Uluwatu, the southernmost tip of Bali, often unjustly forgotten, on the Bukit Peninsula, enchants with its rugged charm. Steep cliffs, high waves, sunburnt vegetation, and long winding coastal roads create an atmospheric picture whose earthy tones remind one of the Greek islands. Bali travelers often forget to include this gem in their travel itineraries, as there are no obvious places in standard travel guides, except for the stunning Pura Uluwatu.
The blogging and Instagram scene has already discovered the picturesque potential of this mountainous coastal area. Gradually, more and more tourists are mixing with the die-hard surfers who have long praised Uluwatu as one of the best surf destinations in the world.
Uluwatu Bali: beaches, sights, and must-sees
We recommend that you discover Uluwatu now, before the large buses with day tours that already disturb the Balinese solitude in Ubud and the Bermuda tourist triangle of Kuta-Legian-Seminyak start arriving and destroy the relaxed atmosphere of this culturally rich part of the island.
Still undecided? Here we have gathered 10 reasons that will make your decision to finally go to Uluwatu even easier.
How to get to Uluwatu
You can reach Denpasar Airport in Bali with many international and local airlines. You can get an initial overview on Skyscanner.
The best way to get to the Uluwatu region is with a driver or, if you are adventurous and confident, with a scooter that you can easily rent at the airport. The journey from the airport should take about 90 minutes. The route will take you from the airport through Jimbaran / Kuta Selatan to the Bukit Peninsula. Before reaching the coast, you will pass by the Garuda Wisnu Kencana park (see point 9).
1. The sunsets are unforgettable
In Uluwatu, you will experience sunsets that even surpass the famous ones at Kuta Beach. Especially because you have the chance to see them from an impressive steep cliff, which adds to the whole effect. Grab a cold Bintang from one of the small food stalls (in Indonesia, they are called Warungs) and let yourself be enchanted by the beautiful sky.
2. The beaches
Take your time, sunscreen, and a scooter, access Google Maps, and visit the (mostly) pristine beaches of Uluwatu. Bingin Beach is currently the most popular tip among travelers. However, you can only reach it if you are prepared to go down 180 steep steps, and climb back up at the end, which in Uluwatu's desert-like climate could cost you a few liters of sweat. You will be rewarded with beautiful turquoise waters and relatively few tourists. Dreamland Beach is more accessible and offers a good opportunity for swimming, but it is also a bit more crowded.
3. Temples
Bali has countless temples, but only 6 of them belong to the main temples that are meant to maintain the balance between human activity and divine devotion on the island. One of these very sacred places in Balinese Hinduism is Pura Luhur Uluwatu. The temple complex high on the cliffs above the sea is not only spiritually and architecturally impressive, its inhabitants, numerous monkeys, also contribute to the charm of the place. These monkeys like to steal cameras, jewelry, or water bottles from visitors, so take good care of your belongings.
4. The Kecak dance
Almost every night at 6:00 p.m. the Kecak dance takes place in a side wing of the Uluwatu Temple. It is actually a trance ritual based on the myth of the Ramayana, one of the oldest Hindu texts. You can expect a large number of men dressed traditionally dancing and singing rhythmically, a magical experience at sunset that should not be missed.
5. Little traffic
Are you tired of the crowded streets of Kuta and Seminyak? Head to Uluwatu! You will be greeted by winding coastal roads that you will have completely to yourself or share only with a few others. Because of this, both Balinese and tourists feel encouraged to drive a little faster. Just be careful and always wear a helmet, which should be included with the rental of your scooter.
6. Grilled fish on the beach
Do you know the crowded fish restaurants in Jimbaran, filled with busloads of tourists during sunset? That’s not Uluwatu. Here you can eat cheap grilled fish (Ikan Bakar) in a relaxed atmosphere on the beach. The fish is super delicious, especially combined with a colorful sunset and a cold Bintang. Bingin Beach would be a great place for that! Don’t forget to bring a charged mobile phone or a flashlight so you can find your way back up the steep stairs; there is no proper lighting.
7. It’s quiet and peaceful
In Uluwatu, you don’t have to share the beach with a million other sun lovers; you will probably find a few vendors trying to sell you a sarong, but apart from that, the beaches are still pristine and fresh. This solitude also means that you won’t find a proper nightlife or trendy avocado toasts.
8. Surf
Uluwatu is a paradise for surfers. There are waves for all levels; from beginners to absolute professionals, everyone can catch some waves here. Padang-Padang hosts the Rip Curl surf competition every year, a truly impressive spectacle for visitors and an opportunity for professionals to compete with the best surfers in the world.
9. Garuda Wisnu Kencana
This enormous sculpture, which can already be seen from kilometers away from the southern beaches (and even from Bali airport), depicts the Hindu god Vishnu (in Indonesian Wisnu) with his beast Garuda. The statue itself is 121 meters tall. The completion took 28 years and cost 100 million dollars. The acting president of Indonesia, Joko Widodo, inaugurated the sculpture, which was transported from West Java to Bali in all its parts, in 2018. Definitely a recommendation if you need a bit of culture after all the beaches and Bintangs!
10. Beach clubs and bars
Uluwatu has the best beach clubs in Bali. Period. You have to spend a bit more than a meal in a Warung, but a day at the beach with good cocktails, live music, a pool, and good food can be a nice change of scenery from time to time. Some favorites are Karma Kandara Club, El Kabron, Ulu Cliffhouse, or the luxurious OMNIA Dayclub. Also justifiably popular is Sundays Beach Club with white sand, where you can rent snorkeling gear and snorkel right from the beach.
Uluwatu is not yet on the radar of package tourists, but it is becoming increasingly popular. Dare to explore for yourself: many beaches are still not in travel guides and are therefore still (relatively) lonely and untouched. Consequently, you won’t find lifeguards or other safety precautions. With unpredictable currents and quite high waves, only experienced surfers should venture further out. Otherwise, just enjoy the wonderfully refreshing turquoise water, the stunning views, and the empty streets, and drop us a comment if you have another tip.
