Day Trip to Uluwatu: What to Do in Uluwatu for a Day (Solo Travel Guide)

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably been racing around Bali visiting temples, walking around rice fields, and getting that digital-nomad energy, and now you’re craving a day that’s all about you.

Uluwatu is the perfect place to hit pause.

Whether it’s your final stop before the airport or a spontaneous escape from Seminyak, this one-day Uluwatu itinerary was made for solo travellers who love beach vibes, a touch of wellness, and seriously good food.

It’s short, sweet, and full of memorable moments — from a sunrise workout (or surf!) to a cliffside sunset dance that gave me actual goosebumps.

I’ve tested every part of this itinerary myself, from lazy swims at Bingin to journaling solo over handmade truffle pasta. And I’ll even show you the easiest ways to get there!

Let’s make this your favourite day in Bali!

Map Of Where You Are Going To Be

How to Get to Uluwatu

Getting to Uluwatu is pretty easy, but planning ahead can save you time and stress, especially if you’re doing a full day trip to Uluwatu from Canggu, Seminyak, or Ubud.

# Option 1: Rent a Scooter or Car (Most Flexible)

If you’re comfortable riding a scooter, this is the best way to explore Uluwatu on your own terms. The roads in Uluwatu are generally smoother and less chaotic than in Canggu or Seminyak, making it beginner-friendly by Bali standards.

Expect to pay between IDR 80k–120k per day for a basic scooter rental. Fuel is cheap and widely available from roadside stalls in vodka bottles (yes, really).

You can rent it through BikeAgo. The rental would normally come with a helmet, working lights, and brakes. This company is great because they drop your bike wherever you are in Bali, and they can pick it up too!

For the car, I would recommend Rentalcars.com, it’s quite affordable and gives you a wide range of cars available!

👉 Check Car Rental Prices

# Option 2: Hire a Driver for the Day

Not into riding? You can hire a private driver for the day to take you to and around Uluwatu. This is a good option if you’re solo and want to relax without worrying about directions or sunburns.

Prices typically start at IDR 600k–700k for 8 hours.

👉 Check Update Driver’s Prices On Klook.com

Some drivers will wait at each stop, while others offer a flexible itinerary with suggested beaches and food spots.

# Option 3: Grab or Gojek (Point-to-Point)

Gojek and Grab scooters or cars are available in Uluwatu. These apps work well for getting to and around Uluwatu from places like Seminyak or Canggu, with prices ranging from IDR 180k to 300k one-way (for a car), depending on distance and traffic.

However, once you’re in Uluwatu, don’t count on Grab or Gojek for short trips between beaches. Some areas restrict app drivers (especially near tourist hotspots and beach entrances), and you may need to negotiate with local taxis instead or find a place nearby to be dropped off.

Morning: Start Strong with a Session at Bamboo Fitness

If you’re up for it, kick off your day trip to Uluwatu with a workout at Bamboo Fitness—probably the most iconic gym in Bali. This gym is specialised in functional training. It’s a social and trendy place in a beautiful place that comes with showers too!

Prefer the ocean over a barbell? You can always swap the gym for an early surf session at Bingin or Impossible Beach, depending on your level.

Breakfast at Nourish Café

Once you’ve moved your body, head to Nourish for a solo-friendly breakfast. It’s a favourite among travellers for its smoothie bowls, sourdough toast, and strong coffee.

Great Wi-Fi, plenty of seating, and easy vibes make it a solid stop to recharge before the beach.

Midday: Swim and Sun at Padang Padang Beach

After breakfast, make your way to Padang Padang Beach—a small cove accessed through a cliffside staircase. Expect stunning turquoise water, smooth sand and a few times some cheeky monkeys.

There’s a small entrance fee (around IDR 20k), but it’s worth it. This beach is probably the only comfortably swimmable beach.

I would recommend going in the morning because in the afternoon, the shade from the cliffs would take over the beach!

Lunch at Baracca + Bingin Beach Session

When hunger kicks back in, ride to La Baracca. This delicious rustic Italian spot serves fresh pasta, wood-fired pizza, and solid vegan options. The solo dining setup is relaxed— shaded tables perfect for a quiet bite and a little journaling if you’re into that.

If I could, I would eat there every day. I would highly recommend the “cellitti al tartufo” which is fresh pasta with truffle oil, parmesan cream and red saffron.

After lunch, make your way down to Bingin Beach for a chilled afternoon. You’ll need to walk down a bunch of stairs, but the reward is a cliff-framed beach and casual cafés lining the sand.

Swim, nap, read—whatever solo looks like for you. I love the vibe there, it’s a mix of local people and tourists going surfing or catching up with friends. I would say overall this beach is swimmable, but it depends on the day.

Sometimes late in the afternoon, the low tide would create some pools, and you can chill there during the golden hour.

If you like the vibe there, you can stay until sunset. However, the sun will go down behind the rocks. You can still see all the shades of re,d and most of the time there will be live music, so it’s a beautiful place to be.

But just in case you want to move somewhere else to end your day, here are a few ideas to watch some of the best sunsets in Uluwatu!

2026 UPDATE FOR BINGIN BEACH:

The beach is going through a tremendous change, where 48 local businesses have been completely destroyed by the government.

This is not the best place to explain what is happening, but if you are going this year, you might experience a lot of movement and building sites. As an alternative I recommend Dreamland Beach or Padang Padang!

Sunset: Single Fin or Uluwatu Temple Fire Dance

As sunset approaches, you’ve got two solid options:

• Single Fin: Arrive at least an hour before sunset to claim a good spot. Order a drink and watch the sun sink behind the surfers below. It gets busy, but there’s always room for solo travellers.

• Uluwatu Temple (Pura Luhur Uluwatu): Catch the Kecak Fire Dance right before sunset—an iconic Balinese performance held on the cliff’s edge. It’s a powerful, rhythmic show with a dramatic sunset backdrop.

For the Kecak Fire Dance, 👉 I always book this exact experience on Get Your Guide, especially when I have my family visiting, it’s the best! The guide speaks perfect English and is lovely!

For dinner, I would recommend going to the Drifter. The front is a surf shop and the back is a restaurant. This place is perfect to go to on your own or with someone for long chats and nourishing food!

Where to Stay if You Decide to Spend the Night in Uluwatu

Can’t fit it all into one day? Here are a few solo-travel-friendly places to stay in Uluwatu:

What to Bring for a Day Trip in Uluwatu

• Swimsuit + towel
• Sunscreen (reef-safe)
• Flip flops or sandals
• Reusable water bottle
• Sarong or cover-up (for the temple)
• Power bank
• Cash (some places don’t take cards)

FAQs on Day Trip to Uluwatu

Is Uluwatu worth visiting?

Yes, Uluwatu is 100% worth visiting. It’s one of the most scenic parts of Bali, especially if you’re into surf beaches, dramatic cliffs, and good food.

It’s less busy than Canggu and Seminyak, making it a nice change of pace for a day trip to Uluwatu or even a few nights. There is plenty to do even when it rains!

How many days in Uluwatu?

If you’re short on time, a solid day in Uluwatu is enough to cover the main highlights—beaches, food, and sunset.

But if you’ve got more flexibility, staying 2–3 days gives you time to surf, explore quieter beaches, and squeeze in a massage or spa visit. It’s a great place to slow down a little without getting bored.

Can you do a day trip to Uluwatu from Seminyak?

Yes, you can easily do a day trip to Uluwatu from Seminyak. The drive takes around 1.5 to 2 hours each way, depending on traffic.

Just leave early and plan your stops ahead—especially if you want to hit the beach, grab lunch, and still make it to Single Fin or Uluwatu Temple for sunset. Hiring a scooter or a private driver makes the whole day smoother.

Can you do a day trip to Nusa Penida from Uluwatu?

Technically, yes, but it’s a very long day. To get to Nusa Penida from Uluwatu, you’ll need to head to Sanur Harbour, which is about an hour away by car or scooter.

From there, the boat ride to Nusa Penida takes around 45 minutes. If you catch one of the earliest boats and join a fast-paced tour, you can squeeze in a few highlights before heading back. It’s doable, but if you can spare a night in Nusa Penida, it’s more relaxed.

Final Tips and Swaps

If you’re not into working out, skip the gym and head straight to breakfast—this gives you more time to explore Uluwatu’s beaches. Prefer surfing over lifting weights?

Bingin, Padang Padang, and Dreamland are all solid options, whether you’re just starting out (read guide here) or have some experience.

Don’t forget to bring a second outfit if you’re planning to stay for sunset drinks at Single Fin or catch the fire dance at Uluwatu Temple, salty swimwear isn’t the most comfortable for the evening.

On your way back, be mindful of traffic; it tends to build up late afternoon, so leaving a bit later can make the ride smoother.

Ciao for now,

Silvia x

Related Blog Posts

• Is Uluwatu Worth Visiting? Best Things To See And Do
• Best Surf Camps In The World For Solo Travellers
• How to Get from Ubud to Seminyak: Your Complete Guide
• Honest Review of The Korowai Boutique Hotel in Uluwatu
• Best Hostels in Uluwatu for Solo Travellers
• Hotel Review: My Stay At The Radisson Blu Resort in Uluwatu As A Solo Traveller
• How To Get From Uluwatu To Canggu: Your Complete Guide
• Best Sunset Spots in Uluwatu
• Best Beaches In Uluwatu for Female Solo Travellers

✍️ Bali Travel Planning Guide 🌴

Before you start your unforgettable journey to Bali here are the essential tips every female solo traveller should know:

📱 Do I need an eSIM for Bali?

✅ Yes. Having data from the moment you land makes your trip so much easier. I recommend Ubigi eSIM, which connects instantly without queuing at the airport for a SIM card and works better than other eSIMs I have tested. 👉 Get your Indonesia plan now

🚑 Should I buy travel insurance for Bali?

✅ 100% YES! — My #1 safety tip for all travellers is to buy travel insurance for every trip in case anything happens during their visit (and yes, Bali belly is a thing!). I highly recommend HeyMondo – you get 24/7 support and it’s budget-friendly!

💧Can you drink the water in Bali?

🚱 No — It’s recommended to drink filtered or bottled water in Bali (I even brush my teeth with filtered water).

🏩 What’s the best way to book my Bali accommodations?

My go-to for Bali hotels is Booking.com. For hostels, I normally go for Hostelworld (you can also filter by private rooms if you want!). If you love pets you should consider Trusted Housesitters, you would get free accommodation in exchange for looking after amazing pets ❤️

🐒 What’s the best way to book my Bali activities?

Get Your Guide and Viator are the best ones. You can go through the reviews to learn more about each activity and they have amazing customer support!

🛒 Will I find tampons in Bali?

Yes! However, they are hard to find! Get the guide with the list of sellers and Google Map here!

🚕 How can I book my taxi in advance from the airport to my accommodation?

I always recommend reserving your taxi in advance via Klook. This is because it will ask you for flight details and the driver will be able to track your flight in real time. I would book my taxi especially when I fly to new places or get there at night time! If you want to rent a car, Klook is still your best bet. They have cars available to pick up right at the airport! For scooter rental in Bali, go to BikAgo.

🏄🏽 Where can I book surf camps or yoga retreats?

Booksurfcamps.com is the best for surf camps all over the world. Use Bookyogaretreats.com for the best yoga retreats in Bali and worldwide.

✈️ What’s the best site to book my flight?

Skyscanner is definitely the best one out there! I love their “explore everywhere” function for when I need inspiration on where to go next! If you will embark on a long flight and you love showering in between flights or just using the lounges in airports all over the world, check out Lounge Passes on Klook, GetYourGuide or get a lounge membership on Priority Pass!

🎫 Do I need a visa for Bali?

👍 Yes — US, UK, and EU passport holders can get the Visa On Arrival (Tourist Visa) valid for 30 days in Bali. Read more here)

💰 𝗖𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆: The currency here is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), and there are plenty of ATMs if you need cash. I always withdraw from ATMs to get the best rates (select “no” when it asks you if you accept the conversion rate). The best debit card to use when travelling to Bali is Wise!

🚕 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Getting around Bali is easy peasy! Rent your scooter on BikAgo. The alternative would be getting a scooter taxi using Grab or Gojek which are safe and cheap in major places like Ubud, Canggu and Uluwatu. You can also book your private driver!