Things to Do in Uluwatu: The Complete Guide

Uluwatu occupies the southern tip of Bali’s Bukit Peninsula, and it feels like a different island entirely. While the rest of southern Bali buzzes with traffic and development, Uluwatu is defined by towering limestone cliffs, hidden cove beaches accessible only by steep staircases, ancient temples perched on cliff edges, and some of the best surf breaks on the planet.

This area has seen significant development in recent years — world-class beach clubs, boutique resorts, and excellent restaurants have moved in — but the raw natural drama of the landscape keeps Uluwatu from ever feeling overdone. The cliffs still win.

Here is everything worth doing in Uluwatu, from the iconic to the overlooked.

Uluwatu Temple (Pura Luhur Uluwatu)

No guide to Uluwatu can start anywhere else. Pura Luhur Uluwatu is one of Bali’s six key directional temples, perched on the edge of a 70-meter limestone cliff with the Indian Ocean crashing below. The temple dates back to the 11th century and is one of the most spiritually significant sites on the island.

The temple grounds are open for exploration during the day, and the clifftop pathway offers some of the most dramatic coastal views in all of Bali. But the main event happens at sunset.

Kecak Fire Dance

Every evening at 6 PM, the outdoor amphitheater at Uluwatu Temple hosts the Kecak fire dance — a performance involving 50+ men chanting in concentric circles while dancers act out scenes from the Hindu Ramayana epic. The backdrop is the sun sinking into the Indian Ocean. It is one of the single best experiences in Bali, full stop.

Entry to temple grounds: ~$3 per person Kecak dance tickets: ~$7 per person (separate ticket, buy early) Tip: Arrive by 5 PM to get good seats. The amphitheater fills up fast.

The temple is part of Chill Bali Trips’ temple tour packages, which combine Uluwatu with other major temples for a full cultural day.

Watch Out for Monkeys

Uluwatu’s resident long-tailed macaques are notorious for snatching sunglasses, phones, water bottles, and anything shiny. They’re skilled thieves. Secure everything before entering the temple grounds. If a monkey does grab something, the local attendants can usually negotiate a return (with a food bribe).

Surf Breaks

Uluwatu is hallowed ground in the surfing world. The Bukit Peninsula concentrates some of the planet’s most consistent and powerful waves along a short stretch of coastline. Most breaks here are reef breaks best suited for intermediate to advanced surfers, though there are exceptions.

Uluwatu (The Main Break)

The wave that gives the area its reputation. A long, fast, barreling left-hander that breaks over sharp reef, accessed through a cave at the base of the cliffs. On its day, Uluwatu is one of the best waves in Indonesia. This is not a beginner wave — it demands respect, experience, and ideally a local guide your first few sessions.

Padang Padang

Made world-famous by the surf film “The Green Iguana” and later by the movie “Eat Pray Love,” Padang Padang is a short, intense barrel that breaks in front of a beautiful cove beach. The wave itself is for experts only when it’s on, but the beach is accessible to everyone and is one of the prettiest in Bali.

Impossibles

A long, fast right-hander that connects multiple sections on a good day. Named because it was once considered impossible to make the sections. It’s still challenging, but the reward is one of the longest rides on the Bukit.

Dreamland

A beach break that’s more approachable than the reef breaks. Dreamland works on most tides and is a decent option for intermediate surfers who want to surf the Bukit without the heavy reef commitment. The beach itself is beautiful — wide white sand backed by cliffs.

Balangan

Another more accessible option. Balangan is a left-hander that breaks along a reef shelf, and on smaller days it’s manageable for strong intermediate surfers. The beach is stunning, with a long stretch of golden sand and a collection of warungs perched on the cliff above.

If you’re a beginner wanting to learn in the Uluwatu area, surf lessons can be arranged at friendlier breaks nearby. For advanced surfers, Gede can connect you with local surf guides who know the reefs, currents, and lineups intimately.

Hidden Beaches

Uluwatu’s coastline hides some of Bali’s most beautiful beaches, many of them tucked into cliff coves and accessible only by steep stairways carved into the limestone. The effort to reach them is part of what keeps them special.

Suluban Beach (Blue Point)

The beach below the famous Single Fin bar. Access is through a narrow cave passage between cliff walls, and the beach itself is small and dramatic — towering cliffs on both sides, turquoise water, and surfers riding the break just offshore. At low tide, the cave area opens up and is extraordinary.

Thomas Beach

A wider, more relaxed beach than most on the Bukit. Good for swimming (check conditions), sunbathing, and a quieter alternative to the more famous spots. There are a few warungs for food and drinks.

Nyang Nyang Beach

One of Bali’s most secluded beaches. Reaching Nyang Nyang involves a long, steep descent down the cliff face — roughly 500 steps. What you get at the bottom is a huge expanse of white sand that’s often nearly empty. There’s an abandoned shipwreck rusting on the sand that’s become a popular photo spot. Bring water and snacks — there are no facilities.

Green Bowl Beach

Another cliff descent (about 300 steps) to a small cove with bright turquoise water and, at low tide, small caves to explore. The snorkeling here can be excellent when conditions are calm. Come early in the morning for the best experience.

Melasti Beach

One of the newer “discoveries” on the Bukit, Melasti is accessed via a road carved dramatically through towering limestone walls. The beach itself is wide, with crystal-clear water and a growing number of beach clubs and warungs. It’s more developed than some of the hidden beaches but still beautiful.

Beach Clubs

Uluwatu’s beach clubs take advantage of the cliff setting to create experiences you won’t find anywhere else in Bali.

Sundays Beach Club

Accessible by an inclinator that descends the cliff face to a private cove. Below, you’ll find a white sand beach, clear water, kayaks, paddleboards, snorkeling gear, and a full restaurant and bar. It’s one of the most unique beach club settings in the world. A minimum spend applies (around $35-50 per person), but it covers food and drinks.

Single Fin

Perched on the cliffs above Suluban Beach, Single Fin is a Bali institution. The views from the terrace are spectacular — you can watch surfers from above while nursing a cocktail. Sunday sessions with live DJs are legendary and draw crowds from across the island.

Savaya (formerly Omnia)

A mega-club built into the Uluwatu cliffs with a dramatic infinity pool, massive DJ lineup, and a vibe that’s more Ibiza than Indonesia. Savaya hosts internationally known DJs and is Bali’s most high-end nightlife destination. Expect a cover charge on event nights.

El Kabron

A Spanish-Mediterranean restaurant and cliff club with stunning views, a pool, and excellent food. The paella is outstanding. More relaxed than Savaya, more polished than Single Fin — a good middle ground.

Food and Restaurants

Uluwatu’s dining scene has expanded dramatically. You’ll find everything from beachside warungs to restaurants that could hold their own in any major city.

Budget Eats

Warung Sari Boga — Local Balinese food at local prices. Nasi campur for around $2.
Bukit Cafe — Good coffee, solid breakfast menu, and fast Wi-Fi. Popular with surfers and nomads.
The warungs at Balangan Beach — Simple Indonesian food on the cliff above the beach with million-dollar views.

Mid-Range

Cashew Tree — Health-focused menu, beautiful setting, good cocktails. One of the Bukit’s best all-rounders.
Kelly’s Warung — Unpretentious spot near Bingin with great burgers, Indonesian dishes, and a friendly atmosphere.
Ulu Garden — Beautiful jungle setting, creative menu mixing Indonesian and Western flavors.

Fine Dining

Dugong — Farm-to-table restaurant in a stunning clifftop setting. The tasting menu showcases local ingredients in surprising ways.
El Kabron — Spanish-Mediterranean cuisine with one of the best views in Bali. The sunset dinner experience is worth the splurge.
Ju Ma Na — At the Banyan Tree resort. Fine dining with panoramic ocean views. Special occasion territory.

Cultural Experiences

Beyond the main temple, Uluwatu has cultural depth worth exploring.

Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Cultural Park

A massive cultural park centered around the 120-meter tall Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue — one of the tallest statues in the world. The park hosts cultural performances, exhibitions, and events in a dramatic limestone landscape. The scale of the statue is genuinely impressive up close.

Entry: ~$7 per person Location: Central Bukit Peninsula, about 15 minutes from Uluwatu

Pura Mas Suka and Village Temples

Beyond the famous Pura Luhur Uluwatu, the Bukit Peninsula has smaller village temples that see almost no tourist traffic. Asking Gede or a local guide to include a village temple visit adds a layer of authenticity to your trip.

Traditional Fishing Villages

The Bukit was traditionally a fishing and seaweed-farming area, and pockets of this heritage persist. Visiting in the early morning, you can watch fishermen launch their traditional jukung boats from the beaches.

Snorkeling and Water Activities

The clear waters around the Bukit Peninsula offer excellent snorkeling and diving.

Green Bowl Beach — When conditions are calm, the snorkeling here is excellent with healthy coral and abundant fish life.
Padang Padang — The cove area has decent snorkeling on calm days.
Nusa Dua reef — Just around the coast, the reef off Nusa Dua is a reliable snorkeling spot accessible by boat.

For a bigger adventure, Nusa Penida is a short boat ride from the Bukit Peninsula and offers world-class snorkeling with manta rays at Crystal Bay and Manta Point.

Day Trips from Uluwatu

Uluwatu’s southern location means the rest of Bali requires some travel time, but several excellent day trips are within reach.

Nusa Penida

Fast boats to Nusa Penida depart from Sanur (about 45 minutes from Uluwatu). A full day on the island covers Kelingking Beach, Angel’s Billabong, Broken Beach, and Crystal Bay. Arrange a Nusa Penida day trip through Chill Bali Trips for seamless logistics.

Ubud

About 90 minutes north. Combine the Tegallalang rice terraces, Monkey Forest, and a cooking class for a full day. A private driver makes the round trip comfortable.

Jimbaran Seafood Dinner

Just 20 minutes north, Jimbaran Bay is famous for its beachfront seafood restaurants. Pick your fish, have it grilled over coconut husks, and eat on the sand with your feet in the waves. It’s a Bali tradition that’s hard to beat for atmosphere.

Where to Stay in Uluwatu

Uluwatu accommodation falls into a few distinct zones:

Bingin — The heart of the surf and backpacker scene. Budget guesthouses, surf camps, and a tight-knit community vibe. Steep cliff access to the beach.
Padang Padang area — Mix of mid-range villas and guesthouses. Close to multiple surf breaks and beaches.
Southern cliffs — Where the luxury resorts live. Properties like the Bulgari, Alila Villas, and Six Senses offer jaw-dropping clifftop settings and premium everything.
Ungasan — Slightly inland, more affordable, good base if you have a scooter.

Budget rooms start around $15-25 per night. Mid-range villas run $60-120. Luxury resorts begin around $300 and go much higher.

Getting Around Uluwatu

Uluwatu is spread out and there’s almost no public transport. Your options:

Scooter — Essential for the Bukit. The roads are generally less congested than Canggu or Seminyak, but they’re hilly and some are in rough condition. Rental runs $4-7 per day.
Grab/Gojek — Works but drivers are less common than in central Bali. Expect to wait longer for pickups, especially at night.
Private driver — Best for day trips and if you’re not comfortable on a scooter. Gede can arrange daily drivers who know the Bukit’s roads and hidden spots.

Practical Tips

Sunscreen and hydration — The Bukit is more exposed than other parts of Bali. The cliffs offer little shade and the sun is intense. Bring reef-safe sunscreen and plenty of water.
Cash — Many warungs and smaller businesses on the Bukit are cash only. ATMs are less common than in Canggu or Seminyak, so withdraw before heading south.
Cliff safety — The limestone cliffs are beautiful but genuinely dangerous. Some viewpoints have no barriers. Stay on marked paths, especially at Uluwatu Temple and the beach access points.
Tide awareness — Many Bukit beaches change dramatically with the tide. Some are only accessible at low tide, and others lose their sand entirely at high tide. Check tide charts before heading down those 300 steps.
Sunset timing — Nearly everything in Uluwatu revolves around sunset. Restaurants, beach clubs, and the Kecak dance all peak around 5:30-6:30 PM. Plan your day accordingly.

Let Gede Show You the Real Uluwatu

Uluwatu rewards local knowledge more than almost anywhere else in Bali. The best beaches, the uncrowded viewpoints, the warungs with the freshest seafood — these aren’t on Google Maps. Gede has spent years exploring every cliff path and hidden cove on the Bukit Peninsula.

Get your free personalized Uluwatu itinerary and let Chill Bali Trips build your perfect Bukit experience — from cliff temples to secret surf breaks to sunset dinners on the edge of the world.