Is Uluwatu Worth Visiting In 2025? Is This Part Of Bali Still A Surfer’s Paradise?

Uluwatu, Bali has a reputation as a surfer’s paradise and for being one of the more unspoiled destinations on the island.

But what’s Uluwatu really like in 2025? Are the influencers pushing the area right about it or is Uluwatu now overdeveloped and over touristed?

We decided to take an objective look at Uluwatu and break down why you might or might not want to visit Uluwatu this year.

The Truth About Uluwatu In 2025

The Uluwatu area in 2025 might be best described as “up and coming”. There’s a lot of development going on on the Bukit Peninsula and Uluwatu is seeing its fair share of new resorts and hotels.

However, the area is still very much about beaches and surfing and the surf schools are rarely anything less than busy in this area.

It’s not too hard to get to from the airport in Denpasar, but we should note that the traffic in Bali is often very heavy and the distance on the map is not a guide to how long the drive will take. It’s certainly going to take longer than it takes to get to Nusa Dua, another popular area on the peninsula.

There is still plenty of the existing culture in evidence in Uluwatu and Uluwatu Temple (Pura Luhur Uluwatu) is a massive draw for holiday makers keen on witnessing the kecak fire dance, the world’s most larcenous monkeys and one of the finest sunsets in the world from the clifftop overlooking the Indian Ocean.

However, there are a couple of drawbacks to staying in this part of Bali – the first is the cost, Uluwatu and the surrounding areas on the peninsula is more expensive, on average, than the popular beach towns of Canggu, Seminyak, Kuta and Legian.

It’s also more difficult to get around as the developments are much more spread out in Uluwatu than they are in some of the other beach towns.

TL:DR Answer: Is Uluwatu Worth Visiting?

If you just want a quick answer to “Is Uluwatu worth visiting?” then we’ll be happy to tell you that it’s, “Yes!”

Of course, we’ve collected a lot of information below to help explain why you should want to come to this area but if you want things in a nutshell.

Uluwatu is a surfer’s paradise and it has the best surf spots on the island – in fact, many of the world’s most prestigious during contests are held in Uluwatu.

it has some of the best beaches in Bali and plenty of hidden beaches where you can enjoy a day on the sand with the beach practically all to yourself.

The area is home to plenty of luxurious accommodations but also to some more modest guest houses, etc.

We should warn you that you might want to stay away from private villas in this area, however, as there’s a water shortage that affects Uluwatu homes and showering might be a challenge.

There are also plenty of other amenities in this area but it doesn’t quite have the volumes of shops, restaurants, bars and beach clubs that the other major resort towns do.

The Original Uluwatu Appeal

Uluwatu started its journey to popularity a few decades back when the surfers discovered the incredible surf breaks and crashing waves that really put the experienced surfer to the test.

It’s also home of the Uluwatu Temple which is one of Bali’s guardian temples and one of the most important spiritual destinations on the island.

Thus, Uluwatu offered culture and a chance to enjoy some of the best beaches away from the crowds that had started to appear in places like Kuta.

How Uluwatu Has Changed And Why It Matters

Uluwatu has become much more developed in recent years and while it still has some of the best beaches on the island, everything is busier than it once was.

The original charm of the area still shines through but if you spend any time on the Bukit Peninsula, the question that comes to mind is “for how much longer?

Nonetheless, Uluwatu remains an attractive destination for tourists seeking a slightly different Balinese experience.

The Attractions Of Uluwatu

There are plenty of attractions in Uluwatu that are worth making a visit to Uluwatu worth your effort.

Beaches

There is no “Uluwatu Beach” instead the area is home to many different beaches that are often referred to as “Uluwatu Beach.

We’d say that if there was to be an Uluwatu Beach, it would be Suluban Beach because it’s the one closest to the centre of the Uluwatu village area.

You will also find Bingin Beach, Dreamland Beach (or New Kuta Beach as it’s now known), Thomas Beach, Balangan Beach and many other beaches in Uluwatu.

This is an area of plenty of natural beauty and spending time on the beach in Uluwatu is practically mandatory.

However, it’s not home to the best beach clubs which are typically found in Seminyak and Canggu.

Surfing

What makes spend time on an Uluwatu beach so appealing to many people is the chance to test themselves against the toughest and most exciting surf breaks on the island.

The world-class surf brings people from all over the world and there are plenty of surf schools in the area at each of the surf spots waiting to help you get in on the action.

We would point out that much of the surfing on the Southern tip of Bali is geared up for advanced surfers and beginners and even intermediates might want to spend their time in less challenging conditions.

Culture – Uluwatu Temple

Uluwatu Temple or Pura Luhur Uluwatu is worth visiting no matter where you are staying on the island.

It’s a spot of incredible natural beauty and while a nearby cliff collapse has interfered with the majestic view over the ocean at this spot – it’s still a lovely place to be.

The temple grounds are also home to the world’s most larcenous monkeys which not only steal from tourists (like all monkeys pretty much) but they then ransom what they stole back to the tourists! And yes, they seem to know that an iPhone is worth much more than a bottle of water.

The temple is also where the best performances of the Kecak fire dance are to be found. This dance on the clifftop at sunset is a spectacular tribute to the local culture.

Restaurant Scene

From traditional Balinese dishes to elegant international fine dining, there’s something for everyone in Uluwatu’s dining scene.

Many of the high-end resorts in this area have several world-class restaurants because of the distances involved in getting between resorts.

The Downsides Of Uluwatu

There are also some downsides to staying in Uulwatu at this time and they include:

Not Developed Enough?

It’s nice to visit Uluwatu Temple but it’s not so nice to come out at 6.30 p.m. tired and ready for some food to find you might have to wait an hour or two for a ride share and that the nearest restaurant you fancy is about a 5 mile walk away.

Some parts of the island may be verging on overdevelopment but there’s a good argument to be made that Uluwatu isn’t developed enough.

Cost?

We don’t understand why but all the accommodation and restaurants on the Bukit Peninsula seem to charge much more than those in the most popular beach towns for like-for-like offerings.

That doesn’t mean that there aren’t bargains to be found in Uluwatu, it just means you’ll have to look harder for them.

Traffic?

There’s not that much traffic in Uluwatu itself thanks to the spread out nature of the area but as with all of Bali, traffic does make it harder to get to Uluwatu than it should be.

You can expect to spend an hour or more getting to the area from the airport or from the other beach towns.

What Sort Of People Think Uluwatu Is Worth Visiting In 2025?

This isn’t a definitive list and we acknowledge that all kinds of tourists can have a good time in this area but these four types of tourists are practically guaranteed to love being in Uluwatu for some part of their Bali holiday.

Surfers

Even if you’re not a good enough surfer to tackle the surf spots in this part of the island, watching the professional and advanced surfers from the comfort of somewhere like Bingin Beach makes this a great place for surf fans to holiday.

Backpackers

If you’re a backpacker looking for a slow vacation where you stay at a hostel or guesthouse by the beach, read books and watch the world go by – Uluwatu is a fine spot for that.

However, if you want to travel around a lot, you might be better off in another part of Bali.

Foodies

There are some amazing restaurants in Uluwatu and places like Dava Steakhouse and Rock Bar are considered to be top culinary destinations on the island.

If you visit Uluwatu searching for tasty food, you’re sure to find it.

Culture Tourists

Many people come to this area just to visit Uluwatu Temple. It’s one of the island’s biggest cultures attractions.

Is Uluwatu Worth Visiting As A Family?

Yes! Uluwatu is worth visiting as as family. There are many family-friendly resorts in this area and spending time on the white sand beaches in Uluwatu is a great way to pass a holiday as a family.

However, there’s nowhere near as much to do in this area for kids to do as there is in Nusa Dua, Canggu or Kuta.

Is Uluwatu Worth Visiting As A Couple?

Yes! Uluwatu is worth visiting as a couple. The area has some beautiful resorts and a tranquil atmosphere that make for an excellent romantic break.

If your idea of a good time is sunning yourself on golden sands and sipping on cold cocktails, Uluwatu is a great choice for a short break.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Uluwatu Bali?

There is no bad time of year to visit Bali or Uluwatu. The “wet season” isn’t that wet and, on average, the island sees 8 hours of sunshine per day even in that season!

The weather is hotter and more humid in the rainy season but crowds at places like Uluwatu temple are far smaller and you can get discounts on hotels, flights, etc.

Surfers seeking the maximum challenge at the island’s surf spots might prefer the wet season too.

The dry season is cooler and less humid but things are a bit more expensive and the queues at peak times at places like Uluwatu Temple can be very long, indeed.

FAQs

Is It Worth It To Go To Uluwatu?

Yes! Uluwatu is very much worth visiting. The chance to visit Uluwatu Temple alone is an experience that you can’t match elsewhere in Bali.

It’s also an amazing place for beach hopping, sure the beach clubs in this area aren’t as good as those in Canggu or Seminyak but the beaches themselves are beautiful.

There is also plenty of choices in accommodation from luxury resorts on the Indian Ocean to backpacker-style hostel accommodation.

However, we have to warn you that the stunning ocean views come at a price and while it’s worth visiting Uluwatu if you want to stay in the area – you’re going to need your own transport to get around.

This is a very spread out area and getting from the temple grounds to your hotel, for example, is going to be something of a challenge without transport as there aren’t that many Grav and Gojek drivers in this area.

Which Is Better Seminyak or Uluwatu?

It depends on what kind of holiday you want. If you need awesome surf breaks, and surf schools, and are looking to challenge yourself in world-class surf, then Uluwatu wins hands down.

However, the tranquil atmosphere of the Bukit Peninsula definitely won’t suit everyone and while hidden beaches and a sea temple may be charming, they won’t make for the lively atmosphere of the party town of Seminyak.

Seminyak is all about young and upwardly mobile folks being seen and seeing others like themselves. They want the best beach clubs, the most luxurious accommodations, and the finest of fine dining and they don’t mind paying for it.

There may be less Balinese culture evident in Seminyak than in Uluwatu, but the tourists who visit Seminyak are more about the fun and less about the learning anyway.

Which Is Better Canggu or Uluwatu?

We think they’re both worth visiting, but we’d pick Canggu over Uluwatu any day. Canggu has the best beach clubs on the island and its beaches are pleasant enough even if they’re not quite as nice as the stunning beaches in the Bukit Peninsula.

However, Canggu offers a far better blend of Balinese Hindu Culture, luxury resorts, bars, temples, rice fields, etc. than Uluwatu does for most visitors.

Canggu even has plenty of surf spots and surf schools for the surfers. It doesn’t have as many secluded spots and hidden coves and beaches as Uluwatu offers, but given how challenging it can be to get around in Uluwatu, that’s often not as big a plus as it sounds.

How Long Should I Spend In Uluwatu?

If all you’re after when visiting Uluwatu is to see the iconic Uluwatu Temple grounds, spend some time on some of the beautiful beaches (or even a secluded beach), maybe check out Sunset Point and a couple of other areas of natural beauty

Why Is Uluwatu So Popular?

Uluwatu is becoming more popular but it’s not one of the most popular resort towns in Bali, just yet. While things like Bulgari Resort Bali, Dreamland Beach, Bingin Beach, Thomas Beach, Pura Luhur Uluwatu, Balangan Beach, Suluban Beach, etc. are great additions to a Bali itinerary, the fact that this area on the Southern Tip of Bali is challenging to get around puts some people off.

Also, while it’s worth visiting Uluwatu for the towering cliffs, crashing waves, fire dance at Uluwatu Temple, etc. it’s quite expensive to stay in this corner of Southeast Asia and you can get better value for your money in places like Canggu or Seminyak.

Is It Easy To Get Around Uluwatu?

No, unfortunately, Uluwatu is one of the most challenging areas in Bali to get around. There’s a lot of space between every world-class surf spot and cafe selling smoothie bowls, etc.

This is a positive in that you will find that it feels less developed than some of the other areas of Bali, but can quickly get tiring when you realise you’re looking at 30 minutes or more in the Balinese traffic to get anywhere after visiting most sites in the area.

Most beaches in Uluwatu are still being developed too and it can be quite challenging to navigate the dramatic cliffs and rock formations to reach the sand in certain places. Whereas in others, you can walk straight onto the beach.

If you want to enjoy the turquoise waters, world-class surf, hidden coves and laid-back atmosphere of this part of Bali – we’d recommend that you have your own transport and a lot of patience.

Is Uluwatu Safe?

Yes! Almost all of Bali is quite safe for visitors and while petty crime is a reality at tourist spots (and at Uluwatu Temple, you may find that the biggest criminals aren’t people but the packs of monkeys that haunt the grounds), it’s not an overwhelming problem.

As long as you keep an eye on your possessions and don’t leave them around for opportunity thieves, you’re unlikely to run into any real problems.

Violent crime is a rarity on this island and muggings, murders, etc. are practically unheard of. However, that doesn’t mean that the occasional fight doesn’t break out between tourists particularly when alcohol is involved. Common sense should keep you clear of any problems there too.

There are risks of disease in Bali that aren’t present at home but you should be OK on a quick visit to a relatively built-up area like Uluwatu. However, if the monkeys bite you at the temple, you will need to get some rabies shots and fast.

Uluwatu is about as far away from Bali’s active volcanoes as you can get on the island and there’s no chance of being caught in an eruption. However, flight schedules might be disrupted if either volcano erupts.

Overall, you’re safer in Uluwatu than in most big cities in the West. Bali is a good place for a holiday and most holidays are uneventful when it comes to safety issues.

Do You Need Cash In Uluwatu?

Yes. While many of the luxurious accommodations and upmarket restaurants take cards, there are still plenty of warungs and tourist attractions that don’t.

Because Uluwatu is so spread out – you can find yourself in need of cash and a long way from an ATM to get some, if you’re not careful.

We’d recommend that you carry 2 million IDR (about $150 USD or $200 AUD) in Indonesian Rupiah and that you have some of it in small bills (or you may find it impossible to get change when paying for something).

If you use your cards wherever you can use them, this ought to be enough cash to get you through the holiday.

Is Uluwatu A Cheap Destination In Bali?

No. Uluwatu is one of the more expensive parts of Bali to visit. However, you can still find cheap accommodations and sitting around on the beautiful beaches and rubbing shoulders with experienced surfers is not very expensive either.

If you need a super cheap destination, you might want to look to North Bali or East Bali for somewhere to stay but we’d say that both Canggu and Seminyak are price-competitive with Uluwatu and have more to offer most visitors (surfers aside) than Uluwatu.

Final Thoughts On Whether To Visit Uluwatu In 2025

Is Uluwatu worth visiting in 2025? Yes, very much so. The area is attractive and upcoming. You can find excellent luxury hotels and resorts and if you love to surf then this part of Bali is amazing for surfers.

However, it’s more difficult to get around this area than the other beach towns and if you visit Uluwatu you will probably need your own transport to get the most out of the natural beauty of this area.

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