Out of the thousands of islands that make up the Indonesian archipelago, Bali is the most visited and for good reason. The Island of the Gods attracts travelers from all over the world to its unmatched landscapes and rejuvenating atmosphere. Set on Bali’s southern peninsula, Uluwatu is a dreamy part of the island marked by dramatic limestone cliffs, stunning beaches, and world-famous surf breaks. Uluwatu has it all. Luxury resorts are tucked atop the cliffs and delicious eateries are never far away.
Uluwatu first gained recognition as a surfing hotspot with perfect waves. The area along Bali’s magnificent cliffs grew into a community supporting surfers from around the world. Fast-forward to present day and Uluwatu is an adventure-filled luxury destination for surfers and non-surfers alike that maintains an unmistakable carefree vibe. Looking for more Bali tips? Read 12 Things I Wish I’d Known On My First Trip to Bali.
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The Uluwatu Bali Travel Guide Covers the Following Topics. Click the Link to Jump to the Corresponding Section.
Where to Eat & Drink in Uluwatu
Know Before You Go
- Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Uluwatu is during dry season, April – September. During these months, peak season runs from June to August so expect the most crowds and highest prices then. September is the ideal time to visit Uluwatu and the rest of Bali.
- How Long to Stay: How long to stay in Uluwatu depends entirely on the type of trip. If you’re looking to see Bali’s highlights in a short period, stay just 2-3 nights in Uluwatu. If you’re on a more leisurely trip, stay 4-5 nights. You could also easily spend a full week in the area exploring the many beaches, restaurants, and upscale resorts.
- How to Get Around: Unless you plan on staying at the resort the entire time, Uluwatu is not a walking destination. The best way to get around Uluwatu is to rent a scooter to hop between beaches and cafes. Just make sure you’re comfortable driving a scooter and have an International Driving Permit. If you’re not comfortable driving a scooter, you can use taxis, ride sharing services (Grab or Gojek), or even hire a private driver for the day—it’s surprisingly affordable!
- Currency: Indonesia’s official currency is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). The dollar goes far in Indonesia making it an extremely affordable destination. For reference, 100,000 IDR is equivalent to about $6-7 USD. Cash is the preferred payment method although most restaurants and hotels around Uluwatu also take credit card. Upon arriving at Bali’s international airport, get some cash at the airport ATMs.
- Packing Essentials: Be sure to bring comfortable shorts, lightweight and resort dresses, swim suits, a cover up, and casual tank tops. Sturdy adventure sandals, like these Tevas, are a must for any trip to Indonesia. Bug repellent is also a must-pack and this deet-free spray is my favorite. I also recommend bringing a lightweight towel to take with you for sitting on the beach and drying off. Read my Complete Bali Packing List for more Bali packing essentials.
Is Uluwatu Worth Visiting?
Absolutely. Uluwatu was our favorite stay in all of Bali. Known for its rugged cliffs lined by beautiful beaches, Uluwatu is dotted with luxurious resorts and offers plenty of adventure. The coastal region is home to the Uluwatu Temple and many ideal spots for watching world-class sunsets. South Bali, which includes Uluwatu, is famous for its vibrant nightlife. Uluwatu is relatively close to Bali’s international airport which makes it a great place to either start or end your trip.
How to Get to Uluwatu
Uluwatu is relatively easy to get to. Depending on traffic, it’s a 30-60-minute drive from Bali’s Denpasar International Airport (also called the Ngurah Rai International Airport). The most convenient option is to prearrange private transportation to pick you up. Other options are to hire a taxi on arrival or utilize Indonesia’s ride sharing services Grab or Gojek. Once you get to Uluwatu, rent a scooter to get around the area—But only if you feel comfortable doing so!
Best Hotels in Uluwatu
Bali’s southern peninsula is home to some of the island’s best luxury resorts and villas. Think luxe clifftop resorts, private villas, and boho beachside lodges. My top picks for best places to stay in Uluwatu are The Ungasan Clifftop Resort and Hidden Hills Villas. The epitome of opulence, Bulgari Resort Bali often gets the title of best hotel in Uluwatu (with a price tag to match). Conversely, Gravity Eco Boutique is a lovely budget-friendly stay. See below for more of Uluwatu’s best hotels.
- Ungasan Clifftop Resort – Five-star property with spacious suites and villas perched high above Uluwatu’s rolling waves. The beautiful resort also offers beach access with its popular Sundays Beach Club. Great value for the price.
- Hidden Hills Villas – Intimate five-star villa resort set back in the Uluwatu’s hills. Beautiful villas with hotel amenities. Great value for the price. Read more about our stay at Hidden Hills Villas.
- Bulgari Resort Bali – Stunning resort set atop Uluwatu’s famous cliffs with cable car access to its private beach. With all the amenities imaginable, this is one of the top resorts on Bali and is priced accordingly.
- Alila Vilas Uluwatu – Collection of secluded luxury villas with contemporary architecture, private pools, and sweeping ocean views.
- Gravity Eco Boutique Hotel – Top-rated beautiful bungalows and suites at an attractive price point.
Best Things to Do in Uluwatu
Uluwatu Temple
Set 200-feet straight above the sea with panoramic views, the Uluwatu Temple is one of Bali’s most impressive temples. Dedicated to Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa—the supreme god of Indonesian Hinduism—the ancient sea temple is one of Bali’s nine directional temples meant to protect the island from evil spirits. The temple complex features a walking route that meanders along the cliff offering incredible views of the temple and surrounding landscape. Fair warning, the grounds are full of Bali’s infamous monkeys—Just be sure to keep a safe distance! The Uluwatu Temple is a great spot to learn about and appreciate the local Balinese Hindu culture. Come in the afternoon and stay for the sunset and evening Kecak Fire Dance.
Tips for visiting: Wear appropriate clothing (covering shoulders and knees) and borrow a sarong at the entrance. Beware of the monkeys here as they are known to steal belongings (cameras, phones, shoes) from unsuspecting tourists. Come in the afternoon and stay for the memorable Kecak Fire & Dance Show, which takes place every evening around sunset at Uluwatu Temple’s amphitheater.
Kecak Fire Dance
The Kecak Fire Dance is a Balinese Hindu performance that combines dance, music, and drama. Based on the Hindu epic Ramayana, the vibrant show utilizes fire, a chorus of chants, and expressive movements to tell the story. One of the best places to watch the Kecak Fire dance is the Uluwatu Temple—every evening around sunset some 75 dancers put on the impressive show. Tickets for the show at the Uluwatu Temple cost around 100,000 IDR ($7 USD).
Explore the Beaches
It’s no secret Uluwatu is home to some of Bali’s best beaches. The stunning soft sandy shores are concealed between daring cliffs hundreds of feet high. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, try your hand at surfing, or go for a dip in the inviting water, Uluwatu has a beach for everyone. The famous Padang Padang Beach and Melasti Beach are best for swimming. Thomas Beach and Green Bowl Beach are less crowded hidden gems. Dreamland Beach and Bingin Beach are best for sunsets. Read more about the Best Beaches in Uluwatu.
Surf the World-Famous Breaks
Uluwatu’s famous swells travel thousands of miles to reach the island giving them plenty of time to form into perfectly sculpted waves. Surfers flock to Bali, Uluwatu in particular, to experience the famous breaks. But don’t worry, there’s no need to arrive as a seasoned surfer with board in tow. There are plenty of surf camps, instructors, and boards for rent. The best beaches in Uluwatu for beginner surfers are Padang Padang Beach and Dreamland Beach. After you’re done learning how to ride the waves, head to Suluban Beach and grab a seat at one of the hillside cafes as you watch expert surfers catch picture-perfect waves.
Watch the Sunset
Bali’s southern peninsula is renowned for its incredible sunsets. Facing due-west overlooking the Indian Ocean, Uluwatu is the perfect spot to watch the sun dip below the horizon as the sky fades into vibrant hues. Dreamland and Bingin are the two best beaches to watch sunsets. The clifftop Uluwatu Temple make it another great sunset spot. Or, head to Single Fin or El Kabron beach bars to enjoy the sunset from a breezy party venue.
Spend the Day at a Clifftop Resort or Beach Club
If you’re looking to unwind, spend a day at one of Uluwatu’s clifftop resorts or beach clubs. Incredible views and luxe amenities are definitely a reason to stay at one of Uluwatu’s five-star properties. Book a day pass to places like Anantara Uluwatu, Six Senses Uluwatu, and The Edge Bali (home to Uluwatu’s most Instagrammable cliff-top infinity pool). If you want to relax in style and still have beach access, head to an oceanside beach club. Sundays Beach Club at The Ungasan and Palmilla Beach Club are two of the best in Uluwatu!
Where to Eat & Drink in Uluwatu
Eat
Uluwatu is home to a diverse and delicious dining scene. The length of the list below should tell you about the number of incredible restaurants around the area. Suka Espresso, El Kabron, Ulu Garden, and Single Fin are my top picks for where to eat and drink in Uluwatu!
- Suka Espresso (coffee, brunch) – One of Uluwatu’s top breakfast spots. Brunch here is a must.
- The Bakery (coffee and pastry shop) – Come here if you’re craving coffee and a pastry.
- The Mango Tree (breakfast, lunch) – Set just off Padang Padang Beach, this delicious cafe serves a tasty breakfast and healthy Mexican-inspired midday eats.
- Drifter Surf Shop Café (breakfast, lunch, dinner) – Surfer vibes and delicious vegan cuisine.
- The Lōft Bali (breakfast, lunch, dinner) – Delicious breakfast and healthy lunch options in a chic setting.
- Alchemy Uluwatu (breakfast, lunch, dinner) – Iconic vegan cuisine in a beautiful setting. Shop the market when you’ve finished your meal.
- Gooseberry Restaurant (breakfast, lunch, dinner) – Shop and dine at the contemporary casual restaurant near Bingin Beach. Side note: the shop makes fantastic swimwear!
- Warung Local (breakfast, lunch, dinner) – The best Indonesian cuisine in Uluwatu.
- BB52 (lunch, dinner) – Stop in for craft burgers and homemade kombucha.
- El Kabron Bali (lunch, dinner) – A must-visit eatery serving incredible ocean views and Spanish cuisine. Come here for dinner and enjoy sunset cocktails and live music with your meal.
- Ulu Garden (breakfast, lunch, dinner) – Ulu Garden is one of Uluwatu’s top restaurants. Come here for a casual lunch or lively dinner with live music and incredible cocktails.
- The Place With No Name (breakfast, lunch, dinner) – Another locale just off Padang Padang Beach, the vegetarian/pescatarian restaurant serves healthy food in a beautiful setting.
- Watu Steakhouse (dinner) – The Six Senses Uluwatu restaurant serves Japanese dishes and steaks. Make a reservation and celebrate a special occasion here.
Drink
Whether you’re looking for elevated cocktails, a casual beer, or just good vibes and views, Uluwatu has it all. Overlooking a surfing hotspot, Single Fin is an iconic venue for sunset drinks and dancing. Ulu Cliffhouse is another standout bar that blends beach club with dancing. For a high-energy day party, Omnia Bali is the best. For more casual vibes, head to Lucky Fish Lounge on Bingin Beach for live music and stunning sunset views. Stop by Mana Uluwatu for delicious cocktails with a view. A short drive from Uluwatu, the famous Rock Bar at Ayana Resort serves impressive cocktails on the rocks just above the ocean.
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I have always dreamed to visit Bali. Your photos are incredible.
I’m planning on visiting Bali later this year and this has been very helpful, especially the list of restaurants.