What is Uluwatu best for?
Uluwatu is best for clifftop views, the sunset temple and Kecak dance, and experienced surfers riding the reef breaks of the Bukit Peninsula.
Experience the beach, surfing, rich culture, & romantic vibe
Uluwatu is spread out, and that is the first thing to plan around. Venues sit far apart across the Bukit Peninsula, so you will be on a scooter or in a car for almost every trip. Once you accept that, it is our favourite stretch of coast in the south.
Pura Luhur Uluwatu stands on the cliff above the sea, and the Kecak dance there at sunset fills up early, so go before you think you need to. Watch your sunglasses and phone around the temple, because the monkeys are quick and they do take things. The beaches sit below the cliffs and most are reached by steps, though Melasti has road access if stairs are a problem. Padang Padang, Bingin and Impossibles are reef breaks, and we would leave those to surfers who already know what they are doing.
EXPLORE local INSIGHTS
DISCOVER YOUR DREAM DESTINATIONS IN ULUWATU
quick fact
Uluwatu sits on the Bukit Peninsula in south Bali.
Pura Luhur Uluwatu stands on a cliff above the sea.
A Kecak dance is performed at the temple at sunset.
Beaches sit below the cliffs and are reached by steps.
Padang Padang, Bingin and Impossibles are reef breaks.
Monkeys around the temple are known to take belongings.
Venues are spread out, so transport is needed.
Melasti Beach has road access rather than cliff steps.
Find the Right Part of Bali
Who should stay here
Experienced surfers, couples wanting clifftop views, sunset photographers and travellers happy to drive between spread-out beaches.
Who May Prefer Another Area
Families with small children, beginner surfers and anyone wanting walkable dining may prefer Nusa Dua, Sanur, Kuta or Seminyak.
Where to Eat
Bingin for cliffside cafés and warungs
Pecatu for casual surfer restaurants
Ungasan for clifftop dining
Padang Padang for simple beach warungs
Melasti for beach clubs and cafés
Jimbaran for seafood by the beach
Where to Stay
Pecatu: best for surf breaks.
Bingin: best for cliffside guesthouses.
Ungasan: best for clifftop resorts.
Padang Padang: best for beach access.
Balangan: best for a quieter beach.
Jimbaran side: best for airport proximity.
best Things to Do
Watch the Kecak dance at sunset
Visit the clifftop Pura Luhur Uluwatu
Surf or watch the Bukit reef breaks
Walk down to Padang Padang Beach
Take the road down to Melasti Beach
See the caves at Suluban Beach
Have sunset drinks on the clifftop.
Best Time to Visit
April to October generally brings drier weather and the most consistent surf on this coast. Sunset at the temple draws crowds, so arrive early for a seat.
Recommended Length of Stay
2–4 days, or longer for a surf trip on the Bukit Peninsula.
Getting There and Getting Around
Uluwatu is around forty-five minutes to an hour by road from Ngurah Rai International Airport, depending on traffic. Beaches and restaurants are far apart, so a scooter, car or ride-hailing app is needed for almost every trip.
Uluwatu's beaches are spread out, so plan the base
Uluwatu sits along a clifftop with beaches scattered below, so start with hotel prices and pick a base near the surf or the temple end. Then look at activity packages, since the sunset Kecak dance at Pura Luhur Uluwatu and the Bukit reef breaks are the reason to come. A car with a driver is close to essential here, because the beaches are a drive apart and taxis are scarce on the Bukit. The three links below go straight to each.
frequently asked questions
Is Uluwatu good for beginner surfers?
No. The breaks run over shallow reef and suit experienced surfers; beginners are better off at Kuta or Legian.
What time is the Kecak dance at Uluwatu?
It runs at sunset, so the start time shifts through the year. Arrive well before, as the seating fills quickly.
Are the monkeys at Uluwatu Temple a problem?
They can be. Monkeys near the temple take glasses, phones and hats, so keep loose items packed away.
Can you swim at Uluwatu’s beaches?
It depends on the beach and the tide. Reef, currents and surf limit swimming, while Melasti is usually the easiest.
How far is Uluwatu from the airport?
Usually forty-five minutes to an hour by road, though afternoon traffic on the Bukit can make it longer.