If you’re planning a trip to Bali and wondering whether Uluwatu deserves a spot on your itinerary, let me assure you – it absolutely does! Whether you’re staying in the Uluwatu area or simply looking to venture out for a day trip, this guide will help you make the most of your time in this incredible corner of Bali.

Beyond the beach clubs, famous DJs, and Australian cafes (which don’t get me wrong, is still an experience in itself), is a raw, rugged, beautiful island with hidden white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, jagged cliffs, lush rainforests, roaring waterfalls, active volcanos, and sprawling rice terraces. Every corner is adorned with the most intricate Buddhist temples. The Balinese culture is beautiful and peaceful. It’s no wonder millions of people visit each year. There is so much to see and do across Bali, but this guide focuses on how to spend a day in Uluwatu.

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Getting Around Bali

First off, there are many ways to travel around Bali. Thankfully, it is easy to travel around the island on your own with a motorbike rental, a Grab/Gojek, or a private driver.

How to get from Bali Airport to Your Hotel

If I am not renting a car, I always recommend booking a taxi ahead of time through Booking.com. I swear this is my best-kept secret for airport pickups/transfers. Booking.com has a network of local taxis and the prices are basically the same as if you were to hail your own taxi locally. You prebook your ride, you don’t get ripped off and you are picked up by your driver with a sign at the airport. This travel hack has saved me so much time and headache. My least favorite thing used to be trying to figure out the fastest, cheapest way to get from the airport to my hotel/villa, while not getting scammed!! I know we’ve probably all been there.

Grab/Gojek

Grab or Gojek (like Uber) are cheap ride share options and drivers are very accessible. First, make sure you download the app(s) and set up your credit card before you arrive to make it simpler when you get there. The app will default to cash, so ensure you change your settings to default to card unless you have enough cash. I personally would prefer not to deal with cash if I don’t have to. Wherever you are coming from or going to on the island, finding transportation isn’t an issue. Traffic is another story though! Ideally, plan for a lot of traffic no matter where you are going and no matter what time of day. It’s always hectic.

Motorbike or Scooter

Motorbikes/scooters cost about 80000 IDR to 150000 IDR ($5-$10 USD) per day. While driving a motorbike is fun and makes it much easier to dodge traffic, it can be a little scary with the narrow, unmaintained roads, and the crazy drivers! In Bali, they also drive on the left side (being from the US this is not something we are used to!). There are hundreds of motorbikes zipping around cars and no one seems to stop for pedestrians. Additionally, it can randomly start downpouring in Bali. Just be prepared and make sure you’re comfortable with renting a motorbike.

Private Driver

Another common way to get around Bali, either for one or multiple days, is to hire a private driver. This is what we did and it was so convenient. Private drivers are a common job for locals. You can typically hire a driver in Bali for 470000 IDR to 1500000 IDR ($30-$100 USD) per day with a maximum of 12 hours. Or 300000 IDR to 1400000 IDR ($20-$90 USD) per half-day (6 hours).

Drivers can customize a tour for you based on whatever you want to see or do for the day. Having a good driver is a bonus because they often can provide information about the local culture, or know the best time to visit certain places. They also typically know off-the-beaten-path spots with fewer tourists. Generally, they will drop you off and wait for you wherever you are and you can safely leave your belongings in the car while you visit different places.

Book a private driver:

• Experts Bali Private Driver | Best Bali Driver For Your Holiday In Bali
• Bali Private driver – Recommended Bali driver for your holiday

Visit the Best Beaches in Uluwatu

Uluwatu is a trendy surf haven, with lots of beautiful beaches, low-key cafes, shopping, and top dining. Additionally, it has some of the most beautiful beaches in Bali, many of which are tricky to access. The one thing no one tells you before you go to Bali is how many stairs you must climb to get anywhere!! I suppose all the amazing cliffside views and pristine white sandy beaches come at a price!

It’s no secret people come from all over the world to visit Bali’s incredible beaches. If you are wondering how to spend a day in Uluwatu, Bali, this is my number one recommendation! Here is a roundup from a locals perspective on the best beaches to visit while in Uluwatu. 

Tip: If you prefer no crowds and having the beach to yourself, I suggest trying to arrive by 10am or earlier. Additionally, the beaches on the East side also seemed to be a little less crowded because they are further from the main Uluwatu area. 

Suluban Beach

This beach is down a steep set of stairs that takes you to a small rocky cove where the waves crash into the small beach. It’s a beautiful view. The beach is completely shaded by the cave, but there isn’t much room, especially when it’s busy. 

Bingin Beach

Another beach, another set of steep stairs! This beach has stunning turquoise water and is popular with surfers. There are also monkeys hanging around so watch your stuff closely! There are small stands for water, umbrellas, etc. After the beach head back up to the main street and grab a bite to eat at one of the many cafes on Labuansait Street.

Gunung Payung Beach

This beach is my favorite! This hidden beach is through a cave and down steep stairs. The water is super clear and when the tide is low you can walk around the cliffs to more secluded areas. We got there before 10AM and we pretty much had the entire beach to ourselves. I highly recommend going early!

Thomas Beach

Follow about 200 steps down to his beautiful stretch of beach. The beach has soft fine white sand and turquoise crystal clear water. There are some little beach shacks where you can purchase a drink or rent an umbrella.

Other Uluwatu Beaches:

• Balangan Beach
• Nyang Nyang Beach
• Pantai Nunggalen
• Green Bowl Beach

Go Shopping in Uluwatu

Bali is a great place to shop for clothes and accessories. Whether it’s lingerie, a cute linen dress, or a new bikini, there are many trendy spots to choose from! Many Australian & US expats, and locals have opened clothing and home goods shops all over the island. Uluwatu has a couple of main streets where you can find good shopping. Shopping is a great way to spend a few hours in Uluwatu, Bali.

These two streets have a lot of shopping and dining options in Uluwatu:

• Pantai Padang-Padang 
• Labuansait

Boutiques to check out:

• By The Sea Uluwatu
• Gooseberry Intimates Boutique | Uluwatu
• The Find Bali
• Lost In Paradise Uluwatu

Enjoy a Delicious Brunch

Bali has a big brunch/cafe culture, especially because of the Australian expat’s influence. There are so many trendy cafes throughout the island, especially in Uluwatu. They are great places to grab coffee or breakfast, or do some work! Here are some of my favorites:

• Suka Espresso: vibrant cafe with global brunch fare – it’s always busy day and night!
• Gooseberry: hidden gem above Bingin Beach in a beautiful space. It also has a cute swimsuit and lingerie shop.
• The Loft: cozy spot with a delicious, vibrant and healthy menu
• Chela: relaxing space with delicious, healthy food and coffee

Dine at a Trendy Restaurant

Uluwatu has some excellent restaurants outside of brunch. Here are my recommendations on the top spots to dine: 

• Ours: rustic yet sophisticated spot with a combination of European and Mediterranean flavors
• Bartolo: authentic Italian trattoria
• The Place With No Name: trendy, healthy spot for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Perfect low key spot for after the beach!
• Shaka Riki: Japanese restaurant
• Warung Local: traditional Indonesian flavors with more of a western spin
• Suka Espresso: hip cafe with global brunch fare
• Gooseberry: farm-to-table dining in a beautiful space
• La Baracca: cozy spot for wood-fired pizzas
• CAMDEN: trendy gastropub with international flair. You can take a dip in their pool after eating!
• YUKI: elegant sushi and Japanese cuisine
• M. Mason Bar: craft cocktails and small plates
• Single Fin Bali: beachfront bar and grill with live music (great for sunset)
• Ulu Cliffhouse: cliffside dining with panoramic views (great for sunset)

Check Out a Day Club

In addition to its stunning beaches, delicious food, and vibrant culture, Uluwatu offers great day and nightlife, featuring world-renowned parties and top-notch DJs. No visit to Bali is complete without experiencing at least one of the island’s renowned day clubs. It’s a great way to spend a day in Uluwatu, Bali. Immerse yourself in the ultimate beachside party atmosphere, where you can sip on refreshing cocktails and indulge in delicious food while soaking up the sun. Here are some must-visit day clubs in Uluwatu:

• Roosterfish Beach Club: A laid-back beach club with a relaxed ambiance, chilled music, and breathtaking ocean views.
• Sundays Beach Club: Nestled in a secluded cove, Sundays Beach Club offers a tranquil escape with crystal-clear waters and pristine white sands. Enjoy a day of beachfront luxury with gourmet food, signature cocktails, and water sports activities.
• Pamilla Beach Club Bali: Experience luxury and sophistication at Pamilla Beach Club Bali, where stylish design meets breathtaking ocean panoramas. Indulge in gourmet dining, creative cocktails, and exclusive poolside cabanas.
• Oneeighty Dayclub: Perched atop a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean, Oneeighty Dayclub boasts a dramatic infinity pool with glass-bottom floors (which I am sure you’ve seen on Instagram at some point!) providing mesmerizing views of the ocean below. Chill out in style with craft cocktails, live music, and unparalleled sunset vistas.

Watch the Sunset

You can get an incredible view of the sunset at Uluwatu Temple and I highly recommend doing this to end your day in Uluwatu!

Uluwatu Temple: Perched on the edge of a steep cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean, Uluwatu Temple is a majestic sea temple in Bali renowned for its breathtaking sunset vistas and traditional Kecak dance performances. It’s a popular place to watch the sunset so arrive early to find parking!

Tip: Be VERY careful of the monkeys as they can and will steal your phone, sunglasses, shoes and anything else they can get their hands on. You have to be vigilant about your belongings and stay away from them. There are local guards that can help get your stuff back if that happens, but it might be too late after they rip whatever it is apart that they stole!

Best Resorts in Uluwatu

There are many incredible resorts in Bali, but here are some of my recommendations for the best luxury accommodations in the Ulutwau / southern part of the island, if you are interested in staying for more than one day.

Additionally, you can check out some amazing Uluwatu/Bali villa options through VRBO. There are so many incredible villas in Bali that have private chefs, housekeeping, etc and they often have much better prices and are set back away from the crowded areas.

Tip: If you’re interested in booking a hotel or resort in Bali with complimetnary perks like breakfast, upgrades and more, book through me directly! I am a certified Fora Advisor and can book your stay at no extra cost.

• Anantara Uluwatu Bali Resort
• Six Senses Uluwatu
• Jellyfish Villas Bingin Beach
• The Asa Maia – Adults Only Resort
• The Ritz-Carlton Bali
• Dreamsea Surf Camp Uluwatu

I hope this article helps guide you on how to spend an amazing day in Uluwatu, Bali! Discover all of my Asia travel guides – Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, and Laos.

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