When you think of Bali, you generally imagine a beach, laidback atmosphere, great seafood, beach clubs, and clifftop views. Uluwatu ticks all the boxes mentioned above. But don't let the calm exterior fool you as there are a lot of things to do in this place. I stayed in Uluwatu for a couple of days and explored it to the fullest. So here's my Uluwatu itinerary explaining what to do in Uluwatu in 2 days.
ULUWATU ACCOMMODATION - WHERE TO STAY IN ULUWATU
VALUE FOR MONEY -
1. Anantara Uluwatu Bali Resort - Book your stay by clicking here.
2. Hideaway Villas Bali - Book your stay by clicking here.
LUXURY -
1. Bulgari Resort Bali - Book your stay by clicking here.
2. Renaissance Bali Uluwatu Resort & Spa - Book your stay by clicking here.
BUDGET -
1. WIRA homestay - Book your stay by clicking here.
2. Tregge Surf Camp Uluwatu - Book your stay by clicking here.
2-DAY ULUWATU ITINERARY - WHAT TO DO IN ULUWATU
Here's my ultimate 2-day Uluwatu itinerary explaining what to do and see in Uluwatu.
DAY 1 :
On your first day in Uluwatu, you'll be doing the following things -
- Explore the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park
- Enjoy a long walk on the Balangan Beach
- Relax at the Padang Padang Beach
- Enjoy swimming and exploring the beach cave at Suluban Uluwatu Beach
- Witness the sunset from Uluwatu Temple and enjoy the "Kecak and Fire Dance" show
- Experience the amazing nightlife at Single Fin
1. EXPLORE THE GARUDA WISNU KENCANA CULTURAL PARK
The Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Cultural Park is one of the most iconic landmarks in Bali that draws tourists from all across the world. It's located at Ungasan, Badung region in Bali which is a 10-15 minute drive from the centre of Uluwatu.
As the name suggests, the park is devoted to the Hindu god Vishnu (Wisnu) and his mythical bird companion Garuda. A 120 metre tall Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue depicting Lord Vishnu riding on the back of Garuda is the highlight of the place. The statue is taller than the Statue of Liberty and can be seen from any part of the city thanks to it's incredible height.
There's a shuttle that takes you from the parking and drops you at the entrance of the park where you can purchase tickets to the park. Entry fee is 1,25,000 IDR per person for foreign adult travellers.
The fee not only gives you access to the entire park but also includes a complimentary ice tea and entry to the amphitheatre to watch the cultural shows. You can either cover the park on foot or use their Segway service (at an additional cost).
The park consists of the following sections - an amphitheatre for cultural shows, an art exhibition centre, plazas, souvenir stores, an art market centre, restaurants, cafes, bicycle and segway rentals, a massage centre and large open-air gardens that give you spectacular views of the statues in the park.
Walking in the open-air gardens, you can see the huge statue of Garuda Wisnu Kencana. You can also see separate statues of Garuda and Lord Vishnu in other areas of the park. For people who don't know the history behind the statues, the story of Garuda Vishnu is explained in the relief structures on a wall outside the amphitheatre.
My friend and I thoroughly enjoyed the Balinese cultural show staged at the amphitheatre and the panoramic views from the restaurant where we had our complimentary drink. It's a place worth exploring and I recommend you to visit it if you're in Uluwatu.
2. ENJOY WATCHING THE WAVES AT THE BALANGAN BEACH
Balangan beach is a bit of a drive as it falls in the Kuta region. However, you can easily do it from Uluwatu. It's one of the best surfing sites as the waves here are conducive for water sports. Because the water's clean and waves are friendly during low tide, you can enjoy swimming as well.
Pristine golden sands, clean water, warungs offering tasty local food and cheap drinks, and surf schools for undertaking surfing classes - the Balangan beach has it all. I particularly enjoyed the breathtaking view of the coastline from the limestone cliff.
3. SURF AND RELAX AT THE PADANG PADANG BEACH
An ideal place to laze around and sunbathe, the Padang Padang beach is quite a favourite amongst tourists and locals for surfing. Entry fee to the beach is 10,000 IDR per person. Beware of monkeys near the entrance.
You'll have to walk down steep narrow stairs to get to the beach. It's a small beach which extends on the other side as the surfer's beach. You can get to it if you walk a bit further down the street from the entrance to this beach.
Both beaches have seaweed in the water. I still saw kids and adults swimming so that tells me the water is clean and safe. Enjoy spending time at the beach either reading a novel or just sipping a chilled Bintang beer/coconut water. The drinks here are a bit pricey with coconut water costing about 30,000 IDR.
4. ENJOY SWIMMING AND EXPLORING THE BEACH CAVE AT SULUBAN ULUWATU BEACH
Suluban Uluwatu beach is one of my favourite beaches in Uluwatu. The primary reason for it is the beautiful beach cave which gives the beach a distinct personality. Entry to the beach is free. Only a small parking fee of 2000-5000 IDR is charged.
As in the case of many other beaches, you have to walk down a series of steps to get to the beach. Be careful when going near the cave, trying to click a picture during high tide as there'll be that one naughty wave that'll catch you unawares and almost climb onto you. You can enjoy swimming here during the low tide.
I quite enjoyed the "getting wet surprise" near the cave as it was high tide at the time we went to the beach (thank god my phone was in the pocket). But a few Chinese Instagram influencers getting photoshoots done while others couldn't stand in the cave pissed me off.
On the other side of the cave, you can climb up the stairs to Delpi warung where you can enjoy a few drinks and a nice panoramic view from the sun-deck besides access to the pool (for a charge of course).
5. WITNESS THE SUNSET FROM ULUWATU TEMPLE AND ENJOY THE "KECAK AND FIRE DANCE" SHOW
Uluwatu temple is the most popular tourist attraction in Uluwatu. The reasons for it's popularity being - a beautiful traditional temple, enchanting views of the Uluwatu cliff, surreal sunset views over an endless stretch of the ocean and a delightfully entertaining "Kecak and Fire dance" show.
Entry fee to the temple is 30,000 IDR per adult for foreign visitors. There's a separate ticket that you need to buy to watch the "Kecak and Fire dance" show. A ticket to the show costs 1,00,000 IDR per adult for foreign tourists.
The temple surprisingly isn't open to the public though they pay for the ticket. However, I was lucky enough to see a ceremony happening inside the temple standing at the entrance itself.
You can walk around the temple premises soaking in the alluring views of the ocean waves kissing the Uluwatu cliff. Preferably go during the evening so you can enjoy the sunset view and then immediately watch the "Kecak and Fire dance" show.
Experience local Balinese culture at it's very best with the Kecak and Fire dance show. You get to watch the show in an open arena. Make sure you grab a seat at the top so that you can enjoy views of the ocean besides the show. The show is an enactment of the Indian (Hindu) epic called Ramayana.
Being an Indian, I probably understood the show better as I already knew the story. The highlight of the show which got people "oohing and aahing" was Lord Hanuman fighting against the fire. However, it ain't an issue as you are provided with a sheet of paper summarising the story before you sit for the show.
The best part about the show is that all the drama is supported by a group of men doing the vocals themselves instead of using musical instruments. I enjoyed the show as you can see from my picture with Lord Hanuman and I'm sure you'll enjoy it too!
6. EXPERIENCE THE AMAZING NIGHTLIFE AT "SINGLE FIN"
Photo courtesy John Boyle @TripAdvisor
If you're in Uluwatu, then you have to visit "Single Fin". It's the best beach club bar and restaurant in the region and a must do for any traveller who wants to experience the nightlife in Uluwatu.
You can have breakfast and lunch here as well but the majority, come here during the evening to enjoy the paradisiacal view of the sunset. The place just comes alive at night with the lights and foot-tapping music.
The club is spread over 2 levels. The upper level has a bar with indoor and outdoor seating. Here, bands play live music to entertain the guests.
The lower level is my favourite as it's an open deck giving you the most gorgeous views of the ocean. There's a DJ console here where the DJ dishes out the grooviest beats so set your mood for the night.
Enjoy having the tastiest food with some refreshing cocktails as the breeze gently kisses your face. I had a blast here along with my friend and loved the ambience and energy of the place.
Recommendations :
- Falafel and couscous salad, roasted vegetable pizza and penne arrabbiata are my food recommendations for vegetarians.
- Seafood tacos, crispy fish sliders, chilli seafood pizza, and crispy baked mahi-mahi are the recommended seafood specialities of the place.
- My cocktail recommendations are Moscow mule, frozen strawberry daiquiri, lemongrass ginger fling, and coconut mojito.
DAY 2 :
Come the second day and you'll primarily be exploring places - in and around the lovely beaches of Uluwatu. On this day you'll be doing the following things -
- Explore the Nyang Nyang Beach
- Have a drink at the Bingin Beach
- Enjoy surfing at the Dreamland Beach
- Witness pre-wedding photoshoots and enjoy swimming at the Melasti Beach
- Spend quality time at Oneeighty° clifftop club
- Experience "on-beach dining" at Jimbaran Bay
1. EXPLORE THE NYANG NYANG BEACH
Nyang Nyang beach is an isolated piece of paradise for those seeking mental peace. It's the cleanest beach in Uluwatu and also my absolute favourite if I had to rank the beaches.
Because it's a secret (non-touristy) beach, chances are high that you might find only 5-10 people on the entire 1.5km stretch of the coastline.
The reason why it's least visited can be attributed to it's secluded location and a difficult 20-25 minute walk down the hill to reach the beach. It's a steep walk which requires a decent level of fitness and appropriate shoes. Carry some water and snacks with you as there aren't many food stalls at the beach.
If you visit the beach during low tide you might get to see a shipwreck on the beach. The water currents are strong but you can enjoy a swim during low tide. If you're seeking privacy, cleanliness, exclusivity and serenity, then do not miss out on this hidden gem.
2. HAVE A DRINK AT THE BINGIN BEACH
Bingin beach is an ideal place to relax and enjoy a tropical "chill" vibe. It not only gives you the exclusivity of Nyang Nyang beach but also has many beach bars and warungs for you to grab a bite or sip a drink.
It's a surfer's paradise as the water current's ideal to romance the waves. There are many surfboard rentals along the beach so you can crack a deal based on your preference. The beach is guarded by beautiful limestone cliffs and the water's clean and clear.
Savour the views of the waves kissing the shore while enjoying some chilled refreshing cocktails. The locals here are friendly and the beach has a warm, welcoming vibe to it.
3. SURF AT THE DREAMLAND BEACH
There are multiple ways to get to this beach. If you enter the beach via the resort, then it can cost you an entrance fee. Our driver, however, drove us to a hill where he parked his car. We walked down the hill and entered the beach for free (WIN).
I won't call it a secluded beach as you'll spot many tourists at the beach. It's one of the more popular beaches where people come to enjoy surfing in the ocean. The water's clean and good for swimming during low tide.
The bathrooms, however, aren't that clean. Finding food ain't a problem on this beach as you have many restaurants and cafes to choose from. At the beach, you'll find little shops selling souvenirs besides locals asking you if you want a massage. Relish a nice meal with a chilled Bintang beer after a swim. This beach is a favourite among families.
4. WITNESS PRE-WEDDING PHOTOSHOOTS AND ENJOY SWIMMING AT THE MELASTI BEACH
I'd call Melasti beach an "infant beach" as it's a new beach with constructions going on all around it. They have carved a road cutting through limestone rocks for access to the beach. I hope they don't make it too commercial because it has all the makings of a great beach. Entry to the beach costs 5,000 IDR per person and parking costs 5,000 IDR for a car.
There are clean changing rooms and washrooms at the beach. You can hire beach recliners with umbrella shade for 1,00,000 IDR for 2 people. The most striking feature of this beach is that you'll find couples having pre-wedding photoshoots in different sections of the beach.
Sand is clean and the clear turquoise blue waters are inviting. Melasti beach is probably the safest beach for people to enjoy a swim. There are also a few beach bars that'll serve you chilled cocktails and beers.
5. SPEND QUALITY TIME AT THE ONEEIGHTY° CLIFFTOP CLUB
For people wanting a sophisticated and quality clifftop beach club experience, look no further than the Oneeighty° clifftop club at The Edge resort. The craze for this place can be determined by the fact that you need to book your table here in advance.
Built alongside cascading picturesque pools worthy of a photoshoot, a series of pools leads to a blockbuster SkyPool that's suspended at the edge of a cliff.
It's a jaw-dropping pool over the cliff edge that has a glass flooring and provides the most spectacular 180° panoramic view that you can possibly imagine.
Looking at the cliff while standing in the SkyPool can be a trippy experience but it's worth the money. There are two separate packages for people intending to book a table here - VIP admission and General admission. You can check out the prices for both by clicking here.
There's a separate glass-walled restaurant behind the general admission area that serves food and drinks. The vegetarian spread here is fabulous with burgers, margarita pizzas, fries and pasta being the favourites. They serve mouthwatering seafood too.
Bartenders spin a mean cocktail which you can enjoy sipping while witnessing the majestic sunset over the horizon.
This place is the definition of opulence and comfort. Expect top-notch service from the staff whether you're a VIP admission or General admission. It is the best thing to do in Uluwatu, an experience that you just can't miss!
6. EXPERIENCE "ON-BEACH DINING" AT JIMBARAN BAY
Jimbaran Bay is a tourist favourite thanks to the charming sunset views and delectable grilled seafood that the cafes and restaurants here offer. Witness captivating sunsets and experience "on-beach dining" at one of the many seafood cafes that line the white-sand beach called the Muaya beach.
You'll see people standing outside the cafes trying to hard sell the specialities of their cafe. You can step inside any one of them as they all lead to the beach where you can enjoy a nice walk and decide which cafe you want to have a meal at.
Vegetarian options are limited but tasty. It's a paradise for seafood lovers though. You'll also find strolling musician groups playing live music as per the diner's request, obviously expecting a tip in return. The cozy lighting, sound of the waves kissing the shore, and sumptuous food provide a wholesome dining experience.
CONCLUSION
That was my Uluwatu itinerary giving you a detailed description of what to do in Uluwatu in 2 days. I'm glad I did my research beforehand and chose Uluwatu for a two-night stay instead of the touristy and overcrowded places like Kuta and Seminyak.
I'd suggest you stay in Uluwatu, either at the beginning or the end of your Bali trip as it's situated close to the Ngurah Rai international airport.
Uluwatu proved to be a fitting end to our amazing Bali trip. I generally don't prefer repeating a place but given a choice, my friend Marinela and I wouldn't mind coming to Uluwatu for a second time as this place gives you a sun and sand experience like no other!
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