Clifftop temples, a fire dance at sunset, world-class surf and hidden beaches — the best of Bali's Bukit.
By Bali ExplorerUpdated 11 September 20269 min read
Uluwatu, on Bali's southern Bukit Peninsula, is where the island turns dramatic: white limestone cliffs drop into turquoise surf, a temple clings to the cliff edge, and the sunsets are the stuff of postcards. It's Bali's surf and sunset capital — but there's plenty here even if you never touch a board. This guide covers everything worth doing.
Uluwatu in one line: come for the clifftop Uluwatu Temple and its sunset Kecak fire dance, world-class surf, hidden beaches like Padang Padang and Melasti, and the cliff bars and beach clubs at sundown. Two to three days covers it.
Pura Luhur Uluwatu is one of Bali's most important sea temples, perched on a cliff 70 metres above the ocean. Go late afternoon: wander the cliff paths for the views (keep a grip on your belongings — the resident monkeys are notorious thieves), then stay for the Kecak fire dance at sunset, performed in an open amphitheatre with the sea and setting sun behind. It's the single most atmospheric thing to do in Uluwatu — book or arrive early, as it sells out.
Uluwatu Temple sits on the cliff edge; the Kecak dance runs at sunset. Photo via Wikimedia Commons (CC).
Surfing
Uluwatu is a world-class surf destination — but the breaks are mostly reef and best for intermediate to advanced surfers. The famous ones:
Uluwatu — the iconic left-hander, reached through a cave under the cliff.
Padang Padang — a heavy, hollow barrel (expert-only when big).
Bingin & Impossibles — punchy reef breaks below the cliffs.
Dreamland & Balangan — more forgiving on smaller days.
Beginners are better off learning on the beach breaks up in Canggu or Kuta first; see our surfing in Bali guide for where to start.
The best beaches
The Bukit hides some of Bali's most beautiful beaches, most reached down steep cliff stairs:
Padang Padang
Small · famous from "Eat Pray Love"
A pretty cove reached through a rock crevice — gorgeous but small and busy; go early.
Melasti
Wide & white · easy access
A long white-sand beach with turquoise water and a paved road down — the easiest to reach and great for a swim.
Bingin & Suluban (Blue Point)
Cliff-backed · surf & sunset
Dramatic cliff-backed beaches with warungs built into the rock — as much about the scene as the sand.
Nyang Nyang & Green Bowl
Remote · a hike down
Quieter, wilder beaches for those willing to walk down (and back up) hundreds of steps.
Cliff bars & beach clubs
Sunset is an event in Uluwatu. Options run from laid-back to glamorous:
Single Fin (Suluban) — the legendary cliff bar; Sunday sunsets are a party.
Beach clubs like Sundays, Savaya and Ulu Cliffhouse — infinity pools over the ocean, DJs and cocktails.
Warungs on the cliffs — cheaper, mellow sundowners with the same view.
The Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park is home to one of the world's tallest statues (Vishnu on the Garuda), with cultural performances, viewpoints and gardens. It's a good rain-proof, kid-friendly half-day, especially if you enjoy Balinese dance and the sheer scale of the monument.
More to do
Snorkelling & boat trips from the calmer bays on flat days.
Spa & yoga — the Bukit has excellent clifftop spas and studios.
Sunset seafood at Jimbaran Bay — grilled seafood on the sand, just north.
Getting there & around
Uluwatu is on the Bukit Peninsula, about 30–45 minutes from the airport but longer from Seminyak/Canggu in traffic. There's no public transport, and the area is spread out along clifftop roads, so:
Get around with a scooter (if confident) or Grab/Gojek, though rides can be scarce and pricier out here — a private driver is easiest for temple + beaches in a day.
Beaches mean steep stairs — wear proper footwear and bring water.
Time your temple visit for late afternoon to roll straight into the Kecak dance and sunset.
Frequently asked questions
What is Uluwatu known for?
Its dramatic limestone cliffs, the clifftop Uluwatu Temple and its sunset Kecak fire dance, world-class surf breaks, and a string of hidden beaches and clifftop bars and beach clubs.
Is Uluwatu good for non-surfers?
Yes — even if you don't surf, there's the temple and Kecak dance, beaches like Padang Padang and Melasti, cliff bars and beach clubs for sunset, and the GWK Cultural Park.
How many days do you need in Uluwatu?
Two to three days covers the temple and Kecak dance, a couple of beaches, a cliff-bar sunset, and — if you surf — a few sessions. It pairs well with the rest of the south.
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