Uluwatu Travel Guide

Introduction

Uluwatu is Bali’s most dramatic region — a limestone peninsula (the Bukit) rising from the Indian Ocean, with clifftop temples, world-class surf breaks, and beach clubs perched on the cliff edge with views over nothing but ocean.

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Uluwatu Temple (Pura Luhur Uluwatu)

One of Bali’s six directional temples, placed at the southwestern tip of the peninsula 70 meters above the ocean. Extraordinary sunset views.

Kecak Fire Dance: Performed at sunset in the temple’s clifftop amphitheater. 50+ men chant rhythmically while performers enact scenes from the Ramayana. The backdrop of the sun setting over the ocean makes this one of Bali’s most spectacular experiences. Tickets Rp 150,000 — book ahead.

Monkeys: Uluwatu Temple has aggressive monkeys that will steal sunglasses, hats, and phones. Hold everything secure.

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Best Surf Breaks

Uluwatu is one of the world’s great surf destinations.

Uluwatu: The main break. A long left-hander accessed through a cave. Works at all tides. World-class when big. Experts and confident intermediates.

Padang Padang: Hollow, powerful, short. One of the world’s best barrels when it fires. Experts only when big, accessible to good intermediates when small.

Impossibles: Long, fast left. Three connected sections. Advanced.

Bingin: More accessible than Uluwatu. Good intermediate break. Beautiful beach.

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Cliff Bars

Uluwatu’s cliff edge has several bars built into the limestone with extraordinary ocean views.

Single Fin: The most famous. Sunday sessions with DJ. Views are spectacular. Gets very crowded.

Ulu Cliffhouse: More upscale, multi-level. Pool with ocean view.

Sundays Beach Club: Beach accessible by elevator down the cliff. Beautiful.

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Padang Padang Beach

A small cove accessed through a narrow cave in the cliff. Featured in Eat Pray Love. Beautiful but gets crowded. Parking fee + beach entrance Rp 20,000.

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