Author: Matt and Danielle
25 April 2023
Uluwatu is our favourite part of Bali. It's where you'll find Bali's best beaches, most chill vibes, incredible clifftop views and beautiful sunsets. There are also delicious places to eat and incredible places to stay. We loved it so much that we decided to stay here for the longest time on our trip around Bali. It's a surfer's paradise and somewhere we are very excited to visit again. For now, here are all the best things to do in Uluwatu.
Located in South Bali, Uluwatu is home to the most beautiful beaches on the island. It's a chilled-out place full of amazing vibes, beautiful beaches, even better views and delicious food. You can find plenty of traditional Balinese food and culture. There are also fun beach clubs, luxury resorts, activities and the best sunsets in Bali. If you're planning your itinerary for 2024 then here are all the places you cannot miss, and a few things you need to know.
When is the best time to visit Uluwatu? Bali is a tropical climate, so it has two main seasons which are Wet and Dry seasons. Your best bet is to try and arrive during the Dry season, which is typically between May to October. The good news is Uluwatu is very well placed to get glorious weather even during the Wet seasons. Because it's in the South it typically gets less rainfall than other areas on the island. Even if you can only visit during the Wet season you may get away with sunny skies every day.
What is the best way to get around Uluwatu? For us, the best way to get around Bali in general is always by renting a scooter. Uluwatu is a little more spread out than somewhere like Canggu. Some of the most amazing beaches and places to visit can be a 30-minute drive or so. If you're not comfortable riding a scooter yourself then hire a driver, but if you can then hop on a twist and go to explore Uluwatu at your own pace.
Check out Booking.com for all the best places to stay in Uluwatu.
That's a couple of things covered...now here are all the incredible things you NEED to see when you visit the best place in Bali!
Without a doubt the best beach in Uluwatu. It's a stunning white sand beach that is surrounded by tall towering cliffs that cut it off from the outside world. These cliffs not only give you wonderful views of the Indian Ocean but also create a serene and peaceful place. It has crystal clear waters which are perfect for snorkelling or taking a refreshing dip on a hot day. If you visit during low tide you can also explore the nearby rock formations and caves.
A beautiful beach that is unique, secluded and tucked away inside a cave along the towering cliffs on the south side of Bali. You access this beach by going down many steps and then you will see the sands and light coming through the cavemouth at the bottom. There is very little like it, but it makes for some amazing pictures. We wouldn't suggest spending a day here if you're looking for a top-quality tan!
If you're an advanced surfer looking for one of the best places to catch some waves in Uluwatu then this is it. The strong currents around Suluban Beach make for awesome waves. After exiting out of the cave you can paddle out to the weaves but be very careful as you will be surfing towards the cliffs. It's not one for beginners! Anyone who doesn't want to tackle the tough waves can grab a seat at Single Fin Beach Club. Here you can sip some cold drinks with a prime view of those advanced surfers catching the most awesome waves.
Another incredible beach, but this time right in the heart of Uluwatu. You will pass the bridge overlooking the beach and ocean many times as you go back and forth trying different restaurants in the area. This bridge can also make for a great place to pull over and see an epic sunset. The beach below is small but beautiful. The waves here are great for a beginner surfer and you can rent boards right on the beach. There is a monkey forest next to the beach so don't be surprised to see one or two of them climbing around. Don't leave food out for them and they won't be any issues at all.
This is one of the most popular beaches and our favourite in Uluwatu. Atop the limestone cliffs, you get incredible views overlooking the ocean. It's quite the way down to the beach at the bottom so we'd suggest hopping on your scooter and slowly making your way down. when you get to the bottom you can spend the best part of a day on the long stretch of white sandy beach. There is a small bamboo bar where you can get some light snacks, drinks and coconuts which can sustain you for a while.
Back up at the top of the cliffs, there is an aeroplane perched on the cliffside. When we were there a year ago you could actually walk through the plane and along the wing which hangs over the cliff. This was then closed off and has been turned into a luxury private villa. It has to be one of the most unique places to stay in Uluwatu! Staying here would give you one of the best views of the ocean to wake up to every morning. If you want those same views at a fraction of the cost then we would recommend paragliding at Nyang Nyang Cliffs. It's an incredible experience that gives you unbelievable views and gets your heart rate going! Make sure you have great travel insurance before jumping off the cliffs!
Uluwatu temple (Pura Luhur Uluwatu) is one of the most famous temples in Indonesia and is full of Balinese culture. The temple is perched atop the cliffs and has become part of the surrounding jungle. You will see plenty of monkeys running around on your visit here. The Kecak Dance is a nightly performance that takes place around sunset at the temple. It's an all-male performance of thirty or so Indonesian men. They all chant rhythmic words and their performance tells an epic Hindu story of kings, demons, gods and princesses. It's an incredible spectacle and one of the best things you can see in Uluwatu. The show ends in spectacular fashion as they create fire rings which someone dressed as the monkey god runs through and kicks. It's a brilliant show and a beautiful story. Combine that with a sunset and beautiful ocean views from the cliffside and you have a winner!
This is one of the more hidden beaches in Uluwatu and one of our favourites! It's a small private beach that has a bit of a trek downhill through the jungle to reach, but the path is easy to follow. It's not a beach to surf, more of one to relax at instead. With it being one of the more secluded beaches you can usually have this beautifully tranquil spot all to yourself.
A beautiful beach lined with bars, and restaurants and a popular surf spot. You can relax here all day and surf, chill, drink, eat and live the beach life of your dreams. It is a bit of a walk down to get to, but at least there are actual steps here rather than a dirt path through the jungle. The views at the top are incredible and make a great reason to stop for a moment to get your breath back while walking back up or down. You'll find constant surf breaks here almost all day, so a great place for beginners and advanced surfers alike.
If you like beautiful cliffside views and white sand beaches with crystal clear waters then this is the one for you! Balangan Beach has it all. When you arrive you can make your way towards the right over by the cliffs for some stunning photos with the perfect beach backdrop. After you've snapped a few epic pictures you can then head down to the soft sands and relax.
Another hidden gem. This beach is a little off the beaten track, and the hike down through the jungle may have you questioning the decision to go. We promise it's worth it! The beach at the bottom is beautiful, usually very quiet and it is still part of the same stunning coastline all the other popular beaches fall on. No trip to Nunggalan would be complete without a stop at the shipwreck for some awesome pictures. There are a few bars for drinks and small snacks so you can easily spend a whole day here.
Dreamland Beach is small but very easy to access, which usually means it gets very busy. If you're looking for a bit of a vibe and somewhere with a few beach clubs, shops and stalls then this is it. We didn't spend too long here but it's a very nice beach where you can sunbathe and swim.
We never went down to Thomas Beach as we were told it's cut off to visitors. The viewpoint from the top gives you incredible coastal views of the ocean waves rolling against the long stretch of beach below. We aren't sure if you can walk down the steps or not, but there always seems to be a bunch of surfers riding the awesome waves down below. If you don't get let down the steps then the next best thing would be to go to the beach next to this one and swim across.
Our favourite place for sunset. This small section of grass sat atop the limestone cliffs makes an awesome spot to sit with friends as you watch the sunset on the horizon. There is a small stall here where people sell drinks and snacks. It's perfect for grabbing a couple of cold ones while watching the sky turn shades of orange and candyfloss pink.
Ritual - A little more expensive than other sunset bars, but this one boasts the best views. It's very close to Batu Juran Hill, so you get the same incredible clifftop sunset views.
Mana - Mana is an amazing day club on the cliffs with incredible ocean views. It's a little more pricey for food and drinks, but you can sit in the large infinity pool here and watch the sunset. They have a happy hour on cocktails which conveniently falls around the same time as the sunset. Why not enjoy a couple of cocktails in the pool?!
Having spent the bulk of our time in Bali in Uluwatu we tried almost everywhere there is. It's somewhere full of awesome eats, but these are our favourites:
BREAKFAST:
Bejana - Good for any meal of the day, but has great breakfasts. It's 50k IDR for all bar 1 of their breakfast dishes and it all includes a coffee.
Ulu Resto - This was right behind our accommodation, and the people working there were all very fun and friendly. The meals are larger than most places we went to but are as tasty and well-priced. The breakfast omelette is incredible! In the evening if you order a main you will likely be treated to some fruit and ice cream complimentary... maybe even apple pie on good days!
Chela - By far the most impressive breakfast we found in Uluwatu. They offer bundle packages for 2 and their sweet platter is amazing. It includes waffles, toast, jam, honey, fruits, nuts, chocolate spread, and yoghurt. It tasted incredible.
Ulu Garden - Also have breakfast deals. They include a meal and coffee for 70k IDR and you have the added benefit of enjoying your meal in their beautiful garden.
Lands End Cafe - A great friendly cafe which offers natural, healthy food and has a bunch of deals which include a French press coffee in the price.
Three Steps Coffee - Their food is very good, and there is a lovely garden in the back. Like many places in Uluwatu, they also have a package deal which includes coffee in the price.
A lot of the above you can also go to for other meals in the day, but our favourites for evening meals were...
EVENINGS:
Wasabi Sushi - Sushi is by far Danielle's favourite food of all time. She always manages to find incredible sushi places, and this one ranks high among her all-time favourites. It's a very good price and they have a great selection of special rolls too.
Casa Asia - This ranks as the best pasta we had in Bali, and I don't say that lightly. We have eaten a lot of pasta, maybe too much some might say. We would go back here time and time again. It's Super tasty and at a very good price.
Krishnas Kitchen - We struggled for a while to find a good Indian in Uluwatu. Most we were finding online were too far or had recently closed down. Thankfully, the amazing Krishnas opened in early Jan and we went back several times! A great selection of food that changes all the time, but is always delicious.
Shaka Tacos - An amazing little taco truck that does delicious tacos and burritos. Great for lunch or an evening meal. No-nonsense Mexican food that tastes sublime.
Suka Espresso - Great for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Their burgers are amazing...especially the chicken burger. You can find Suka Espresso in all the major places in Bali so it's one to keep an eye out for on your trip around the islan
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