Uluwatu – Surf, Scenic Temples and Stunning Views

Uluwatu is one of my favourite places to visit in Bali

Uluwatu is set high on the cliffs overlooking crystal clear surf beaches, stunning views and the backdrop for one of Bali’s most scenic Temples.

A holiday in Bali is a great place to relax and unwind.  Wide sandy beaches, endless sunshine, ancient temples, mischievous monkeys and mythical culture. What more could you ask for?

Surf & Swim

Bali is well known for its fabulous surfing beaches so explore and make sure you visit nearby Padang Padang, Dreamland Beach, Jimbaran Bay or Nusa Dua beaches.

Watch the talented surfers catching ginormous waves amongst the headlands.  If you haven’t tried surfing before, sign yourself into one of the many surf-schools and learn some tricks from the experts.

Never miss a sunset

Even more impressive are the beautiful sunsets – every.single.night!

The real question is, ‘where will you watch sunset tonight’?

Check out a few of our suggestions for the best vantage points to catch the sunset.  There are so many amazing places to choose from, but my favourites are Uluwatu Temple or along the beach at Jimbaran Bay.

Visit the Uluwatu Temple

It is believed that the temple was built around the 10th century as noted by the findings of several archaeological remains found at the Uluwatu Temple site.

Uluwatu Temple is home to many monkeys that love to steal from the tourists. Make sure you put your sunglasses away and hold on tightly to your belongings.

A small forest surrounding the temple is inhabited by hundreds of monkeys which are believed to guard the temple from bad influences.

We watched as the mischievous monkeys walked among the visitors as they watch the daily Kecak performances.

Temple Dress Code:   Wear a long dress, skirt, pants or sarong or you will be given a sarong and sash as you enter the Temple grounds.

 Balinese Kecak & Fire Dance

Hundreds of people gather daily to enjoy the Balinese love story.

The Uluwatu Temple is high on the limestone cliffs and provides a magnificent backdrop for the traditional Balinese Kecak and Fire Dance.

Based on an old script Kusuma Dewa wrote in 1005 AD, the Kecak dance is a love story performed throughout Bali.  In these ancient surrounds however, the story takes on a life of it’s own.

The Balinese dance is accompanied by a human orchestra of 70 men chanting and singing throughout the performance.   The actors and actresses portray their characters in traditional style with extended fingers, pronounced movements and exotic costumes, elaborate masks and head dresses.

It is cultural events such as these that give visitors insight into the ancient myths and enrich their travel experience.

Restaurants and Bars

There are plenty of fantastic restaurants throughout Bali.  Make sure you try some of these amazing restaurants and bars while visiting Uluwatu and if you venture towards Tanjung Benoa or Nusa Dua, here’s 6 of our favourite restaurants to put on your list.

Single Fin Bar and Restaurant

Single Fin is one of the most popular cliff-side bars in Uluwatu near Suluban Beach. It’s located at the very top of Uluwatu Beach and is the best vantage point to watch the surfers below with a delicious meal and cold beer.  Sundays are usually busiest.

Dreamland Beach

Dreamland beach is popular with beginner surfers and sunbathers.  This was the beach where Julia Roberts’ ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ was filmed.  Beach umbrellas and deck chairs are spread along the water’s edge and a hillside bar is available for drinks and snacks.

Padang Padang

Down a tight flight of stairs through a unique hollow rock entrance you will find the gorgeous Padang Padang beach. The beach is great for families with sand castles, sunbathing and lazing under beach umbrellas.  Light meals and refreshments are available for purchase.

Read next:  Padang Padang – one of Bali’s best secrets

Jimbaran Bay for beachside dining

Not far from Uluwatu, Jimbaran Bay is a must visit dining experience for your Bali holiday.  Enjoy a delicious dinner on the beach as the sun disappears into the bay.

Nothing says ”I’m on holiday’ like freshly caught fish and char-grilled lobster, lantern-lit ambiance and the sun setting over the ocean.

Enjoy a spa day

Massages and beauty treatments are inexpensive in Bali so it’s the perfect time to treat yourself to a little luxury.  There are plenty of places to get your nails done, have a facial or treat yourself to a massage.

Most hotels will have a spa or massage space so take the time to pamper yourself and get your holiday off to a magical start.

When is the best time to visit Bali

Bali is a great year-round destination but the best time to visit is between April and October.  There is little rain, low humidity and lots of sun and the evenings will be balmy most of the year round.

The wet season but it can still be a great time to visit Bali and if you want to save money, the best months are May, June and October.

Read next: Great tips to travel Bali on a Budget

Where to stay

Accommodation in Bali is all about choices.  There really is something for every budget.  Whether you prefer resort accommodation, villas, hotels, hostels and guesthouses you are sure to find something to suit.  Consider an ultimate holiday experience, opt to stay at one of Bali’s most exclusive private villas on the nearby cliffs at Uluwatu.
Booking.com

One of our favourite boutique motels is The Open House at Jimbaran Bay with just the right amount of TLC to start your Bali getaway.  We swam in the pool, lazed under the beach umbrellas and dozed on the deck chairs. The perfect start to any holiday.

Read more:  The Open House at Jimbaran Bay

How to get around

When travelling to Bali, consider how you’re going to get around.

Hire a motorbike or scooter:  Motorbikes and scooters are usually make getting around easy.  Make sure you have an international drivers license with you and be aware, there are lots of crazies on the road.  Take care, and I recommend you take out travel insurance before you go.

Hire a driver:  A great option if there more than one of you.  Most Balinese drivers share their local knowledge and happy to suggest places for you to visit during your stay in Bali.  We use the same driver each visit and have been happy to follow his recommendations on restaurants and tourist spots.

Read next:  Crazy Bali Traffic – follow the spiritual traffic rules

Go with Travel Insurance

Make sure you take out travel insurance when travelling to Bali.  Please take out a travel insurance policy for your trip to Bali, especially if you plan on riding a motorbike.

Unfortunately, accidents do happen, and its important to make sure you’re protected.   We use World Nomads Travel Insurance whenever we travel, and highly recommend them for your next trip.

Have you been to Uluwatu yet?     If you haven’t, pin this post & plan your trip.

But wait there’s more!

Uluwatu is just a small part of this beautiful island so here’s a few holiday suggestions to get the most out of your adventures.

• 5 perfect day trips for first-time travellers to Bali
• Ubud – refresh, rejuvenate and revitalise
• Sacred Monkey Forest

There really is so much to see and do so start planning your adventure here!  Use our no-fuss planning tool personal itinerary planner to find the best options for your next adventure.