Uluwatu is the area located on the Bukit Peninsula in the south of Bali and you can not skip it if you are looking for nice beaches on the mainland.
With its high cliffs, white sandy beaches and blue waters, it’s one of the best locations for a relaxing or surf holiday.
You can find plenty of good restaurants and hotels in Uluwatu, but you will not find it as touristy as Kuta or Seminyak as everything is a lot more spread out.
The beautiful Nyang Nyang beach is a very nice stretch and if you’re lucky, you can have it all to yourself.
Padang Padang beach is more crowded, but it’s one of the best surf spots in Bali and close to a couple of nice restaurants and bars.
With its high waves, Dreamland Beach is a little bit rough for a relaxing swim, but it has stunning views and can’t be missed. Other awesome beaches to visit are Balangan Beach, that offers crystal-clear waters, white sands, and stunning sunsets and the famous Bingin Beach, a surfer’s paradise, with consistent and challenging waves attracting surf enthusiasts from all over the world.
Or head to Sundays Beach Club, located at the end of Melasti Beach, it’s one of the best places to visit on the weekend!
Don’t forget to visit the Rock Bar if you’re in the area of Uluwatu. It’s one of the most famous hotspots in Bali, especially during sunset. You can soak in the view from the rooftop bar, drink a cocktail and enjoy the music. Places are limited and early reservation is recommended!
Uluwatu Temple, or Pura Luhur Uluwatu, is a significant Balinese temple perched on a cliff with stunning ocean views. It’s known for its sunsets and Kecak dance performances. The temple’s location and ancient architecture are captivating. Monkeys inhabit the surrounding forest. Legend attributes its creation to a revered priest, and it underwent restoration. The temple features unique stone gates and relics. Uluwatu Beach, a renowned surf spot, lies below. Visitors should beware of monkeys and wear a sarong. Sunset is the best time to visit, with daily Kecak dances. Transportation can be a challenge, and guides are optional.
Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) is a cultural park in Bali, offering stunning views from its hilltop location. It features a colossal statue of Hindu god Vishnu on a garuda eagle, a natural healing spring, and large event spaces. The Lotus Pond hosts concerts and fashion shows, while the GWK Amphitheatre showcases the famous Kecak dance. Visitors can explore shops, art, and exhibitions, including the story of GWK’s creation. Balairung Dewi Sri offers free services and informational videos. A daily Balinese parade adds to the experience.
The Kecak Fire Dance is a captivating Balinese performance held at a clifftop amphitheater near Uluwatu Temple, featuring fire and vocal chants instead of instruments. It narrates the story of Prince Sri Rama’s exile and his rescue mission for his wife, Sita, with the help of monkey king Hanoman. The show starts at sunset, around 6 pm, and is a popular part of Uluwatu Temple tours. Visitors should beware of crafty macaques and secure their belongings.
Padang Padang Beach, also known as Pantai Labuan Sait, is a famous surf spot on Bali’s Bukit Peninsula. Accessible through a unique rock entrance, it features a stunning 100-meter stretch of sand. Surfers flock here for steady barrels, and it’s part of a cluster of world-class surf spots. The beach hosts international surfing events like the Rip Curl Cup. To get there, take Jalan Raya Uluwatu and follow signs to Jalan Labuan Sait. The area has shops, surf lodges, and cafes. Be cautious of the shallow coral for surfing. The beach is great for family fun and relaxation, with local warungs for refreshments.
Suluban Beach, also known as ‘Blue Point,’ is a unique hidden gem in Bali, accessed through natural limestone formations and narrow rock gaps. While not ideal for sunbathing, it’s a favorite among pro surfers for nearby reef breaks. Located in the Labuan Sait coastal area, it shares space with famous surf spots Padang Padang and Uluwatu. Access involves a 10-minute walk down concrete steps, passing cafes, surfboard rentals, and art shops. The beach is best explored during low tide, offering caves, sandy paths, and tide pools. Be cautious of strong currents and waves. Visit early mornings to avoid crowds and enjoy the sunset’s beauty.
Balangan Beach, locally known as Pantai Balangan, is a stunning Bali spot with a half-kilometer stretch of golden sand framed by limestone cliffs. It’s a top surfing destination, particularly for its long left-hander breaks, and is part of the Bukit coastline alongside Dreamland, Impossibles, Padang Padang, Suluban, and Uluwatu. Accessible via Jalan Pantai Balangan, it’s a short ride from the Garuda Wisnu Kencana park or Kuta. The sea is suitable for swimming but lacks lifeguards. Surfing conditions are best during the dry season (May-September), with swells ranging from 1 to over 3 meters. Non-surfers can relax on beach beds and explore the reef at low tide. Budget accommodations are available nearby.
