What to do in Uluwatu: beaches, temples, surf and where to stay
Uluwatu, at the southern end of Bali on the Bukit peninsula, is the area of limestone cliffs, surf beaches and sunsets. People come for the cliff-edge temple, the kecak show, the Uluwatu beaches (Padang Padang, Bingin, Dreamland, Suluban), the waves and the cafés perched on the cliffs. It is also a good area to sleep near the airport and Jimbaran. Plan two nights, or a day trip from Ubud or Seminyak. Information found in October 2026 in guides, with no official source.
Highlights
The Uluwatu temple at sunset
The temple is perched on a cliff above the Indian Ocean. See the Uluwatu temple for the entrance and the monkeys, and the kecak dance at Uluwatu for the late-afternoon show.
The Bukit beaches
Padang Padang, Bingin, Dreamland and Suluban are coves at the foot of the cliffs, reached by stairs. See Uluwatu beaches for tides and entry fees.
Dinner at Jimbaran
On the way back towards the airport, Jimbaran bay is known for its seafood tables on the sand; see seafood dinner at Jimbaran.
Practical info
Tips
- The Uluwatu surf spots are known for powerful reef waves, for experienced surfers; beginners go to Kuta or Canggu instead (see surf lessons in Canggu and Kuta). Roads are narrow and traffic is dense at peak hours: a scooter is common but risky for a beginner. Distances between the beaches and the temple are short but the trip takes time; a driver is handy (see private driver in Bali). Hotels range from luxury cliff-tops to small places at Bingin and Pecatu; to compare with Ubud, Canggu and Seminyak, see where to stay in Bali. Guides advise booking early in high season (July-August).
How to get there
Uluwatu is about 25 to 30 km from Bali airport and an hour or more from Seminyak and Canggu depending on traffic (estimate); Ubud is about an hour and a half to two hours away. See from Bali airport to Ubud, Canggu or Seminyak: a private transfer is the simplest. A full route is suggested in Bali in 10 days.
Opening hours
Our guides that feature it
Nearby
See on the map →
Comments
No comments yet.