Finding Hidden Beaches and Temples in Uluwatu

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Uluwatu Area is located on the western part of Bukit Peninsula, Badung Island. It is home of rocky beaches and tall cliffs facing the Indian Ocean. Uluwatu is the southernmost point of Bali, but still quite close to the airport and has world-class amenities.

Tourists watch traditional Balinese Kecak Dance at Uluwatu Temple on Bali, Indonesia. Kecak (also known as Ramayana Monkey Chant) is very popular cultural show on Bali. (c) Shutterstock
Tourists watch traditional Balinese Kecak Dance at Uluwatu Temple on Bali, Indonesia. Kecak (also known as Ramayana Monkey Chant) is very popular cultural show on Bali. (c) Shutterstock

When talking about Uluwatu, people tend to think about the namesake temple. However, this area is much more than that. You can find cultural wonders as well as hidden beaches concealed between cliffs. Here are some spots you shouldn’t miss when visiting Uluwatu.

The Temple

Uluwatu Temple, Bali. (c) Shutterstock
Uluwatu Temple, Bali. (c) Shutterstock

Pura Luhur Uluwatu, as the locals called it, is located on top a picturesque cliff in the southwestern side of Bukit Peninsula. This is one of the most popular temples in Bali even though in Hindu, it is not as important as Pura Besakih or Ulun Danu Bratan.

This temple is surrounded by a forest in the northeast part, with wild macaques. So be careful with your belongings as they can be very mischievous and often steal tourists’ items.

Kecak, the fire dance

The Kecak Fire Dance at Uluwatu Temple, Bali, Indonesia (c) Shutterstock
The Kecak Fire Dance at Uluwatu Temple, Bali, Indonesia (c) Shutterstock

People have different ways to describe Kecak Dance. Some call it the monkey chant dance, others call it the fire dance. Anyhow, Kecak is one of the most popular performances in Bali and many tourists come to Uluwatu to especially watch this massive performance.

Kecak tells a story in Ramayana Epic without the help of any musical instrument. The ‘music’ is produced by the dancers themselves with polyrhythmic songs that gives the dance its name.

Suluban Beach

Suluban surf beach. Bali, Indonesia. (c) Shutterstock
Suluban surf beach. Bali, Indonesia. (c) Shutterstock

Foreign tourists might call this spot as Blue Point Beach, and it’s a great surfing spot for advanced and pro surfers. Suluban is a small beach hidden under a cliff and forest. To reach this beach, you need to descend through a steep staircase and then going through a rocky opening. While the surfers enjoy its consistent barrels and powerful swells, others can safely enjoy the action from the top of the cliff.

Padang Padang Beach

Aerial view with surfers and barrel wave in ocean, Padang Padang (c) Shutterstock
Aerial view with surfers and barrel wave in ocean, Padang Padang (c) Shutterstock

Almost similar to Suluban Beach, Padang Padang is also a secluded and rather hidden spot in Uluwatu. Visitors need to go down on a flight of steep staircase and a rocky crevice before they arrive at the lovely white sandy beach.

This beach is enjoyable and you can definitely enjoy sunbathing here. But most of the visitors at Padang Padang are coming for its waves. The barrels have wonderful consistency that attracts many pro surfers here. The forested cliffs are crowded with macaques.

Pura Luhur Uluwatu - Bali (c) Shutterstock
Pura Luhur Uluwatu – Bali (c) Shutterstock

Uluwatu is a must visit destination when you travel to Bali. It is much less crowded compared to other popular destinations in south Bali like Kuta, Seminyak, or Legian. However, you need to be prepared for a challenging route to enjoy the hidden beaches in this piece of Bali.

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Bali pantai padang padang Pantai Suluban pura luhur uluwatu Uluwatu
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