What to Do in Uluwatu, Bali – A Complete Travel Guide
If you’re looking for a place in Bali where you can truly slow down, recharge, and reconnect with yourself — Uluwatu might be exactly what you need.
Located on the southern tip of Bali, Uluwatu is known for its dramatic limestone cliffs, turquoise ocean views, boutique hotels, world-class surf, and relaxed yet elevated vibe. Compared to areas like Canggu or Seminyak, Uluwatu feels more peaceful, less chaotic, and more intentional.
What kind of travelers visit Uluwatu?
Couples looking for romantic cliffside sunsets
Surfers chasing world-famous waves
Solo travelers needing a reset
Creatives and digital nomads
Wellness lovers seeking boutique stays and slow mornings
The vibe? Think: salty hair, sunset cocktails, linen outfits, live music, boutique shopping, and early mornings by the ocean.
Uluwatu is not about rushing. It’s about resting, recharging, and enjoying the moment.
1. Relax & Stay in a Boutique Hotel
One of the best things you can do in Uluwatu is simply… relax.
The area is filled with stunning boutique hotels and villas that can accommodate different budgets — from luxury cliffside resorts to charming adults-only hideaways.
I personally stayed at PinkCoco Uluwatu
PinkCoco is a fun, adults-only boutique hotel with a playful pink aesthetic and a very relaxed atmosphere. It’s stylish, cozy, and perfect if you want something unique and Instagram-worthy without going overboard on price.
I genuinely enjoyed my stay — the vibe was great, the rooms were comfortable, and the location was super convenient.
👉 Here you can read more about my full experience staying at PinkCoco Uluwatu.
2. Go to the Beach (And Come Early!)
Uluwatu is famous for its beaches — but they’re not the “walk straight from the parking lot onto the sand” type of beaches. Most require walking down steep steps carved into cliffs.
But once you get there? It’s absolutely worth it.
My personal favorite is Padang Padang Beach
It was walking distance from my hotel, which made it even better. Yes, you do have to walk down stairs to reach it — but honestly, that’s part of the charm of Uluwatu beaches.
✨ Tip: If you want to enjoy it to the fullest, go in the morning.
By the afternoon, it gets much more crowded.
This beach is also great for surfing. You can hire a surf instructor right there. I didn’t personally surf, but I saw plenty of people catching waves and having the best time.
Other beaches in Uluwatu worth exploring:
Bingin Beach
Dreamland Beach
Thomas Beach
All of them require a little effort — but that effort makes the experience feel even more special.
3. Eat Incredible Food
This was my second time visiting Uluwatu, and my favorite food spots are still my favorites.
1. A Place With No Name (MY FAVORITE!!!)
This pescatarian restaurant offers an amazing variety of seafood, fish, fruits, vegetables, and some of the most delicious drinks — both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.
Everything feels fresh, creative, and beautifully presented. I loved it both times I visited.
2. Tapas del Mar (Restaurant at PinkCoco)
The restaurant at PinkCoco is called Tapas del Mar. The food was very good — similar quality to A Place With No Name. They often have live music in the evenings, which makes the whole atmosphere even more special.
It’s relaxed, fun, and perfect for a slow dinner after the beach.
3. Papi Sapi
I loved Papi Sapi last year. This year, unfortunately, the dishes I wanted were out of stock — but I still remember how good it was previously.
They have more meat-focused options, so if you don’t eat much meat (like me), the variety may feel slightly limited. However, the seafood I tried there was very good, and the overall vibe is beautiful and stylish.
4. Explore Culture at GWK Cultural Park
Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park
If you want to explore culture and see something truly monumental, visit GWK Park.
It’s home to the massive Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue — one of the tallest statues in the world. The statue represents the Hindu god Vishnu riding the mythical bird Garuda.
The park is about a 15-minute drive from Uluwatu and offers:
Cultural performances
Open-air plazas
Incredible panoramic views
A deeper look into Balinese heritage
It’s impressive, beautiful, and definitely worth visiting at least once.
5. Go Boutique Shopping
The street where I stayed was filled with beautiful boutique stores.
Uluwatu shopping is not about cheap souvenirs — it’s about carefully designed pieces, handmade jewelry, beautiful linen clothing, artistic décor, incense, and meaningful gifts.
I personally love jewelry, and I bought several beautiful pieces last year — and yes, I came back this year and bought more.
You’ll also find:
Unique home décor
Incense and spiritual items
Thoughtful souvenirs that are more meaningful than typical tourist magnets
If you love aesthetic shopping, you will absolutely enjoy wandering around Uluwatu.
6. Treat Yourself to a Spa Day
Another thing you absolutely shouldn’t skip in Uluwatu is getting a spa treatment.
Uluwatu has so many beautiful spa spaces offering massages, body scrubs, facials, and full relaxation packages. The massages are incredible, the body scrubs leave your skin feeling brand new, and the overall experience is deeply relaxing.
The best part?
The prices are very reasonable compared to the U.S. or Europe, and the level of service is truly top-notch. From the moment you walk in, you feel taken care of.
If you’re coming to Uluwatu to recharge and rest, adding a spa day (or two) to your itinerary is definitely something you should consider. It perfectly matches the calm, slow, self-care vibe of this area.
Final Thoughts
Uluwatu is not just a destination. It’s a feeling.
It’s morning light over limestone cliffs.
It’s quiet beaches before the crowds arrive.
It’s sunset dinners with live music.
It’s boutique jewelry you’ll wear for years.
It’s space to breathe.
If you’re looking for a place to rest, recharge, eat amazing food, and enjoy ocean views without the chaos — Uluwatu should absolutely be on your list.
And if you’re like me, you’ll probably come back more than once.
AND before you go, I’ve also included a beautiful aerial drone video I captured during my trip to Uluwatu. Seeing the dramatic cliffs, turquoise ocean, and endless waves from above gives you a completely different perspective of this stunning part of Bali. If you want to truly feel the atmosphere of Uluwatu, make sure to watch the footage and experience it from the sky.