What to do in Uluwatu, Bali : best tips from a local !

Want to know what to do in Uluwatu, Bali ? You’ve come to the right place ! Now, why is the title mentionning « a local » ? Nope, I wasn’t born at the foot of Uluwatu‘s cliffs — that would’ve been pretty epic… But I’ve been coming to Indonesia, my homeland, for 28 years, living in Bali for a year and a half, and I’ve been calling the surfer’s peninsula home for the last six months. So this is your chance to dive deep into Uluwatu life 😉 Ready ? Then grab your boards, bikinis and good vibes — this is your ultimate guide to Uluwatu, Bali !

Sommaire

Where is Uluwatu and how do you get there ?

Let’s start with the basics : what even is Uluwatu ? Generally speaking, we refer to Uluwatu as the peninsula at the southernmost tip of Bali, Indonesia, just below the airport. More specifically, it’s the central and western part of the peninsula — head east and you’re in Nusa Dua, which is a completely different vibe (think: luxury resorts and pristine beaches, but without much character).

So, Uluwatu isn’t a town in itself but rather an area on the peninsula. It’s also the name of the most famous beach in the area — we’ll get to that later! Getting to Uluwatu during your stay in Bali is eazy peazy : it’s about an hour by car from the airport and a bit less by scooter. Uluwatu is also roughly 1.5 hours from the Canggu/Seminyak regions and the Ubud area.

Need a driver in Bali ?

I’ll handle everything for you with one of my local partners!
Easy peazy, just take a minute to fill out this form :

Best things to do in Uluwatu

Now that you can pinpoint the destination on a map, let’s get down to business : what are the best things to do in Uluwatu, Bali ? You might have heard that it’s not worth visiting unless you’re a hardcore surfer… That’s what I thought too before moving here ! But I promise, Uluwatu is so much more than that. But before we dive in :

1. Dive into Bali’s culture at Uluwatu Temple or GWK

I’m kicking off this list of the best things to do in Uluwatu with a must-see that’s probably in every guidebook : the famous Uluwatu Temple, or Pura Luhur Uluwatu in Indonesian. For me, this temple is a bit like the Eiffel Tower in Paris : a lot of locals (meaning both Indonesians and expats) have never actually been there 😅 But let’s be honest, it’s the only cultural visit you can make on the peninsula, so yes, it’s definitely worth a stop.

In short, here’s what to do at Uluwatu temple :

Enjoy the breathtaking views — what makes Uluwatu Temple so enchanting is its stunning location perched right on the edge of the cliff.
Meet the sneaky monkeys. No exaggeration, this is one of the worst spots in Bali for that ! Keep your belongings secure unless you want to trade a banana for your sunglasses or phone…! 🐒
Learn a bit about the culture. But on that note, there’s no information on-site, so do a bit of research beforehand if you want to have any clue about the history of the place…

But the highlight of a visit to Uluwatu Temple is definitely the Kecak dance, performed in an amphitheater with the sunset over the ocean as a breathtaking backdrop. Dance plays a crucial role in Balinese culture, and this is one of the best places on the island to catch a performance — even if the staging is a bit less authentic and has been « tourist-tailored. » Kecak is one of the most popular Balinese dances, named after the chanting sound the dancers make during the performance ! The dance tells the epic tale of Rama and Sinta, characters from the Ramayana mythology. Again, there’s very little information available on-site, so you can find more details here if you’re interested.

My advice

I highly recommend booking your ticket for Uluwatu Temple in advance, as it’s a very popular activity ! You can do it right here:

Now, when I say « the only cultural visit » in Uluwatu, I’m kind of exaggerating. A few years ago one of the largest statues in the world was built in Uluwatu : Garuda Wisnu Kencana(locals call it GWK, pronounced « Gay-Way-Ka »). The statue stands 120 meters tall and depicts Wisnu, one of the three main gods of Hinduism, on his mount, the bird Garuda. If you’re into history and culture, this is one of the best activities to do in Uluwatu.

my advice

If the experience appeals to you, I encourage you to book your entry ticket to the GWK Cultural Park right now for peace of mind :

2. Treat yourself on one of Uluwatu’s beaches

If someone asked me what’s special about Uluwatu, my first answer would be : the beaches. I’ve seen a good share of Bali’s beaches, and let me tell you, Uluwatu’s beaches are by far the most impressive on the island. Lush cliffs, white sand, towering rocks, incredible waves, but also spots perfect for lounging, and breathtaking sunsets — you name it, Ulu has it all 😎

So, what’s the most beautiful beach in Uluwatu ? Well, the best part here is that you have a wide range to choose from. There’s something for everyone ! Some are very well-known because they are:

World-renowned surf spots : hello Uluwatu beach
Or because they made an appearance in a blockbuster movie : that’s Padang Padangbeach, featured in Eat, Pray, Love.

Among the most popular, we can also mention: :

Dreamland, a little paradise perfect for sunbathing with its vast stretch of fine sand
Balangan, which is quite popular among surfers of all levels and is also great for relaxing in one of the many warungs, those small local restaurants, facing the sea.

Since I live here, I must admit that I find these beaches quite crowded and not the most enjoyable. If you’re looking for the best things to do in Uluwatu and you are in the mood for some exploration, I recommend checking out these lesser-known Uluwatu beaches that have an incredible charm 🤩:

Green Bowl (left photo) is perfect for swimming in crystal-clear waters, watching skilled surfers in the distance and relaxing in the shade of the massive cave. Just a heads-up : getting there is a bit of a workout with the 300 steps !
Gunung Payung, in the late afternoon, offers magical light over a stunning beach with hardly any tourists (though you’ll find quite a few locals!).
Nunggalan (right photo) is a vast, nearly deserted, and absolutely breathtaking beach that feels like you’ve stepped into Jurassic Park. I must mention that it takes about 20 min of hiking steep trails through the jungle to get there. The hike back up is no joke in the heat 🥵 But hey, dream beaches are worth the effort !
Nyang Nyang is a georgous white sand beach where you can relax with a coconut and enjoy the stunning waters for a dip. In my opinion, it’s by far one of the best Uluwatu beaches.
Impossible has an incredibly picturesque setting : stunning rocks scattered across a small beach that feels almost private, crystal-clear waters, and beautiful villas in the background…

3. Surfing in Uluwatu : legendary waves

Why is Uluwatu the mecca for surfers from around the world ?

If you’re already into surfing, this won’t be a surprise to you : the peninsula is one of the most famous surf spots in the world ! So it’s no surprise that I’m listing this as one of the best activities to do in Uluwatu… In fact, as soon as you arrive, you’ll get the vibe right away : nowhere else will you see so many shirtless guys (or girls in Billabong bikinis) speeding by with their boards strapped to their scooters, sun-bleached hair blowing in the wind 😅

Now, what makes Uluwatu so irresistible to surfing addicts ? First, there’s a vast variety of spots, making it suitable for all skill levels and almost any season. But for the more advanced surfers, Uluwatu offers powerful, fast, and sometimes massive waves with impressive barrels. And let’s be honest, with its turquoise waves breaking over a wide reef and its dramatic cliffs, the place is visually stunning too.

Note that the best time to surf in Uluwatu is between May and October, which roughly coincides with the dry season in Bali. During this period, the waves are more consistent and bigger.

Can beginners surf in Uluwatu ?

Yes, you can indeed find beginner surf spots in Uluwatu. I actually started surfing here myself, despite the challenging reputation of the waves and the intimidating reef break. Definitely give this a go : surfing is one of the top things to do in Uluwatu !

But generally speaking, I strongly recommend staying on your guard. Surfing is much more dangerous than it seems. I had quite a nasty accident myself after a collision with another surfer… So, if you’re a beginner surfer in Uluwatu, here are some tips for you :

never surf alone; you never know what might happen
avoid overcrowded spots, especially with inexperienced surfers. When you’re a beginner, you can be a danger to yourself and others !
if you have some surfing experience, still ask a local to explain the spot before you go in. There might be hazards you’re not aware of (rip currents, reef at low tide, etc.).

... And book a surf lesson with a skilled instructor !

It’s a game-changer ! Contact me now and I’ll put you in touch with Najib, a great teacher and friend who will guide you regardless of your level. :

Where should I surf in Uluwatu based on my level ?

If it’s your very first time on a board, I recommend heading to Kuta Beach, about 40 minutes from Uluwatu. There you won’t find any reefs and the waves are mostly foam (meaning it’s a broken wave, making them much easier to surf). Otherwise, here are the beginner/intermediate surf spots in Uluwatu:

Balangan
Bingin
Baby padang (the spot on the right at Padang Padang Beach—be careful, the left side is for pros)
and during the rainy season: the spots around the water blow in Nusa Dua, on the eastern coast of the peninsula

If you’ve already got a bit of Kelly Slater in you, here are the Uluwatu spots for experienced surfers :

Uluwatu (bet you didn’t see that one coming !)
Padang Padang
Green bowl
Nyang Nyang
Impossible

So, convinced that this is one of the best things to do in Uluwatu ? 😉

How do i get internet on my phone in bali ?

The easiest option is to get an eSIM card. I recommend using the provider Saily that’s perfect for several reasons:

No risk of getting overcharged for a local SIM at the airport
It activates automatically as soon as you arrive in the country
You get a full refund if it’s not compatible with your phone
Plans for Indonesia start at just $4.79!

You can get yours right away by clicking the banner below:

4. Chasing the most beautiful sunset in Uluwatu

My biggest thrill since moving to Uluwatu is sending a text to my friends saying « sunset at the beach? » just as I’m wrapping up my workday. The luxury of being on a small peninsula is that you can enjoy incredible sunrises and sunsets with just a short drive ! To make sure you’ll enjoy the best activities in Uluwatu, here’s a list of my favorite spots for an unforgettable sunset.

Bars or beach clubs for watching the sunset in Uluwatu :

Single Fin – my favorite. A crazy sunset with a breathtaking view of the Uluwatu surfers and a chill vibe. It gets pretty crowded, so don’t arrive too late if you want a table with a great view.
Mana – stunning location, a bit pricey for Bali, but totally worth it.
Ulu Cliffhouse – one of the major beach clubs in Uluwatu, more upscale but really cool when there are good DJs.

Beaches or cliffs for watching the sunset in Uluwatu (so free😉) :

Karang Boma cliff – go this way, they will charge you at the other entrance !
Gunung Payung beach
Nyang Nyang beach (picture on the left)
Dreamland beach – there’s a sunset point here

Note that you might not see the sun from all of these spots, but the atmosphere and the light are still absolutely stunning. After this, you won’t be wondering what to do in Uluwatuanymore !

5. Go out in Uluwatu

Partygoers in Bali usually head to areas like Canggu or Seminyak, which are perfect for that kind of scene. But if you’re on the hunt for the best things to do in Uluwatu, you should know that we also have great places to go out ! If you’re asking me « what is better, Canggu or Uluwatu ? » I’d say I prefer partying in Uluwatu because fewer tourists mean less disrespectful behavior (shoutout to the 18-year-old drunk Australians 🙃)…

If you’re wondering where to go out in Uluwatu, here’s what might interest you:

Savaya – the most famous club in Bali (and the priciest). The vibe can sometimes be very « look at me » and pseudo-influencer, but it’s undeniable that the place is eye-catching. If you enjoy techno or house music, the top DJs perform here.
Single Fin – already mentioned above for sunsets, the place also transforms into a club on Sunday nights with a really cool vibe. The music features house downstairs and reggaeton/afro beats upstairs.
Tabu – small club with a dimly lit atmosphere and techno sounds. It’s also a fairly upscale restaurant.
Rolling Fork – on Tuesday nights, this Italian restaurant hosts a live band that gets the entire expat community salsa dancing !
Cashew Tree – a super lovely restaurant and bar. Don’t miss the live music on Thursdays !
My little bonus: for « pre-drinks, » head to Jack Bar, a tiny local bar that offers a bunch of arak (Bali’s local liquor) cocktails at very low prices ! Special shoutout to the owner, the great Jack.

6. The unusual Uluwatu

Looking to go off the beaten path in Uluwatu ? Here are a few ideas for original experiences in Uluwatu:

Climbing on a shipwreck… or two

For those wanting to snap some cool photos (or just the curious), head to Nunggalan or Melasti Beaches to check out the surprising shipwrecks stranded on the sand !

Swimming in front of a plane

Have you ever seen a Boeing perched on the edge of a cliff ? To check this off your list, take a trip to Nyang Nyang Beach and look up. The craziest part is that it’s a luxury accommodation ! Personally, I’m not a fan of the idea (I think it spoils the view), but to each their own…

Make your own silver jewelry

Tired of sunbathing and swimming? How about spending an afternoon with a local artisan who will teach you how to make your own silver jewelry in Uluwatu? Enough to return to France with a truly original souvenir! You can book the activity right away by clicking right here.

Where to stay in Uluwatu ?

There are two things to consider: your budget and the distance you’re willing to put between you and the « tourist center » of Uluwatu, in the southwest.

Ungasan where I live, for example, isn’t exactly right next to all the « hotspots, » but the town is filled with shops and restaurants… And it’s much cheaper. Another example: Balangan village isn’t the most popular among tourists, yet it is incredibly peaceful, close to the beaches, and easy to access !

Here are some hotels and villas in Uluwatu that I’ve found for you, highly-rated and well-located:

The Bali boarding house – 23€ / night for 2 people
Dea cottages – from 30€ / night for 2 people
Uluwatu desa – 63€ / night for 2 people
The seaglass villas – 98€ / night for 2 people
See the 10 best hotels in Uluwatu

Best restaurants & bars in Uluwatu

We’re incredibly spoiled for choice when it comes to restaurants in Uluwatu! I’m sure you won’t have any trouble finding the typical “foreign-owned, foreign-oriented” spots. But since I personally prefer to support small local businesses, here’s my list of the best restaurants in Uluwatu run by Indonesians ❣️:

For a local meal – budget around $2 / person :

Ayu’s food from the heart – healthy and super yummy dishes, served by an adorable local family in a colorful courtyard.
Warung Ubay – beautiful choice of both local and western food, great price.
Warung de Dusun – the owners are Chinese-Indonesians. The result in the dishes is a burst of Indo and Chinese flavors combined. Huge portions at local prices.
Babi guling Bali Ayu if you wanna try REAL balinese food (babi guling is the most emblematic balinese dish)
Warung Kaka – A tiny warung (local eatery) set in the courtyard of the owners’ home. The dishes are simple but incredibly cheap—and most importantly, the Javanese couple who run the place are absolutely lovely.

For coffee or brunch :

Epipad coffee – great coffee, super friendly staff. Oh, and their plant based milk is homemade !
Southside Bali Coffee & Roaster – cozy, cheap, staff is adorable.
KOPI STOP – great breakkies in a place where you feel at home.

My thoughts : is Uluwatu, Bali, worth visiting ?

Overall : yes, Uluwatu is absolutely worth a visit. As a tourist, fitting a few days here into your itinerary is a decision you won’t regret. Now, as someone who lives here long-term, I can see the good and the not-so-good. Even if the balance tips more towards the positive. Here are the main strengths and weaknesses of Uluwatu, Bali, in my opinion :

❤️ The breathtaking landscapes

The cliffs, beaches, greenery, and waves of Uluwatu create a truly magical scene. After 6 months here, I still marvel at the grandeur of Mother Nature in this place. Every day, I feel incredibly grateful to live in such a spot.

❤️ The laid-back vibe and community

What’s great about living in a surf community (which doesn’t apply to everyone, but most people) is that the atmosphere is very relaxed and down-to-earth. The expats in Ulu have truly grasped the art of living: they’re all about enjoying life ! Surfing in the morning, working in stylish cafés in the afternoon, and partying in the evening ! I also found it very easy to meet people and build a close-knit group of friends in Uluwatu, compared to Ubud where I had lived before.

👎 You feel less and less like you’re in Bali

I quickly noticed something about Uluwatu: there are very few traces of Balinese culture… Generally speaking, Uluwatu is so « Westernized » that you hardly encounter any locals in the center. As someone who loves « authentic » Bali, I had to let go of that aspect when I moved here.

Not to mention the rapid urbanization of Uluwatu that we’ve been witnessing in recent years… See the image above, representing one of the many crazy projects that real estate agencies want to launch (more info on the Insta account @stop_uluwatu_destruction). Foreign investors in Uluwatu all seem to share common traits: a lack of taste, a love for « bigger is better » and a complete disregard for nature and local communities, who are starting to suffer from gentrification and lack of access to water – well explained in this other Instagram video.

👎 The somewhat irritating foreigners

I find the « just back from my surf session, sorry if I’m always shirtless and barefoot » attitude sometimes pushed to the extreme – I grew up in the Paris suburbs and I’m not necessarily used to the body culture practiced by most foreigners here. It almost feels like being in Australia or L.A… It can also be disrespectful towards the locals, as Indonesians are a very modest people. So yes, it bothers me to see white people driving without helmets or women flaunting in bikinis in front of very uncomfortable waiters (no, I’m not making this up).

I sincerely hope you enjoyed this article on what to do in Uluwatu and the top things to do in Uluwatu ! One thing’s for sure, I truly enjoyed writing it 🤗 Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below, drop me a message if you have any questions or even follow my adventures on Instagram.

Note : this article contains tracked links. If you purchase these activities, I earn a small commission with no additional cost for you. It’s a way to generate a (very small) income from my blog !