10 Best Things to Do in Uluwatu

Uluwatu Temple, locally known as Pura Luhur Uluwatu, is one of the must-see temples in Bali, second only to Tanah Lot. The temple sits on the south-western edge of a limestone cliff surrounded by a forest, home to hordes of grey long-tailed macaques. The surf break near Uluwatu is also named after the temple and is one of the premier surfing playgrounds on Bali’s southern coast.

During the evenings, the cliff temple and setting sun serve as a wonderful background to the kecak dances that are regularly held at the open-air theatre, a few hundred meters south of the complex. Beware of the monkeys, as they are adept pickpockets.

Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park, or ‘GWK’ for short, is a major landmark in the hills of Jimbaran, featuring a statue of the Hindu god Vishnu and his mythical guardian eagle. The 121-metre-tall monument stands on a pedestal that’s about 46 metres high, making it one of the tallest landmarks in Southeast Asia.

The vast 60-hectare grounds form a multi-use venue, combining statues of important Hindu Gods, excellent souvenir shopping, several dining venues, and a cinema showing an animation about Garuda, the mythical beast. Cultural performances, exhibitions, and world-class events regularly take place at Garuda Wisnu Kencana. Segway rentals are available for cruising around the vast site.

As one of the most captivating dance performances, the kecak is one of the most famous performances in Bali. Also known as ‘the monkey chant’ or the ‘fire dance’, it features an artistic live rendition of an episode from the Ramayana epic, particularly involving the monkey army and its main protagonists and antagonists, namely Rama, Sita, and the evil Ravana.

The absence of any orchestral accompaniment throughout the performances makes the kecak dance unique. The only choruses are the result of the polyrhythmic singing by the male dancers, sounding like ‘keh-chuck’, giving the dance its name. The best place to see it is at the open amphitheatre next to the Uluwatu Temple, which uses the setting sun and ocean horizon as its immersive theatrical backdrop.

Padang Padang is a beautiful beach and one of the island’s most desired pro surfing spots. The locals refer to the beach as Pantai Labuan Sait. It gained its popularity over the recent years due to its consistent swells and secluded but picturesque setting. The beach is around a 45-minute drive from Kuta.

Accessing the beach involves traversing a flight of stairs and a hollow rock crevice, which opens to the gorgeous stretch of sand. A temple overlooks the surf and a horde of macaques inhabit the forested cliffs. The waves are for advanced riders, but the beach welcomes families and sunbathers, and some stalls open regularly on the sand, offering light meals, cold drinks and even board rentals.

Suluban Beach, also known as Blue Point Beach, is a pro surf spot north of Uluwatu. The beach features a narrow stretch of sand, which requires descending a steep staircase and going through rocky openings to reach. Its name means ‘to crouch under’ in Balinese, inspired by the act of getting through these openings. Surfers from all over come here for its long and powerful swells, and it also provides consistent barrels to ride through.

The cliff-top overlooks the surf, making it one of the best places to witness the action taking place down on the waves, and a number of stalls that line the area make it a great place to lay back and enjoy a snack or cold beer while the sun sets.

Balangan Beach is home to one of Bali’s finest pro surf breaks. The beach is located on the northern side of the cliff that forms the signature hole 15 of the New Kuta Golf course. Several local warungs are on the coastline, serving simple local ‘surfer meals’ together with cold refreshments and beer.

Popular at sunset, Balangan Beach is just as beautiful from the top of the hill as it is from the coastline. To reach Balangan Beach you have to take a flight of stairs down the limestone cliff.

Pandawa Beach is one of the island’s southernmost beaches, featuring a kilometre-long stretch of white sand that's great for swimming and a variety of water sports. Local restaurants line the coast, offering anything from pasta, burgers and steaks to Indonesian fried rice and seafood barbecues.

The beach is fringed by a limestone cliff with carved arches housing large statues that depict a heroic character from the Mahabharata epic. The heroes, known as the ‘5 Pandawas’, inspired the name of the beach.

Dreamland Beach was the first surf spot and hidden beach to rise to fame on Bali’s southern Bukit peninsula. It's open to the public and dubbed the 'New Kuta Beach', where surfers can enjoy some of the best reef breaks on the island.

Access to the beach is down a smooth asphalt road from the main entrance of Pecatu Indah Resort. While the waves at Dreamland Beach are fit for pros, there are several surf classes available on the beach, offering quick riding lessons. Parasols are available for rent, and there's a row of warungs (local food stalls) serving refreshments, local cuisine and western bites.

Bingin Beach is one of Bali’s favourite surf spots, where you can enjoy a calm and relaxing setting of a limestone cliff-fringed beach. The beach is located not too far from its sister surf break, Dreamland, but is accessible after a 10-km drive through interconnecting roads. The waves and the reef break are strictly for advanced riders, but everyone can enjoy the scenic beauty from the stretch of white sand. At lower tides, the waters offer swimming and snorkelling opportunities.

You can explore the hilly terrain above the beach and enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the coastline. Bingin is slightly visible in the distance from Dreamland Beach, divided by a steep cliff. Along the hills are various warungs (local food stalls) and small villas that have sprung up over the past decade or so.