10 Awesome Things to do in Uluwatu Bali

Uluwatu in Bali certainly surprised us with its calm and laid-back vibes. We first arrived to Canggu, which is one of the busiest areas on the island. Switching up the constant fuzz and buzz for the relaxing atmosphere of Uluwatu was exactly what we needed.

Uluwatu feels like heaven on earth, or at least we felt that way.

Cozy cafes and eateries provide numerous options for a tasty meal. Calm white-sand beaches line up the shore. World-class surf-spots are all around. The peninsula is also known for its dramatic cliffs, dotted with numerous viewpoints.

In this guide, I’d like to share all our favorite things to do in the area – from the best beaches and unforgettable activities to the best places to eat.

Quick Overview

Uluwatu is best visited between May and October during the dry season in Indonesia. The most popular area to stay is in the western part of the peninsula.

It is also home to many world-class surf spots like The Impossibles, Padang Padang, Uluwatu, Bingin Beach, or Suluban Beach. But even beginners can catch some mellow waves at Dreamland or Padang Padang.

Exploring the beaches is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Uluwatu. Our favorites were Padang Padang and Dreamland Beach. Other beautiful spots worth a visit include Greenbowl Beach, Suluban Beach, and Balangan Beach.

Other attractions worth visiting include Uluwatu Temple and the Kecak dance performance, riding along Pantai Batu Barak, and enjoying the sunset from impressive cliff viewpoints like Karang Boma or Balangan.

1. Visit Uluwatu Temple

Uluwatu Temple is one of the most iconic sea temples on Bali. Perched on a dramatic 70-meter-high cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean, it provides incredible views with one-of-a-kind vibes.

As you walk through the temple complex, you’ll pass several shrines and traditional Balinese getaways. Despite a large number of visitors, the atmosphere of this place is peaceful. But to avoid the crowds, plan your visit in the early morning.

Mischievous monkeys live on the temple grounds, waiting for the opportunity to snatch something from unattentive tourists. Because of this, take care of your belongings.

Plan your visit in the late afternoon to enjoy sunset followed by Kecak & Fire Dance Show.

2. Watch Kecak & Fire Dance Show

After exploring Uluwatu Temple, you can stay for the famous Kecak and Fire Dance show held in the open-air amphitheater.

Performers wear traditional Balinese clothing and masks and chant a hypnotic rhythm. It’s entirely vocally-performed with no musical instruments being used. Watch dancers perform a unique show depicting the story of Rama fighting King Ravana.

Two different shows are available daily – at 6 pm or 7 pm. We highly recommend purchasing your tickets in advance, as they are often sold out. Wait lines on the spot are long, and there is no guarantee you’ll get inside.

3. Learn surfing

Learning to surf has been a dream of ours for years. So when we tried this sport for the first time on Weligama Beach in Sri Lanka, we were stoked and couldn’t wait to visit Bali.

Unfortunately for us beginners, Bali has mostly intermediate to pro-level surf spots. The waves are often intense and fast. In addition, the reef bottom only complicates things.

If you’re looking for the perfect beginner spot, Padang-Padang is the place to be! We rented a surfboard for 150.000 IDR for 1.5 hours. Instructors are also available. Another interesting spot for beginners is Dreamland Beach.

Suluban, The Impossibles, Bingin Beach, and Balangan are other famous breaks more suitable for intermediate or experienced surfers.

If you’re looking for an instructor with a professional approach, we recommend booking this Uluwatu Surf Lesson. A maximum of two students per instructor, with the possibility to choose the surf spot with the best conditions for the day.

In addition, the price includes surf rental and photos of you riding your very first waves!

4. Watch sunset from Karang Boma Cliff

Karang Boma Cliff is undoubtedly one of the best viewpoints in Uluwatu. After a day of exploring, we came here to enjoy the mesmerizing sunset while looking at the never-ending ocean and waves crushing deep below our feet.

After parking our scooter at the small parking lot, we paid the entrance fee at the snack shop, where you can also get a fresh coconut or a cold beer to enjoy with the views.

Some people stay by the snack shop. Alternatively, you can follow a short trail to a different viewpoint and enjoy views of Uluwatu Temple.

It used to be possible to walk to the opposite cliff, but it has been restricted for safety reasons, and fences have been installed.

Sunset is the most popular time to visit. If you prefer to avoid the crowds, try sunrise or daytime. The cliff is high with no protective railings. Please don’t come near the edge and be careful when you walk around.

5. Sunbathe on Dreamland Beach

Dreamland is a perfect name for a beach like this one. It looks like paradise—imagine golden sand, greenery behind it, and a turquoise sea. What I liked the most about this place was the color of the water—it was so unbelievably blue!

Visiting this beach was easily one of the best things to do in Uluwatu. You can rent a sunchair and an umbrella, or simply use your towel to lie down. Some food and drink options are also available.

In addition, Dreamland is a great surf spot and is also favored by skimboarders. It was fascinating to watch them glide towards the incoming waves.

Great news is that this spot is also suitable for beginners thanks to mellow and long waves. There’s also a surfboard rental and instructors are available.

One disadvantage is the huge shore wave, which makes it unsuitable for small kids to play around. But despite that, I believe it’s one of the best Uluwatu beaches.

6. Explore the hidden coves of Suluban Beach

Suluban Beach, or Blue Point Beach, is not your typical beach. Rather than a perfect spot for sunbathing and swimming, it’s a stunning natural attraction and a photo spot. The beach is a lovely cove surrounded by majestic cliffs.

The surrounding cliffs are full of carved-out openings and caves, which you can explore. The beach itself offers golden sand and turquoise water.

To get here, you need to climb down a few stairs. You’ll pass along a few different souvenir shops and restaurants. Follow the narrow pathway between the cliffs.

There’s a viewpoint at the top from which you can watch the surfers catching the waves in the distance. If you’re after surfing, this is rather a pro spot with more difficult waves.

7. Ride along Pantai Batu Barak

Pantai Batu Barak is a hidden gem in the south of Uluwatu. A dramatic narrow road leads between two majestic limestone cliffs. Riding through the canyon with ocean views in front of you is an amazing experience.

This place is becoming more and more popular, so come in the morning or before 11 am to avoid the crowds.

We recommend combining its visit with Greenbowl Beach.

8. Chill at Single Fin Beach Club

Single Fin is one of the best beach clubs in Uluwatu. Located near Suluban Beach, it offers unparalleled views over the ocean and surfers below. The club features an infinity pool, perfect for cooling down on a hot sunny day.

You can enjoy a vibrant atmosphere complemented by great music, delicious meals, and fresh cocktails.

The deck provides excellent views as the sun sets behind the horizon. After 4 p.m., you can look forward to lively music throughout the night! Single Fin was the first place to offer nightlife opportunities in the Uluwatu area, and remains a favorite party spot.

9. Climb down to Greenbowl Beach

Greenbowl Beach is a beautiful beach located below the tall, majestic cliffs covered by lush green plants. The water is turquoise, and golden sand lines the shore.

As we walked around the beach, we found a massive cave in a cliff, which provided a perfect backdrop for photos! Inside, there’s a small Hindu shrine.

It’s a secluded tranquil spot. We came in the morning and had the whole place to ourselves! No facilities are available directly at the beach, but there’s a simple warung at the parking area.

You’ll need to follow a long staircase down the cliff to get to the beach. Be careful as there’s lots of monkeys around who might steal some of your belongings.

You need to plan your timing well to get the most out of your visit to Greenbowl Beach. The water is too shallow at low tide, and too many rocks sticking out. It doesn’t look as stunning as you might expect.

On the other hand, during high tide, it might be impossible to walk around the beach and visit the cave. Therefore, the perfect time to visit is during the mid-tide.

If you plan to go swimming, be careful as tides might be strong.

10. Enjoy sunset from Balangan viewpoint

Balangan Viewpoint is an incredible spot which offers views over the beaches in both directions – Balangan Beach on the left and Kubu Beach on the right. Perched at the top of a dramatic limestone cliff, it provides incredible photo opportunities.

We visited during sunset, when I planned a romantic picnic dinner for Juraj. I was hoping this would be a hidden gem, a secret spot. I was so wrong. As soon as we parked, we realized we would share this place with more people than pleasant.

During the sunset, so many locals and tourists head here! When we arrived, all the best viewing spots were already taken, and we had to sit in the second row. If you want to avoid the crowds, plan your visit during the daytime instead.

To get here, you’ll need to follow a poorly maintained road. There’s a huge parking space, and a local collects a parking fee at the entrance.

Best restaurants in Uluwatu

• Three Steps Coffee – Our favorite spot to eat, near Uluwatu temple. They serve tasty breakfast, lunch, drinks, or cakes. We recommend their smoothie bowl.
• Soul Waves Uluwatu – A place with great atmosphere that serves both Western and local cuisine.
• Mana Uluwatu – Not only a place to get tasty food, but to enjoy incredible sunset views over the ocean while dining!

Best time to visit Bali

The best time to visit Bali mostly depends on your preferences. Each season has something to offer and shows a different side of the country.

Dry season

In general, the best time to visit is the dry season. Days are mostly sunny with clear skies, and there might be occasional rains. During peak months, it can get unbearably hot and humid. It’s also the most popular season, so expect higher prices and crowds.

Rainy season

The most intense rains come in December and January. Storms during the rest of the rainy season are usually short and intense. Because of this, you can have a good time even during the rainy season. But prepare for occasional floods.