Where to stay in Uluwatu
If you’re planning to spend a few days in this part of Bali, take a look at the following hotel recommendations in Uluwatu, one of the best areas to stay in Bali.
I’ll start by stating the hotel where I would stay. I will then suggest other options for low, medium, high, and extremely high budgets.
I recommend Oceanna hotel, a small establishment with just five rooms and stunning ocean views. The rooms are generously sized, incredibly bright, and exquisitely designed. The infinity pool, which offers stunning sunset views, is the nicest feature of this hotel. Additionally, beaches like Thomas Beach and Padang Padang are close by.
Other hotels in Uluwatu with very good reviews:
- Willy Homestay ($). A modest accommodation offering double rooms. It features a shared kitchen and a garden pool.
- Telaga Sari, my hotel ($$). The rooms are simple, but the large garden with a pool is fantastic. We really enjoyed our stay there.
- Hari Indah Boutique Hotel & Spa ($$$). A 4-star hotel with pleasant decor, a pool with loungers, a restaurant, and a bar. They serve a very good breakfast.
- Renaissance Bali Uluwatu Resort & Spa ($$$$). A 5-star hotel with stunning views. They offer rooms, suites, and villas. The hotel includes a restaurant, bar, spa, gym, several pools, and a beach club.
If you want more recommendations, you can check out my post on where to stay in Uluwatu.
Things to do in Uluwatu, Bali
Are you ready to discover the 15 best things to do in Uluwatu? A trip to Bali would not be complete without visiting this area of the island. Let’s begin!
1. Uluwatu Temple (Bali)
It is a must-see in Uluwatu and one of the few touristic temples in this part of Bali but its setting makes it one of the most stunning and mystical on the island.
The actual temple is compact. Since the Uluwatu Temple is perched on top of a 70-meter-high cliff, it is the surrounding natural landscape that captures people’s attention. The scenery is lovely.
I recommend visiting the temple just before dusk. Not only will the lighting be more lovely, but there will also be a Kecak show, a traditional Balinese dance, celebrated every day at 6:00 p.m.
The kecak show tickets can be purchased online in advance. If you prefer buying them in person, they must be purchased around one to two hours in advance.
Uluwatu Temple entrance fee: 50k IDR.
2. Karang Boma Cliff (Uluwatu Cliff)
The Uluwatu Cliff, also known as Karang Boma Cliff, is one of Bali’s most well-known places and is located close to the Uluwatu Temple.
The cliff is around 70 meters high and offers stunning views of the Indian Ocean. This viewpoint is a terrific choice to enjoy a stunning sunset if you are not heading to the prior temple at that time. Additionally, going at sunrise is strongly advised.
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3. Balangan Beach Viewpoint
Balangan Beach is a great spot in Uluwatu for surfing or relaxing. It also has several beach bars where you can grab a drink or a bite to eat. On the other hand, if you plan to swim, keep in mind that there are often strong currents.
Although, in my opinion, the most attractive spot at Balangan Beach is the viewpoint located on the cliff to the right of the beach. From there, you can enjoy beautiful views, especially at sunset. That said, at that time of day you’ll find more people, and even couples taking wedding photos!
4. Visit Nyang Nyang Beach, one of the best things to do in Uluwatu
Nyang Nyang is one of the most beautiful beaches in Uluwatu. It is almost 2 kilometers long and is located parallel to a limestone cliff full of vegetation. The sand is clear, and the water is a very beautiful blue. This beach is really large, therefore you will not find many people concentrated in one particular area.
Previously, you had to descend and then ascend about 500 steps to get to Nyang Nyang Beach. However, now you can ride your motorbike down to the beach (it is not possible by car). Include this location on your list of things to do in Uluwatu and take advantage of the sand and sea; you won’t regret it!
Before or after going to the beach, don’t miss the chance to stop by the cliffside to enjoy the incredible views of the beach. They’re stunning! Right there, there’s a plane parked, which could be visited from the outside. It’s actually a luxury hotel.
5. Dreamland Beach
Another one of the most popular beaches in Uluwatu is Dreamland Beach. Unlike other beaches, access here is very easy, as you can arrive by scooter and park just a few meters away. That’s also why it’s one of the busiest.
Thanks to its west-facing location, it’s a great spot to watch the sunset over the ocean. You can order a drink at the warung located at the entrance and enjoy a very relaxing moment.
6. Bingin Beach, a wonderful beach to spend the day
This beach is one of the best beaches in Uluwatu to enjoy a good beach session. It stands out for having a lot of buildings along the shore.
Although this may set you back, the reality is that the combination of nature with the houses built on the cliff is worth seeing. It has several very cool bars and restaurants to drink and eat something, go to the bathroom, or spend some time in the shade.
Once you leave the motorcycle in the parking lot, you will have to walk through some narrow streets and go down around 100 stairs. Going down isn’t hard. Go up is a bit more taxing on the body, but it’s worth it!
Sunset Point Pantai Cemongkak, a lovely location to view the sunset, is not far from Bingin Beach. A grassy meadow can be found atop a cliff.
It’s a great spot to go for a small picnic, or simply to sit and relax before the sun sets completely. Don’t miss the beautiful views of the beach below this spot.
7. Thomas Beach, one of the best beaches in Uluwatu
This is one of the top beaches in Bali. It is fairly broad and has both white sand and crystal-clear water. You can rent sun loungers with umbrellas for the whole day or negotiate a lower price if you want to use them for just a few hours. Surfboards and paddle boards can also be rented.
The beach includes a lot of locations where you can eat and drink, as well as stalls where you can buy coconuts and water. It is the perfect beach if you want to spend the entire day there.
Like many other beaches in Uluwatu, getting there requires taking a few steps down, then back up. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen and a hat!
8. Suluban Beach, great for surf lovers
Suluban Beach is one of Uluwatu and Bali’s most beautiful and picturesque beaches. The limestone cliffs have created a sort of tunnel that must be passed through in order to reach the sea.
In Uluwatu, it is also one of the most well-liked surfing locations. If you enjoy surfing, this beach will undoubtedly become one of your favorites on the island.
9. Single Fin, Uluwatu (Bali)
I recommend visiting Single Fin, one of Uluwatu’s most well-known bars, if you’re searching for a spot to enjoy a drink while watching an amazing sunset and even take a dip in the pool.
Due to this bar’s proximity to Suluban Beach, you can also see surfers catch waves. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are available. They host parties each Sunday.
10. Visit Melasti Beach, one of the most beautiful ones in Bali
If you want to spend the entire day at the beach, Melasti Beach is a fantastic alternative. The water is magnificent, and it is situated near Uluwatu’s southernmost point. It is much more stunning due to the fact that it is surrounded by cliffs.
To get to Melasti Beach, unlike other beaches in Uluwatu, you don’t have to go down countless flights of stairs, which is another advantage. It won’t be an issue for you to ride down on your motorcycle and leave it parked.
There are a number of warungs (local restaurants) on the beach where you may get something to eat and drink. If you want a slightly more exclusive experience, you can also choose to go to a beach club, such as Palmilla Bali, Tropical Temptation, or White Rock Beach Club.
Last but not least, be sure to take in the views of the beach from the nearby cliffs.
Melasti Beach Entrance Fee: 10k IDR.
11. Green Bowl Beach, Uluwatu
This beach is located right next to Melasti Beach. Unlike the previous one, to get to this little piece of paradise, you will have to go down a 75-meter drop. Of course, you can enjoy the beach almost by yourself since few people are encouraged to go up and down so many stairs.
If you decide to be one of those brave ones, don’t forget to bring enough water and something to eat, since you won’t find any kind of food stand on the beach.
12. Padang Padang Beach
Padang Padang Beach is one of Uluwatu’s most stunning beaches. It has lovely spots and is divided into several coves by enormous boulders.
However, at least when we visited, it was also one of the busiest beaches. Additionally, the area is quite limited due to its small size. While I don’t recommend spending the entire day here, I do suggest visiting because, as I mentioned, it’s truly beautiful.
Go early if you want to fully appreciate this gorgeous spot. There are a few stairs to descend to get there, but I assure you, it’s not many.
The popular Dreamsea Bali hotel is located nearby.
13. Sundays Beach Club, my favorite beach club in Uluwatu
In Uluwatu (Bali), there are several beach clubs, and my favorite is Sundays Beach Club. It’s absolutely amazing!
If you want to spend a relaxing day by the beach with great food, water activities, and all the comforts, visiting this beach club is the best plan you can make in Uluwatu. I highly recommend it.
The best thing about Sundays Beach Club is its location. It’s situated on the most beautiful beach I’ve visited in Bali. If you’re looking for white sand and crystal-clear blue water, you’ll find it here.
To enter, you have to pay 800k IDR, of which 300k is charged as an entrance fee and 500k serves as credit to spend on food and drinks. If you arrive before 10:00 AM, you get a 20% discount on food and drinks. On the other hand, if you come after 6:00 PM, the entrance fee is somewhat cheaper.
The entrance includes a sun lounger and towel per person, Wi-Fi access, and use of kayaks, snorkeling gear, and paddle boards. Every day at sunset, they light a bonfire.
14. Pantai Tegal Wangi Cave
Tegal Wangi is not known as an ideal beach for swimming or sunbathing. In fact, what stands out most about this spot in Uluwatu is a small cave located in the cliffs above the beach.
If you want to visit it, once you descend the steps to the beach, walk a few meters. If the tide is high, I don’t recommend going, as it could be dangerous.
Another great plan at Tegal Wangi is to watch the sunset from the top of the cliffs. Buy a corn cob and something to drink, and enjoy a beautiful moment.
15. Visit GWK Cultural Park, one of the best things to do in Uluwatu
If you’re looking for something different to see in Bali, you can visit the GWK cultural park. Here you’ll find sculptures and other works of art, exhibitions, and performances.
The most iconic spot in this park is a huge statue over 120 meters tall called Garuda Wisnu Kencana. It’s visible from other parts of Bali, such as Canggu.
You can buy your ticket to GWK here.
16. Ulu Cliffhouse, partying in Uluwatu
If you want to visit a lively spot or go partying in Uluwatu, one of the most popular places is Ulu Cliffhouse, a beach club built on a cliff overlooking the sea. Like any other club of this kind, it features a pool, loungers, a bar, a restaurant, and more.
What makes Ulu Cliffhouse stand out from other beach clubs are the events they organize with local and international DJs. You can check their website to see which days there are parties.
Of course, if you decide to go to the beach club during the day, you’ll find a more relaxed atmosphere, so it can still be a great stop if you want to swim, have a drink, and enjoy the views.
Additionally, the venue houses a 5-star hotel with a garden, outdoor pool, common lounge, terrace, and restaurant.
Where to eat in Uluwatu
Like many other parts of the island, Uluwatu has a great deal to offer in terms of food. There are several cafeterias and restaurants in this area, both local and international, where you can enjoy delicious food.
Some of Uluwatu’s best restaurants are listed below:
- Mana Uluwatu: restaurant and bar with pool where you can enjoy beautiful views.
- The Loft: healthy and delicious food.
- Suka Espresso: one of the most popular.
- Kelly’s Warung: eat with sea views!
- La Baracca: best pizza in Uluwatu.
- BGS Uluwatu: if you want a good cup of coffee.
- Warung Local: to try local food.
- The Cashew Tree: a popular restaurant offering dishes from various cuisines.
- Satu Uluwatu: a local food restaurant.
Map of Uluwatu, Bali
All the hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions that are mentioned in this article are marked on the following map.
I truly hope that this post about the best things to do in Uluwatu (Bali) has been very helpful in planning your trip to this stunning region of the island.
If you have any feedback or questions, I encourage you to leave a comment. Enjoy your trip!
