Skip to content10 Must Do’s in Uluwatu
Uluwatu is a beautiful, laid-back, hilly, and trendy area in southwest Bali. It is about an hour's drive from Canggu and Kuta. Uluwatu is known for its beautiful cliff-top temple, beautiful white beaches with clear blue sea, world-class waves, and fancy beach clubs. This blog will guide you through the best visits in Uluwatu.
1. Uluwatu Tour
If you want to see the best of Uluwatu, with everything perfectly arranged; book the Uluwatu Tour. In this tour, we will take you to the Uluwatu Temple, Kecak Dance Performance and conclude with a Luxury Seafood dinner. The tour with more information can be found here: https://iamgoingtobali.com/products/uluwatu-tour
2. Visit the temple; Pura Luhur Uluwatu
At the southernmost point of the island stands the Pura Luhur Uluwatu, one of the six most important and sacred temples in Bali. The temple is built on a cliff 70 metres above the water, giving you a stunning view of the ocean. You do have to watch out for cheeky monkeys, but in my experience, they won't do anything as long as you don't carry food or sunglasses. If you have a guide, you won't be bothered by the monkeys at all.
Tip: Go to the Kecak Fire Dance that takes place at the Temple. It is one of Bali's most iconic dance performances with lots of singing. The show is at its best during sunset. Be on time to get tickets as they can be sold out easily.
3. Visit Padang-Padang Beach
Have you ever seen the film 'Eat, Pray, Love'? The small bay Padang-Padang was popularised by this film. The sandy beach is easily accessible, it is about a five minutes walk. On the way, you will encounter monkeys, but the monkeys are not at all interested in humans, so don't worry. Once you reach the beach, you'll see clear water and beautiful rocks. Want to buy some food, drinks, or souvenirs in between? This is not a problem. There are several stalls on the beach. It is also a well-known spot for surfing. It even hosts international surfing events such as The Rip Curl Cup Padang Padang.
4. Go to Suluban Beach
Suluban Beach is on many bucket lists. It is a very small white sandy beach, hidden among the rocks. Suluban Beach is world famous for the left-hand point break which is very popular among experienced surfers, but even if surfing is not your thing, the beach is very beautiful to see. When it is low tide you can lie on the beach with a towel, but at high tide the beach disappears which makes it very special. Especially, walk between the high rocks when it is low tide and the waves allow you to take the best photos.
Tip: within walking distance of Suluban Beach is Single Fin's. This is the most popular cliffside bar. It is an amazing place for a snack, drink, and relaxed atmosphere. The sunset is amazing.
5. The perfect beach club: Ulu Cliffhouse
Ulu Cliffhouse is a beautiful beach club located on the cliffs between Uluwatu and Padang Padang Beach. This slick beach club has breathtaking views and a mega-sized pool. Tasty snacks, lunch dishes, bites, cocktails, and mocktails will get you through the day here. Ulu Cliffhouse is also a five-star hotel with world-class service.
6. Enjoy a private beach at Thomas Beach
Looking for a quieter beach? Thomas Beach is the perfect spot. Thomas Beach is a 200-metre-long hidden white sand beach with turquoise waves and shaded umbrellas. Because of the location, it is usually quite quiet. This makes it the go-to place to relax and unwind. There are a number of small beach bars with tasty coconuts and to rent a surfboard or paddleboard, you are also in the right place here.
7. Enjoy the view at Balangan Beach Viewpoint
Balangan Beach is a relaxed beach popular for both surfing and sunbathing, but the best thing here is to watch the view, especially during sunset. The viewpoint is the northern point of Balangan Beach. It gives a panoramic view of the 200-metre-wide beach.
8. Take a walk at Nyang-Nyang Beach
Nyang-Nyang beach is one of Bali's most beautiful and cleanest beaches. The one-and-a-half-kilometre-long coastline is shielded by cliffs. It takes a long steep walk to get to the beach. Because the waves are higher and there is no lifeguard, it is not always suitable for swimming. However, it is the perfect place to take long walks along the beach, work on your Bali tan and relax.
Tip: there is a shipwreck half buried in the sand. This is a popular spot for taking photos.
9. GWK Cultural Park
The Garuda Wisnu Bali Kencana Cultural Park is a place to learn more about Balinese culture and religion. From a distance, you can already see the large statue of the Hindu god Vishnu that stands in the park. Alongside, watch local dances and listen to music in the amphitheatre or street theatre and walk through the park to see nature.
10. Eat at one of the best restaurants. We recommend:
- Drifter Cafe (for breakfast)
- Land’s End Cafe (healthy organic cafe)
- Banana lounge Bali (pool club)
- Kelly's Warung (simple food with amazing views of the sea)
- La Baracca (Italian food)
- Mana (epic views with amazing food)
- Padang Padang Breeze (seafood barbecue)
- Warung Bejana (authentic Balinese food)