Breaking the stereotype here, but not all visitors to Bali are surfers and even many that are sometimes struggle in Uluwatu’s heavier breaks and crowded line ups. But while surfing is intertwined with the regions character and local lifestyle you don’t need to be a die hard surfer to fall in love with Uluwatu.
From live music, activities, bars and restaurants there will never be a dull day for a traveller in Uluwatu.
Today we breakdown the best things to do in Uluwatu other than surfing?
Watch Sunsets and Surfers at Single Fin Bar
Just because you aren’t charging the waves doesn’t mean you shouldn’t watch the locals and pros master their art of surfing.
For Uluwatu’s community this bar needs no introduction, it is by far the most popular and best located beach bar and restaurant in Bali for watching surfers at sunset. Single Fin hosts regular DJ’s, BBQ evenings and events but our pick of the bunch is their infamous Single Fin Sundays – which guarantees one of the best nights out in Uluwatu every week.
Top Tip – Download the Surfline App and time your visit to Single Fin Bar with the surf conditions in Uluwatu. If you visit on a day marked as GOOD, V.GOOD or EPIC you will have a front row seat to one of the best surfing spectacles on the planet.
Suku Espresso’s wine, pasta and acoustic night
Acoustic bands, delicious pasta dishes and flowing wine create some immaculate dinner time vibes at Suku Espresso every Thursday Night from 7pm. Pasta dishes and a glass of wine cost just £3 each and if you stay until 11pm the acoustic vibes are replace by a live DJ to finish the perfect evening.
Other nights to keep an eye out for are Tuesdays Oyster night, Saturdays Margaritas and tacos.
Music , movies and markets Drifter Cafe
Drifter Cafe is the inland epicentre of the surf scene in Uluwatu. Hosting countless events that celebrate surf culture and community in Bali. Go along to one of their gig nights, watch a movie or wonder through their drifter markets to get a flavour for an awesome day or evening out.
Ulu Gardens Live Music
Ulu garden is one of the most popular laid back music venues in Uluwatu’s expat community. They have live music or traditional Balinese dances most nights including some up and coming local bands. The vibe has more of a relaxed, acoustic style than many other DJ focused venues, so if you are look for a mellow evening of good vibes, laughter and listening to talented musicians be sure to check it out.
Visit Uluwatu Temple
This temple is special. Even when compared to other south East Asian temples the dramatic cliff drop setting, monkey residents and ancient architecture make this place of worship one of the most epic temple trips on the continent.
The monkeys here are highly trained thieves and guard the entrance like their life depends on it. They have even learnt to steal valuables and will only release their grip when your prized possessions are swapped for a banana. A serious word of warning though, if you don’t have your rabies shot don’t mess with the monkeys, not all primates have a love for selfies.
Watch a Kecak Fire Dance
All travellers must experience the Balinese culture by watching a traditional Kecak performance. Over 100 locals fill your ears with hypnotic chanting while you watch them dance in amongst the flames using their bodies to tell ancient historical stories of faith and worship. The best place to witness the ceremony is at Uluwatu Temple, but book your seats early as the cliff backdrop is the most popular venue for the Kecak Fire dance in all of Bali.
Sundays Outdoor Cinema Nights
This outdoor cinema allows you to watch the latest blockbusters on the beach, underneath the stars with as much 5 star food and drinks as you’ll ever need.
The evening couldn’t be more cosy and romantic and is a must for all couples looking for a relaxed evening.
Try Padel Tennis
Padel is the fastest growing racket sport in the world and it has just landed in Uluwatu at Island Padel. If you’ve never heard of Padel it’s like if you crossed tennis with beach tennis equipment. It’s well worth booking yourself into a court to find out why this sport is becoming popular worldwide.
Paragliding
This activity does come with a hefty price tag for a budgeting backpacker but is hands down the best way to experience Uluwatu’s rugged cliffs.
This experience offers a Birds Eye view of Uluwatu’s white beaches, stunning coral and enormous waves that explode into the cliffs.
One of the more popular places to try this is with the The Ulu Paragliding Site
Escape the crowds at Nyang Nyang Beach
The one drawback to Uluwatu’s stunning beaches is their popularity. In recent years millions of tourists have rushed to these beaches for a taste of Bali’s world renowned beach bars, white sands and crystal waters.
Nyang Nyang 1.5 km of unspoilt white sands is often one of the quieter stretches of beach offering a rare chance to find a secluded spot on Uluwatu’s coast. Simply follows signs for Nyang Nyang surf beach and you’ll find the entrance to this stretch of sand.
Visit one of Uluwatu’s cliff viewpoints
Watching the sunset paint the Indian Ocean gold on top of the cliffs is a magical experience. Uluwatu’s viewpoints never fail to create a dramatic spectacle where you can witness the full force of nature.
Get a Massage
Even budget backpackers can’t disagree 50-75,000 IDR is cheap for a massage on the beach. Of course if you want a sand free taste of luxury there are several spa’s in Uluwatu that offer a range of sensual and relaxing massage therapy.
Laniakea Spa Bali is one of the top choices for a more luxurious massage in Uluwatu and will remedy even the deepest stresses and muscular pains.
WaterBom Bali
For an adventure filled day trip out of Uluwatu you should visit the largest waterpark in South East Asia – WaterBom. This water park is actually an awesome day out and has some huge water slides, lazy river, surf machine, sun bathing spots and plenty of surprisingly high quality food stalls.
Cliff jumping
Visit Jimbaran Panorama Point to get your adrenaline kicks by cliff jumping in Uluwatu.
Just before you reach Tegal Wangi Beach you can park up and walk to the cliffs where there are multiple cliff jumping spots and a great secluded spot for BBQs and beers at sunset.
Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park
At 122m tall the Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue can be seen for miles around Uluwatu. The entire park is full of other impressive statues dedicated to Hindu gods and wondering the gardens is the perfect chance to understand more about how religion is intertwined in Balinese culture.
Yoga
As the sun rises, the towns wake and the smell of incense begins to fill the streets why not start the day with a Yoga session.
Yoga is linked to many practises of spirituality and worship in Hinduism so unsurprisingly it became an important part of the Balinese way of life.
The Yogi’s in Uluwatu often head for the Yoga Searcher for a range of begginer to expert classes that practice stilling the mind, curing the spirit and awakening your body.
Bukit Sari – ATV riding and swing
You adrenaline junkies will love this experience. Race down Uluwatu’s mud covered back streets on an ATV power sliding through puddles, visiting rural villages and speeding down jungle paths. If that doesn’t scratch your adrenaline itch why not test your fear of heights with a Bukit Sari Swing and sore over the jungle canopy.
Uluwatu’s shopping
In the boutique Balinese shops, youll find handcrafted silver jewellery, hand woven clothing, fake brands and of course entire streets of beachwear, surf accessories and swimwear shops.
Go on… try surfing at least once
Not all the surf breaks have razor sharp reefs, overhead waves and a group of frothing surfers competing for every wave, some of the waves can be really mellow, friendly and a great place to learn.
On smaller days Baby Padang, Jimbaran and Dreamlands all can offer a beginner friendly introduction to surfing. So while you don’t have to spend every day wave hunting, it would be criminal not to try it out in Bali. It is after all one of the most famous surfing destinations on the planet and one you can proudly say you learnt to surf at.
