If you love beaches (and surfing!), then this is one spot in Bali, Indonesia which should definitely form part of your Itinerary.
Known as the beach paradise of Bali, Uluwatu is one of those places in Bali which you shouldn’t skip. I spent two whole days and honestly fell in love with this quaint place. In this blog, I will share the best places I explored and even those which I missed but you can definitely include in your itinerary!
Fun facts about Uluwatu
Things to do at Uluwatu
Uluwatu Temple
Hands down one of my favourite spot at Uluwatu (literally went here twice during the evening). This is one of Bali’s most iconic sea temples, perched on a steep cliff about 70 meters (230 feet) above the Indian Ocean. It is considered one of the six key temples believed to be Bali’s spiritual pillars, protecting the island from evil spirits.
Beware of the various monkeys, they are super naughty and might snatch things off of your hands!
Kecak Fire Dance
One of the highlights of visiting Uluwatu Temple is witnessing the traditional Kecak dance performances. These performances, usually staged during sunset, depict scenes from the Ramayana epic and involve a chorus of men chanting “cak” in rhythmic harmony.
The show timings are 6 pm and 7 pm.
Pro tip: Prebook your kecak dance ticket online on klook.com. Here the link to the ticket – Click Here.
Uluwatu Beach
Uluwatu Beach is a famous surfing destination located on the southern coast of Bali, Indonesia. It’s renowned for its breathtaking cliffs, white sandy beaches, and world-class surf breaks. Surfers flock to Uluwatu Beach for its consistent waves and challenging swells, making it a mecca for experienced surfers from around the globe. The area is also popular for its stunning sunsets, making it a favorite spot for tourists to unwind and enjoy the beauty of Bali’s coastline.
Be ready to walk down a bunch of stairs. (Wear comfy shoes!)
Padang Padang Beach
Padang Padang Beach is a beautiful and popular beach located on the Bukit Peninsula in Bali. The beach is known for its stunning scenery, with white sandy shores nestled between towering cliffs and lush greenery.
The beach has clear blue waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling, especially during low tide when the coral reefs are visible.
There are small local shops and warungs (local eateries) near the entrance where you can buy snacks, drinks, and rent beach chairs and umbrellas (but I found them a little expensive).
Please note: You have to pay entrance fee of IDR 15000
Dreamland beach
The beach is known for its soft white sand, clear turquoise waters, and beautiful cliffs surrounding the bay. Take some time to relax on the beach, swim in the ocean, or simply soak in the breathtaking scenery.
If you’re interested in water sports, Dreamland Beach is a great place for surfing. The waves here are suitable for both beginners and experienced surfers. You can rent a surfboard and take a lesson if you’re new to surfing, or simply enjoy watching the surfers catch waves.
Dreamland Beach and its surroundings offer plenty of opportunities for photography, especially during sunrise and sunset. Capture the stunning coastal landscapes and the vibrant colors of the sky.
Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park
Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park (GWK) is a fascinating cultural and artistic landmark located on the southern coast of Bali’s Bukit Peninsula.
The centerpiece of GWK is the Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue, depicting the Hindu god Vishnu riding the mythical bird Garuda. The statue is massive, standing at 121 meters (397 feet) tall, making it one of the tallest statues in the world.
GWK hosts regular cultural performances, including traditional Balinese dance shows like the Kecak dance and other theatrical performances that showcase Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage.
Where to stay?
When it comes to accommodation, Uluwatu offers some really good options. You can choose your hotel basis your liking and budget!
I stayed at the Pecatu region of Uluwatu which is closer to most of the attractions mentioned above – literally a grab away! Also, a few hotels offer shuttle services to popular beaches, make sure you avail that!
For reference, I stayed at the S Resorts Hidden Valley. Link to the property – Click Here.
Other attractions
Other beaches to check out in Uluwatu –
a. Balagan Beach
b. Bingin Beach
c. Thomas Beach
d. Green Bowl Beach
Alright! That was a super long, power packed blog post and I hope you enjoyed it. If you like my recommendations and do end up doing everything, let me know how it went! I love reading your comments 🌴
Need more guides about traveling in Bali?
Look forward to visiting Uluwatu!
You should! Its so beautiful 😍