Is Uluwatu Worth Visiting? Best Things To See And Do
Uluwatu has become a top destination for travellers worldwide. With its cool vibe, stunning beaches, world-class surf, cultural landmarks, and unforgettable sunsets, this place is a popular destination all year round!
But is Uluwatu worth visiting? The short answer is yes! It’s a magical place for solo travellers, couples or friends get together.
If that sounds interesting enough, keep reading!
Where Is Uluwatu?
Let’s start from the basics. Where is this place? Uluwatu is situated on the Bukit Peninsula, at the southernmost tip of Bali and is about a 40-minute drive from Bali’s main airport!
It’s a region famous for its dramatic limestone cliffs, stunning beaches, and laid-back vibe.
How to Get to Uluwatu
Some of the best ways to get to Uluwatu from Ngurah Rai International Airport are:
👉 With a private driver -> book in advance on Klook.com
👉 Renting a scooter via BikAgo
👉 Getting a Grab taxi when you get to the airport
The way I always go from the airport to Uluwatu is with a private driver. That’s because I normally have some luggage and/or arrive late at night!
👉 Check updated prices for a private driver here!
Things to Do in Uluwatu
Right! Now it’s time to find out what to do in Uluwatu. This is not the usual list, it also includes a few things you might want to explore if you are staying for long or maybe work from Uluwatu!
#1 Visit the Amazing Beaches
This is surely the number 1 reason why you are contemplating this place! Here are a few of the best beaches in Uluwatu:
Padang Padang Beach: (See picture above) This beach is perfect for swimming and learning how to surf! Remember the sun would go away in the afternoon as the cliff would cover the beach entirely. So, consider going there in the morning.
Bingin Beach: A favourite among surfers, Bingin Beach is known for its reef breaks and amazing tide pools. This is one of the best beaches to watch the sunset from as well. When the sun goes down you can get some grilled fish right on the beach too!
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!
Thomas Beach: This is another place for swimming and relaxing. The water is quite shallow so you have to go a bit far for a proper swim but it’s amazing!
#2 Enjoy Local Food
Uluwatu has some of the most scenic and delicious restaurants in Bali – no wonder why I included quite a few in my guide to Valentine’s Day in Bali!
Here you can find really cool brunch spots, delicious vegan food (Drifter and Alchemy are my favourite vegan restaurants in Uluwatu!) and local spots with a view (check out Kelly’s Warung!).
#3 Visit Uluwatu Temple!
One of Bali’s most iconic landmarks, Uluwatu Temple is right on top of a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean. It’s a significant spiritual site and a great spot to learn about Balinese culture.
👉 Book your entrance ticket in advance including the fire dance performance (Kecak dance) held at sunset, which brings ancient stories to life through dance, chanting and music.
#4 Yoga Classes
If you need some post-flight stretching or want to connect with yourself, try some yoga studios in Uluwatu! The best ones are Alchemy and The Space.
#5 Enjoy the Uluwatu Sunset
The sunsets in Uluwatu are legendary. Some of the best sunset spots in Uluwatu are from Single Fin and Impossible Beach. The person you see in this sunset is Wayan. He is a friendly local who goes fishing at sunset time every day after work!
#6 Take A Surf Class
Uluwatu is the place to be when it comes to surfing – no wonder why it holds some of the best surf camps in the world!
If you are a beginner, check out the surf schools in Bingin and Padang Padang Beach and remember to reserve your class in advance.
#7 Sensational Gym Classes
You’ve probably heard about this gym on Insta or TikTok from influencers visiting Uluwatu. It’s called Bamboo Fitness and you should definitely pay a visit!
It also comes with a cafe where you can get a clean meal just after your workout!
#8 Coworking Space for Digital Nomads
If you’re working during your trip, check out The Space Bali, a coworking hub that offers reliable Wi-Fi, comfortable workspaces, and great coffee.
As mentioned before, this is also a yoga studio. I would normally book a relaxing class after a long day of work!
#9 Get A Dreamy Massage
You can’t visit Uluwatu without getting a proper massage! While you can get some cheap massages everywhere in Bali, while you’re in Uluwatu you should really treat yourself.
You are in one of the most beautiful places in the world – you deserve a premium massage in a place with a view!
Check out the SPA at Renaissance Bali Uluwatu Resort and 👉 book your massage in advance here ✨
#10 Helicopter Tour Over Uluwatu
As you will fall in love with Uluwatu’s landscape immediately, why not looking at it from the very top? Check out this helicopter tour over Uluwatu and other areas in Bali! It’s actually more affordable than you think and definitely worth experiencing.
Best Hotels in Uluwatu
I always recommend booking your accommodation in Uluwatu as soon as you book the flight because it can get very expensive! I normally plan my stay in Uluwatu and the rest of the trip all around it!
Some of the best hotels in Uluwatu include:
Luxury 👉 Six Senses Uluwatu
Mid-range 👉 Melrose
Budget 👉 La Kreyiol
If you are looking for hostels in Uluwatu, you should check out 👉 Karma Backpacker, which is the absolute best! It’s located right next to Bingin Beach and not far from cafes and shops! Highly recommended for female solo travellers!
Best Time to Visit Uluwatu
Uluwatu is worth visiting any time of the year, but the experience changes depending on the season. The dry season from April to October is the most popular period to visit.
The wet season, running from November to March, comes with occasional heavy rainfall.
However, there are still many things to do in Uluwatu on rainy days!
First of all, it rarely rains one full day – it’s normally just for a few hours. When that happens you can focus on indoor activities and massages.
FAQs On Uluwatu
Which Is Better, Seminyak or Uluwatu?
Seminyak is a great choice for nightlife and shopping, while Uluwatu is better for beaches, surfing, and cultural experiences.
Is Uluwatu Near Seminyak?
Uluwatu is about 45 minutes to an hour’s drive from Seminyak.
Why Is Bali Worth Visiting?
Bali is not just a holiday destination. What attracts tourists to Bali is the beautiful landscape and also Balinese people. They are joyful, hardworking and spiritual. There is a lot to learn from people who apparently have nothing but smile all the time and are genuinely happy. Balinese culture is incredible!
How Many Days Should I Spend in Uluwatu?
I always say to spend one week in Uluwatu. You will spend the first few days exploring the beaches and the last few days going again to your favourite places. If you can’t spend a week, you should consider at least 4 days to enjoy the beaches and cultural sites!
Which Destinations Should We Skip When Visiting Bali on Limited Time?
If you’re short on time, consider skipping Denpasar and Kuta, as they don’t offer the same level of attractions as places like Uluwatu, Ubud, or less-known places like Lovina and Amed.
So Why Is Uluwatu So Popular?
Good question! I would say if you are into surfing, Uluwatu is definitely popular because of that. There are great waves and surf shops all over the place and so on.
But even if you are not a surfer, Uluwatu is still magical. Beaches there give you a sense of freedom, beach cafes have the best music (get Shazaam ready!) and sunsets are just perfect!
What else do you need?
Ciao for now,
Silvia x
Related Blog Posts:
Best Kecak Dance In Bali 2026: My Top Picks
Bali and Gili Islands Itinerary: A Perfect 2 Weeks in Paradise
The Ultimate 10-Day Bali Adventure: Your Perfect Itinerary
Honest Review of The Korowai in Uluwatu
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 Beaches In Uluwatu for Female Solo Travellers
Getting from Ubud to Uluwatu: A Guide for Female Solo Travelers
✍️ 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!
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