High above the ocean, perched on jagged limestone cliffs, watch the sun sink into the horizon as you toast to another fantastic day in Uluwatu. The Buki Peninsula is filled with many treasures, with the south-western region of Uluwatu being the jewel in its crown.
The spectacular views are reason enough for anyone to take time to chill out in this quiet part of the island, but Uluwatu has its own slice of adventure too. There are temples galore to explore, and for any intrepid surfers, Bali’s long history as a wave-riding paradise shines through in this incredible place.
What To Do Uluwatu
If you’re looking for somewhere to have a wild and action packed adventure, then Uluwatu probably isn’t the place for you. This is a place for travelers and holiday-makers who simply want to unwind and not do much – but there’s still plenty to see and do.
There are many hidden temples in Uluwatu, with some of them sitting quite precariously on the cliff-side. It’s also home to one of Bali’s most iconic temples, Pura Luhur, as well as where the kecak ‘fire dance’ takes place, which is an impressive cultural highlight. Set against the backdrop of the setting sun on the ocean, the rhythmic dancing and chanting tell a dramatic story of historical legends. Seeing this unique spectacle can usually be done as part of a larger temple tour, or by simply booking the dance viewing on its own, so you should easily be able to fit it into your itinerary.
Even though we said Uluwatu isn’t a place for action, this place isn’t just about taking it slow for some.
Uluwatu consistently ranks as one of the world’s top surfing destinations. Chances are, if you’re a keen surfer then you’re probably already aware of this and are looking to go to this area to get a taste of the perfect waves.
There are many hidden surf spots in this region known only to the locals and a select few lucky others. Their exact locations are closely-guarded secrets so if you’re planning on finding them, we’d suggest you become friendly with the locals.
That being said, you could also spend weeks surfing the well-known breaks of Uluwatu’s main beaches and not run out of steam. Padang Padang beach holds the top spot for our favourite Uluwatu beach due to the consistent swells and picturesque setting. Others include Suluban, Balangan, Bingin and Dreamland beaches – which are all fantastic places for surfers of all experience levels.
Golfing at New Kuta Golf is also a popular activity in this region for anyone who fancies a few holes on some cliff-top greens!
Shopping and Eating
While Uluwatu is predominantly known for its waves rather than its shopping, there are a number of boutiques and specialty stores dotted along the peninsula for those who don’t want to make the trip to the shopping meccas of the central cities.
When it comes to eating, seafood lovers will find themselves extremely satisfied in this region. Uluwatu is incredibly well regarded both in Bali and around the world for the quality of its ocean delights.