· Uluwatu
Bulgari Resort Bali
An ultra-luxury cliffside resort offering panoramic Indian Ocean views, a private beach, and exquisite Italian-Balinese design.
€€€View rates
Indonesia
Uluwatu
- Best Time
- April to October (dry season, best surf)
- Daily Budget
- $40-150 USD
- Language
- Indonesian (English widely spoken)
- Timezone
- UTC+8
About
Discover Uluwatu
Uluwatu is a dramatic peninsula on the southern tip of Bali, Indonesia, renowned for its towering limestone cliffs, legendary surf breaks, and ancient Hindu temples. The area, also known as the Bukit Peninsula, offers a more rugged and natural Bali experience compared to the busier southern coast, with sweeping ocean views, hidden beaches, and a growing collection of cliffside hotels and restaurants.
Surfing is the main draw for many visitors to Uluwatu. The Uluwatu surf break at the base of the temple cliff is one of the world's most iconic waves, a long left-hand barrel that attracts experienced surfers from around the globe. Nearby breaks like Padang Padang, Bingin, Dreamland, and Balangan offer waves for various skill levels. The dry season from April to October delivers the most consistent surf.
The Uluwatu Temple (Pura Luhur Uluwatu) is one of Bali's six key sea temples and a major cultural attraction. Perched 70 metres above the Indian Ocean on a dramatic cliff edge, the temple dates back to the 11th century and is famous for its daily Kecak fire dance performances at sunset, which draw large crowds of visitors.
Beyond surfing and temples, Uluwatu has developed an impressive dining scene, particularly along the cliff tops of Bingin and Uluwatu. Single Fin, a cliffside bar with direct views of the surf break, has become an institution. The area's beaches, accessible via steep paths and staircases cut into the cliffs, are some of the most beautiful in Bali, with white sand and turquoise waters.
Uluwatu is more spread out than Seminyak or Canggu, and a scooter or car is essential for getting around. The area is approximately 40 minutes from Ngurah Rai International Airport and 30 minutes from Seminyak.
When to Go
Best Time to Visit Uluwatu
Uluwatu crowns the Bukit Peninsula on Bali's southern tip, drier than the rest of the island and famous for its clifftop sunsets. The dry season from May to September is peak — sunny, low humidity, offshore winds and the best surf, though busiest. The wet season (November to March) is humid with afternoon rains but greener cliffs, smaller crowds and lower rates. The Bukit stays drier than central Bali year-round.
- May–SepDry season — the best time. 26–29 °C, sunny, offshore winds, world-class surf and sunsets. Peak crowds.
- Apr & OctShoulder months — good surf and weather with fewer crowds and better rates.
- Nov–MarWet season — humid with afternoon rains but the Bukit stays driest on Bali. Quietest and cheapest.
Attractions
Things to Do in Uluwatu
Uluwatu is Bali's glamorous southern tip — towering limestone cliffs, hidden white-sand beaches, legendary surf and the island's most spectacular temple sunset. It's the chilled, scenic counterpart to Canggu and Seminyak up the coast.
Uluwatu Temple & the Kecak Dance
A sacred sea temple perched 70 m above the Indian Ocean on a vertiginous cliff — Bali's most dramatic sunset spot. At dusk, the hypnotic Kecak fire-and-chant dance is performed in an amphitheatre overlooking the temple. Mind the cheeky cliff monkeys — they grab phones and sunglasses.
Temple entry 50,000 IDR (~$3.50); Kecak dance ~150,000 IDR (~$10) at sunset.
Surf Uluwatu & Padang Padang
One of the world's great left-hand reef breaks, peeling under the cliffs for advanced surfers; Padang Padang nearby is the famous “Balinese Pipeline.” Beginners head to the more mellow breaks at Bingin or Balangan.
Hidden Beaches: Padang Padang, Bingin & Balangan
A string of gorgeous white-sand coves tucked under the cliffs, each reached by steep stairs — turquoise water, cliffside warungs and far fewer crowds than Kuta. Go at low tide and bring reef shoes.
Clifftop Beach Clubs & Sunsets
Single Fin (Sunday Sessions), Savaya and Ulu Cliffhouse hang over the ocean with infinity pools, cocktails and the best sunset views in Bali. Reserve ahead in peak season.
Nyang Nyang & Green Bowl Beaches
For real solitude, hike down to the vast, near-empty sands of Nyang Nyang or the cave-fringed Green Bowl — the reward for the climb is having a tropical beach almost to yourself.
Day Trips: Nusa Penida & the Rest of Bali
Uluwatu is the jumping-off point for fast boats to the dramatic cliffs of Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan. Or head north to Ubud's rice terraces — plan the whole island with our Bali 7-day itinerary.
Transport
How to Get to & Around Uluwatu
Uluwatu is ~45 minutes from Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) on the Bukit Peninsula. It's spread out along clifftop roads — a scooter or driver is essential.
- From the airportTaxi or Gojek/Grab ~200,000–300,000 IDR ($14–20), ~45 min. Note: some ride-hail apps are restricted in parts of the Bukit.
- ScooterThe only practical way to hop between beaches — ~80,000–100,000 IDR ($5–7)/day. Only for confident riders; the clifftop roads are hilly and busy.
- Private driver~600,000–800,000 IDR ($40–55)/day — ideal for a beach-hopping or temple-and-sunset circuit without riding.
- Local taxis & ojekAvailable but pricier than ride-hail in the Bukit; agree the fare first.
- WalkingEach beach involves steep stairs and the cliffs are far apart — don't plan to walk between sights.
Combine Uluwatu with Seminyak and Canggu up the coast, inland Ubud, or Nusa Penida — see the Bali travel guide.
Accommodation
Where to Stay in Uluwatu
Uluwatu's stays range from clifftop luxury to surf-hostel budget, strung along the Bukit's cliff roads.
Clifftop resorts — best for luxury & sunsets
Five-star clifftop hotels and villas with infinity pools over the ocean — the splurge pick for honeymooners and the famous Uluwatu sunset.
Bingin & Padang Padang — best for surfers
Cliffside bungalows and homestays above the breaks — rustic, social and walking distance to the waves.
Boutique hotels — best for couples
Design-led clifftop boutique hotels and pool villas around Pecatu — stylish mid-range options.
Surf hostels — best for backpackers
Social dorm hostels from ~150,000–300,000 IDR ($10–20)/night near the breaks, often with board rental and surf guiding.
Food & Drink
What & Where to Eat in Uluwatu
Uluwatu's food is all about the view — clifftop beach clubs and cliffside warungs — with a strong surf-café and healthy-eating scene.
Fresh seafood, nasi goreng, sate and smoothie bowls dominate. The clifftop warungs at Bingin and Padang Padang serve cheap Indonesian food with the best ocean views on Bali.
- Clifftop beach clubsSingle Fin, Savaya, Ulu Cliffhouse — cocktails, wood-fired food and the iconic sunset.
- Cliffside warungsCheap, authentic Indonesian meals perched above the breaks at Bingin and Padang Padang.
- Cafés & smoothie barsHealthy bowls, specialty coffee and sourdough around Pecatu for post-surf refuelling.
Plan Your Trip
Practical Tips & Budget
Visas and currency are as for the rest of Bali: a 30-day visa-on-arrival (US$35) or e-VOA (many now visa-free), and the Indonesian rupiah (IDR). English is widely spoken. The Bukit is spread out and hilly — a scooter or driver is essential. Watch for temple monkeys, bring reef shoes for the coves, and never leave valuables unattended.
How much does Uluwatu cost?
- Budget$20–45/day — surf hostel, warungs and a scooter.
- Mid-range$60–130/day — a clifftop boutique, beach-club sundowners and good dinners.
- Luxury$180+/day — a clifftop villa with pool, spa days and fine dining.
Good to know
- Temple monkeys: the macaques at Uluwatu Temple are notorious thieves — remove hats, sunglasses and loose items before entering.
- Reef shoes: essential for the rocky coves and reef breaks; the sand gets hot too.
- Tides: hidden beaches are best at mid-to-low tide; check the tide chart before the steep descents.
- Scooter safety: the Bukit's hills and traffic demand experience — hire a driver if unsure.
- Sunset timing: arrive at the temple or beach club an hour before sunset to get a spot in peak season.
Ready to plan a route? Pair this with the Bali budget travel guide and the Bali 7-day itinerary, then head up the coast to Seminyak and Canggu.
Powered by Trip.com
Find Hotels in Uluwatu
DestinationUluwatu, Indonesia
Check-in
Check-out
Where to Stay
Stays in Uluwatu
Luxury
· Uluwatu
Alila Villas Uluwatu
A stunning eco-luxury resort perched on clifftops with private pool villas, a world-class spa, and breathtaking ocean views.
€€€View rates
· Pecatu
Six Senses Uluwatu
A sustainable luxury resort with clifftop villas, an award-winning spa, organic dining, and direct views of the surf break.
€€€View rates
· Uluwatu
Anantara Uluwatu Bali Resort
A luxurious clifftop retreat with spacious suites, three pools, and a dramatic location above the ocean.
€€€View rates
· Uluwatu
The Edge Bali
An exclusive villa estate on a clifftop offering ultra-private villas with glass-fronted pools overlooking the ocean.
€€€View rates
· Pecatu
Jumeirah Bali
A lavish resort inspired by Javanese and Balinese architecture, set on a clifftop with private beach access and a large spa.
€€€View rates
Boutique
· Pecatu
Hidden Hills Villas
A boutique villa complex set in the hills above Uluwatu, offering private pool villas with jungle and ocean views.
€€View rates
· Bingin
Mu Hotel Bali
A stylish boutique hotel in the heart of Bingin, with modern rooms, a pool, and easy access to the beach and local cafés.
€€View rates
· Uluwatu
Uluwatu Surf Villas
A collection of surf-themed villas with private pools, located within walking distance of the Uluwatu surf break.
€€View rates
· Uluwatu
Savaya Bali
A unique day club and accommodation venue set on a dramatic clifftop with an infinity pool and regular international DJs.
€€€View rates
Mid-Range
· Bingin
Bingin Beach Hotel
A charming hotel steps from Bingin Beach, offering comfortable rooms, a pool, and a relaxed surfer-friendly atmosphere.
€€View rates
· Dreamland
Dreamland Beach Hotel
A well-positioned hotel near Dreamland Beach, offering comfortable rooms, a pool, and direct beach access via a short walk.
€€View rates
Budget
· Bingin
Thomas Homestay Uluwatu
An affordable homestay near Bingin Beach with basic but clean rooms, friendly hosts, and a peaceful garden setting.
€View rates
· Balangan
Balangan Beach Bungalows
Simple beachside bungalows at Balangan Beach, offering direct access to one of Bali's most beautiful and uncrowded beaches.
€View rates
· Uluwatu
Uluwatu Cottages
Budget-friendly cottages set among tropical gardens, with a pool and restaurant. Close to the Uluwatu Temple.
€View rates
· Bingin
Kelly's Beach Hotel
A small, relaxed hotel at Bingin Beach with comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and steps from the sand.
€View rates
Experiences
Things to do in Uluwatu
culture1.5 hours
Uluwatu Temple Sunset Kecak Dance
Watch the dramatic Kecak fire dance at sunset in the amphitheatre of Uluwatu Temple, perched 70 metres above the Indian Ocean.
€Book
adventure2-4 hours
Surfing the Uluwatu Break
Ride one of the world's most famous left-hand waves at the base of Uluwatu Temple. Best for intermediate to advanced surfers.
€€Book
beachHalf day
Padang Padang Beach
Swim and relax at the beautiful Padang Padang Beach, made famous by the film Eat Pray Love. Crystal-clear water and white sand.
FreeBook
nightlife2-3 hours
Single Fin Sunset Session
Enjoy sunset drinks at Single Fin, a legendary cliffside bar with direct views of the Uluwatu surf break. Often features live DJs.
€€Book
beachHalf day
Bingin Beach Day
Descend the steep stairs to Bingin Beach, a stunning hidden cove with excellent swimming, snorkelling, and cliffside cafés.
FreeBook
beachHalf day
Dreamland Beach
Visit the wide sandy expanse of Dreamland Beach for swimming, surfing, and beachfront dining. One of the most accessible beaches on the Bukit.
FreeBook
nature2-3 hours
Balangan Beach and Reef Walk
Explore the pristine Balangan Beach and walk the reef at low tide to discover natural rock pools and marine life.
FreeBook
nature1-2 hours
Uluwatu Cliff Walk
Walk the dramatic clifftop paths along the southern Bukit Peninsula for breathtaking ocean views and photo opportunities.
FreeBook
beachHalf day
Thomas Beach
Discover this hidden gem beach between Bingin and Padang Padang, accessible via a small path through the cliffs.
FreeBook
nightlifeHalf day
Savaya Day Club
Experience the dramatic clifftop Savaya venue with its infinity pool, world-class DJs, and panoramic ocean views.
€€€Book
adventure2 hours
Snorkelling at Padang Padang
Snorkel the clear waters and coral reefs around Padang Padang, home to colourful tropical fish and marine life.
€Book
adventure2 hours
Uluwatu Surf Lesson
Take a surf lesson at beginner-friendly breaks like Padang Padang or Dreamland with experienced local instructors.
€€Book
Information
Good to know
What is the best time to visit Uluwatu?
The dry season from April to October is ideal for Uluwatu, offering the best surf conditions and minimal rain. July and August are peak months. The wet season from November to March still has warm temperatures but brings regular afternoon showers.
Is Uluwatu good for beginner surfers?
While the main Uluwatu break is for advanced surfers, nearby Padang Padang and Dreamland have gentler waves suitable for beginners. Several surf schools in the area offer lessons for all levels. Bingin also has a mellow inside section when the swell is small.
How do you get to Uluwatu from the airport?
Ngurah Rai International Airport is about 40-60 minutes from Uluwatu by car. A taxi costs around USD 15-25. Scooter rental is also available but note that the roads on the Bukit Peninsula can be steep and winding.
What should I wear to Uluwatu Temple?
A sarong is required to enter Uluwatu Temple. One can be borrowed at the entrance for a small fee. Both men and women should have their knees and shoulders covered. Wear comfortable shoes as there are stairs and uneven paths.
Is Uluwatu walkable?
Uluwatu is not very walkable overall due to the hilly terrain and spread-out attractions. Within individual areas like Bingin or the temple precinct, walking is possible. A scooter or car is essential for exploring the wider Bukit Peninsula.
How much does a trip to Uluwatu cost per day?
Budget travellers can manage on USD 30-50 per day. Mid-range visitors should expect USD 80-150 for comfortable villas and restaurant dining. Uluwatu has some of Bali's most expensive luxury resorts, where daily spend can exceed USD 500.
What beaches are in Uluwatu?
Key beaches include Padang Padang, Bingin, Dreamland, Balangan, Thomas, Nyang Nyang, and Melasti. Each has its own character — from surf-focused breaks to calm swimming coves. All involve descending stairs or paths from the clifftops.
Is the Kecak dance at Uluwatu Temple worth seeing?
Yes, the Kecak fire dance at Uluwatu Temple is one of Bali's most memorable cultural experiences. The combination of the dramatic clifftop setting, the golden sunset, the rhythmic chanting of 50+ performers, and the fire dance makes it a must-see. Arrive early for a good seat.
Indonesia
More in Indonesia
Bali
Island of the Gods — rice terraces, temples, and surf breaks.
Ubud
Bali's cultural heartland — art, yoga, and jungle retreats.
Jakarta
The dynamic capital of Indonesia.
Yogyakarta
Ancient temples of Borobudur and Prambanan.
Bandung
Cool highlands, volcanic landscapes, and factory outlets.
Lombok
Pristine beaches, Gili Islands, and Mount Rinjani.
Nearby