Uluwatu must be on your list especially if you’re into jaw-dropping sunsets, hidden white sand beaches, water sports, and mouth-watering food. Given that it’s less commercial than Seminyak, Kuta, and Ubud, you can peacefully discover Uluwatu without worrying about getting stuck in traffic or coming across large crowds.

We spent 4 days exploring Uluwatu and put together a list of our favourite things that you must do in Uluwatu.

1. Watch The Sunset On Bingin Beach

Sunsets at Bingin Beach, Bali

Located on the southwest side of Bali, Uluwatu witnesses some of the most spectacular sunsets in all of Bali! Soak in the different strokes of colour in the sky as you sit down to dine in one of the pop-up restaurants on this beach. Out of all the beaches in Uluwatu, we found Bingin Beach to have the best view of the sunset.

Looking for a good place to stay near Bingin Beach?

Here are a few recommendations:

Villa Melali

We stayed at Villa Melali, and absolutely loved it! You can read more about our stay at Villa Melali here.

Mu Bungalows

A beautiful resort situated close to Bingin beach. Facilities on the property include a spa.

Anantara Uluwatu Bali Resort

If you are looking for a luxurious 5-star hotel to stay in Uluwatu then Anantara is your best bet. We had friends who stayed here and raved about the property.

2. Take Surfing Lessons

Neha enjoying her surf lessons at Bingin Beach

Uluwatu is known as a surfers’ paradise thanks to its amazing waves. So why not access your adventurous side and take a surfing lesson?

Even though you won’t become a pro surfer in a couple of days, it’s one of the most fun water sports to experience especially if you enjoy being in the sea. And who knows maybe you pick up a new hobby?!

We recommend TnT Surf School on Bingin Beach. The team of surfers will be happy to give you surf lessons on Bingin Beach itself. And the best part is that their fee doesn’t burn a hole in your wallet.

3. Hike To A Secret Beach

Picture perfect Nyang Nyang & Nunggalan Beach, Bali

The southern shoreline of Bukit Peninsula has some of the most pristine and untapped beaches in Bali. We hiked to Nyang Nyang Beach and spent our morning there among only eight other people.

Nyang Nyang and its neighbouring beach (Nunggalan) stretch across 3 km. They are absolutely secluded mostly because it takes a little bit of effort to get them. If you think you can hike to these beaches, we guarantee that they will be the most beautiful beaches that you’ll ever see!

You can read all about Nyang Nyang and Nunggalan Beach in this post.

4. Stay In A Bubble Hotel

Aerial view of Nyang Nyang & Nunggalan Beach, Bali. Can you see the Bubble Hotel?

Imagine spending a night under the stars, inside a transparent bubble, while listening to the sound of the waves crashing on the shore. An inflatable bubble…that’s right!

There is a Bubble Hotel on Nyang Nyang – Nungunan Beach where rooms are transparent pods. Here you can spend the night with nothing around you besides nature.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that must not be missed and is definitely one of the most romantic things to do in Uluwatu.

5. Visit the Uluwatu Temple & Watch The Kecak Fire Dance

The Kecak fire and dance at the Uluwatu Temple, Bali

Located on high cliffs with stunning views of Uluwatu beach, the Uluwatu Temple really seems like a gateway to heaven.

Every evening the temple hosts the Kecak Fire Dance – a depiction of The Ramayana, one of the oldest and most famous tales in Hindu mythology. The show starts at 6 PM and concludes shortly after sunset. We recommend getting to the arena early (say 5 PM) to get the best seats. You can then watch the fire dance with a stunning backdrop of the sunset.

Tickets for the show (for walk-ins) range between IDR 70,000 and 100,000 depending on the season. However, we booked a local guide who helped us with the show tickets and transport. It’s worth noting that the show is extremely popular, and parking at the temple can be difficult. So, I would definitely advise booking the tickets, and guide in advance.

6. Spend A Day Relaxing At Mu Bungalows

Looking straight down on Bingin Beach, Bali

If the idea of spending a relaxing day by an infinity pool, overlooking the ocean sounds exciting, then Mu Bungalows should totally be up your alley.

Even though Mu Bungalows is a resort, guests are allowed to experience a day here for a small price. The entry ticket gets you access to their pool (with 2 towels included), your own cabana, and the spa. As Mu is located close to Bingin Beach, this is another great place to catch the sunset.

7. Eat Amazing Food

The burger at Bukit Cafe, Bingin

Uluwatu had numerous restaurants and cafes offering different cuisines. You can eat fresh BBQ seafood at Juniarti’s on Bingin Beach, or a pizza covered in dollops of burrata cheese at La Baracca, or get a healthy meal bowl at Cashew Tree. There are a lot of warungs (shacks) that serve amazing Indonesian food. Our favourite was Warung Ari on Thomas Beach.

You can read more about the best restaurants that we discovered in Uluwatu here.

8. Visit the Cave At Uluwatu

A surfer emerges from the sea at Uluwatu Beach

Hidden below the cliffs of Uluwatu is a magnificent cave that paves the way for surfers. From here you can witness surfers emerge into and return from the sea! But that’s not all. There’s also a beach tucked away. Suluban Beach is hidden from plain sight, behind the cave’s wall on the left. There’s a narrow passageway that brings you to this beautiful beach with shipwrecks.

Aerial view of Suluban Beach

To get to the cave, take the stairs from the Uluwatu Beach parking lot all the down till you see the semi-open cave. This spot is highly photographed, and very popular among Instagrammers.

Once you’re done checking out the beach and surfers, go enjoy a drink/coffee/meal at Delpi Cafe, or Single Fins.

If you enjoyed this post, don’t forget to share it! And finally, make sure you check out my travel photos and aerial photos of Bali.