Located on the southwestern tip of Bali, Uluwatu is home to the famous Pura Luhur Uluwatu Temple and numerous stunning beaches. Compared to other popular destinations on the island, Uluwatu has more of a laid-back atmosphere and feels untouched by modern development. With its hills, cliffs and beautiful blue waters, this area is a must-visit if you love going on adventures to hidden beaches and cliffs overlooking the ocean. Here are some of the best things to do in Uluwatu.
Kecak Dance at Uluwatu Temple
No trip to Bali is complete without a visit to Uluwatu Temple. Located on top of a sheer limestone cliff, you have to go through a scenic pathway surrounded by trees and flowers, and lined with traditional stone steps. There are also many monkeys around, so hold your belongings tightly and avoid bringing food with you. Come early and stay till sunset to catch the passionate Kecak Dance performed against the Indian Ocean as the backdrop. Located on the very tip of the island, the view you get of the ocean here is amazing, especially at sunset.
Enjoy the View at Karang Boma Cliff
If you've already been to Uluwatu Temple before or if you want to avoid the crowd, then you can enjoy a scenic ocean view on Karang Boma Cliff. Located just a few minutes away from Uluwatu Temple, this cliff is a viewing point that offers magnificent views. It's a good place to visit if you're looking for a quiet spot to look out over the ocean. There are no guardrails toward the edge of the cliff, so be careful not to stand too close to the edge.
Explore Tegal Wangi Beach Cave
Tegal Wangi Beach is one of the best places to go to in Bali to escape the bustle of more touristy beaches. It's not well known to tourists so you won't find many people here. The beach itself is not that big but it does have several natural rock pools that feel like a jacuzzi to sit in. At the end of the beach, there are two caves which are perfect to lay down in and just enjoy the view and sound of the ocean.
Catch the Waves at the Best Surf Beaches
Uluwatu has some of Bali's best surf beaches, as evidenced by the number of surfers attacking the waves here. Some of the best surfing spots include Padang Padang, Bingin, and Suluban. These beaches often see experienced surfers as the waves can be quite big and less suitable for swimming. However, you can also just relax on the sand and watch the surfers do their thing.
Balangan Viewpoint at Balangan Beach
Balangan Beach is a popular spot for sunbathing and surfing with its blue waters and sandy beach. It's also one of the more accessible beaches in Uluwatu as it doesn't require you to hike down a long path to get to it. Beside the beach on top of a cliff is Balangan Viewpoint, where you'll have a full panoramic view of the beach, coastline, and ocean. There are even restaurants along the beach, so you don't need to worry about getting hungry or thirsty when you're here.
Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park
One of Bali's best Uluwatu attractions is the Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Cultural Park is a huge 240-hectare cultural complex that houses a 120-metre tall monument of the Hindu God Vishnu on his mount Garuda. The park not only has gorgeous landscaping and statues, but also multiple theatres where you can watch traditional dance performances, animated movies, and so much more.
If you're looking for places to go in Bali, then Uluwatu should be on top of your list. It's close to Bali's tourist hub and offers a diverse range of attractions. At Club Med Bali, we can arrange for you various exciting excursions around the island, including to Uluwatu. So if you're looking for world-class accommodation with easy access to activities and excursions, why not book a stay with us!