From Sunsets to Surfing: Amazing things to do in Uluwatu

Honestly, Uluwatu is my all-time favorite place in Bali. There are just so many different places to see, unique experiences to make, and in general, there are just a lot of amazing things to do in Uluwatu.

Uluwatu can be considered the surf hotspot of Bali. It not only has world-class surf breaks, but the whole town itself evolves around surfing: Stores sell surf equipment, boards, and the cutest surf bikinis, Cafés serve post-surf smoothies, and spas offer Surfer-back massages. It is just a vibe.

While the surfing culture in Uluwatu is big, of course not EVERYTHING is about surfing. There are many beautiful beaches with cliffside-views, perfect for a relaxing beach day, countless workout classes and many other activities that I will introduce to you in this blog post. Stay tuned and keep reading!

Why you should visit Uluwatu

If you like surfing, beaches, workout-classes, good coffee and watching sunsets – Uluwatu is the place for you. It doesn’t matter if you are looking for adventure, relaxation, culture or wellness – you will find everything in this place.

Here are a few reasons, why I think Uluwatu is worth visiting:

1. Uluwatu has world-class waves for surfing, like Padang Padang, which is on the bucket list of many advanced surfers. There are also many intermediate-friendly spots and some places that are fine for complete beginners as well.
2. If you like to party or going out, you will find some chic beach clubs and clifftop restaurants with breathtaking views in Uluwatu.
3. Do you like being active and joining Workout- or Yoga-classes? There are so many nice options in Uluwatu!
4. While many beaches in Bali are black-sand beaches, Uluwatu has many white-sand beaches, making it the perfect destination for a relaxing beach holiday!

You should not be expecting a small and quiet beach town though: Uluwatu is BUSY. The traffic can be insane and many places in the city are rather dirty. In my opinion, it is not too much of a problem and the beauty of the beaches and the friendliness of the local people outweighs this. Still, keep this in mind.

Disclaimer: Just so you do not get false expectations: Uluwatu is a place in Bali that is extremely westernized now. If you are looking to immerse yourself in authentic Balinese culture, Uluwatu is not the place for you. Better options would be Amed, Sidemen, Munduk or Jembrana.

The Best Things To do in Uluwatu

1 – Surfing

Uluwatu is a surfer’s paradise, and whether you’re just starting out or already chasing barrels, there’s a spot for everyone. With world-famous waves and a laid-back surf culture, it’s no wonder this area draws surfers from all over the globe.

Best Surf Spots in Uluwatu

For beginners, Padang Padang Right and Dreamland Beach are your go-to spots. The waves here are more forgiving, making them perfect for learning the basics without too much pressure.

If you’re feeling confident or already have some experience, check out Bingin, Impossibles, or the Uluwatu Main Peak. These breaks are more challenging, with powerful waves and reef bottoms that require some skill and confidence.

When to Surf

The best time to hit the waves is during the dry season (May–October), when consistent swells roll in and the conditions are at their best. Early mornings and evenings are ideal to avoid the crowds and catch the best waves.

The Surf Scene

Surfing in Uluwatu isn’t just about the waves—it’s also about the vibe. After a session, you’ll find plenty of surf shops, chill cafés, and local warungs where you can refuel and share stories with fellow surfers.

Rentals & Lessons

If you’re new to surfing or just need a board, Uluwatu has plenty of rental spots and surf schools. A personal favorite is Salty Water Surf, which offers lessons for all levels and has experienced instructors who’ll make you feel at ease, whether you’re a beginner or sharpening your skills.

Stay Safe

The waves in Uluwatu are stunning but can be tricky. Watch out for reef breaks, strong currents, and crowded lineups. Always check the conditions before heading out, and if in doubt, ask a local or an instructor.

Surfing in Uluwatu is more than just a sport—it’s an experience. Whether you’re riding your first wave or carving up a hollow barrel, there’s something magical about being in the water with the cliffs of Uluwatu towering behind you – in my opinion this is the number one best thing to do in Uluwatu.

2 – Explore some of Bali’s most beautfiul beaches

Uluwatu is home to the most beautiful white-sand beaches in Bali, so one of the best things to do in Uluwatu is definetely spending time on some of the beaches, enjoying the beautiful nature, getting on a tan and taking a refreshing dip in the ocean.

Here is a summary of some of the best beaches in Uluwatu:

• Padang Padang Beach: A rather small, but very idyllic beach with soft white sand and clear waters. It is also world-famous for its surfing waves! While this beach is beautiful, there can be very strong currents though, so please be careful when entering the water!
• Suluban Beach: A unique beach with a dramatic cliffside and great waves for surfing
• Bingin Beach: A beautiful beach with calm waters and a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for unwinding, swimming and working on your tan
• Dreamland Beach: A spacious, sandy beach with great surf and plenty of room for relaxation. Depending on the day, the waves can get quite big, so be careful when swimming and don’t underestimate possible currents.
• Thomas Beach: A quiet, lesser-known spot with beautiful surroundings and clear water.
  Tip: This beach is only really enjoyable when it is low tide, as the beach is pretty much gone when the tide is high.
• Balangan Beach: Another beautiful beach known for its great surf and stunning sunset views

3- Kecak dance performance

One of the most unique things to do in Uluwatu is attending the Kecak Dance performance at the Uluwatu Temple. This traditional Balinese dance is performed at sunset, with the stunning ocean view as its backdrop. It’s a cultural highlight that blends storytelling, rhythm, and a beautiful setting.

The Kecak Dance tells the story of the Ramayana, a classic Hindu epic. A group of men chant “cak-cak-cak” in unison, creating a rhythmic sound that sets the mood. The performers, dressed in traditional costumes, act out scenes filled with drama and heroism.

Tips for Visiting the Kecak Dance

1. Arrive Early
   The seating area fills up quickly, especially during busy seasons. Arriving early ensures you get a good spot with a clear view of the stage and the sunset.
2. Dress Appropriately
   As the performance takes place in a temple, modest clothing is required. Sarongs and sashes are available at the entrance if needed.
3. Combine the Show with a Temple Visit
   Explore Uluwatu Temple before the dance starts. The cliffside views and temple grounds are worth seeing, and it’s a peaceful way to spend time before the performance.
4. Watch Out for Monkeys
   The temple is home to many monkeys, and they’re known for grabbing unattended items. Keep your belongings secure.

4 – Visit Uluwatu Temple

No trip to Uluwatu is complete without visiting the iconic Uluwatu Temple, one of Bali’s most stunning sea temples. Perched dramatically on the edge of a 70-meter-high cliff, it offers breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean and a beautiful atmosphere that makes it a favorite spot for both travelers and locals.

The temple, known as Pura Luhur Uluwatu, is one of Bali’s six key spiritual pillars and is dedicated to Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa in his manifestation as Rudra, the god of storms and the sea. Beyond its spiritual significance, the location itself is absolutely spectacular, especially at sunset when the golden light creates a magical ambiance.

5 – Go Sunset watching

Since Uluwatu is on Bali’s west coast, its cliffs face west — right where the sun sets every night. Because of this, Uluwatu is an amazing spot to witness breathtaking sunsets.

The Best Sunset spots:

• Karang Boma Cliff
• Uluwatu Temple
• Suluban Beach
• Single Fin Beach Club
• Balangan Beach (My favourite, as you can watch the surfers while the sun sets!)

To get the most out of your sunset-watching, try to arrive 30-45 minutes before the sunset to secure a good spot and enjoy the sky changing its colors. Also, bring a camera if you want to capture the sunset. If you want to stay late, consider bringing a light jacket and also a blanket for comfortably sitting on the cliff.

6 – Join a workout-class

If you are into fitness, Uluwatu is a paradise for you. There is a huge variety of workout-class and gym-options, ranging from yoga and pilates to HIIT and Crossfit or Hyrox.

Many of these studios and gyms have a very welcoming environment that makes it easy to meet like-minded travelers and make social connections, so this is not only an opportunity to improve your fitness, but also to make new friends!

Yoga classes:

• Alchemy
• La Tribu
• Reform Pilates

Strength & Fitness Classes:

• Bambu Fitness
• 360 MOVE Gym & Training Center

Gyms:

• Point One Fitness (Budget-option)
• Muscle Beach Club
• Ulu Fit Bali

Classess typically range from IDR 100.000 to IDR 200.000. Most places offer a discount if you buy a 3 or 5 classes-package, so if you know you are going to join a few classes anyways, you might as well save a bit by buying a package in advance.

Tip: Download the ClassPass app and get a free 14-day trial. This allows you to join classes registered at ClassPass for free!

7 – Enjoy a Spa-Day

On a rainy day, or even if you just feel like it, going to the spa is one of the best things to do in Uluwatu. There is a wide range of services: Uluwatu’s spas offer massages, facials, body-scrubs, manicures, pedicures, hair treatments and even invasive beauty procedures.

Treatments typically range from IDR 150,000 to IDR 800,000, depending on the service and the Spa. There are High-end spas that provide private rooms, ocean views and premium products, but there are also very good Budget-friendly options that often focus on quality massages in simpler settings.

Of course, in Uluwatu, or Bali in general, you must get at least one Balinese Massage. This type of massage is. a therapeutic blend of acupressure, reflexology and aromatherapy, and typically pretty cheap.

8 – Hill-side dining, party or surf-watching at Single fins

Single Fin is both a restaurant and a club, depending on the time of day you go there. During the daytime and early evening, it is a restaurant and at night it becomes a club.

The location itself is iconic: It is situated on a cliffside in Uluwatu. It offers a panoramic view of the Indian Ocean and the famous surf break of Uluwatu Main Peak.

This place offers a lot of different activities:

• Sunset Spot: Single Fin is one of the best places in Uluwatu to enjoy a stunning sunset while having a cocktail or Bintang.
• Surf watching: As it overlooks Uluwatu’s surf breaks, it is a great spot to just relax and watch surfers tackle the waves. Personally, I could spend hours just doing that!
• Dining: There is a diverse menu, featuring fresh seafood, pizza, burgers and also Indonesian dishes. You can also get a good selection of drinks like tropical cocktails, fresh juices and cold beers.
• Party: Partying at Single Fin is just great. Single Fin attracts both locals and travelers, especially during the Sunday Sessions with DJs and live music. It is a great spot to meet people, dance, and soak up some beachy vibes.

While visiting Single Fin is one of the best things to do in Uluwatu, it is not a cheap thing to do. While the pricing is moderate for food and drinks, there can be some rather premium prices during events or peak times.

9 – Have a delicious meal

Like many places in Bali, Uluwatu is home to some amazing cafes and restaurants. I love food, so during our stay, I explored many options. I can really recommend the following places.

My favorite western restaurants in Uluwatu:

Laggas

The Cashew Tree

ANDE Café & More

Semboja coffee and eatery

Suka Espresso

If you are looking for local, Indonesian food, check out these places:

Warung Local

Warung Bejana

Yeye’s Warung

Jeffry Warung

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FAQ

When is the best time to visit Uluwatu?

The best time to visit Uluwatu generally depends on what you’re looking for:

• Dry season (April to October): This is considered the peak tourist season. The weather is sunny and dry, making it ideal for beach activities, and outdoor activities. July and August are the busiest months, so if you prefer fewer crowds, try April, May or September.
• Rainy season (November to March): During these months, Bali experiences more rainfall and higher humidity. It’s less crowded and can be a good time to find bargains, but the weather can be unpredictable. However, the island is lush and green and this time of year can be great for surfing, especially on the west coast where the waves are better.

Overall, if you want the best weather and don’t mind the crowds, the dry season is your best bet. For a quieter experience, with the possibility of rain but also lush landscapes, the wet season may be ideal.

How do I get around Uluwatu?

The best way to get around Uluwatu, or Bali in general, is by scooter. You can either rent your own scooter if you are comfortable enough to ride one, or use the Gojek/Grab App to book a scooter-taxi.

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Uluwatu truly offers something for everyone—whether you’re chasing waves with your surfboard, soaking up the sun on the nice beaches, or enjoying colorful sunsets. With so many stunning things to do in Uluwatu, it’s no wonder this destination has captured the hearts of so many travelers, including mine.

If you’ve been to Uluwatu or have any tips to add, feel free to share them in the comments below! And if you’re planning your trip, I hope this guide helps you make the most of your time in this amazing corner of Bali. 🌴✨