Located in the Southern tip of Bali, Uluwatu boasts a unique blend of culture, natural beauty and adventures. It is still a hidden gem that is waiting to be discovered.

My partner Khaled and I loved our time here and thought it was the perfect place to end our 2-week trip around Bali. Unfortunately, we only had 2 full days after here after spending a few days in Nuda Penida, but we could have easily spent much longer. This article will go through the top things to do in Uluwatu if you only have 2 days here. As always, we try to balance relaxation, exploration and adventure.

Where we stayed – Gravity Eco Boutique Hotel

We stayed at a beautiful four-star high-end boutique hotel called ‘Gravity Eco Boutique Hotel’. When we first got here, the hotel’s entrance was meagre and rather hidden. We actually drove right past it as the name is barely visible on the small sign under the thatch roof and the front entrance is nestled between scooters and bicycles. In a way though, I loved this about the resort – it lowers your expectations until you walk through and then it takes your breath away. It definitely gave me Santorini-vibes with its while walls and thatched roof villas. We didn’t actually have time but we would love to have swum in the infinity pool.

How we got around

As always, the best way to get around Uluwatu is by renting a scooter or taxi. We opted for scooter as it only cost £3-4 a day. We booked it through the hotel and got it delivered to the front door – which is ideal!

The Itinerary – Summary

• Day 1 | The Edge and Uluwatu Temple

Stop #1) Rent a scooter for 2 days and go the Edge swimming pool day pass
Stop #2) Watch sunset at Karang Boma Cliff
Stop #3) Dinner at Ours restaurant
Stop #4) Party at Single Fin

• Day 2 | Beach Crawl and Savaya Day Club

Stop #1) Explore beaches in this order – Dreamland Beach, Bingin Beach, dream sea beach, Padang Padang Beach (best for surfing as a beginner).
Stop #2) party at Savaya Day Club
Stop #3) watch Kecak ‘Fire’ dance show at Uluwatu Temple.
Stop #4) Have a drink at Ulu Cliffhouse

Day 1

As we were arriving from Nusa Penida, we arrived at Sanur Port first thing in the morning, picked up our suitcases and then pre-arranged for our driver to pick us up from the port to take us to the hotel. As soon as we checked in to our hotel and picked up our scooter, we were on our way to the first stop – The Edge.

Stop 1: Relax at the Oneeighty at The Edge Bali

Towering over the edge of the Indian Ocean on a cliff, my Architect husband was keen to see the beautifully designed pools and hotel. This place is insta-famous for its breath-taking glass-bottom infinity pool that extends over the cliff – the glass is the only thing separating you from the ocean 150 metres below.

Our budget didn’t allow us to stay at The Edge but there is an opportunity to visit the hotel’s day club called OneEighty. This is the perfect spot to post up for the day as the views from the cliffs are just stunning (but not for the faint hearted!). A day pass is 400k IDR which also gives you 300k IDR credit towards food and beverage. They limit the day passes to 200 a day, so be sure to arrive early!

After a few hours soaking in the sun and enjoying the pool, we went back to the scooter and drove to Karang Boma Cliff, ready to watch sunset.

Stop 2: Watch sunset at Karang Boma Cliff

Karang Boma Cliff is one of the locations not to be missed during your visit to Uluwatu as it is by far one of the best sunset viewpoints in Bali. The entrance fee is 10k IDR which includes parking. When you have parked your scooter, follow the dirt path through the bush until the landscape opens up to a grassy area on a gentle slope. It flattens out and you can then enjoy the most spectacular view. To the left, you can see the popular Karang Boma Cliff photo spot. Khaled and I enjoyed snuggling here, watching the sun go down.

Stop 3: Dinner at Ours Restaurant  

This was by far one of our favourite places to eat in Bali. We loved the food and the atmosphere – make sure you visit here at least once during trip to Uluwatu! It can get very busy so you may need to wait a while, or make a reservation in advance.

Stop 4: Party at Single Finns

After being well fed, we decided to go to one of the best places for a party in Uluwatu – Single Finns. It was such a vibe and we danced the whole night. It was the perfect end to our first day in Uluwatu!

Day 2

We woke up pretty tired from the night below and came down for breakfast. It was quite an interesting experience. The hotel is very small and intimate so breakfast involved sitting in a large dining table with other couples/guests – they then ask you how you would your eggs and then make it for you fresh. It was delicious!

After coffee, we went back on the scooter and started our beach crawl.

Stop 1: Explore Uluwatu beaches – Dreamland Beach, Bingin Beach, Dream Sea beach, Padang Padang Beach

Make sure you visit these beaches in that order. Each beach had its own character and charm. I would highly recommend just driving the coastline with these stops and then stopping at a beach that catches your eye. We just spent a few hours relaxing and chilling on the beach and swimming in the sea.

Stop 2: Savaya Bali 

After our beach crawl, we were still in the party mood so we drove to one of the hottest spots – Savaya Bali Beach Club (formerly called Omnia). This is one of the most well-known spots in Bali to catch headlining DJs and A-List musical artists.

We loved its iconic cube-shaped bar that overhands onto the Indian Ocean.

The music was on point (old-school RnB) which was our favourite genre. We wanted to stay longer but I was keen to watch the famous fire show at Uluwatu Temple – so against my husband’s wishes, we went back on the boat!

Stop 3: Watch the fire show at Uluwatu Temple 

In the enchanting setting of Uluwatu Temple, perched on a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean, the Kecak Dance takes place at sunset. Once we arrived here, I was so excited to finally see the Kecak Dance that i read so much about before the trip. However, we actually missed the sunset show as it was so busy and ended up watching the show later in the evening. We were walking around the temple and enjoyed watching sunset at the top. As soon as the first show finished, we then queued up and watched the show.

As the sky transforms into vibrant hues, the dancers, accompanied by a large group of chanting men, create a mesmerizing atmosphere. During the performance, the dancers tell the tale of Prince Rama and his heroic journey to rescue his beloved wife Sita from the clutches of the evil King Ravana. The rhythm of the chant, “cak cak cak,” fills the air, immersing the audience in the mystical ambiance. One of the most breathtaking moments of the Kecak Dance is the fire show. Skilled performers manipulate fire with grace and skill, creating a mesmerizing spectacle of flames dancing against the twilight sky. It is a sight that leaves spectators in awe.

Attending the fire show at Uluwatu Temple is a truly memorable experience that allows you to appreciate the rich cultural heritage of Bali. The combination of the ancient temple, the mesmerizing dance, and the captivating fire show is a feast for the senses that shouldn’t be missed.

When visiting the fire show at Uluwatu Temple, here are some advice to make the most of your experience:

1. Arrive early: The fire show at Uluwatu Temple is a popular attraction, so it’s recommended to arrive early to secure a good spot. This will also give you time to explore the temple grounds and enjoy the beautiful sunset views.
2. Dress appropriately: As Uluwatu Temple is a sacred site, it’s important to dress respectfully. Wearing a sarong and sash is mandatory to enter the temple. You can rent them at the entrance if you don’t have your own.
3. Stay safe: During the fire show, it’s crucial to stay within the designated performance area and follow the instructions of the temple staff. The fire dances can be mesmerizing, but remember to keep a safe distance and avoid touching any of the performers or fire props.
4. Capture the memories: Don’t forget to bring your camera or smartphone to capture the mesmerizing fire dances. However, do be considerate and avoid using flash photography or distracting the performers and other audience members.
5. Enjoy the ambiance: While the fire show is undoubtedly the highlight, take some time to soak in the ambiance of Uluwatu Temple and its surroundings. The temple is perched on a cliff, offering breathtaking ocean views, so make sure to appreciate the stunning scenery.

Remember, the fire show at Uluwatu Temple is an enchanting experience that combines culture, art, and history. By following these tips, you’ll have a memorable visit to this iconic Balinese attraction.

Stop 4: Final drink at Ulu Cliffhouse

After watching the show, we decided to have a final drink at Ulu Cliffhouse. Perched atop a picturesque cliff, this breathtaking beach club offers unrivalled panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. We thought it was the perfect way to end our time in Bali. We had quite an emotional reminiscing about our trip, recalling the highs and lows – not wanted to go back home.

So thats our 2 day itinerary around Uluwatu! We had an amazing time here and would highly recommend visiting this part of Bali on your next visit!