Ultimate Uluwatu Travel Guide: Discover Must-Visit Places in South Bali
Welcome to the ultimate Uluwatu travel guide, your gateway to exploring the must-visit places nestled between the captivating temples and stunning beaches of South Bali.
Direction the South of the island of Bali, YES! We go to the Bukit peninsula to visit Uluwatu. This area of Bali became popular by first attracting surfers who found high waves there. But Uluwatu is now a destination that appeals more and more to the general public. We go there to visit its superb temple or to bask on its beautiful beaches. Here is our list for what to do in Uluwatu and must do and see places.
How to get there? Where to stay? How to visit the famous Pura Luhur temple and its Kecak Dance show, as well as its best beaches, we will explain all that to you!
1. Uluwatu Temple, a 10th-century sea temple perched on a steep cliff
Navigate through our comprehensive Uluwatu Travel Guide, where we unveil the captivating allure of Uluwatu Temple, a 10th-century sea temple majestically perched on a steep cliff.
Entrance fee: IDR 30,000 (~ €2)
Opening hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Uluwatu temple, by its full name Pura Luhur Uluwatu, is the place to see in priority in Uluwatu. It is located on the cliffs on the South West coast of Bukit and it is truly fabulous. In this area, the cliffs are over 70m (229.6 ft) high so the views are absolutely stunning.
Crab-eating macaca [Macaca fascicularis] at Uluwatu Temple at sunset, Bali, Indonesia. LBM1948, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
According to the analysis of the stones of the temple, its construction would have taken place around the 10th century. It is a Hindu temple which is part of the Sad Kahyangan, the group of the 6 most sacred sanctuaries of Bali which notably includes the temple of Besakih.
Uluwatu Temple is dedicated to the goddess Acintya who is considered the supreme god in Balinese Hinduism. It is somewhat the equivalent of Brahma in Hinduism.
In addition to the historical and cultural importance of the site, the Uluwatu temple is aesthetically superb and will delight all photography enthusiasts. It may remind you of the Tanah Lot temple which is also located by the sea.
Sunset at the temple of Pura Luhur Uluwatu above the cliffs. Photo by CEphoto, Uwe Aranas (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Wikimedia Commons
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The serpentine pathway to the Pura Luhur (Uluwatu temple) is fortified by concrete walls on the cliff side. The views from the bottom of the water surging up against rocks and the ocean horizon are remarkable. Paskuu, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
2. The Kecak Fire Dance, in Uluwatu Temple
The other activity not to be missed is the Kecak fire dance which takes place at the Uluwatu temple. It is a traditional Balinese dance that takes place almost every day from 6 p.m. and ends with sunset.
Dancers dressed in traditional costumes will dance in front of you and they will notably stage episodes from the Ramayana (Hindu sacred book).
Flaming Fire in one of scenes of Ramayana Kecak Dance performed in Amphiteater Pura Uluwatu, Bali. Johannnindito Adisuryo (Yohanes Nindito Adisuryo), CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
There is a charge for the show and it will cost you IDR 100,000 per person, i.e. around € 7. As the show is quite popular and good seats are quite limited, I advise you to sit in your seat from 5 p.m. to be close to the dancers.
Going to the cliffside Uluwatu Temple and watching its Balinese Kecak Dance show is probably one of the best things to do at night in Uluwatu.
It is perfectly possible to visit the Uluwatu temple on your own by renting a scooter or booking a Grab. Read also: How to Take a Taxi in Bali Without Getting Scammed or Cheated?
However, there are several organized guided tours that will take care of routes, reservations, etc.
Kecak fire dance at sunset, Uluwatu, Bali. Kecak dance is a kind of traditional dance drama art that is typical of Bali. The dance depicts the wayang story, especially the Ramayana story which is performed with the art of movement and dance. This Kecak dance is one of the most well-known traditional arts in Bali. Aside from being a cultural heritage, the Kecak Dance is also one of the attractions of tourists who come there. Krisdenna, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
3. Beaches in Uluwatu
Embark on a coastal adventure with our Uluwatu Travel Guide, as we explore the breathtaking charm and sandy splendor of the beaches in Uluwatu.
Padang Padang Beach
After these cultural activities, it is time to relax by visiting the most beautiful beaches of Uluwatu. One of the most popular is Padang Padang Beach. If you’ve ever seen the famous movie Eat, Pray, Love, you’ll see this beach in the romantic scene at the end of the movie.
This beach is one of the favorite spots for surfers in Uluwatu but it is also a good place for a swim and a tanning session.
Remember to put a few tickets aside because the entrance to the beach is paid and costs 10,000 rupees or 70 cents.
Nyang Nyang Beach
There are also beautiful beaches south of Uluwatu and they are generally much less crowded than Bingin or Padang Padang for example. One of the most beautiful and wildest is Nyang Nyang Beach.
You will have to do a nice hike and cross a forest before arriving at the beach. Don’t miss the piece of boat that washed up on the coast, it’s a nice photo spot. Read also: The Best Beaches in Bali | Most famous beach during your holiday
Nyang-Nyang Beach. Schweigeblick, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Bingin Beach
Bingin Beach is also a beach that attracts many surfers. If you want to try to tame the waves of Bingin, you can rent boards of all types right on the beach. The price is around 50,000 rupees (~ 3 euros) for 2 hours.
But Bingin beach will also appeal to swimmers more because the waves are quite far from the coast and the water is therefore calm near the beach. There are also some great photos to take with the beautiful massive boulders that are laying on the sand.
To eat, there are two places to choose: Kelly’s Warung and Lucky Fish.
Balangan Beach
One of the favorite spots for surfers that you will inevitably come across on your way there.
A much more classic beach than the two previous ones, the plus is much more surrounded by greenery and trees, and extends over about fifty meters.
And the surfers make the show.
Unfortunately no photos, I was miles away from starting a blog one day when I was in Indonesia, but a little Google tour will fill this gap.
Suluban Beach
Suluban beach is cool, because different from the traditional beaches of Bali, between cliffs and rocks. Also famous for surfing (for the experienced, the waves eventually crash into the cliffs, so good).
If you go to the left, between the rocks, you arrive at a fairly discreet and therefore less popular beach, Suluban beach.
It is quite small, but its atypical side makes it really pleasant.
The other good point of the cliffs is that it is possible to have a place in the shade, the Balinese sun is nice, but sometimes a little shade is not so bad!
4. Karang Boma cliff
We are now heading further south to reach Karang Boma. It is a place of observation where you can see magnificent cliffs that will really make you dizzy.
Karang Boma has become popular thanks to Instagram especially because you can take a nice picture there with the beautiful cliff you see above.
The view is breathtaking: the sun dipping in the waves rushing against the cliff – this scene is literally spellbinding. Keep in mind that you will have to pay IDR 5000 (€0.31) as a parking fee (despite no signs about it) if you decide to arrive here by car.
Karang Boma Cliff Uluwatu, Bali, Indonesia. Pradnyanandana, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
5. Restaurant, Beach Clubs and Partying in Uluwatu
In this Uluwatu Travel Guide, we delve into the vibrant scene of restaurant dining, beach clubs, and nightlife, giving you an insider’s view of enjoying culinary delights and entertainment in Uluwatu
Single Fin Uluwatu restaurant
If there is a restaurant not to be missed in Uluwatu, it is surely the Single Fin. In addition to the good food they offer (mainly Western cuisine), people go there above all for the magnificent sea view!
They have a huge terrace where you can enjoy a good cold Bintang (local beer) while enjoying the panoramic view. The best time to go there is probably at the end of the day to see the sunset. They also organize evening events quite regularly.
You can walk from Uluwatu temple to Single Fin restaurant, and it takes 40 minutes. Or by car takes 8 minutes).
Savaya beach club and a clifftop club (Ex-Omnia) best for nightlife
After seeing the beaches, climbing cliffs and surfing the waves of Uluwatu, and still don’t know what to do in Uluwatu? It’s time to party a little don’t you think? For this, go to the magnificent Savaya resort which is about 8km east of Uluwatu.
The Savaya is arguably one of the best beach clubs in Bali with stunning infinity pools overlooking the ocean and it attracts internationally renowned DJs. The most photogenic place in the club is probably its bar with the huge shiny cube above.
Karma Beach Club
Not very far from Savaya, you will also find Karma Beach which is a private beach where we find the beach club of the same name. The rather unusual feature of this place is that you descend to the beach via a cable car from the Karma Kandara resort.
On site, you will find many services including restaurants, bars, beach volleyball, stand-up paddle rental, spa…
In terms of prices, you will have to pay IDR 650,000 per person (~ €43) but you will get back IDR 450,000 (~ €30) to use in the restaurant and bar. Note that access is free if you stay at the Karma Kandara resort.
Dinner on Jimbaran Beach: Enchanting Experience Fish and Seafood Restaurants
Discover in Uluwatu Travel Guide: Enchanting Cultural Experiences – Uluwatu Kecak Dance Tickets and More in Bali
Experience the captivating world of Balinese culture and artistry with our Uluwatu Travel Guide, offering a range of immersive experiences centered around the mesmerizing Uluwatu Kecak Dance and beyond.
Bali’s Cultural Splendors: Uluwatu Kecak and Fire Dance Show
Immerse yourself in Bali’s rich cultural tapestry with an entry ticket to the mesmerizing Uluwatu Kecak and Fire Dance Show. This captivating performance, set against the backdrop of the iconic Uluwatu Temple, brings to life ancient tales through the enchanting art of dance and music. Experience the allure of Balinese culture as you witness this unforgettable performance.
Explore Similar Experiences
- Melasti Beach Kecak Dance Show Tickets: Delve into the magic of the Kecak Dance at Melasti Beach and experience Bali’s artistic heritage in a stunning coastal setting.
- Skip-the-line Uluwatu Temple and Kecak Fire Dance Tour: Enjoy a seamless visit to the Uluwatu Temple and witness the entrancing Kecak Fire Dance against the dramatic ocean vista.
- Bali Sunset: Uluwatu Temple, Kecak Dance and Jimbaran Bay: Enhance your evening with a visit to Uluwatu Temple, followed by the captivating Kecak Dance performance, and conclude the night with a beachside dining experience at Jimbaran Bay.
- Bali: Uluwatu Temple and Karang Boma Cliff Tour with Tickets: Immerse yourself in the beauty of Uluwatu Temple and Karang Boma Cliff, complemented by the enthralling Kecak Dance performance.
Indulge in Bali’s cultural treasures and vibrant performances that weave together the island’s history, spirituality, and artistic heritage. Choose from an array of experiences that promise to leave you enchanted by Bali’s captivating allure.
Photo credit (main photo): GeoffClarke (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Wikimedia Commons
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