No trip to Bali, Indonesia is complete with visiting Uluwatu. Known for being a surfers paradise with a laid-back atmosphere and incredible coastal landscapes, Uluwatu Bali is one of my favorite places on the island. This guide will cover the top things to do in Uluwatu Bali for an awesome visit!
About Uluwatu Bali Indonesia
Uluwatu is in the Bukit Peninsula on the southern tip of Bali. It’s known for its spectacular cliffs, challenging surf breaks, and white-sand beaches.
After coming from exciting Canggu, I enjoyed the serenity of Uluwatu. It’s peaceful, less built up, and you somehow always feel like you’re deep in the jungle and a few feet from the beach.
Uluwatu is the perfect spot for advanced surfers, nature lovers, and people looking to explore the quieter side of Bali.
Read more about Uluwatu in my Uluwatu Bali Travel Guide!
Fun Things To Do In Uluwatu Bali Map
Visit the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Statue
The Garuda Wisnu Kencana is Indonesia’s tallest statue and one of the largest statues in the world. This landmark shows the Hindu God Wisnu with a Garuda eagle and is a fascinating piece of Indonesian heritage.
The sculpture can be found in an expansive park where guests can learn more about Balinese culture and watch traditional performances throughout the day.
Take a half-day trip to visit one of the best Uluwatu attractions and see the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Statue up close.
Stop By Single Fin For Sunday Night Parties
People from all over Bali flock to Single Fin on Sunday nights. This cliffside restaurant and bar often has live music and festive events from sundown until late.
It’s the perfect place to dance the night away under the twinkle lights while the waves crash below.
Watch Sunset From The Bars Under Single Fin
Without a doubt, the cliffs of Uluwatu are one of the best sunset spots in Bali. While many people opt to watch the sunset from Single Fin, budget travelers will enjoy checking out the bars just below Single Fin.
By taking the set of stone stairs one level down, you’ll get the same amazing sunset view without the premium price tag.
Enjoy Live Music at La Pasion on Monday Nights
If Mexican food and live music are your jam, head to La Pasion on Monday nights for live music and margaritas. This colorful, lively restaurant is the perfect place to relax poolside while indulging in classic Mexican dishes with a Bali twist.
I’m not ashamed to admit that I might have gone to La Pasion multiple times in a single day… on more than one occasion. It’s that good! And with live music, it’s downright magical.
Rock out at Cashew Tree for live music on Thursday.
Cashew Tree in Uluwatu has delicious food and fun live music on Thursday nights. They serve classic favorites like burgers and buddha bowls, as well as a wide selection of vegan and vegetarian dishes!
When they aren’t playing live music, you can swing by to catch the game or just enjoy the peaceful outdoor ambiance.
Visit the Uluwatu Temple
The Uluwatu Temple is a Hindu temple located on the cliffs and is known for its spectacular sea views. You can take a tour of this sacred spot with a knowledgeable guide to learn more about the structure and its history.
Plan to go later in the afternoon so you can also catch the Kecak Fire Dance, one of the most memorable things to do in Uluwatu!
Watch the Kecak Fire Dance
The Kecak Fire Dance is performed at the Uluwatu Temple and it’s one of the most iconic cultural performances in Bali. Using a combination of song, storytelling, and dance, the Kecak Fire Dance tells the story of the Ramayana Hindu epic.
The dance takes place around sunset in a circular outdoor theater high on the cliffs. Elaborate costumes, fire dances, and vibrant storytelling make the Kecak Fire Dance one of the most memorable Uluwatu Bali things to do.
Admission to the dance costs 100K IDR (or about $7 USD) and make sure you get there early to enjoy the sunset and get a good seat.
Visit the Ulu Cliff House Beach Club
Located right on the cliffs with breathtaking sea views, the Ulu Cliff House Beach Club is the perfect place to relax by the pool or catch a show. Guests can come for a meal at the onsite restaurant or rent a daybed with friends to stay awhile.
Ulu Cliff House is known for having live performances in the evenings, so check the schedule to see what’s on while you’re in town. They’re open all day starting at 11:00 am and remember to bring your bathing suit so you can take a dip in their infinity pool!
Best Beaches To Visit In Uluwatu Bali
Without a doubt, the best things to do in Uluwatu involve sun and sand. With so many top beaches to pick from, you’ll never need to wonder what to do in Uluwatu Bali.
Here are a few of the best beaches in Uluwatu and the surrounding areas.
Bingin Beach
This little beach spot was actually walking distance to where I was staying at Telaga Sari, making it one of my favorite activities in Uluwatu. To get to Bingin Beach, you’ll walk down several flights of stairs toward the water. Along the way, there are board rental shops and cafes built into the cliffs.
You’ll only be able to go down to the beach part at low tide since the sandy part gets covered up during high tide. At high tide, your best bet is to grab a Bintang at one of the beach bars on the cliff and watch the surfers from afar.
Padang Padang Beach
Padang Padang Beach is one of the most popular surfing beaches in Uluwatu. From the sandy shore, you’ll see people of all levels surfing in the waves around Padang Padang.
To get here, you’ll walk through the Padang Padang temple which has a 10k entrance fee. Walk down the stairs through the cliffs to the small patch of sand at the bottom.
Padang Padang is beautiful and it’s fun to watch the surfers, but since the sandy area is so small, there aren’t any beach chairs. There are umbrellas available for rent for around 100K Rupiah or about $7 USD, but other than that shade can be hard to come by.
There are a few vendors and small snack stalls down on the beach where you can grab a bite or a drink. There are also several stands where you can rent a surfboard if you want to try catching some waves!
Suluban Beach
Suluban Beach is a hidden cave beach popular with surfers and beachgoers alike. To get here, you’ll drive like you’re going to Single Fin and pay for parking at the shopping area at the top of the cliff.
Walk down the stairs under Single Fin, past all the shops and pubs built into the cliffs. You’ll get to a small staircase that leads into a cave. Inside the cave, you’ll find Suluban Beach, a little sandy beach spot with space to relax and enjoy the clear water.
Here, you can watch the surfers go out to catch waves at the famous Uluwatu surf break. It’s no wonder Suluban Beach is one of the most popular attractions in Uluwatu Bali!
Balangan Beach
Balangan Beach, home to another famous surf break, is one of the most picturesque of the beaches in Uluwatu. Lined with local warungs and bright white beach umbrellas, this is one of my favorite places to kick back with a book or watch the waves.
There’s also a lookout point where you can get a birds-eye-view of the surroundings. This is a great place to catch the sunset or snap some pictures from an impressive viewpoint.
Dreamland Beach
Dreamland Beach is another great sunset alternative if you’re after something a little quieter than Single Fin. The water is an unreal shade of blue and you can see cliffs for miles from this little beach.
Even though the water at Dreamland looks divine, you probably don’t want to go for a swim here. This is a well-known surf spot because of the powerful waves, and the result is that all the waves, even the ones dumping on the shore, can knock your socks off.
Like Padang Padang, chair rentals and umbrellas at Dreamland are pricier than some of the other beaches on the island. At Dreamland, you can rent a beach chair and umbrella for 100K rupia. There are plenty of restaurants lining the beach, including a stand selling fresh coconuts!
Green Bowl Beach
Green Bowl Beach is a small stretch of white sand surrounded by tall cliffs on the south side of Uluwatu. Popular among surfers and sunbathers, this beach is usually pretty quiet due to its remote location.
From the road, a set of stone stairs winds down through the trees to Green Bowl Beach. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a day of sunshine, caves, and rock formations.
Final Thoughts: Best Things To Do In Uluwatu Bali
Uluwatu is one of my favorite places to explore in Bali. From the crystal blue water to the rugged cliff line, it’s easy to be inspired by this slice of paradise.
What are your favorite Uluwatu things to do?
Read More Bali Travel Posts!
- Where to stay in Bali, Indonesia – Best areas, hotels, and resorts
- Uluwatu Travel Guide – Best accommodations, restaurants, and attractions in Uluwatu
- Learning to surf in Bali – Guide for beginners
- Where to stay in Canggu, Bali – Accommodations for any budget
- Where to eat in Canggu, Bali – Best restaurants, cafes, and places to grab a bite
