat by the time you get to the top. It’s a great stair master though, so you’ll get fit quick!

Second, the cliffs above the beaches, and much of the way down, are lush jungle, so be prepared for many monkeys in the area. Including on the beach. Keep a close eye on your gear, carrying it all in one bag. And keep it close. The monkeys are 100% smart enough to know that humans will use food to barter with them to get their belongings back. It’s best, however, not to loose them in the first place. You’re on your own when it comes to bartering with monkeys…I can’t help you there. Proceed with extreme caution as they are wild animals.

Finally, I visited Uluwatu in February, during rainy season. Most all of the beaches in Uluwatu had large amounts of wood debris in the surf (from the trees) and along the beach when I was there. The rains also brought in trash that washes up to the beaches.

Want More Of Bali?

To read more about Ubud, and what to do here, see Best Things To Do In Ubud: Top Sites And Sacred Places. From treasured, ancient temples, to vibrant traditional dance performances, galleries and museums showcasing local artists, many yoga centers, spas, and amazing food, there’s tons to see and do in this vibrant city.

I highly recommend doing some of the local Ubud rice fields walks. My post on the 4 Best Rice Fields Walks In Ubud details out where they are and what to expect. It’s a fantastic way to step outside the hustle and bustle of Ubud and get a quick dose of Balinese cultural heritage. Plus they’re so beautiful!

If you want to see some of the more instagrammable rice fields walks, visit the Tegallalang Rice Terraces, which are a 30-minute drive north of Ubud. This highly terraced rice field is really beautiful, although (unfortunately) a little over commercialized. To see an even larger rice field, one that is less commercialized, visit Jatiluwih. These vast rice fields are located about an hour northwest of Ubud.

You can read about my Ubud homestay with an extended Balinese family here. The perfect way to get an extra dose of culture while staying in Ubud. Or, If you’re curious about a cooking class in Ubud, read about the Cooking Class I took here. The food in Bali is amazing!

I also was invited to a Cremation Ceremony when visiting Ubud. A fascinating experience which sounds morbid, but is actually a celebration of life, as well a sending-off of the soul for rebirth.

To learn about some smaller, less touristy villages in Bali, see my post on The Small Villages Of Munduk And Lovina. Uber charming, you can find several hidden waterfalls and some cool old temples.

And for an overview of all highlights of Bali, as well as logistics like safety, scams, money matters, and more, see my Ultimate Bali Travel Guide.

Safe Travels!

Julie