The name Uluwatu actually consisted of two words, ulu which means ‘land’s end’ and watu which means ‘rock’. Uluwatu is well known for Pura Luhur Uluwatu and is ranked number four surf destination in the world for surfers of all abilities.
The name Uluwatu refers to the south-western most end of the Bukit Peninsula on the island of Bali, Indonesia. It can be reached by about 40 minutes drive from the Ngurah Rai International Airport, going through some winding roads.
Bukit Peninsula itself is located in the southern part of Bali island. This peninsula is connected to Bali island by a thin strip of land where Kuta is. If it were not for this strip of land, Bukit Peninsula would have been an island by itself. Prior to the tourism development, this area is the real backwater of Bali island. Nowadays, Uluwatu and the surrounding area is a well-known tourist destination. Let us see what are the things to do in Uluwatu Bali, Indonesia.
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1. Pura Luhur Uluwatu
This temple is one of the nine key directional temples of Bali. It is located right beside the cliff with a height of about seventy meters above sea level and a breathtaking view of the Indian Ocean. The temple was significantly expanded by Empu Kuturan in the eleventh century, but the structure itself has existed beforehand. The famous Dang Hyang Niratha is claimed to have achieved Moksha in Pura Luhur Uluwatu. The view of sunsets from Pura Luhur Uluwatu are to die for
To enter the temple you have to pay IDR 30,000 which include sarong and sash. You have to remember that you need to properly dressed to be allowed admittance to this temple. Also, entry to the central courtyards is only allowed during special rituals.
Pura Luhur Uluwatu is also home to a large number of monkeys, who unlike their cousins in The Monkey Forest are adept thieves. These monkeys are known to have stolen spectacles, cameras and even handbags from unsuspecting visitors. I strongly advise you to put your belongings inside a backpack, especially glasses and cameras. If you have something taken, you can usually persuade the monkeys to exchange it for some fruit. However, you can also ask assistance from the temple priest, monkey ranger or even the locals to help you in getting your belongings from the monkey.
The temple itself is not as fascinating as it is rather small compared to other temples in Bali. However, as it is perched on a cliff makes it have a great view of the horizon. Underneath you can also find a scenic cave filled with rock formations that lead onto the beach. This beach is a popular surf spot.
2. Kecak Dance
What to do in Uluwatu Bali? Watch Kecak Dance. Kecak Dance is one of the most iconic art performances from Bali. It is a dance and theatrical performance which is held in the amphitheater south of Pura Luhur Uluwatu on daily basis. The dance is unique as it uses human vocals instead of the gamelan as an instrument to accompany the performance. The cost for this show is IDR 100,000 and the show starts at 6 P.M. The duration of Kecak Dance is about one and a half hour. You should come to Pura Luhur Uluwatu around 4 P.M. to ensure that you can get yourself a ticket to watch the show.
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3. Garuda Wisnu Kencana
Garuda Wisnu Kencana or better known by its shorthand of GWK is a cultural park. It covers and area of 240 hectares and has many facilities, including an amphitheater, street theater, exhibition hall as well as Lotus Pond.
GWK is an ambitious project for a statue with a height of one hundred forty-six meters and the sixty-four meters wing span of Garuda, making it the largest statue in the world when it finished. The statue was built by Balinese sculptor, Nyoman Nuarta and started in 1997. The statue depicts god Wisnu on his mount, the Garuda, which is a bird-headed creature with wings, but the body of a man. The statue will be visible from the low-lying areas in Bukit Peninsula, even as far as Kuta and Sanur once it is completed. However, so far the parts that have been completed are only Wisnu’s upper torso, Garuda’s head, and Wisnu’s hands. GWK Cultural Park is located at about 260 meters above the sea level with a fantastic view overlooking the island of Bali and the Indian Ocean. Inside you can also enjoy ATV and segway rides as well as many other adventurous activities.
The highest point of GWK is Plaza Wisnu, where the already completed Wisnu’s upper torso is placed. Here you can also find a sacred fountain, Parahyangan Somaka Giri, which is believed to have magical healing powers. The Street Theater is the main commercial area where you can also see the limestone carvings on four walls, depicting the story of Garuda Wisnu Kencana. The Street Theater is the main commercial area where you can also see the limestone carvings on four walls, depicting the story of Garuda Wisnu Kencana. Here you can also see the Barong dance performance every day.
The Lotus Pond is the largest outdoor venue which is lined by quarried limestone blocks. This place is also often used for music concerts as the Garuda head that is placed in the area provided a spectacular background. The daily events in GWK include a Balinese parade which is usually held at 5 P.M. Here in GWK you can also see the Kecak dance performance every day which starts at 6:30 P.M. GWK Cultural Park itself is open from 8 A.M. until 8 P.M. Admittance for domestic tourist is IDR 30,000 for adults and IDR 25,000 for children, while for foreigners the entrance fee is IDR 60,000. The greatest Uluwatu attractions.
4. Suluban Beach
This may not be the beach for sunbathers. The beach is well covered underneath naturally formed limestone cavern. To access the beach you have to go through steps and ramps made of wooden planks that go over narrow gaps in the rock. The beach is small and shaded by the cliff face, but it serves as a base for surfers to paddle out from and meet the surf breaks from the Indian Ocean. This beach is also nicknamed Blue Point Beach and is a very popular spot for surfers who are looking to tame the surf breaks from the Indian Ocean.
Getting here from Kuta area means you have to go through some 50 minutes ride on a car. Parking is at the roadside and will cost you IDR 5,000 for motorbikes and IDR 15,000 for cars. From the roadside to the beach is about 10 minutes walk descent on concrete stairs. After going through some cafes that sell cold Bintangs, light meals, surfboard rentals and art shops you will arrive at the main entrance to the beach, which is a large cavern. The cavern has become a popular campsite. From here you can see the blue sea water and sky through the opening on the cliffs. Inside this cavern, you can also see and explore smaller caves, some of them also lead to different sections of the beach.
The best time to come here is during low tide as there is more space you can explore. The low tide usually also leaves tide pools where you can have a relaxing dip in. If you plan to spend the day here I highly recommend for you to come here during early morning so you can avoid the crowds and can easily take a spot where you and your friends would like to spend a day in. If you do so, I recommend you spend the whole day here as the sunset view from Blue Point Beach is very picturesque. This beach is not recommended for young children as currents are quite strong and hazard can come from waves that crash through cave openings.
5. Green Bowl Beach
The beaches around Uluwatu is amazing and beautiful. Green Bowl Beach is located in the southern part of Bali with a great view of Indian Ocean. Green Bowl Beach is known for the good waves which make it popular for surfers. To reach the beach you will have to descend through several hundreds of stairs, so prepare your physique if you are planning to enjoy the beauty of this beach.
The beach acquired its name from the algae-covered rocks that can be seen at the time of low tide. Green Bowl Beach is a perfect example of Bali’s natural beauty. It is also famous for the bats that reside in the beachside caves. I reckon the best time to come to the beach is from noon until 3 P.M. as this is when the tide is low. If you come early in the morning you will find that the tide is quite high.
6. Nyang Nyang Beach
Another beach that is still very natural and untouched in the region is Nyang Nyang Beach. The long stretch of white sands can be easily reached with a left turn from the entrance sign to Uluwatu temple. The best view to the beach is from Puri Bali Restaurant. To get to the beach you have to descend through some three hundred over steps. I advise you to bring water and snack as there is no sellers are to be found on the beach. It is very tranquil and you will only see some cows and dogs which belong to the villagers.
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[toggle title=”7. Balangan Beach” state=”opened”]
Balangan beach is located in the area of Bukit Peninsula. It is well known for the beautiful views of the sea as well as one of the best sunsets in Bali. The place is rather quiet as there are not many tourists who come to visit. The beach is mostly known only by surfers and nowadays, also a popular pre-wedding photograph site for couples who mostly comes from China. Access to the beach is free. Parking is IDR 5,000.
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[toggle title=”8. Bingin Beach“]
Bingin Beach has a long stretch of white sand and is located between Padang-Padang and Dreamland beach. It is not easily accessible as the cliffs are high. You can reach the beach by heading to Padang-Padang beach from Pecatu village, then follow the sign that directs you to “Bingin Surf”. From there you just have to follow the road down and pay IDR 3,000 to the village attendant until you reach the parking areas at the clifftop. From here there are two steps, the northern and southern steps, both leads down to the beach. Along the descent, you will have to go through grass fields with cows grazing.
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[toggle title=”9. Dreamland“]
This was a very beautiful beach prior to the construction of Pecatu Graha Indah. Development of the residential complex has since ruined the beach. Fortunately, Dreamland still offers great surfing conditions, especially for beginner and intermediate surfers. To get to this beach you have to go through the gate of Pecatu Graha Indah. Passing through the massive statues, you have to follow the road for about two kilometers until you reach Klapa Lounge. The beach is no longer free for access. To reach the beach you now have to pay entrance of IDR 100,000 for Klapa Lounge as you can only access the beach through the lounge.
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[toggle title=”10. Padang-Padang“]
Padang-Padang is a lovely beach with a big surf break. It is located about three kilometers from Pura Luhur Uluwatu. To access the beach you have to go through a series of stairs past the bridge from Pura Luhur Uluwatu which will lead you back to Pecatu Village. At the time of high tide, this white sand beach will become a bit narrow.
This beach is better known as Labuan Sait Beach. The view here is magnificent as you can see clear azure water, white sand, and the waves that are just perfect for surfing. No wonder this beach is one of the beaches that is being targeted by surfers. Aside from surfing you can also simply relax and sunbathe on the beach. Reaching the beach is quite unique as you have to go through a narrow gap on the cliffs that only fit one person and go down the stairs before you reach the coast.
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[toggle title=”11. Melasti Beach“]
Located in Ungasan, this is one of the beaches that has been largely left untouched and unknown to most tourists in southern Bali. Take note and do not be confused as there are two beaches with the same name. Another Melasti Beach is located near Pura Tanah Lot. In Melasti Beach you will be captivated by the beauty of its rock formation and its phenomenal high cliffs.
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[toggle title=”12. Suluban Cave“]
Suluban Cave is located directly under the sea temple of Pura Luhur Uluwatu. This cave is the connecting pathway between Pura Luhur Uluwatu and the beach below. The view inside the cave is mystical and magical. Going through the cave you would feel as if you are in the movie set of The Pirates of the Carribean.
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[toggle title=”13. Ju-Ma-Na at Banyan Tree Ungasan“]
After the day at the beach, you will want to unwind at a relaxing place where you can see waves from the Indian Ocean comes rolling. Come to this sophisticated restaurant that has a North African ambiance. This is a perfect place for you to enjoy fine dining while you watch the beautiful sunset.
The restaurant is perched at seventy meters high cliff with panoramic windows making it able to offer the best view. The food here is a combination of French and Japanese cuisines.
Price for dishes range from USD 30 to USD 50. The place is open from Tuesday to Sunday with the restaurant open from 6:30 P.M. to 10:30 P.M. and the bar is open from 4 P.M. until midnight.
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[toggle title=”14. Single Fin“]
This restaurant and bar are located above the Blue Point Beach. In the day it is generally a great place to relax and enjoy the view of Uluwatu as well as watch the surfers doing their stuff below. There is nothing extraordinary about the menu, but the view of Indian Ocean from this spot is simply fantastic. Single Fin is open every day from 11 A.M. to 11 P.M.
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[toggle title=”15. El Kabron“]
What to do in Uluwatu Bali Indonesia? This is another restaurant and club that sit above a clifftop overlooking the Indian Ocean. Here you will be treated to delightful Spanish cuisine as well as sunbathe on the deck or lounge in the infinity pool. Enjoy the wonderful paella and wash it down with sangria as you enjoy the sunset. Price for food and beverage start from IDR 300,000 per person. El Kabron is open every day of the week except on Nyepi day from 11:30 A.M. to 11:30 P.M.
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[toggle title=”16. Tirtha Wedding Chapel“]
Bali is a popular spot for the weddings as well as couples who are looking to renew their vows. This is an impressive chapel which was designed by Glen Parker. Located atop the cliff of Nyang Nyang Beach. The chapel is in triangular shape made of glass and surrounded by pools.
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[toggle title=”17. New Kuta Golf Course“]
Above the Dreamland Beach, you can see a beautiful golf course that sits above its cliffs. This golf course is beautifully designed and is a championship standard course. The golf course is suitable for novice and poses enough challenge for more advanced players. I really like this golf course as it is very beautifully set up and a morning game of golf on this golf course is very relaxing.
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With so many beautiful beaches, along with the restaurants and clubs to complement the beaches. Uluwatu area is one of the best and most attractive destinations on the Island of Bali. So, what to do in Uluwatu Bali Indonesia? I am sure that reading this article will tempt you to come to Bali already. Start plan your vacation to Bali now and lets hangout in this wonderful place.
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