There are some amazing things to do on a Uluwatu day trip, from beautiful beaches to panoramic coastal viewpoints and fantastic cultural activities. It was my favourite place during my first trip to Bali – below is my one day in Uluwatu itinerary!
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After being holed up in Canggu for a couple of days, I begged my hostel to get me out for the day. They suggested a Uluwatu day trip itinerary that made for a fab day out.
I said Go For It, without really knowing what that entailed. They booked a driver for me and arranged for him to take me to the best spots in just one day. Gotta admit it turned out pretty great!
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Things to do on a Uluwatu day trip:
GARUDA WISNU KENCANA CULTURAL PARK
My first stop was Garuda Wisnu Kencana, which is famous for its giant statues. It covers a fairly large area, and catching a glimpse of some bloody massive statues is also home to a gorgeous panoramic view over Bali and an amphitheatre. The amphitheatre has daily Balinese performances. It was cool to see people playing traditional Balinese music while others danced in their traditional costumes.
I didn’t really see other Western tourists there but around 11am tour buses piled into the car park like it was the only place left on earth. So I would recommend heading to this spot early. Thankfully I was leaving at this point so got to explore without the swarms!
This was my most expensive spot of the day – 125000 – which includes a free drink, access to the full grounds and a return shuttle bus to the largest statue.
Avoid queues and get a ticket in advance here
It’s only 3.50GBP / 4.27 USD to walk around the main complex
ULUWATU TEMPLE
This was my absolute highlight of the Uluwatu day trip and unquestionably worth doing. The temple is upon a cliffside and you can take a walk along the cliff-edge in either direction – or both directions, as most people chose to. I was there on a windy day and hearing the sea crash against the rocks below made reminded me of gorgeous old literature; the atmospheric setting where some great story begins.
Uluwatu Temple was built in the 11th century. It is popular to visit Uluwatu Temple for sunset (around 5 pm, dependent on the month). You can then stay to see the traditional Kecak dance performance at 18:00 – another reason to add the temple to your Bali bucket list. It costs an additional 150K IDR (on top of the temple entrance fee) if you decide to stay for the dance.
Book your Kecak Fire and Dance tickets here.
The entry fee was 30000 for adults or 20000 for kids.
PANDAWA BEACH
I spent the afternoon being taken to a couple of beaches. The first, Pandawa Beach, would be perfect for a beach day. It was a vast stretch of white sand surrounded by limestone cliffs. It’s easy to find your own little spot to relax for a while. Having been solo and restless and not in luck with the sun, I didn’t stay for so long and was off to my next beautiful spot…
Padawa Beach was 15000 IDR entry.
PADANG PADANG BEACH
I really liked Padang Padang Beach (also known as Thomas Beach) because the rocks made for a more atmospheric, picturesque setting. I even walked down to the beach via a stone staircase which passes through a cave! As a restless solo traveller, I’m not so good at taking a breather, so a more dramatic setting was perfect for me. The main beach was smallish and relatively cramped, but walking along just a little, I found some more private coves hidden between the rocks.
This calm beach is perfect for avoiding crowds. Relax with a coconut, swim in the calmer waters or enjoy snorkelling in the stunning ocean. Despite being somewhat of a Uluwatu hidden gem, Padang Padang Beach is still in a handy location with plenty of restaurants nearby.
The truth about this photo? It was actually raining! So kudos to beautiful Uluwatu beaches for being so gorgeous even on a rainy.
Padang Padang was 10000 IDR entry fee.
Padang Panang Beach, Uluwatu Temple and Kecak Fire Dance Tour
More things to do in Uluwatu (if you have more than one day):
MORE BEACHES IN ULUWATU
Besides the stunning Padawa Beach and Padang Padang Beach, there are many more stunning sandy stretches along the Uluwatu coastline. These beautiful Uluwatu beaches include:
SULUBAN BEACH
Escape down 100 steep steps towards Suluban Beach, Bali. Thankfully well-maintained, the walk down is safe while still feeling like a mini adventure! To find the stairs, head to the entrance on Google Maps or through the Single Fin bar – a great place to kick back and relax with a cold beer or soft drink.
You’ll cool down under the shaded cave at the bottom of the walk down or in the crystal clear water below. With overhanging limestone cliffs surrounding this small sandy cove, it’s definitely a beautiful spot.
Check the tide first and be aware of sharp stones and coral below the water’s surface – it’s not the best beach for swimming.
BINGIN BEACH
Bingin Beach is a great place to grab lunch at a scenic spot while visiting one of the restaurants or rent a surfboard and hit the waves. Popular eateries here include Kelly’s Warung, Gooseberry, French Bakery, The Loft, and Lucky Fish – if you know someone who’s already visiting Bingin Beach, one of these restaurants has probably already been recommended to you!
If you prefer more secluded beaches, take a walk along the sand to find smaller coves and derelict beach shacks, which are no longer used – a surreal setting for this idyllic location.
While it is a little challenging to access, there’s a lot to discover here at the bottom of hidden laneways, mysterious rocky outcrops, and stairs. It’s also a great place to swim and enjoy the fish on the reef.
NYANG-NYANG BEACH
This paradise-like 1.5km beach is one of the less accessible beaches due to a steep climb down, but beautiful at the bottom. Walk along the beach to find the shipwreck at Nunggalan Beach.
Due to its far-flung location, Nyang-Nyang Beach feels more untouched and wild than other beaches in this region of Bali. If you can handle the walk and the cheek monkeys at the beginning of the trail down, it’ll definitely be worth your time. Not to mention there are some beautiful lookouts on the way down!
Please note this beach doesn’t have as many facilities as some – no shower or toilet, although umbrellas and sunbeds are usually available. Nonetheless, it’s still one of the most beautiful beaches to visit on a Uluwatu day trip itinerary
The water is shallow, and there are sharp stones under the water – try the spot in front of the Bubble Hotel if you want to swim.
DREAMLAND BEACH
Dreamland Beach is touristy but accessible and has good facilities, including restaurants. It’s popular with beginner surfers, or relaxing on a sunbed and enjoying the sound of the waves.
SURFING IN ULUWATU
As a dyspraxic human, I cannot surf, but I’m sure I’d love to try it if I wasn’t! And surfing on a day trip to Uluwatu is the perfect spot to hit the waves.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a complete beginner, Bali is full of wonderful surfing spots, and Uluwatu is no exception.
Surfboard rental is possible as well are lessons, so there is no need to worry about buying boards or if you’re starting from scratch.
Padang Padang Beach is said to be one of the best surf spots in Bali, with breaks suitable for both beginner and expert surfers depending on which area you surf in. Alternatively, Bingin Beach or Balangan are popular. Suluban Beach is a famous surfing area for highly-experienced surfers. Beginners should only surf Padang Padang Right when in Uluwatu.
The cost of renting a surfboard is usually from 8 USD a day, though prices widely vary. A surf lesson will cost more than 30-35 USD. A well-reviewed surf school may cost slightly more.
The best times to surf are in the dry season, from May to October, and from the low-mid tide.
ULUWATU SUNSETS
You’d be mad not to finish your day trip to Uluwatu with a sunset, particularly as the sun sets early in Bali, and you can still return to your accommodation for a good time even if you’re staying elsewhere.
Check out TEBING KARANG BOMA to watch the sunset from the cliffs! The roar of the waves crashing upon the cliffs below as the sun sets behind the horizon is a truly tranquil experience. Perfect.
Another option for sunset is the gorgeous Balangan Viewpoint. Looking over the stunning 200m Balangan Beach and beyond, the West-facing viewpoint is perfect for sunset. As always, be careful when visiting cliffside viewpoints and don’t tread on any rocks that loom over the head, as some are unstable.
Or head to Tegal Wangi Beach Cave for a unique sunset adventure. The beach here is very small, but it’s a little off-the-beaten-track, so it doesn’t feel cramped. Walk along Tegal Wangi Beach to find the two sea caves!.
Besides spending one day in Uluwatu, there are also many attractions on the Bukit Peninsula all the way to Nusa Dua.
PLACES TO EAT IN ULUWATU
Alongside the little local beachside cafes and restaurants, Uluwatu has many top-recommended eateries to enjoy during a Uluwatu day trip.
Best for local food: Visit Campur Campur for proper, tasty Indonesian food. Great for any backpackers who are on a budget!
Best for vegans: While most restaurants in Uluwatu will have vegan options, Drifter Cafe is recommended for its tasty array of plant-based options. Head to Ulu Garden for sumptuous, veggie-packed foodie options, or The Cashew Tree for wholesome, al fresco dining. If you’re into healthy foods, try Lands End Cafe.
Best for brunch: Try The Loft for a chilled-out and trendy brunch spot. Or go to Gooseberry Cafe, which has a small pool, boutique store, and lovely brunch and dinner menu. For a brunch at any time, try Ours Bali, an all-day cafe.
Best for Sunset: Try any beachside restaurants if you’re looking for a sundowner, or go to Mana Uluwatu for a delicious meal with epic lookouts. Alternatively, go to one of the beach clubs below for drinks and stunning views.
Best for Coffee: Suka Espresso is the spot for the best coffee and avo toast! Try Nourish if you’re a digital nomad looking for a chilled spot to grab a coffee and get some work done. It also has a wholefoods store onsite if you need to pick up some treats!
Best for dinner: Honestly, most places already mentioned have delicious dinner menus too! But I’ve heard La Baracca, Tabu, and Shaka Riki have yummy menu options.
Beach Clubs: Popular beach clubs in Uluwatu to finish off a beautiful one day in Uluwatu itinerary include:
– Single Fin – cocktails and chilled-out sunsets!
– Sunday’s Beach Club – chilled-out paradise vibes with yummy food, bonfires, and stunning views
– El Kabron – a beautiful beach club near Dreamland Beach
– Ulu Cliffhouse – clifftop restaurant with a pool. Check their website for DJs/events
– Savaya – this pricier beach club option is a place you should visit at least once during your stay in Bali! It’s beautifully located and lots of fun!
Getting to Uluwatu:
MID-RANGE/HOLIDAYS:
- A private car usually costs around 500K per day, but negotiating is possible. Depending on how many hours you need the driver, it can also cost more.
- Holiday-makers can book a tour for a more seamless trip around Uluwatu.
Check Klook.com for a list of reasonably priced Uluwatu tours and private cars
ON A BUDGET:
- The most popular way to get to Uluwatu is to rent a scooter for the day from your accommodation in South Bali. This would cost around 30K – 40K IDR per day.
- It is also possible to order a scooter taxi through the go-jek app to Uluwatu for around 70K IDR. However, this is not ideal if you want to see several places as they often aren’t walking distance from each other.
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That’s all folks.
I hope this post helps you plan your Uluwatu day trip or extended Uluwatu itinerary!
And to round things up, here’s a photo of me getting smacked in the face by a wave. Woohoo!
It’s a really pretty place. Hope you make it some day!
It sounds like you had a really great day! I’d love to go to these places one day. Your photos are fab! x