Top 10 Things to Do in Uluwatu
There’s a great variety of world-class activities and venues to explore around the local area when you’re staying with us here at the surf camp. Here’s our hand-picked list of the 10 top things to do in Uluwatu.
1) TRADITIONAL BALINESE CEREMONY
The cultural highlight of any visit to the Island of the Gods is attending a ceremony.
It is hard to emphasize how important the ceremony is to Balinese people and their way of life. The rituals, colors, ornaments, and processions are truly bewitching to tourists and incredibly important to all Balinese.
Some ceremonies are actually very sacred, where no visitors are allowed to witness the procession, but mostly they are a great spectacle that all are welcome to view. The beach ceremony at Padang Padang Beach is not to be missed. There is a great procession from ‘the village’ at Pecatu and everyone congregates at the ceremony on the beach.
Tourists are very much welcome to view and take photographs.
It is possible to attend some ceremonies as a participant, but it is an absolute requirement that you wear the correct traditional attire. Dressing correctly will allow you to experience the ceremony in its full context as most elements of the clothes have a spiritual meaning and purpose.
It might feel unusual to wear a batik headdress and sarong, but this will allow you to blend in, and it is very much expected.
2) ULUWATU TEMPLE
Uluwatu temple is known as the mother temple. It is the second most important temple in Bali and one of the 6 key temples which are the spiritual pillars of the Island.
This Hindu shrine is strategically located on top of a 70-metre-high vertical cliff and gives majestic views of the breaking waves below, the whole south coast of Bali, and the east coast of Java. It is an unforgettable experience to visit the legendary temple and enjoy the spectacular views.
Early morning is a good time to visit the temple, but our recommendation is to visit at 5 pm and buy tickets to see the most spectacular live show in Asia.
3) KECAK FIRE DANCE
Every evening at 6 pm there is a Kecak (Monkey) fire dance at the temple which is Bali’s equivalent of a Broadway theatre show. The dance narrates the story of Asia’s most famous epic story – Ramayana.
In Bali, the Ramayana story has become part of the religious and cultural life. Rama and Sita enter the stage to perform beautiful and poignant dance routines depicting the love between them. An evil giant kidnaps Princess Sita. A demi-god helps Rama to rescue Sita but is badly injured.
An incarnation of Shiva as a white Monkey King is captured by the evil giant, and he tries to burn him alive. With magical supernatural powers, the Monkey King releases himself and rises from the blaze, at the same time as the sun is setting.
The cast of actors and chorus is around 50 strong and it is not to be missed.
4) SURFING
Uluwatu is world famous for surfing and set the surfing world alive in the 1970s when it was ‘discovered’ by some Aussie surfers who saw the waves breaking while on a plane coming in to land at Bali Airport.
The reef at Suluban Beach (popularly known as Uluwatu) is perfectly sculpted to complement the swell coming from the Indian Ocean to give long peeling rides and even some tube sections. The conditions are not normally suitable for beginners, as usually, the waves are too big, and there is a strong current. Small swells are perfect for intermediate surfers and medium swells are what draws advanced surfers from all over the world.
Just around the corner from Suluban Beach is the more sheltered surf spot of Padang Padang which is an excellent beginner & intermediate surf spot.
The waves are usually half the size of Uluwatu and break more mellow. If you want to surf either Uluwatu or Padang Padang and are not already an expert surfer, we recommend you go with a local professional operator such as Padang Padang Surf Camp which offer surf lessons for novices, and surf guiding for advanced surfers from our surf camp in Uluwatu.
5) YOGA
Uluwatu is also famous for Yoga. If you are the type of person who is not in a rush and wants to experience the real Bali then we highly recommend a week at Uluwatu Surf & Yoga Retreats where you can immerse yourself in the daily Yoga, Wellness, Fitness, Surfing, and Meditation classes.
6) LIVE MUSIC AT CASHEW TREE
The highlight social event of the week is live music every Thursday at Cashew Tree in Bingin.
Every week there is a different live music band that is invariably excellent. Local DJ’s are the warm-up act. Great food and a great atmosphere are guaranteed. Frozen margaritas are reliably refreshing.
7) PARTY AT SAVAYA
Savaya is the party capital of Bali and is located 100 meters above the Indian Ocean on a limestone cliff. Famous international DJs regularly fly in and play the headline set.
Great place to watch the sunset and party until late. Bring plenty of money with you and dress to impress.
8) WITNESS SOME BIG WAVE SURFING
Between May and September, it is not unusual for the swell to be Hawaiian size with 30-foot waves breaking at Suluban beach which is the Indian Ocean’s premier big wave spot.
The Edge is strategically located to see all of the action while drinking a cold Bintang. The owner & host, local legend Made Lana, will often be seen out there riding the biggest and best waves.
It would not be an exaggeration to say Made is both the friendliest guy in Bali and the best big wave surfer in Indonesia.
9) SUNDAY SESSION AT SINGLE FIN
Sunday night is when all the party people from all over the island meet at Single Fin to dance the night away.
It is an excellent spot to watch the surfing and sunset and best to come early if you want a table. The food is surprisingly good and the view is to die for.
10) INDULGE YOURSELF AT THE ISTANA
For a bit of luxury and a unique experience, head over to The Istana.
Hot and cold plunge pools, infrared sauna, dry heat sauna, cryotherapy, flotation tanks, and Spa treatments.
This place has everything and more. The highlight is the sound dome sauna, which resonates and vibrates as people chant or sing. It is a place for meditation, sound healing, and fun.