For the ultimate sun, sea and sand vibes, Uluwatu is where to go. The Bukit is home to the most stunning white sand beaches, picture perfect palm trees and lots of fun things to do!
If you aren’t sure what to do during your time in the area, this Uluwatu itinerary will give you the chance to hit all the good spots in just a few days.
Try out the waves, soak on the sand and fill your belly with delicious meals. Here is everything you should do in Uluwatu!
5 Day Uluwatu Itinerary
When people think of Ulu, they think of beaches, surfing and perhaps the famous Uluwatu Temple.
In between the obvious activities, there is a lot more going for the cliff side town, check this out!
Day 1 in Uluwatu
Join in a yoga class at Morning Light Yoga Studio
Morning Light Yoga
Let’s kick off your Uluwatu itinerary with a calm, peaceful vibe – let’s try out some yoga.
Uluwatu has a laid-back yoga scene with some seriously beautiful places to practice. The yoga studios serve up a serious helping of zen with stunning backdrops.
One of the best yoga spots in Uluwatu is Morning Light Yoga Studio. They have daily classes starting from 7:30am, the perfect way to ease yourself into a tropical day.
No need to book: just turn up, roll out a mat, and salute the sun. Namaste.
Have a Beach Day at Nyang Nyang Beach
On your first day in Uluwatu, it makes perfect sense to head to one of the most amazing beaches.
Nyang Nyang Beach is a good first stop. It’s possibly the best slice of sun, sea and sand. When you arrive, you’ll be greeted by 2km of white sand lapped by glistening water – a dream come true.
For a completely different vibe, there’s Pantai Cemongkak. This hidden cove feels far from the crowds in the centre of town. As it’s that much more remote, there aren’t as many facilities close by, so come prepared with snacks and something to drink.
Another of the most popular beaches in Uluwatu is Padang Padang. It can get pretty busy, especially around the sunset hours. Lined with warungs and water activities, its a great beach for something a bit more lively.
Watch a Magical Kecak Dance at Uluwatu Temple
Uluwatu Temple is a huge tourist draw but also an incredible insight into Balinese culture. The clifftop temple is one of Bali’s most famous places to watch a traditional Balinese kecak dance.
They take place every day at 6pm, with the temple as a stunning backdrop overlooking the sea. Accompanying vibrant, enticing drum beats, a team of performers dance around flames. It is a magical, outstanding performance that’ll have goosebumps rising on your neck.
The temple itself is a super picturesque spot, though it can get really busy with tourists (particularly at sunset). Oh, and watch out for the monkeys – they can be pretty lively and if they see snacks, or sunglasses or anything loose on your person, they will grab it!
Day 2 in Uluwatu
Enjoy a Spot of Brunch at Suka Espresso
Suka Espresso - Uluwatu
For a late breakfast or tasty brunch in Uluwatu, Suka Espresso is the place to go.
The cafe draws in crowds from all over the Bukit thanks to its top quality meals and amazing coffee. You can tuck into healthy, delicious plates at reasonable prices, and get a couple of emails done before heading out to explore.
It is almost always filled with a crowd. The atmosphere is chilled and welcoming, with a laid-back soundtrack and friendly staff. Make sure to turn up early – or be prepared to queue.
Catch a Wave at Padang Padang
What’s an Uluwatu itinerary without surfing?
Since Uluwatu was discovered as a surf destination in 1972, it has become a legendary surf spot with surfing pilgrims coming from all over the world to test its waves.
If you have some surf experience you can in for a treat! While those who can’t even stand up on a board, can try out surfing lessons that will show you the ropes. There’s also lessons for intermediate surfers who want to brush up on their skills too.
Hang Out at Sundays Beach Club
Sundays Beach Club
It’s time, guys. You deserve some tropical relaxation.
Next up on our Uluwatu itinerary we are gonna live it up at a beach club. You are gonna be pretty spoiled for choice, but Sundays Beach Club is the winner this time.
Tucked away from the crowds on a stretch of white sand, it’s the ideal spot to sit back, unwind and enjoy natural beauty while basking in a little bit of luxury.
There is a selection of beachfront cabanas and bungalows where you can order up rounds of delicious plates and fruity cocktails.
As the night draws in watch a magical sunset and cuddle up beside the fire pit. Sundays Beach Club is a beautiful paradise.
Day 3 in Uluwatu
Start the Day with a Hike to Melasti Beach
With a whole host of cliff sides, there are plenty of hiking opportunities to add to your Uluwatu itinerary.
You can hit the trail and walk amongst the beautiful island nature, ending up at waterfalls, beaches, or amazing viewpoints.
The earlier you start, the more heat you’ll be able to beat, while making the most of your day.
The trail to Melasti Beach is around 7km and takes about 4 hours to complete. The views and swim at the end make it worthwhile.
If that’s a bit too ambitious for you, you try the hike to Suluban Beach. It is up to 5km of cliffside trekking to the beach (there’s even caves to cool off along the way). For something even easier, try out the steps heading down to Bingin Beach. It’s only a kilometre long and will get you sweating, but the pay off at the end makes it a magnificent activity.
Eat Local at Bakso Solo Baru
Sure, there’s a whole host of hip, polished eateries and cafes across Uluwatu, but to get a real taste of local life, head to a local warung.
These traditional streetside eateries are usually family-run and serve up Indonesian staple dishes for very affordable prices. The rule of thumb is to go to the places that are busy with locals – that’s when you know its good.
Bakso is one of those Indonesian foods you need to try at least once. Bakso Solo Baru in Uluwatu is a great place to try it out. It’s cheap, it’s easy, and most importantly it’s delicious.
Dance the Night Away at Hatch
Hatch
Along with the thriving surfer scene comes an impressive nightlife in Uluwatu.
For cocktails and good times, Hatch is a local fave. Set among lush greenery with a hippy tropical vibe, the atmosphere is on another level.
When the party starts, you are in for a good time with top DJs, a menu of delicious drinks and snacks, and a cool crowd. If you don’t miss just one step on this Uluwatu itinerary, make sure its this one!
Day 4 in Uluwatu
Join a Bike Tour
For day 4 in Ulu we are going to start off early to avoid the afternoon heat. A fun, e-Bike ride around the town will give you a chance to explore bits you haven’t yet reached as well as get some local insight from the friendly guide.
Perfect for those who love an adventure, you can bike with ease along the clifftops, basking in the magnificent views and venturing Uluwatu Temple, Dreamland Beach and New Kuta Golf Course.
This is a great activity to do with kids to keep them energised!
Soak Up the Views at Karang Boma
Uluwatu, and much of the Bukit Peninsula, is all about clifftop viewpoints.
One option, and I think the best for the views (not to mention lack of crowds), is Karang Boma Cliff. You’ll find it between Uluwatu Temple and Nyang Nyang Beach.
There’s also the Balangan Viewpoint, which overlooks Balangan Beach. And of course, Uluwatu Temple. If you’ve been following this Uluwatu itinerary you would have already been there! 😉
Treat yourself to dinner at M. MASON
Mason Uluwatu
You deserve a good fancy pants dinner while staying in Uluwatu. Treat yourself to something special, you deserve it!
For real, M. MASON might just be some of the best food I’ve ever had in Bali. Plus, there’s great service and a sophisticated ambience on top of that. I would recommend it to anyone, foodie or not, who’s looking for a special dinner spot in Uluwatu.
Tabu is another amazing place for food. The flavours are awesome and there’s lots of sharing plates (come with friends)! Make sure you enjoy that cocktail menu! For Spanish food, make a beeline for El Kabron – it’s dreamy and, though expensive, super worth it!
Day 5 in Uluwatu
Work up a sweat at Bambu Fitness
Bambu Fitness
Fitness? You may not think that gyms or treadmills or anything like that has any place on an Uluwatu itinerary, but think again. Bali is a health-conscious haven with plenty of spaces for fitness fanatics.
Bambu Fitness is Uluwatu’s go-to gym, and one of my favourite fitness spots on the island. The open-air, Tulum inspired gym is not only practical, but a beautiful space to work out.
With an onsite cafe, you can fuel up after your workout to reenergise.
Bask in Balinese Culture at Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park
Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park (GWK) is the place to go if you need an antidote to all that eating and drinking.
Set across 240 hectares, the cultural park is centred around a towering 150-metre tall statue of the god Vishnu. It’s an impressive sight!
The lotus pond area is another cool part to explore, along with different cultural shows and performances.
If it’s all too much to do by yourself, book yourself onto a tour. Tours of GWK Cultural Park often include other sights, plus you’ll get a guide who can give you more insight into the places you visit.
Head to Blue Point for Drinks
To round up this Uluwatu itinerary, it’s time for some chill time.
You can enjoy a leisurely lunch and afternoon hanging out at the iconic Blue Point. This area is home to beach bars and plenty of tourists, but it’s also the perfect place to drink a cold beer and watch the world go by. You can see surfers riding the waves, people sunning themselves on the beach, and admire the stunning views out across the sea.
If you end up hanging around here for longer than you expected, then you should know that it’s also a good spot for sunset!
Where to Stay in Uluwatu
Final Thoughts
There’s more than enough in this Uluwatu itinerary to keep you busy for days – probably even more than 5 days if you want to take it easy. But then again, if you’ve only got a long weekend here, you can choose activities above to tailor-make your own itinerary.
Take advantage of everything Uluwatu has to offer during your stay.
Featured image: Sundays Beach Club
