Things to Do in Uluwatu: Hidden Gems, Beautiful Beaches & Sunsets
If you’re headed to Bali, Uluwatu is a must-see! Here are some of our top picks for places to eat, swim, and catch the best sunsets.
- Favorite Restaurant: Annapurna (delicious Indian food and lovely atmosphere)
- Favorite Beach: Nyang Nyang Beach (more on that below!)
- Best Sunset View: Uluwatu Temple (trust me, the sunsets are breathtaking)
Things to Know Before Traveling to Uluwatu
Before you head over to Uluwatu, there are a few things to keep in mind. It’s easily one of the most beautiful parts of Bali (and my personal favorite), but it comes with some quirks.
1) You'll need transportation
Uluwatu is huge, and everything is pretty spread out. Walking from place to place isn’t exactly doable here unless you’re prepared for a workout. Restaurants, hotels, and beaches are often far apart, and the roads can get a bit hectic with fast traffic. So, unless you’re really don’t mind the traffic and distances, you’ll need a taxi or a scooter to get around.
2) Ride services
Apps like Gojek and Grab are still available, but they might be on and off in some areas. So just a heads up—getting around means relying on transportation, but that’s all part of the adventure.
3) It’s a bit remote
Uluwatu is really great for surfers, with its perfect beaches and cliffside views, but if you’re looking for a place with endless restaurants and shops, you’re not going to find too much of that as it’s a little quieter here. It’s not as remote as Amed, but it’s definitely more laid-back as compared to the rest of Bali. So if you’re craving lots of cute vegetarian spots and boutiques, you might want to venture to other areas of Bali for a day or two (Seminyak/Kuta).
Things to do in Uluwatu
Now that you know more about Uluwatu, let’s get to all the best things to do in Uluwatu. While it’s a surfer’s paradise, there’s a whole lot more than just surfing. It is heaven on earth, so no matter where you are, it will be beautiful and surreal. Let’s get started!
Uluwatu Temple
The Uluwatu Temple is one of the most iconic spots in Bali, and honestly, it’s hard to beat the sunset views from here. The temple sits right on the edge of a cliff, giving you the most amazing views of the ocean as the sun sets. It’s technically a temple, but most people come for the sunset (and I totally get why).
Don't go once, go twice
We recommend visiting two times—one to catch the famous Kecak and Fire Dance (which I highly recommend!) and another time just to soak in the view. Both experiences are completely magical and you shouldn’t miss out on either one.
Oh, and a little tip: keep an eye on your stuff! There are sneaky little monkeys here who love snatching sunglasses and phones. Trust me, it’s hilarious until it’s your phone they’ve just grabbed which they will throw over the cliff and out into the ocean once they find no use for it.
Surfing
Whether you’re a pro or just dipping your toes into the world of surfing, Uluwatu’s beaches are the place to be. If surfing isn’t your thing, there’s always paddleboarding or parasailing, but even if you’re just here to relax, these beaches are perfect for a chilled-out day.
Karang Boma Cliff
If you love cliffside views, but you’ve already been to Uluwatu Temple, Karang Boma Cliff is a must. It’s one of those places that makes you feel like you’re standing on the edge of the world. The views of the ocean and surrounding cliffs are breathtaking, especially at sunset. There’s a small entrance fee during that time, but the view is totally worth it. Come early to grab a spot, and settle in for a peaceful sunset watch.
GWK Cultural Park
Want to take a break from all the sun and sand? Head to GWK Cultural Park and check out the giant statue of Lord Vishnu. It’s massive—you can even see it from the airport! The park is a unique cultural experience that offers a change of pace from the beach scene, and it’s a great way to soak in some Balinese history and art.
Our Favorite BEaches
Whether you’re chasing waves or just looking to relax on the sand, Uluwatu has some of the most stunning beaches in Bali. Here are our absolute favorites:
1. Nyang Nyang Beach
This beach is like Bali’s hidden gem. It’s a bit off the beaten path, so you’ll have to hike down a steep hill to get there (I believe it’s too steep for a scooter or bike), but trust me, it’s worth every step. The beach itself is super quiet, with soft sand and crystal-clear blue ocean water and beautiful cliffs surrounding. It’s the perfect spot if you’re craving some peace and solitude, and you’ll often find you have the whole beach to yourself, especially in the early mornings. It’s like your own little slice of paradise.
2. Bingin Beach
Bingin Beach is perfect for surfers! Tucked away down some stairs, this beach is known for its awesome waves and chill atmosphere. Even if you’re not surfing, it’s a lovely spot to hang out, with a couple of small cafes lining the shore where you can grab a bite and look out to the water. The tide can get high here, so make sure to time your visit when the tide is low for the best beach experience.
3. Dreamland Beach
Dreamland Beach really lives up to its name. It’s a popular but really beautiful spot, so it can get busy. But the wide stretch of sand makes it feel spacious enough to have your own space to enjoy a beach day. The waves here are strong, making it great for surfers, but also just a great place for everyone to enjoy the beach views that are worth every second.
4. Padang Padang Beach
Padang Padang is one of Uluwatu’s most famous beaches, and for good reason! The entrance will make you feel like you’re walking into a secret cove. It’s great for both surfers and non-surfers alike, with waves close to shore for swimming. There’s a small entrance fee, but the beauty of the beach, with its blue ocean and towering cliffs, makes it absolutely worth it.
Conclusion
From the stunning cliffside views and unforgettable sunsets, there’s really something magical about this part of Bali. So, if you’re planning a trip to Bali, be sure to carve out some time to explore this amazing area. Trust me, you won’t regret it—Uluwatu has a way of stealing your heart with its charm, so don’t miss it!
Let us know what are your favorite things to do in Uluwatu!
Maeve & Kart
Ram ram!
We’re Maeve & Kart – an introverted American girl with a love for letters, flowers, and chai on one side, and an introverted extrovert nature enthusiast Indian boy with a sweet tooth on the other.
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We write for all aspiring travelers, folks in long distance and multicultural relationships, and those kindred spirits out there looking for advice on life in India as a foreigner.
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Maeve & Kart
Our Long Distance Story
We are Maeve and Kart – a long distance married couple from America and India.
To all kindred spirits out there trying to navigate a multicultural or a long distance relationship, you’re not alone. Learn from our own experiences of how we finally found each other from across the world and remain together living with a blend of both cultures and languages.
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