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Uluwatu, set on the stunning cliffs of Bali’s southern coast, is a paradise for adventurers, surfers, and beach lovers. Known for its breathtaking ocean views, legendary surf breaks, and unique cultural experiences, this coastal gem has a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement. From exploring cultural sites and getting active to lounging on hidden beaches and watching spectacular sunsets, there’s no shortage of unforgettable things to do in Uluwatu. It was hands-down my favorite place on my Bali itinerary (only tied with mountainous Munduk in the north) and I’m sure you’ll love it too.
Things to Do in Uluwatu: FAQs
Why should I visit Uluwatu?
Uluwatu is a must-visit destination with breathtaking natural beauty, world-class surf, cultural experiences, and all-around great vibes. Surfers come for its legendary waves, while beach lovers can relax on beautiful cliff-lined shores. Unlike the crowded, littered beaches you’ll find in other parts of Bali, the beaches in Uluwatu have maintained their charm and beauty. After a day at the beach, you can relax with massages and yoga or seek out cultural experiences and stunning sunsets. Uluwatu’s blend of natural beauty, surf culture, and Balinese charm makes it a must-visit place on any Indonesia itinerary.
How to get to Uluwatu?
Uluwatu is 1 hour from DPS Airport, 1.5 hours from Canggu, and 2 hours from Ubud without traffic (although there is rarely not traffic, so expect it to take longer). You can call a Grab or Gojek or hire a local taxi driver to get you there. Unfortunately, there isn’t much public transportation in Bali, so a taxi is usually the best way to go wherever you’re coming from.
If you are coming from Canggu, consider taking the ferry. A 1.5-2 hour drive can be reduced to just 30 minutes on a boat when avoiding traffic! Book your ferry tickets from Canggu to Uluwatu here.
How to get around Uluwatu?
Uluwatu is very spread out and hardly walkable. The best way to get around is to rent a motorbike or use Grab or Gojek to call taxis. The roads in Uluwatu are less crazy than those in Canggu and Ubud, so many people opt to drive motorbikes here. It was still a little too busy and hilly for me to feel comfortable driving, so I called motorbike taxis the whole time which was easy and affordable.
How to book the best activities and excursions in Uluwatu?
The best activity and excursion booking platforms for Bali are Klook and GetYourGuide. Both websites have thousands of trustworthy travel experiences with verified user reviews. I use Klook and GetYourGuide to book almost all my excursions in Asia, and you’ll find links throughout the article to great experiences I’ve personally vetted or experienced myself.
Where to eat in Uluwatu?
Uluwatu has some great food options, from local warungs to aesthetic cafes. My favorites while I was in Uluwatu were:
- Yeye’s Warung: Local Indonesian spot where you can order nasi campur a la carte and build your own plate.
- Warung Local: Another local Indonesian spot where you can order nasi campur a la carte and build your own plate, or order classics off a menu.
- Joy Cafe and Bakery: Great brunch, smoothies, and pastries. Try the avocado kiwi smoothie – trust me!
- Chela: Aesthetic brunch option set in a garden with a beautiful bamboo roof.
- Dang! Cookies: Seriously the best cookies I’ve ever had, and I am a huge cookie fan and critic! They are buttery, chewy, and exactly what you want in a cookie.
How long to stay in Uluwatu?
Three days is a good amount of time to spend in Uluwatu if you want time to experience the area without feeling rushed. Many backpackers I met extended their time in Uluwatu because they loved it so much, so I don’t think you can have too much time here if you love beach, surf, and party vibes. Everyone I met leaving after a day or two weren’t ready to go!
Check out my 2-week Bali itinerary and 1-month Indonesia itinerary to fit Uluwatu into your trip and for ideas for further exploration.
How to book the best hotels and hostels in Uluwatu?
The best booking platform for finding and reserving great hotels in Bali is Agoda. It’s owned by the same company as Booking.com but is based in Southeast Asia, making it great for finding any hotels you need. If you’re a backpacker staying in hostels, then Hostelworld is consistently the best hostel booking platform worldwide, and Bali is no exception. Book your Uluwatu accommodations on Agoda today:
Don’t want to search for the best option, or just don’t have time? That’s what I’m here for! As a professional travel advisor, I’ve vetted or personally stayed at the suggested properties throughout this article.
Where to stay in Uluwatu?
Uluwatu is really spread out without an obvious center. I recommend staying in the Bingin area where you’re in walking distance to Bingin Beach and many good food and drink options. You’ll have to taxi or drive to most places in Uluwatu, so it’s best to base yourself somewhere where your commutes aren’t too long. Bingin puts you only a short drive away from Uluwatu’s main sights while being one of the most walkable and exciting areas.
$$$: Kaila Bingin
$$: WIRA Homestay
Keep reading for my Uluwatu hostel recommendations.
Is Uluwatu good for solo travelers?
Uluwatu is great for solo travelers. There are so many things to do in Uluwatu that are enjoyable doing alone, like surfing, doing yoga, getting a massage, and going to the beach. Uluwatu is also a very social place with lots of backpackers and solo travelers, making it easy to meet other people. There’s nightlife every night and social hostels that organize daily and nightly events.
The best hostels in Uluwatu are Karma Backpacker and Lay Day Surf & Party. There aren’t too many hostels to choose from and these two book out in advance, so I recommend booking as soon as you know your dates. Many people at my hostel (Karma Backpacker) wanted to extend their stays but the hostel was already full for days. I enjoyed my stay at Karma Backpacker, where they offer free shuttles to the beach, free shuttles to sunset and the Kecak show at Uluwatu Temple, and free dinners that are very social. Lay Day is known to be a hardcore party hostel, so choose accordingly!
Uluwatu is one of my top picks for the best places to solo female travel in Asia!
Things to Do in Uluwatu
Go to the beach
Uluwatu is home to Bali’s best beaches, so you’re in for some epic beach time. Most of the beaches in Uluwatu require stairs or an inclined walk because they’re beneath the cliffs, but this helps them retain a certain charm that the rest of Bali’s beaches are lacking. The beaches here are clean, pristine, and less crowded than areas like Canggu and Kuta. So put on some good walking sandals and get ready for white sand, clear water, and stunning coastlines.
The most popular beach in Uluwatu is Padang Padang, made famous by Eat Pray Love, but it’s almost always crowded. Dreamland and Bingin Beaches are nice but developed and often crowded. I encourage you to explore some of Uluwatu’s less discovered beaches, like:
- Suluban Beach: My favorite beach in Bali! You have to go at low tide because you access the beach through a cave. When you enter, you’ll be in a small, crowded area, but climb over the rocks on the right for less people and gorgeous scenery.
- Nyang Nyang Beach: A close second favorite for me. You have to walk or bike down a very steep hill, but that means there are very few people. At low tide you can find small pools to wade in with small fish and sea creatures.
- Balangan Beach: Cliff-surrounded strip of white sand popular with surfers. Make sure to walk over to the Balangan Beach Cliff for a view of the entire beach, which is especially stunning at sunset.
- Melasti Beach: A little farther away from the other beaches and certainly known to tourists, but still worth visiting. It’s the best beach for swimming and is a large strip of soft white sand, so it doesn’t feel too crowded even if many other people are there.
Go surfing
If you’re a seasoned surfer, Uluwatu will be a dream come true. It’s home to some of Bali’s best breaks, and the surf culture and community runs deep. The waves are usually powerful and the beaches are rocky, so it’s better for intermediate to advanced surfers. However, there are some spots that are suited for taking a beginner lesson. The best surf spots include:
- Padang Padang Beach: home of the infamous “Balinese Pipeline”, one of the most famous and challenging waves on the planet
- Bingin Beach: known for barreling waves
- Dreamland Beach: slightly smaller waves, offers surf schools for beginners
- Balangan Beach: slightly smaller waves, offers surf schools for beginners
- Suluban Beach: powerful waves, 5 different breaks
Work out at a fitness center
If you love working out or want to work out during your vacation, this is the perfect place. Uluwatu has some of the nicest, most aesthetic gyms you’ll ever go to. They often have a wide range of classes and open gym access. Bambu Fitness is a great choice, with great coaches, an aesthetic atmosphere, and a range of classes. They even have a delicious cafe next door.
Sweet tooth tip: Stop by Dang! Cookies next door if you want a treat after your workout – the best cookies ever!
Do yoga
What better way to unwind from a day of surfing or going to the gym than doing some yoga? Although Ubud might be the most famous spot for yoga in Bali, I absolutely loved the classes I took at Alchemy Yoga and Meditation Center in Uluwatu. They have a range of classes for all levels, styles, and intensity, and the studios are set in a peaceful, lush jungle. You can also try a yoga class on a cliff with a view over the ocean at The Istana and Ulu Cliffhouse.
Get a massage
Another great way to relax during your time in Uluwatu is by getting a traditional Balinese massage. Uluwatu has some of the best spas for this, including The Grey Spa and U Spa. The massages are affordable and high quality. You can choose the massage duration and pressure, ensuring you get exactly what you want, whether it’s relaxation or muscle release.
Insider tip: The Grey Spa allows you to shower after your massage, so this is the perfect thing to do if you have a late flight out of DPS and have already checked out of your hotel. Showering before my flight was game changing.
Shop at the weekend markets
If you love to shop or are looking for a handmade souvenir or gift to take home, look no further. The markets are one of the best things to do in Uluwatu if you’re lucky enough to visit on the weekend. The Uluwatu Artisans Market pops up at Seed Bingin on Saturdays and Hatch on Sundays. Local artisans sell handcrafted goods like clothes, swimsuits, jewelry, candles, home decor, and more. When I went on a Sunday, they also had live music and places to sit and order food and drinks. I bought an adorable necklace that I love, but I wish I had more than a carry-on backpack so I could’ve bought more!
Watch the sunset and fire dance at Uluwatu Temple
Uluwatu Temple is a Hindu temple set on a cliff with stunning ocean views. It’s especially gorgeous at sunset, when the sky changes colors behind the cliffside temple. Two times a day, there is a Kecak Fire and Dance Show at 6:00 and 7:00. You’ll see the traditional Balinese Kecak performance set against the backdrop of the temple.
If you want to see the show, buy a ticket in advance! It’s the most popular place to see the Kecak Show in Bali. I had no idea that it often sells out ahead of time, especially during peak tourist season. I showed up to the temple with a group of people from my hostel and we weren’t able to go because it was sold out. This was pretty disappointing. Buy a ticket in advance here for a discount and a guaranteed spot.
Insider tip: Watch out for the monkeys at Uluwatu Temple! They are too used to humans, so they don’t shy away from trying to steal your belongings. Also, don’t stand under a tree for an extended period of time. I wish I was kidding when I say I was pooped on by a monkey at this temple.
Go to a beach club
Bali is known for its beach clubs, and Uluwatu is home to some of the best. With its stunning coastal cliffs, Uluwatu beach clubs have unbeatable views with any vibe you want. From chill beachfront clubs to lively cliffside clubs, there’s somewhere for everyone. You can visit during the day to relax by the water or at night to party until the sun comes up. The best beach clubs in Uluwatu include:
- Single Fin: Notorious for “Single Fin Sundays”, when it hosts one of the biggest parties in Uluwatu. During the day, it’s laid-back with gorgeous views of Suluban Beach and the surf breaks.
- Savaya: The most luxurious and famous beach club in Uluwatu, known for it’s giant parties and hosting worldwide famous DJs. Not for those on a budget!
- Sundays Beach Club: Waterfront beach club with live music and sunset bonfires on Melasti Beach. A chill and relaxed vibe with the options to swim, snorkel, and SUP right from the club.
- El Kabron: Upscale, lively beach club on a cliff top at Dreamland Beach. It’s known for its sunset pool parties with live music.
- Ulu Cliffhouse: A more chill beach club with wellness events like yoga and meditation on the cliff. Every Tuesday, they host a cinema night with a movie shown under the stars.
With its blend of adventure and tranquility, Uluwatu is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Bali. It’s less crowded and more pristine than many of Bali’s other popular spots, and the vibes are just amazing. Whether you love surfing, partying, or chilling, there’s something to do in Uluwatu for you. You’ll quickly see why many travelers extend their time in Uluwatu and why it was my favorite place in Bali.
Keep reading:
- Indonesia Itinerary: 1 month in Bali, Lombok, & Komodo
- Bali Itinerary: 2 weeks of adventure, relaxation, and nature
- Munduk, Bali: A complete guide to the island’s hidden gem
- Nusa Lembongan, Bali: Top things to do & itinerary
- Gili Trawangan: Complete travel guide & the best things to do
- Kuta Lombok: Best things to do in beach & surf paradise
- Best places to solo travel in Asia as a woman
- 3 week Philippines itinerary
- Solo female travel in the Philippines: Safety, tips, & what to expect
- Solo female travel in Thailand: Safety, tips, & what to expect
- Malaysia itinerary: 10 days of culture, city, beach, & nature
- 3 day Singapore itinerary & travel guide
- Solo female travel in Singapore: Safety, tips, & what to expect
- 2 week South Korea itinerary & travel guide from a local
- South Korea Solo Travel Guide: Safety, tips, & what to expect
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