Although much more congested than it used to be, Uluwatu is still Bali’s laid-back surfing hot spot. Perched on the southern tip of the Bukit Peninsula, Uluwatu trades the crowded beach clubs of Canggu for clifftop temples, hidden surf coves, and easy-going cafes. On a recent trip to Sumba, I spent a few layover days in Uluwatu, working my way down the peninsula. I visited the area’s most beautiful beaches, popular restaurants, and of course, the famous temple. And now? I’m excited to share all of my trip insights and personal recommendations with you! Here’s everything I recommend doing if you only have one day in Uluwatu, Bali:

Skip to my Uluwatu Mini Guide

Sunrise at Uluwatu Temple

I know everyone typically recommends Uluwatu Temple at sunset, but I’d actually encourage you to visit in the early morning. Not only will you avoid crowds, but you may even have this famous temple to yourself like I did! My sunrise visit was so personal. I wasn’t weaving in-and-out of groups nor did I feel rushed while exploring. Instead, I was free to enjoy the sacred grounds at my own pace, admiring the serene views and the detailed architecture at leisure.

Beforehand, I was fairly anxious to visit too, something my sunrise arrival helped calm. You see, this temple is home to a resident troop of long-tailed macaques who have zero boundaries when it comes to your loose items! Usually, visitors are fine as long as you keep loose items like sunglasses zipped away. But I was nervous for an entirely different reason. Of all of the travel vaccines I’d received prior, the rabies vaccine was not one. So you can imagine how intent I was on keeping a large amount of breadth between me and the deviously quick primates! And because I wasn’t battling crowds at sunrise, I could see the macaques before any got too close and was able to maintain distance without incident. I can’t possibly imagine how others are able to do the same at more popular visiting hours!

Early Morning At Suluban Beach

Next up, visit Suluban Beach, Uluwatu’s famous surf break. Suluban is not a typical beach in that it’s a very small cove hidden between the cliffside and limestone rocks. And getting down to the water means you’ll be climbing down multiple stone staircases carved into the rock face. Once you get to the sand though, you’ll be greeted with dramatic waves, turquoise water, and even a small cave! Even if you’re not paddling out, it’s worth the walk down just for the stunning photo-op and being able to put your feet into the edge of the water, and watch the surfers line up for the break.

Now, a few important safety notes:

Visiting Suluban Beach should only be attempted during low tide in the dry season (April to October). High tide floods the rock cave passages and covers the sand completely, making access dangerous.

And no matter what, do not attempt to swim at this beach. The waves here are deceptively large and strong, while the cliffside rocks are visibly jagged and imposing. Experienced surfers can often get past the break, but definitely not swimmers. I even saw a few surfers struggling a bit against the current to get back to shore.

Late Morning at Padang Padang Beach

If it’s still somewhat early when you leave Suluban, head over to Padang Padang Beach for a more classic beach experience (if not, swap for brunch – see below!). Padang Padang is not just a pristine pink beach with two names, it’s also the famous beach that Julia Roberts visits in Eat Pray Love. This beach has surfing rentals, food options, and plenty of sand to lay out on in between dips in the ocean.

Brunch at Milk and Madu or Kynd Uluwatu

Early Afternoon at Nyang Nyang

After lunch, drive over to Nyang Nyang. This long stretch of sand is one of Bali’s least visited beaches (making it perfect for a prime afternoon visit)! Now, I won’t lie, this beach is a bit of an adventure to get to, but that’s all part of the Bali experience! To get here, you’ll have trek down a long road that can be quite steep and uneven in places. Alternatively, you can also hire a local to take you down via scooter if you have cash handy. I did this, but probably would have preferred walking since the ride down is quite nerve-wracking (it’s much easier on the way back up to the car park though). No matter which you decide, I’d recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes versus flip-flops on account of the slope and rocky terrain along the edges of the beach.

Late Afternoon at the Villa

With the sun at its peak and a day of walking behind you, head back at your Uluwatu hotel or villa. After all, one of the best things about Bali is how many hotel rooms have their own small swimming pool! So enjoy the rest of your afternoon in private luxury, doing absolutely nothing until dinner.

The two accommodations I recommend trying in Bali? Stay at White Tortoise Eco Villas for a semi-sustainable hotel with detailed Balinese architecture and stunning views of the island. Or try The Makara Villas for a large holiday-home style villa closer to town.

Dinner at Ours Uluwatu or Gooseberry

Uluwatu Mini Guide

Beaches

Suluban – Small, yet beautiful beach known for its surf break.

Padang Padang – The famous pink beach from Eat, Pray, Love

Nyang Nyang – A rewarding challenge! Go here if you’re looking for a remote, uncrowded atmosphere

Thomas – Another somewhat-hidden, less-crowded white-sand beach. Come here if you have extra time to spare.

Restaurants

Gooseberry – French restaurant with an upscale atmosphere

Ours Uluwatu – Relaxed alfresco dining with great people watching

Rolling Fork – Great drinks, live music and fun dancing

Cafes

Kynd Community – Plant-based offerings in a pink setting

Milk and Madu – Healthy and indulgent brunch items near Padang Padang Beach

Villas

The Makara Villas – Modern vacation home-inspired villas with private pools close to town

White Tortoise Eco Villas – Beautiful hillside villas with a Traditional Balinese-inspired design, room service, and private pools