10 BEST Things to Do in Uluwatu, Bali!

Looking for the best things to do in Uluwatu, Bali? You’ve come to the right place!

Uluwatu is by far my favourite area in Bali. While touristy, it hasn’t fallen prey yet to the massive crowds of other parts of Bali, and is home to some of the best beaches on the island.

In Uluwatu you can enjoy beautiful beaches, epic surfing, fun beach clubs, and delicious cafes and restaurants. It’s the perfect place in Bali to chill and rewind.

I visited Bali four times, and once I discovered Uluwatu, that’s where I base myself every time I visit. In this article I have included all my insider Uluwatu knowledge.

This Uluwatu travel guide outlines all the best things to do in Uluwatu, as well as useful tips like where to stay, what to pack, how to get around and much more.

So what are you waiting for? Dive in, and discover how to make the most of your time in Uluwatu, Bali!

Fun things to do in Uluwatu, Bali

Go to the beach! 

If you’re basing yourself in Uluwatu when in Bali, Indonesia, then of course you’re going to want to spend some time at the beach. Personally, I think the beaches in Uluwatu are the best in Bali.

Sure, there are a lot of cultural sights and foodie hotspots to check out, but sometimes there’s nothing better than simply kicking back on the beach for the day.

Luckily for you, Uluwatu has some absolutely beautiful beaches, from surfer favourites to chic hangouts, there’s a beach for pretty much every occasion. 

Melasti Beach

Melasti Beach is one of my favourite beaches in all of Bali. Think crystal clear water, white sand and a reef for snorkelling. There’s also a choice of bars and restaurants and a few fancy beach clubs too.

Located at the southernmost point of Bali on the Bukit Peninsula, it’s a 25-minute scooter ride from Uluwatu. The entrance fee is 10,000 IDR per person.

Green Bowl Beach

If you’re looking for places to visit in Uluwatu that have fewer crowds, then Green Bowl Beach is the place for you.

A set of steep steps lead down to the beach, which may be the reason why it is a much quieter beach compared to others in Bali. 

This wild and rugged slice of sand is much-loved by surfers, but there isn’t a whole lot going on here in terms of amenities. Don’t come expecting beach bars or even sunbeds (there’s nothing here).

But you can find two local little warungs back up at the top that serve up local food and cold drinks. The entrance fee is 10,000 IDR per person. 

Bingin Beach

Another popular surf beach in Uluwatu, this one also has lots of steps to get down to the sand. But don’t worry – your efforts will be rewarded with a super cool beach to spend the day on.

Unlike Green Bowl, Bingin does have some services like sunbeds, umbrellas, bars and restaurants, but not quite as many as there are over on Melasti Beach. 

Located less than 10-minute drive from Uluwatu Temple, there’s no entrance fee but parking is 5,000 IDR per vehicle. 

Suluban Beach

Looking for things to do in Uluwatu, Bali, for nature lovers? Head over to Suluban Beach.

This is the main jumping-off point for surfers who want to take on Uluwatu’s epic waves, but the sand is soft and the amazing caves and canyons in the cliffs surrounding the beach are fun for exploring. 

Or you can just chill out on the sand. The entrance fee is 5,000 IDR per person. 

Chill or party at a Uluwatu Beach Club 

Up there at the top of the list of fun things to do in Uluwatu is hanging out at one of the area’s funky beach clubs.

There’s a whole collection of beach clubs to choose from — which one you end up at simply depends on your style, budget and the kind of day you want to have. 

Sundays Beach Club

Open every day (not just Sunday!), Sunday’s Beach Club serves up a serious helping of chilled vibes.

Located below the polished Ungasan Clifftop Resort, spend the day here enjoying delicious food, sipping fresh drinks and even trying out the included watersports. 

Entrance for adults is 650,000 IDR per person (for children it’s 300,000 IDR per child), but the price includes a 400,000 IDR credit for food and drink.

Single Fin

This iconic surfer hangout near the entrance of Suluban Beach has quickly gone from low-key rustic to the place to be on a Sunday for sunset.

Grab yourself a beer, find a comfy seat and watch the sun drop below the horizon soundtracked by live music. 

White Rock, Melasti Beach

This large beach club sprawls across rocks overlooking a long stretch of sand on Melasti Beach.

Perfectly situated for taking in the captivating views of the southern tip of the island, spending time at this high-end beach club makes you feel like you’re in an exclusive retreat. Prices and packages vary. 

Hit the surf 

Some of the world’s most famous waves are found on the coast around Uluwatu. In fact, the surf here is so incredible that surfers from around the world travel far and wide to try it out.

Suluban Beach is particularly the stuff of legend for surfers.

The waves in Uluwatu are ideal for advanced surfers, but don’t let that put you off — there are also a lot of surf schools and spots for beginners to learn the ropes.

If you want to get into surfing in Uluwatu then try out this surf class for beginner and intermediate levels. The lessons are usually held at Balangan Beach, which is meant to be one of the best spots in Uluwatu to learn at. 

Generally speaking, Uluwatu is one of the best surf spots in Bali, so it’s no wonder that it attracts so many travellers with a chill surfer vibe. That’s part of what makes Uluwatu such a fun area of Bali to go out and party.

Click here to book your surf lesson in Uluwatu, Bali!

Be amazed by Uluwatu Temple 

Of all the top places to see in Uluwatu, the area’s famous Pura Luhur Uluwatu Temple has to be first on everyone’s list. The Balinese Hindu temple sits dramatically perched on the edge of 70-metre-high rock that juts out over the sea.

One of the islands’ protective water temples, Uluwatu Temple was originally built here in the 11th century by a priest from Java called Empu Kuturan. 

Visitors enter the sacred space through an intricately carved stone arch that’s watched over by the statue of Ganesha. Once inside, you’re greeted by more fascinating carvings of mythological creatures emerging from bricks made of coral.

Creatures also come in the form of real-life monkeys who live on the temple grounds and spend their time trying to get snacks and other trinkets from temple-goers. 

At sunset, crowds of visitors flock here to watch the amazing sunset views and the famous Kecak Dance. You can visit Uluwatu Temple easily on your own, but if you prefer a local guide this tour is a great option.

Click here to book your tour to Uluwatu Temple for sunset & Kecak Dance!

See the Kecak Dance 

As the sun starts to set at Uluwatu Temple, the crowds gather, and the Kecak Dance begins. 

This native dance is performed by local Balinese people who move in rhythm, using flames and traditional costumes to tell the story of the Hindu epic, the Ramayana.

The dance focuses on Ram who is helped by the monkey god Hanuman to fight King Ravana. 

Catching a performance of the cultural dance is a must-see in Uluwatu — watching the whirling fire and hearing the drums at sunset is something you won’t forget in a hurry. 

Once you watch this performance of a Kecak dance, you’ll soon understand why it’s always number one of the top 10 things to do in Uluwatu. Get your tickets for the performance in advance with this tour.  

Click here to book your Uluwatu Temple & Kecak Dance entrance tickets!

Eat your way around Uluwatu 

If you’re working out if Uluwatu is worth visiting then you should know that Uluwatu isn’t just a draw for surfers. It also has a mouth-wateringly delicious food scene too.

Food activities in Uluwatu don’t get much better than simply eating your way around the area. There are just so many amazing restaurants and cafes for you to try out. 

Most of the dining options in the area serve up their takes on Western food, but some local warnings should definitely not be overlooked. Must-tries include Warung Local, Ours, The Loft & Mana Uluwatu. 

All cook up a delicious menu of hunger-inducing dishes made from local ingredients and cooked by local chefs. The only thing to remember? Make sure to turn up hungry. 

Pamper yourself at a spa

One of my top Uluwatu, Bali, tips is to make sure you book yourself into a spa. Bali’s spas are some of the best in the world. Think serene settings, tranquil treatments and a high standard of service.

For a luxury beach-side spa experience make sure to check out The Istana; elsewhere there’s the polished wellness retreat over at the very zen Asa Maia, or for something a bit more budget-friendly there’s a selection of relaxing treatments at Laniakea Spa. 

Helicopter tour 

You’re in Bali and having the best time ever. Why not make it a trip to remember by treating yourself to a helicopter tour of the area?

There are so many options for helicopter flights in Bali; the one you choose will depend on what you want to see, how long you want to fly for and your budget. 

One option is this private helicopter tour which flies you high over the incredible coastline, past highlights that include Melasti beach and Uluwatu Temple. 

Click here to book your helicopter tour in Bali!

Visit GWK Cultural Park

Those looking for things to do in Uluwatu that aren’t spending the day at the beach or visiting a temple may want to take a trip to GWK Cultural Park.

Home to a 121-metre-tall Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue, the park is the place to go to get an insight into the region’s local culture. 

Here you can take part in activities and enjoy performances of a Kecak Garuda Wisnu dance accompanied by traditional Balinese music.

Shop at local boutiques & markets 

Make sure to carve out some time in your Uluwatu Bali itinerary of the best things to do in Uluwatu to pick up some souvenirs.

The Artisanal Market – taking place every Sunday at Hatch – is a good option if you want to shop for locally-made pieces to take home with you. 

On a Saturday there’s Seed Bingin. This cool market is a good choice if you’re looking for something a little different to the usual markets which seem to sell the same stuff over and over again.

Seed Bingin comprises a variety of shops and market stalls that sell clothes, jewellery and accessories. Expect unique, made-in-Bali items – a good option if you’re in the market for something a little more unique. 

Is Uluwatu worth visiting?

In short, yes. In my opinion, it might even be the only area of Bali worth visiting (especially if you want to do a primarily beach and surf trip).

With all the negative news you hear about Bali poorly managing over tourism, it’s only normal that in 2025 people are wondering if it’s still worth visiting Bali.

Personally I think it is, you just need to pick the right areas to explore, and Uluwatu is one of those. It might not be home to iconic rice fields, but you’ll find beautiful beaches and a very chill vibe.

It’s well worth adding Uluwatu to your Bali itinerary, and if you’re going to be based in Bali for a long time (for example if you’re a digital nomad), then consider basing yourself in Uluwatu.

Where to stay in Uluwatu

Personally, my favourite area to stay in Uluwatu is close to Bingin or Suluban Beach. Even though they’re not the best beaches in Uluwatu, the area around them is full of shops, bars and restaurant, so it’s a very lively place to stay.

Budget: Uluwatu Made Guesthouse – We stayed here on our last Uluwatu trip and really liked it. It’s very basic, but for the price it’s a great deal. It has a communal pool and well located.

Click here to book your stay at Uluwatu Made Guesthouse!

Mid-range: Bingin Garden Uluwatu – Located just a few hundred metres from the beach, here you will find clean and spacious rooms, with a minimalist decor accented with natural wood in one of the best locations to stay in Uluwatu.

Check out prices & availability at Bingin Garden Uluwatu here!

Luxury: Umana Bali – If you’re looking for luxury, then this resort definitely delivers. This five-star resort sits atop a cliff overlooking the ocean, and offers four dining options, iconic Bali private pools, hot tubs and a shared infinity pool.

Don’t miss out, click here to book your stay at Umana Bali!

What to pack for your Uluwatu trip

Besides the usual swimsuit, underwear and clothes that you would pack for any beach trip, I’ve listed below a couple essentials that you want to make sure to pack for your Bali trip!

Steel water bottle – Bali has a big problem with plastic pollution, you don’t want to contribute to it! Bring your own water bottle and refill it. I love these stainless steel ones because they keep your water cold if you’re out all day.

International adapter – Depending on where you’re coming from you might need an adapter for your chargers. I like to travel with an international one as they have multiple sockets and can be used anywhere, not just that one trip.

Power bank – if you’re going to be out adventuring all day you don’t want your phone to die along the way! You need it for those awesome Bali Instagram shots (as well as not getting lost)

GoPro – Whether it’s to capture your surfing endeavours, your swim with turtles or snorkel with manta rays, a GoPro is a great addition to any packing list!

Sun cream – Make sure to pack sunscreen! The sun in Bali can be very strong, especially if you’re planning to spend a lot of time in the water. You might also want to get a zinc sunblock stick for your face, surfing is great but let’s try to avoid ageing skin if we can!

Do you need travel insurance to visit Uluwatu?

After my personal experience spending two nights in a private hospital in Tenerife, and having to pay for it out of pocket (it wasn’t cheap), I always recommend getting travel insurance.

You might not end up needing it, but for a small fee you can travel without worries. Personally, I suggest getting your travel insurance with  Heymondo.

Heymondo offers tailor made travel insurance, providing the best value for money for your specific trip. You can also buy it once you’re already abroad and have forgotten about it before flying (which, if you’re anything like me, is quite likely).

Besides the usual cancellation, medical expenses, luggage coverage and general travel insurance services, Heymondo also has a 24/7 doctor chat and instant assistance through their app.

Plus, as a Greta’s Travels reader, you get 5% off your Heymondo travel insurance!

Click here to get your 5% off Heymondo travel insurance!

Final thoughts on the best activities in Uluwatu

There you have it, the ultimate Uluwatu travel guide! Have you been to Uluwatu in Bali before? Let me know in the comments below!

Uluwatu is my personal favourite area in Bali. I tell everyone to go there, to avoid areas in Bali like Kuta and Canggu and head straight to Uluwatu instead.

Places like Ubud are famous for its rice terraces and temples, and Canggu for its nightlife, but honestly I feel they have become prey to over tourism. Uluwatu is still somewhat of a hidden gem, which I really suggest you add to your Bali bucket list.

It might not be home to Instagrammable Bali hotels, but I think that’s better, as it’s not just a fake front for influencers, but it’s actually a very beautiful area to explore and base yourself.

After visiting Uluwatu you can then travel on to Gili Trawangan to snorkel with turtles, to East Java to hike Kawah Ijen at sunrise, or even to Yogyakarta to visit Borobudur and Prambanan Temples.

I hope you found my Uluwatu travel guide useful, if you have any questions, just let me know in the comments below!

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